The Holly chieftain., 1915-05-07

and light and luxury. In the nearer
of the two large reception rooms Mrs.
Rheinholdt herself, a womar 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.
Il wonder whether that professor OF
yours will Conner" 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 a 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-
fessor.
at 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.
Il 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!"
1--WE 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 moment upon
her necklace.
you must really permit me, Mrs
Rheinholdt," he exclaimed, 'to admire
your wonderful stones. l am judge
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. 80 -
"They are wonderful. he murmured
wonderful! Why"
He turned away little abruptly
They had reached the back of the
house and door from outside hat
just been opened. A man had crossed
the threshold with a coat over his arm
and was standing now looking a,
them.
How extraordinary" the professor
remarked. SIS that you, Craig?"
"Yes, SIR" he replied. There is g
rainstorm, so l ventured to bring youl
macintosh"
VERY thoughtful the professor
murmured approvingly. Il have 6
weakness" he went on, turning to his
hostess, 'for always walking home
after an evening like this. In the day
time I am content to ride. At night
have the fancy always to walk"
"We don't walk half enough" Mrs
Rheinholdt sighed, glancing down al
her somewhat portly figure. "Dixon,
she added, turning to the footman who
had admitted Craig, take Professor
Ashleigh's servant into the kitchen
and see that he has something before
he leaves for home. Now, professor
If you will come this way"
They reached a little room in the
far corner of the house. Mrs. Rhein
holdt apologized as she switched or
the electric lights.
1T is queer little place to bring
you to-" she said, but my husband
used to spend many hours here, and
he would never allow anything to be
moved. You see, the specimens are ir
these cases."
The professor nodded. His genera
attitude toward the Forthcoming ex
hibition was merely one of politeness
AS the first case opened, however, his
manner completely changed. Without
taking the slightest further notice OF
his hostess, he adjusted pair of horn
trimmed spectacles and commenced tc