Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-10-19

NJ lSSpelleQ COIHIiLtIco cAdSIAS Ills
sane way! Even then. it might
have been that the son wrote tor
any one else, for that matter, but
when 7 declared with conviction that
she had written it, she was unable to
deny it,"
Won explain it," I said, with a feeling
of chagrin that I had not noticed the
misspelled word.
"That particular bit Of a mystery
was simple of solution said Stone,
but it helps us not Il bit with the
main issue.
At stones request, we went in
search of Anne.
We found her in the MUSHROOM
with Archer. They were in close
conversation, and had no doubt he
was urging her again to give him the
right to protect her. I knew Archer
felt, as 1 did, that all usual conven-
lions were to be ignored in such cir
cumstances as these we were expert
encing.
Fleming Stone spoke directly to
Anne, and his calm. pleasant manner
seemed to Undue her with: an equal
quietness of demeanor. She even al
most smiled when Stone said, PLEASE
don't think me over-intrusive, Mrs.
Van Wyck, but will you tell me what
gown you wore at dinner last Friday
EVENING""
Certainly said Anne, rising. IF
you will come to my room, / will.
show it to you"
Although unlimited, Archer and I
followed. On reaching Anne's dress
ing-room, she tool from a wardrobe
the beautiful yellow satin gown,
which I well remembered. and which
now seemed to mock at the sombre
black robe she wore.
Stone looked at the gown admiring-
ly. and seemed to show a special in
terest in the frills Inc jabots of the
bodice. Truly, this mans ways were
past understanding! What clue
could he expect to find in this way?
And when you came to III room
that night, did you keep on this gown
until you prepared to retire?"
NO. said Anne, looking at him
wonderingly; but even as she looked.
her eyes fell before his and she con-
tinued in a hesitating way, mo, I
changed into a negligee gown"
May I see that?" asked Stone
pleasantly.
This time, it seemed to me, with re-
luctance, Anne look from the ward
robe a charming boudoir robe of chit
fon and lace. It was decorated with
innumerable frills and rosettes, and
again Stone seemed eagerly interest
ed in the trimmings. He even picked
dalntily at some of the bows and
ruches. saying lightly. II am not a
conniosseur in ladies' apparel, but
this seems to me an exquisite con-
fection." =
ut is" replied Anne. 1T is Pari-
! clio ~ p,y< -h~h -o@1,~ TIT
occupied air. and knew She was
deeply anxious as to the meaning of
all this. She hung the gown back in
its place, and then Stone seated him
self, after having courteously placed =
chair for her.
II warned you I should ask a few
questions, Mrs. Van Wyck," he be-
gan; 80 please tell me, first how you
occupied the time before you retired
that EVENING""
Anne's embarrassment had vanish
ed, and she looked. straight at her
questioner as she replied in even
tones, I'm afraid I did nothing
worthwhile. I wrote one or two
tnotes to friends, glanced through a
book about Gardening, tried on a new
hat, and then unpacked-a glass vase
which Mr.. Sturgis brought me, be-
cause I preferred not to trust that
task to a servant"
And your maid was here when
you finally retired?"
mo, I had dismissed Jeanette
earlier. and told her she need not re-
turn"
"And. did you leave your rooms late
that night?"
mo" 3. .4;lt.
"No.'
But Anne was fast losing control of
herself. Her voice trembled, and her
large eyes were fixed on Stones face.
His expression, was n of infinite.
pity, and he said gently, please think
carefully, and be sure Of what you
are saying"
Il am sure" murmured Anne, and
then Archer leaned over and whis-
pered to her. What he said I do not
know, but it must have been an ac-
~cusation OF some sort, for Anne turn
ed scarlet and stared al Archer with
angry eyes. She glanced at her
bookshelves and then back at Archer
and then at Stone, and finally, with a
look OF pathetic appeal. directly at;
me.
I knew she was asking nv helm.
but what could i do? In a sudden
desperate attempt to relieve her. for
Fat least q moment, I turned the. sub
1ject, and, touching the beautiful Flor
entine chest on the table beside me. I
drew stones attention to it as a work
of art. :.
yes" he agreed; at is a fine piece.
Worthy of holding the family heir
LOOMS" .
Instead Of which," I said lightly.
Mrs. Van Wyck uses it merely az q
receptacle for. old photographs"
Anne's agitation seemed to be in
|creasing, and, determined to- keep
Stone from addressing her for a few
moments longer. I opened the chefs
to prove my words. Stone glanced
carelessly at the old pictures, faded
except round their edges. and then.
suddenly rising, he picked up two or
three and looked at them intently. A
sudden light flashed into his v
and, turning to Anne, he said in tones
of genuine admiration, Wonderful.
Mrs. Van WICK! Positively splendid!
I congratulate you.'
I looked at him in amazement.
There was no portrait Of Anne among
the old photographs he held, and
what he meant could not imagine.
But Anne knew. Sinking back in
her chair, she covered her face with
her hands n gave allow moan.
Continued I'm tonorrows "a.
Evenings Herald. f.