Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-18

working, I mean. No compNcateo
mechanism, but merely 90 we'll made
and adjusted that . touch opens or
closes them, and absolutely silently.
No one in this house ever dreamed h
bathroom mirror was anything but q
mirror. And in the other house the
elaborate Florentine frame precluded
all idea OF q secret contrivance. The
two feet Of thickness Of the house
walls made a tiny cupboard. where l
had that small safe installed. that we
might put our. wigs and such dem
nitely discriminating bits OF evidence
in hiding, also vicky's jewelry. But
I always changed my costumes from
one. character to the other In vicky
VANS dressing room, and SO ran little
or no chance of discovery"
I'm q futile endeavor to distract at
tention from Victoria Van Allen )!
wrote a note to Ruth Schuyler and
also wrote the one found In MI.
Schuyler's desk. I did these things
in hopes that the detectives would
cease to watch for the return Of Miss
Van Allen. but It turned out diner
could be diverted from that house
into other channels there would be a
possibility OF Tibbetts never being
suspected. I am sorry she has con-
fessed. I do not want her to be
tried. She saved my life, and I
would do anything to keep her from
HARM" ~
But Tibbetts was tried and was
acquitted. A Just jury, knowing all
Of the facts. declared it vas a case Of
justifable homicide. and the verdict
was mot guilty!"
The Schuyler sisters were finally
convinced that Ruth's life had been
~ornA hH, thn3~ orso ro 90
and. though they condemned Tibbetts
in their hearts. they said little in the
face of public opinion.
AS for me, I couldn't wait until a
conventional time had elapsed before
telling my darling Of my love for her
own sweet self, and, al I now realized,
for vicky Van also. I spent hours
listening to the details of her double
life: Of the narrow escapes from dis
covery. and the frequent occasions Of
danger to her scheme. But Tibbetts'
watchful eyes and ,Ruth's own clever
ness had made the plan feasible for
two years, and 1t was only because
Ruth had found her dear heart was
inclining too greatly toward mo that
she had begun to think it her duty
to give up her double life. She had
recently decided to do so, for she was
not willing to let our mutual interest
IlpcH AHlO lOVc Willie SLc was NAc "AAS
of another man.
And SO. If it hadn't all happened
just as it did. I should never have
won my darling, for she was about to
give up the Van Allen house and I
never should have had occasion to
meet Mrs. Randolph Schuyler.
1t is all past history now, and Ruth
and I are striving to forget even the
memories Of it. We live in another
city, and Tibbetts is our faithful and
beloved housekeeper.
l.. And often Ruth says to me: IT
know you love me, Chef, but some-
times I can't help feeling a little
jealous of the girl o cared for
that, what's her name? Oh. yes,
Vicky Van!" ...t .
''Vicky Van was all right" I stoutly
maintain. II lever knew a more
charming, sweeter, prettier, dearer
little girl than Vicky!"
but she was awfully made up!"
Eyes, that's where you score an adj
vantage. The only thing about vicky
I disapproved Of was her paint and
powder. Thank heaven, my wife has
a complexion that's all her own"
And I kissed the soft, pale cheek. Of
my own Ruth.
't wuE .uN5n