Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-30

| Excuse me, sir Hickson's per
/ turbation increased, but he spoke firm
/ ly. II shall have to ask Miss Ledyard
if ! am TO answer questions. Colonel
I.edyard has not returned vet and in
his absence and Mrs. Iedvard $"
Ask Miss Ledy8rd if she will see
me"
HicksOn stepped aside with. an air
of defeat and, ushering Paul into the
/ drawing room, departed upon his err
rand.
After lengthy pause there was a
swish of silken skirts upon the stairs
and young woman, clad in Il cling
ing gown of soft green. confronted the
detective in the doorway. She was tall
and slender. with a wealth of deep red
hair and topaz eyes which reminded
him of those of some tawny cat. Gu
riously feline, too. were her slow grace
of movement and the poise of her lis
som body.
Il am Miss Ledyard. | was under
the impression that my mother had
told You all we know of Mrs. Harts-
horne this morning; that is, if you have
come about the Hartshorne case?"
Paul bowed.
Mrs. Ledyard replied to my oues
tions. but I should like some additional
information"
Il am sorry, but I am afraid that I
cannot help you. know no more than
my mother"
You know that Mrs. Hartsborne's
past before she came here has remained
mystery; you were the first to ques
ton it, Miss Ledyard. to ask why she
had been received without credentials
merely because of her personality and
financial assets. What cause did she
give you after all these months for
adopting such an attitude?"
Beatrice Ledyard's eyes narrowed
Two pointed, very white teeth showed IN
the curl of her lip.
No cause whatever The woman
was merely an acquaintance to whom
had given absolutely no thought.
My mother was most enthusiastic
about her work for war charities, anC
it suddenly occurred to me as strange
that Mrs. HartshOrne should give hcl
: time and efforts, yet sedulously avoit
being seen in large gatherings; it sa
vOred of cOnceaIment more than diff
dence, for she was not at all shy o,
self effacing person. So I wondered
naturally. trust that explanation il
! sufficiently comprehensive.
She spoke coldly, but her tone shool
p with an emotion not altogether scOrn OF
r bitterness, which Paul was at loss t,
fathom.
. Quite, thank you" He smiled ant
then his gravity returned. Mrs
A Hartshorne appeared at the Red Gross
dance here, however.
, Yes. l nodded to her, but the GROVE
; was so great that we did not actual,
meet" She made a motion as If t,
J turn TO the door. Really, | canno
discuss this! The subject is too dis
tressing. And | can tell YOU nothing
nothing. ] am sure that if my fathe
u were at home he would not permit IN
to be so harassed and annoyed -
II have no intention of annoying yo,
: further, Miss Ledyard, Paul assure
her suavely. There are few Ques
tions ! wish to put TO your servant
= who were in attendance at the dance
= but If you prefer it | will wait her
until Colonel Ledyard returns"
. 'Our servants?" she repeated. 9Th
3 walters for the supper were provided b
a Caterer-'
- But your butler officiated in hi
|. usual capacity, did he not? And on
of your maids must have been in tn
d ladies cloak room. They are the one
= | wish to speak to.
Miss Ledyard rang the bell and almos
!. instantly the door opened and Hickso
y stood expectant on the threshold Pau
smiled to himself; it was apparent tha