The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-09-23

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cape the greatest detective ~ New
York. But Britz seemed not to notice
! it, and the simple directnesss Of hi!
manner put the girl at her ease.
Il took the liberty, Miss March, hi
said pleasantly, because I saw YOU
across the orchestra, and I need {
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 poor teacher"
well, I don't know now," Britz 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 wan,
to know-something ought to
know"
IF there's anything I can tell you.
Mr.. Britt, 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 it will" said Britt 1T
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
already been coming in catches, she
might have gasped It was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
If the type was worth studying.
why, yes" her hesitating answer
came. Il believe It's considered one
of the best hits of the season. Very
eleyating, you know, and-weH. differ
emit"
Modern, Miss March,"
ut has two periods. The first deals
with the life of today. the second
harks back to the early Victorian pc
Rod with, I 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, SIS there as much difference
between social life then and now?"
"Oh, a great deal, I should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "Of course, L can
not speak with authority-from per-
sonal observation"
II 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 it
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments, too? But a side glance
at the detectives serious expression
treasured 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.
Il know you don't want to ask me
about anything SO recent as the Span
ish war; she said, nov, do you?"
"Candidly, l don't" he rejoinled.
ITO tell you the plain truth, l don't
know exactly what I wish to ask you
nor how to ask it. but l have an idea
yoI can help me, and 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 yq4g lady, as
one old enough to be your-your-''
Don't say my brother, Mr.. Britt,
interposed Dorothy n1isq1ievously. 81
-E-wsll, I don't reaiIF2ae how j can
be q sister to anybodyylse." She felt
in2pelled to treat this strangely
natural man naturslly-she, WEo de-
spite her inezrerience, could freeze
presumption with a glance, felt that
way It was q tribute to his adaBta-
biIity
Rritz laughed.
Miss March" he said with more
heartiness in his tone than had col
ored It In many a day, .eif were not
SO busy, 1t would be a delight to be
an elder brother to you. But / guess
YOU re not interested in nv impulses
y q q {, g.