The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1911-09-29
TIMES DAILY
THE MAXWELL MYSTERY
By CAROLYN WELLS
By CAROLYN WELLS
Copyright 1911, The Frank A. Munsey Coz

for. though we often know when a
man succumbs 10 temptation, We cam
not know how often he resists it"
But we can know about ourselves -
exclaimed Miss Gardiner, with a sudden
energy. Honestly, now If the motive
were sufficient and perfect opportun-
fly presented itself unsought, could
great crime?'
oh! have a vivid imagination" 1
replied gayly, and 1t isn't the least
trouble to imagine myself cracking a
safe or kidnapping a king. But when
1t came TO the point, / doubt II I'd do
it, after all I'd be afraid Of the con-
sequences"
Now, you're fiippant. But I'm very
much in earnest. 1 really believe II the
motive were strong enough-I mean If
II were one of the elemental motives,
like love, jealousy. or revengeI could
kill a human being without hesitation
frenzy. and / would doubtless regret
II afterward and even wonder at my
own deed. But the point I'm trying to
make is only that, In proportion to the
possess an equivalent capability of ex-
ecuting the natural consequences Of
those passions"
looked at Miss Gardiner curiously.
She certainly was in earnest, yet she
gave me the impression of a theorist
sonal conviction.
Let us leave ourselves out of the
question" / said, land merely admit
that crimes have been committed by
persons innocent W, to the moment
when strong temptation and opportu-
nifty were present at the same time"
You will not be serious" she re-
torted, so we'll drop the subject
And now, unless you make yourself
very entertaining, I'll return to my
OF 20
own devices"
THAT would be a crime, and you
would commit II because you see your
opportunity" 1 replied, whereupon
Miss Gard er laughed gayly and apan-
doned her discussion of serious theories
must have proved sufficiently en-
PERTAINING, for she did not reopen her
novel and we chatted pleasantly dur
ing the rest Of the journey.
Philip met me at the train with his
automobile.
Il say, but you're late" he shouted
We've been waiting twenty minutes"
He led the way to his big touring car
as shinily spick and span as a steam
yacht, and bundled us into it. You
sit back, Peter he directed, with
Mrs. Whiting and Miss Leslie, and I'll
take Miss Gardiner with me. Well run
around the country a bit before we go
home"
| hadn't seen Mildred Leslie for sew
eral years and l was all unprepared
for the change which had transformed
the shy schoolgirl into one OF the most
beautiful women l had ever seen.
She was of the arPle blossom type,
and her frivolous, dimpled face was
edorably pink ami white, with big
pansy blue eyes and a saucy. curved
mouth A riotous fur of golden hair
escaped from her automobile hood and
the first glance proved the girl 10 be "A
couuette to her finger-urs.
Her sister, Mrs. Whiting, was totally
unlike her She was a solil. sensible
little woman, whose sole occupation in
life seemed to be protracted, futile at
tempt to keep Mildred in order.
| took my seat between these two la
dies, feeling that, for the next few 1ays.
at least, my lines had fallen in pleasant
places.
Il do love a house party at the Max
wells" said Mildred, because the party
never stays in the mouse. There are so
many lovely. outdoorsy things to DO
that If it weren't fo- meals we'd never
see the inside of the beautiful old man
sion"
1T is a beautiful house." said Mrs.
tomorrow so that we might stay in and
enjoy it.
"Oh, Edith. not tomorrow" cried Mil
drcd; we've too many things planned. |
Why. Mr.. King, there's a different pic |
mic arranged for every hour in the day, |
and you can pick out whichever ones
you like best to go to- |
I've such faith in your taste" I re- |
piled, that I'll just follow you and go
to the ones you attend
I'm going to send regrets to several