The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-22

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, a great deal, should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "Of course, can
not speak with authorlty-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 Il
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments, too? But side glance
at the detectives serious expression
reassured her. It was manifest even
to q debutante he had no idea of ma
King an impression along that line.
She laughed frankly and looked at
him again in the frlendliest way.
81 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 IT, but have an idea
you can help me, and am sure you
will for Mrs Mlssioner'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.. Britz,"
interpreted Dorothy mischievously. "I
--I--well, don't really see how can
be a sister to anybody else" She felt
impelled to treat this strangely
natural man naturally-she, who de-
spite her inexperlence, could freeze
presumption with a glance, felt that
way. It was a tribute to his adapta-
bility.
Britz laughed.
heartiness In his tone than had col.
ored It in many q day, IF were not
so busy It would be a delight to be
an elder brother to you. But | guess
you're not interested In my impulses,
and we we're talking OF the play"
"Oh, yes, the plays the thing
Dorothy countered with keen relish
Of the situation. II subtlety was his
intention, she would show him what a
woman-Dorothy was all OF nineteen
"a woman could do. 81 never would
have supposed" she added, allowing
herself full measure of mischief, that
n famous detective could be matinee
man."
Britt WINGED His ready good ma
ture parried her shafts, however, and
1t was with the same slow smile that
he replied:
Does the author reconcile the man
ners Of the two periods, or. is the
piece one Of those problem plays that
leave everything to the audience? q?
You see. Miss March," he went on,
Mulberry street gets to Broadway
occasionally"
Il don't know. Mr.. Brltz." She tried
to recall the advance notice of the
production. This is the first time
I've seen It. l dare say the play
wright has bridged the gap some
how"
TITS a wide gap to bridge" OBJ
served the detective thoughtfully.
From reading nineteenth century nov
els, should say it would be hard for
the writer to hold interest with such
groundwork for his plot Things
were so different so years ago"
Exactly what my grandfather
says" Dorothy retorted. fun flashing
in that mignon face. But Wen know
soon how the author has succeeded"
she added. THE orchestra is nearing
the end of this selection"
Even their amusements were differ
ent," mused Britz. Instead of golf,
tennis, autoing. yachting, they had
archery, croquet. sketching and square
dances-I don't suppose anybody in
society sketches nowadays. Miss
March,"
I'D hardly say that" she replied.
There are few talented mem"
And many women"
"Oh, almost all women are more or
less artistic" said Dorothy with con-
vicition. But one must not be un-
Just to the men on that account"
We'll, Miss March," and his smile
from a younger man would have been
called caressing. we've started with
discussion of the play, and we touched
on authorship, the founder of the Four
Hundred, the war with Spain and a
dozen other subjects. Funny how
chatter zlgzags. isn't Il? was about
to say that from all understand, the
society men of today are not as ac-
ccmplished, even II they are talented,
as the beaux of good Queen Vlctoria's
girlhood. Come, now. I'd be willing
TO bet a box OF bonbons you don't
know half dozen men who can draw
anything except checks"
"Oh, yes, dol" she cried gayly.
Then. medtatively, Half a dozen,
you say? DO you know, Mr.. Britz, I
thtnk vou NTH