Evening star., 1911-05-28

under another head and referred to only as
being lost. l sighed. really had expected
something from 10 about his Grace, | didn't
quite know what.
@Just what, particularly, have you in
mind?' 10 asked, looking at me steadily as
she always does when begin to fish or beat
about the bush.
"Well, his Grace was on the balcony with
Miss Sargent" l confessed.
$50 were you and your Mr.. Abbott"
"Mr. Abbott went for glass of water" l
reminded her.
3Oh, see," she unused. @Louie, you'd
stand poor chance against real Duke, if
that bracelet had been stolen"
II suppose I'm crazy for thinking any
thing, 10, or allowing myself to remember
what Laura said about being suspicious of
the Dukes politeness, because she was only
joking; but Miss Sargent is so sure she
didn't lose her bracelet, and I'm just as sure
| didn't take it. It's insured and you know
the insurance company is going to do some
investigating before they pay for it ;"
10 frowned, then her brow cleared and
she smiled at me. 3Ive never believed
they didn't do; but if anything uncomforta-
BILE does come out of it, Dear, be sure to tell
the truth and stick to it. Mr.. Partridge
says it's the only way to keep from getting
mixed up, and that straight story is pref
ty good proof of innocence"
l felt very much better after my talk with
10; although we didn't get anywhere or
solve either of the vexing questions. She
had to 60 to her botany; so went back to
the Hazards fearfully, dreading that awful
camera man at every step, and the cluster
of reporters at the front door. But they
had disappeared. Igained my room in safety.
I AURA knocked upon my door when she
- heard me come in. @Are you up?" she
called.
l opened the door before l removed my
hat
@Good gracious!" she exclaimed. @You
don't mean to tell me you've been out? |
was going to ask you to have breakfast with
me. We are bit demoralized this morning.
In fact, we have been ever since we moved
to the hotel; but we'll settle down tomor-
row; then a breakfast gong at eight, and
mother at the head of the table pouring the
coffee. It's her hobby. Have you had your
breakfast"
@Yes, with my sister," l answered. Il
wanted to have talk with her about well,
about that lost bracelet. Do you know l
was set upon by reporters as l went out
this morning, and man snapped mel"
@Louie! Wasn't that awful? Well, some
body has to 60 through that every time Ma
talie loses something. 1t was the Aber-
crombies last time. Mother had trying
quarter-hour with the newspaper men,"
"Has she really lost things BEFORE"
asked eagerly, 3and is that why you're so
sure about me?"
EYES," Laura answered; 3but I'd be sure
about you anyhow" She sat with her hands
clasped about her knees for time, her break
fast growing cold. Il am going to trust
you with something" she said finally. 1T
is strange thing that each time Natalie
has lost one of her foolish bracelets Win
throp has been near her."
@Mr. Abbott" exclaimed. @Surely he
didn't"
4Of course not, she put in, as paused.
3If thought anybody entertained an idea
that he did, that is, anybody but Natalie
I'D marry him tomorrow to prove what
thought about it,
Notwithstanding his Grace and title?"
l asked.
Notwithstanding anything, except that
he hasn't asked me-" she laughed. Each
time the horrid thing has happened when
had fairly dragged him there. Doesn't it
sound foolish?"
l nodded my head, amazed at this new
turn of affairs 3He went for glass of
1,ator opyhouy told hor 0Tf Nice Car