Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-05-17
THE CURVED BLADES"
By CAROLYN WELLS Author Of ~viely Van" Etc.

Yet, how could be decide? If Pauline
had been in that room when Anita
listened st the door, she would, OF
course, try to prove that she was else
where. But, in. such O case, why noA
say she was in her own room? II
wasn't plausible that she should con-
fess to being in the hall, II n we're
really in the boudoir. That; tnen'
versation detailed BY Anita? That
must be further analysed.
These thoughts flew through
Stones quick-moving brain as he
stood looking at his beautiful hostess:
"Puzzling It'll out, Mr.. Stone?" and
Pauline's smile was a fu~ll-f1edged one
now. If you'll accept my assistance
! without doubling my word, I'm sure
we AN do wonders in a detective
way.
This was not in Pauline's favor. It
was too much like bargaining with
him to believe her innocent. Then,
too, though all unconscious OF It,
Stone was Influenced by the Wonder
full charm of the girl. Though her
dark eyer still held that look Of fear,
that hunger for protection, tkat de-
sire for some n on whom to lean.
"And 1 won't send for my cousin
just vet" she went on. Its too bad
to call him home when he's so busy
lover there. You know, Mr.. Stone.
that Mr.. Loria is a wonderful
His achievements in excavation have
brought him fame and glory. AND
you mustn't think he's heartless be-
cause he doesn't r%eturn-at once. You
| In n IL 1xroN all q Peo n cod for TIC IN 90
over there next month and he had
made all sorts Of plans for us and for
himself. He can't leave his work at
a moments notice, unless, as he says,
I have need Of him."
WAS he fond Of his aunt" in.
Quired Stone. casually.
"He was her idol. To Aunt Lucy
the sur rose and set in Carr. She
was perfectly crazy to go on this trip,
to Egypt, in order to be with him.
He was fond Of her, yes. More so
kind and good natured to him, while
she was always unpleasant to me-"
Why was she?"
Il don't know. Wei, I suppose I
may as we'll tell you, one reason was
because she was always envious of
anyone whom she considered better
looking than she was herself. y This
may sound strange to you, Mr.. Stone,
but it was the keynote of my aunt's
existence. She adored beauty in every
way-pictures, clothes, everything
but h was so sensitive about her
own plainness. that a younger or
prettier face made her. at times, ir-
rttable and ever cruel. She would
never engage a var with any pre-
tensions to good looks. Therefore, as
h chose to consider Miss Frayne
and myself Of cornely personal APP
pearance. she was unkind to US BOTH"
And Mr.. Loria ?" Is he not hand
some?"
liked handsome men. Car; Loria is
like a picture. His father was OF
Italian descent. and Carr has the
clear olive skin and dark beauty of
that ace Gray Haviland isl good
looking, too, but it was only feminine
prcttiness that stirred Mp, Aunt Lucy's
ire"
why did she ever engage such an
anEel-facc as Miss Frayne1"
and saw it.. Pauline's smile faded,
and she said. abruptly: 80,
do you think her SO beautiful"
She has the perfect blonde fair
ness usually typifed by the celestial
white.robed creatures on the old can
vases"
yes. Anita is a perfect example
ter Of an old schooinate Of my aunt's.
and 50 that's why Aunt Lucy took her.
and then she proved such an eNcient
secretary and such a patient, meek
thing to scold. that she kept her po-
Miss Frayne doesn't seem 50 >ex-
traordinarily meek to me-" =.
mo, indeed. She's not meek at
all. But she always was to Miss Car
rington. That, of course to keep the.
lucrative. Easy, that ia, except for
my aunt's temper. That wa vented
on poor Anita, morning, noon and
"That, then, might have give us a
motive for Miss Frayne's desire to
rid of her cruel mistress and to
get the inheritance that she knew
would come to her at Miss Caring
tons DEATH"
Pauline shuddered. II can't think
of such a thing. Mr.. Stone, but, If
anybody in this house is to be sus-
pected Of the awful thing, it can be
no one but Anita. She tried, I know.
to supplant me in my aunt's affection,
and to have my inheritance, or part
OF #: transferred to herself"
You know this?"
Eyes. For some time she has been
making insinuations and telling my
aunt tales about me-untrue onesS
that would make Aunt Lucy angry at
tell you this. Mr.. Stone, be-
cause I want you to know Anita
Frayne a. she really is"
There was the. ring of sincerity in
the tone. there was a look Of truth in
the big. dark eyes. and there was q
most appealing expression On the
lovely face that gazed into his own.
but Fleming Stone turned from the
speaker with a polite but decided
gesture Of dismissal. saying, please
ask Miss HPayne to come here q few
Confined in Monday