Semi-weekly herald., 1911-10-02
cHAPTER.x.
Dorothy March Talks.


lows, chocolate creams are forbidden
by the unwritten law of their cult.
The utmost nourishment one of them
can allow herself is salted almond
nibbled surreptitiously between de
corous little outbursts of kid-gloved
applause 1t is not the sort OF gather
ing In which one would expect to find
the busiest sleuth of the headquarters
stan. especially with a great diamond
mystery on his hands. Yet, on one
OF those warm January afternoons
that make the metropolis wonder If it
is being metamorphosed Into a winter
resort, one of the most interested auo-
itors in the select little theater was
Detective-Lieutenant Britz, of Man
ning's staff
Britt found the somebody he sought
when his gaze fell on slim little fig
ure in the trimmest of dove-colored
gowns, sitting in the fifth row off the
center aisle. Instantly his last pre-
tense of attention to the play van
ished. Keeping his eyes on the gray
curves of the girl in the fifth row. he
quilted his post at one side of the
house and walked slowly to the main
exit, whence he watched her until the
curtain fell on the first act Mean
while, he scribbled on a card, slipped
liberal tip into the receptive hand
of an usher, and indicated the object
of his Interest When the curtain fell
on the first act, the usher hurried
down the aisle. and presented the
card to the girl in gray.
IF Miss March," read the young
woman. will spare few minutes to
Britt. of Headquarters. she will con-
fer favor and serve her friend, Mrs.
Missioner"
Dorothy gathered her wrap, glasses
and program quickly and followed the
usher to the back of>the theater. The
youth led her to the famous detective.
whom, though she had heard OF him
through Doris Missioner, she beheld
! for the first time.
You wished to see me?" inquired
Dorothy. 1t was banal question, and
flush tinged her cheeks as she re-
allied its superfluousness could not es-
cape the greatest detective in New
York. But Britt seemed not to notice
1t, and the simple directness of his
manner put the girl at her ease.
\ II took the liberty Miss March," he
~said pleasantly, because / saw you
across the orchestra, and need
short course in social knowledge"
His smile robbed the reply of flip
pancy.
Fancy" said Dorothy. She was so
utterly at sea as to the detectives
purpose she could think of nothing
else to say save: 81 fear you have
sought poor teacher"
well, | don't know now Britt re-
turned looking at her with respectful
admiration. You see, you're soci
ETY. girl, and know nothing of so
ciety and there's something I want
to know-something l ought to
know"
IF there's anything | can tell you.
Mr.. Britz. I'll be glad to do So" Dor
othy volunteered. Especially If II
will help you to find Mrs. Missioner's
diamonds"
I'm not sure 1t WILL" said Britz. 1T
may, however, save me from seeking
TO enjoy the play, Miss March
This shift of subjects was so abb
rupt that If Dorothy's breath had not
already been coming In catches. she
might have gasped. 1t was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
II the type was worth studying
why. yes her hesitating answer
came 81 believe it's considered one
of the best hits of the season. Very
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," Britz switched
again. ''is there as much difference
between social life then and now?"
"Oh. great deal. | should say"
Her eyes twinkled "Of course. can
not speak with authority-from per-
sonal observation"
A.T 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
reassured her. 1t was manifest even
to 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.
: II know you don't want to ask me
about anything so recent as the Span
ish war;" she said. now. do your"
"Candidly. don't" he rejoined.
ITO tell you the plain truth. | don't
know exactly what | wish to ask you
nor how to ask 1t, but I have an idea
you can help me. and ! am sure you
will for Mrs. Missioners sake"