Evening star., 1911-06-11

Laura any longer; SO decided to 60 in first But when
was face to face with Natalie and dear Mrs. Hazard
stood there tragcaly silent with an odd ache in my
throat.
"Miss Goldman will speak for herself" Mrs. Hazard
said in her direct way.
shook my head finally Words Just wouldn't come
"She to be able to speak for herself" Nata
lie drawled in that awfuly civil tone of hers.
II should say not!A Laura broke in. you've quite
knocked her speechless.' y
Il don't doubt it, retorted Natalie, losing her ad-
mirabe temper.
And really l don't know where the scene would have
ended if at that moment Hap hadn't appeared in the
doorway.
GREAT Lord what's the matter?' he exclaimed.
- Natalie, evidently realizing her negligee, started
out; but Laura blocked the way. l sat down. my
knees refused to support me any longer
Natalie says Louie has stolen her ruby pendant
Laura answered him frankly.
He bnked as if he hadn't quite heard, and his face
settled into the most comcally surprised expression
have He reached hand to his forehead and
brushed aside the forelock. suddenly shivered, and
calm my throat relaxed. | was thinking of that
advice 10 had given me.
II didn't take the pendant" | said. Il didn't see it.
l was there only moment when Celie came for me-
If you want to make sure, you may search me-
1t if had touched an electric button and set
them all in motion.
@What are you people trying to do, josh me?" Hap
demanded
Al think we're all daft" Mrs Hazard snapped Laura
the only absolutely cool person there Mrs Hazard
patted my shoulder and the touch of her dear fat hand
wonderfully sweet to me- u don't think you need
searching, my dear child she went II don't want
ANYTHING but your word | shall send for detective
to look after long Natalie insists upon keeping
her jewels This disappearing by one is most pc
cuar. Hap will you call long distance, please and see
if you can get John?"
Natalie drew herself up regaly, regal in XII
mono with her hair just looped up. "Then Hiss Cod
is quite above reproach?' she inquired lifting her
eyebrows.
miss Goldman is quite above reproach, Natalie,
Mrs. Hazard said positively. Il think you mis-
taken my dear girl, and think you careless. Why
didn't you take your ss r. Jewels .se:a with you
@Into your BATH Mrs. Hazard repeated 4where you
could keep your eyes upon them l should think you
had had warning enough!
a wish you'd search me, said YEARLY, @and let
go away; 60 home to my sister,
"oh gracious Louie we % are not going to let you run
Nataie's ruby and those other things" l knew she
thinking of Winthrop
ave to be getting away from my original state
ment' Natalie cut in sharply @Do you refuse to be-
a do" interrupted Mrs Hazard; abut shall have
detective here tomorrow. Hap, is Central asleep?'
NATALIE was dsrnissed-she knew it. She foated
~ away, with only fifty minutes to dress and Mrs
Hazard was rather insistent about her dinner hour.
stif1y wasn't just what should do say;
everything muddled and queer. Mrs. Hazard
caught John just he leaving the Office and began
talking to him about the detective and Hap stood by
the window with his hands dug deep into his trousers
pockets. Laura was searching local telephone book
for number 1 waited painfully, and when Mrs Haz-
ard released the wire Laura called Winthrop.
Il to know if he's at home' she explained to
U.S. "Of course he couldn't have been here without
some of us seeing him; but want to make sure
Winthrop himself answered her, and minute later,
after foolish question: she hung up the receiver salts
fed My mind flew to the Duke; but. as if in contra
dicton Of my thought. saw him coming up from the
beach with Jane Bliss. Against this time the
silly circumstantial evidence.
"Does anyone here believe took that ruby?" asked
brokenly
aYou silly Loulie" Laura exclaimed affectionately.
any dear child" Mrs. Hazard came to me and took