Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1915-06-10
CHAPTER VII.

The windows of Mrs. Rheinholdt's
town house were ablaze with light. A
crimson drugget stretched down the
steps to the curbstone. A long
row of automobiles stood waiting
Through the wide-flung door was Wis.
ible pleasant impression of flowers
and light and luxury. In the nearer
of the two large reception rooms Mrs.
Rheinholdt herself, woman dark,
handsome and in the prime Of life,
was standing to receive her guests
By her side was her son. whose TWEEN
ty-first birthday was being celebrated
II wonder whether that professor Of
| yours will Gomez" she remarked, as
the stream of incoming guests slack
ened for moment.
HE hates receptions" the boy re-
piled, "but he promised he'd come
never thought, when he used to drill
science into us at the lectures, that
he was going to be tremendous big
pot"
Mrs. Rheinholdt's plump finger toyed
for moment complacently with the
diamonds which hung from her neck.
you can never tell in a world like
this" she murmured.
Here he is, mother!" the young man
exclaimed suddenly. Good old boy!
l thought he'd keep his word"
Mrs Rheinholdt assumed her most
encouraging and condescending smile
as she held out both hands to the pro
lessor.
ut is perfectly sweet of you, pro.
fessor.' Mrs. Rheinholdt declared.
Mrs Rheinholdt breathed sigh of
relief as she greeted her new arrivals.
The professor made himself univer-
sally agreeable in mild way, and his
| presence created even more than the
sensation which Mrs. Rheinholdt had
hoped for. In her desire to show
him ample honor she seldom left his
| side.
II am going to, take you into my
husbands study" she suggested, later
on in the evening. "He has some spe-
cimens of beetles"
Beetles" the professor declared,
with some excitement, occupied pre-
cisely two months of my time while
abroad. By all means. Mrs. Rhein.
holdt!"
I'VE shall have to go quite to the
back OF the house." she explained, as
she led him along the darkened pas.
sages.
The professor smiled acquiescently.
His eyes rested for q moment upon
her necklace.
you must really permit me, Mrs
Rheinholdt," he exclaimed, ito admire
your wonderful stones. l am judge
1. of diamonds, and those three or four
in the center are, l should Judge,
unique"
She held them out to him. The
professor laid the end of the neck
lace gently in the palm of his hand and
examined them through horn-rimmed
eyeglass.
"They are wonderful" he murmured
wonderful! Why"
He turned away a little abruptly
They had reached the back of the
house and door from outside had
1ust been opened. A man had crossed
the threshold with coat over his arm
and was standing now looking al
them.
"How extraordinary" the professor
remarked. SIS that you, Craig?"
YES, sir" he replied. There is 9
rainstorm, SO 1 ventured to bring your
macintosh"
every thoughtful" the professor
murmured approvingly. IT have 8
weakness" he went on, turning to hif
hostess, "for always walking home
after an evening like this. In the day
time am content to ride. At night
have the fancy always to walk"
I'VE don't walk half enough" Mrs
Rheinholdt sighed, glancing down al
] her somewhat portly figure. Dixon,
she added. turning TO the footman who