Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-01-18


not prevent two or three of them from
writing minute descriptions Of the con-
dition Of affairs there and publishing
interviews with the members Of the
family. Marvellous accounts were CIV
en- Of the exquisite beauty and i'm
mense value of the missing necklace,
and the Record published u drawing
Of it from description by Tiffany"
We pulled into the station. and 1
took car down to my rooms, turning
this latest enigma over and over In
my mind, looking at it from every an
gle, trying in vain to discover some
fact that would implicate Tremaine
At my door paused moment Then
crossed the hall and knocked at Ire
maine's door. Perhaps Cecily had for
given me, and in an evenings talk
ought surely to be able to find out
something more.
But it was not Cecfly. 1t was Ire
maine himself who opened to me.
"Oh, Mr.. Lester" he cried. with
hand outstretched, "how are you?
wanted to see you. I've been listening
for your step. You must join us here
this evening"
II shall be glad to-" said, return
ing his clasp, all my suspicious melt
ing away, reduced to absurdity at sight
of him. But why SO particularly this
evening""
Because we've planned little cele-
bration. Cecily is going away
Going away?"
"Yes-back to st. Pierre to get my
house in order. But I'll tell you at din
ner. It's to be served here In an hour.
You will comeY
Certainly I WILL" assured him and
fastened over to my room to dress.
He was awaiting me when knock
ed an hour later. A table had been set
with three places.
Come in." he said. "Dinner will be
here directly. / thought 1t safer to
have the celebration here because
well" and he nodded significantly to-
ward the inner room.
'Cecily?" questioned.
Eyes. She takes 1t to heart more
than you'd believe, but she'll get over
1t in day or two"
"When does she leaveF'
''1n the morning early. by the fruit
boat. Aud, by the way, l want you to
60 down with me to see her of. She'll
appreciate it"
sWhy, certainly-but isn't it rather
suddenY'
"In a way, yes. YOU see, I've ar
ranged for a committee from New
York to 60 down to Martinique and
look over the ground, and / want to
take them before they have chance to
cool OF. I've got to get my house there
in order and engage some servants, for
that will be our headquarters, and II
Cecily doesn't leave by the boat to-
morrow she can't so for ten days. Ten
days from now I'm going to have the
committee ready to sail, and when l
get them to Martinique I'm going to
give them a sample Of creole hospital
ity. wish you could come" he add
ed warmly. I'D like to have you"
There's nothing I'd like better" I
said, suddenly conscious of how l had
slandered him in my thoughts, ''but !
fear it isn't possible just now"
"WeT, some day shall have you
there, and warn you shan't let you
60 in a hurry. Come H." he added, In
response to knock at the door.
Two walters entered, and In mo-
ment the dinner was served.
'sThat will do" said Tremaine, press
ing coin into the hand of each Of
them. well attend to ourselves.
Send up in an hour for the dishes. l
thought that was best" he added as he
closed the door after them. I'VE can
talk freely now"
He stepped to the inner door.
"Cecilyv he called.
She appeared in a moment, with eye
lids little pulled and red, but on the
whole In much better spirits than l