The Yale expositor., 1911-09-14

cape the greatest detective in New
York But Britz seemed not to notice
it, and the simple directness OF his
manner put the girl at her ease.
Il took the liberty. Miss March," he
said pleasantly, because l saw you
across the orchestra, and I need a
short course in social knowledge.
His smile robbed the reply of flip,
pancy.
"Fancy!" said Dorothy. She was Sc
utterly at sea as to the detectives
purpose she could think of nothing
else to say save: 81 fear you have
sought a poor teacher"
well, don't know now" Britt re.
turned, looking at her with respectful
admiration. you see, you're a soci-
ETY. girl, and know nothing Of so
ciety, and there's something I want
to know-something ought to
know"
IF there's anything can tell you.
Mr.. Britt, III be glad to do So" Dor
othy volunteered. Especially If It
will help you to find Mrs. Missioner's
diamonds"
I'm not sure 1t WILL said Britt. ut
may, however, save me from seeking
them in the wrong place. You seemed
to enjoy the play, Miss March"
This shift of subjects was so alb
rupt that If Dorothy's breath had not
oil DIV n0r,,incy In Aofnhnc 40
might have gasped. 1t was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
If the type was worth studying.
why, yes," her hesitating answer
came. 81 believe it's considered one
elevating, you know, and-well, differ
ent"
Modern, Miss March,"
1T has two periods. The first deals
with the life Of today, the second
harks back to the early Victorian pc
riod with, understand, an abrupt re-
turn to the present"
She was chatting quite easily with
the detective now. Had she been
reared in Mulberry street instead of
on Murray Hill. she could not have
felt more natural.
Now, this society subject-by the
way, Miss March," Britt switched
again, lis there as much difference
between social life then and now?"
"Oh, great deal, l should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "Of course, can
not speak with authority-from per-
sonal observation"
IL wouldn't ask you to tell me any
thing about Ward McAllister from per-
sonal observation, Miss March," said
the sleuth. His gallantry on occasion
was the wonder Of the Central office.
Dorothy looked alarmed. Could 1t
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments, too? But a side glance
at the detectives serious expression
treasured her. 1t was manifest even
to a debutante he had no idea of ma
king an impression along that line.
She laughed frankly and looked at
him again in the friendliest way.
81 know you don't want to ask me
about anything so recent as the Span
ish war;" she said, now, do you?"
"Candidly, l don't" he rejoined.
ITO tell you the plain truth, l don't
know exactly what wish to ask you
nor how to ask 1t, but have an idea
you can help me, and l am sure you
will for Mrs. Missioner's sake"
"And Miss Holcomb's?" asked the
girl eagerly. "She, too, you know, is a
dear friend OF mine"
"And Miss Holcomb's," answered
the headquarters man warmly. Let
me say, too. my dear young lady. as
one old enough to be your-your-"
Don't say my brother, Mr. Britt"
interposed Dorothy mischievously. II
-I-well, / don't really see how can
be sister to anybody else" She felt
impelled to treat this strangely
natural man naturally-she. who de-
spite her inexperience. could freeze
presumption with a glance, felt that
way. 1t was tribute to his adapta-
billty.
Britt laughed.
Miss March," he said with more
heartiness In his tone than had col
ored It in many day, III were not
so busy, II would be a delight to be
an elder brother to you. But I guess
you're not interested In my impulses,