New Britain herald., 1923-12-08
Madsc's Deductions Drew Admissions From DickN

I had not long to wait for the meaning of Dicky's sudden change from anger to a humorous, self-satis- fled scrutiny of me. The words "wounding Bess Deans vanity were scarcely out of my mouth before he answered with a meaning smile which enlightened-and enraged me.
 That's one of your best little stunts, isn't it, trying to annex poor Bessie's little nanny? Well, let me tell you something, my dear. That's little job you won't succeed at in d thousand years. She is altogether too canny lady. But if it's any sat isfaction to you I can relieve your mind on Leila's account. Confession is good for the soul, they say. so I'll give my spiritual organ a treat. Alfred had nothing to do with that little party in which the car was wrecked. for your logical deduction was right-we did wreck it. Ali will have to get another one, when he straightens out the insurance on that one-but yours truly was alone ere sponsible for the expedition. So you see, your sympathy for Leila has all been wasted. You'd better-''
 He broke off in confusion. which l knew was assumed. l was seized with a sudden desire to laugh, for his ruse was a little too transparent. Sometime during our wordy battle he had become obsessed with the idea that it was my own jealousy which was behind my animosity against Bess Dean, instead of concern for Leila. The discovery had appeased his anger and tickled his vanity, and his confession" had been deliberate ly concoctcd out of whole cloth to fan my anger to higher flame.
 He is Not Com incing
 Quoting his own slangy parlance to myself l resolved Erimly that he would get away with nothing like that" and I finished his sentence with mocking little laugh.
 I'd better expend my sympathy on myself because of your per-r-fidy suppose. No. Dicky, dear it won't do. Your efforts are well meant, but neither particularly artistic nor con yincing.'
 "oh m bite. What dye mean by that?" he demanded sulkily.
 Just this l retorted coolly. There probably are half dozen distinct reasons why should be Jealous Of you"--Dicky gave a dis tinct start and eyed me suspiciously
 If I ever indulged in that most unprofitable of all emotions. But Bess Dean is not one of the half dozen reasons. Neither is the friend whom for reasons of her own she brought to the joy ride into which she inveigled you and Alfred. Yes, 'fnseigled' is just the word, and if you were honest with yourself or with me, you would acknowledge that Bess Deas. for no reason ex- cept to gratity her-abnormal-- Nsnity----"
 Dicky Interrupts
 'l know two or three more fore ibie adJectives----" Dicky interrupt cd with a gibing little laugh.
 Has made a dead set at Alfred" l continued calmly regardless of 1.eila's feelings, and has bamboozled him into thinking her the original all-aronnd, faithful, family friend, with the corollsry that dislike of her on Leila's part is rank ingrat- tude and unworthy prejudice. Nice prospect for Leila, but she isn't go- ing to have to face it thanks to Dr. Braithuaite. Just where you como in l don't know----p
 Nor care" Dicky finished rough- iy his face darkening. You don't need to rub that in. old dear. I'm quite aware Of the fact that you wouldn't turn a hair no matter what you found out about me just so long as didn't hurt your vanity. But just as an evidence Of good faith and dis tinctly NOT for publication to Leila, I'll tell you where I come in. It was also in the role of faithful friend, trying to keep Alfred from making a bally ass of himself. You're dead right about the Dean dame, and most of the rest of if. Very clever deduc- ton. But what you didn't know was that I've been trying to beat the s---------~--------~--- -