South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-15
Revelations "a Vile s1oAaSRSgsso5x

Gathered around little Mrs. Dur
KEGS tea table. reflecting in its ap-
rointments the daintiness of our
hostess, we discussed her fragrant
tea, her toothsome biscuits, and her
delicious jam, while she, too excited
to eat anything. deluged the rest OF
us with questions concerning the
things we had found in my home
noticed that Lillian adroitly ma
noeuvred conversation so that Edith
Fairfax held the center of the stage,
and did the most talking. 1, of
course, followed Lillian's lead. and
the result was-what Lillian evil
IDENTIFY wanted-that the story Of the
wanton wreckage inside my house
took on the color of Edith's opin-
ions.
Whoever could have done it?"
Mrs. Durkee exclaimed, as after
time even her avid curiosity was sat
isfied that there was no detail left
untold. II shsnt sleep a wink until
Alfred comes home. 1 just know I'll
be murdered in my bed They must
have been terrible desperadoes to
act that way"
Il don't think So" Edith's tone
WAS decisive ut was exactly the
vandalism boys-young hoOdlums-
would commit if they were hunting
for money or liquor. They wouldn't
have the nerve 10 come into a house
which was occupied. But a house
with the people await is like
treasure island 20 a certain type Of
moron criminal mind. And when,
after ransacking everything, they
found no money, they simply gave
vent TO their rage by destroying
things and writing that stuff. I'm
afraid you'll find other things de-
stroyed as you go along"
She turned to me with a courteous
air OF solicitude which I know was
only perfunctory. I was not misled
by the ready aid she had given nc.
In reality, she was utterly indiffer-
ent to any JOY or sorrow that touch
ed only me, but her sense Of honor
and her breeding prevented her
from doing anything else save help
me in every way possible.
Little Mrs. Durkee pursed her lips
| thoughtfully and looked at LILLIAN.
81 can't think ii was the work OF
Just boys" she said obstinately.
What do you think, Lillian"
"I agree with Edith" Lillian re
turned quietly. AT first I thought
It was the work Of professionals but
Edith called my attention 70 one or
two things which convinced me she
was on the right track. And all my
later Investigations only confirmed
her opinion. No. I think that IS the
only solution"
over Edith's face SWEPT a gratifed
look. and knew that Lllian's pu~-
! pose was achieved. There would be
no slightest hint OF suspicion in
Edith Fairfax's mind that the van
dalism in my home could possibly
be traced 10 any other source than
the one upon which she had deci1-
ed.
But the obstinacy OF opinion.
which is one Of little Mrs. Durkee's
most striking characteristics, would
not yield. She turned to me pet
tishly.
II suppose YOU have the same
opinion as these other two" she
said
ITO tell you the truth. my dear, ="
7 replied. with an air OF WEAKNESS
which I did not need 20 assume. Il
haven't formed any opinion. I've
been too much upset TO think %
anything"
"Of course, you poor dear" she
assented with the ready sympathy
which she offers 20 any trouble.
: Here. do have another cup OF tea.
There's nothing Ike tea TO set You
uI when you've had any terrible
ching happen.
She busted herself with che teapot
while Lillian. Edith and I smiled
with affectionate amusement at each
other over her unconscious head.
our little neighbor - so genuine \
soul. with such royal kindness or