New Britain herald., 1927-05-04

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I "Mr. Futile sends you this sir, he said. and held out his tray ol which lay a telegram that had al ready been opened.
 It was addressed to John Roae and with a murmur of apolog. Neville read it.
 Its from Miss Folsom" h, said. ito Ross. the valet. It says Carry on till I arrive. Am startinl at once' It Is signed A. Folsom and it is from New York city" Then she ought to get here to. night" Titus Riggs said. "Yes. she probably will" Car. melita agreed. Roger. will you come for a little walk with me? feel must have some exercise" Neville rose at once. and leaving Riggs to the tender mercies oi Helen Barnaby. the pair walked away together.
 'Very stunning woman." said Tite Riggs. looking after Carmelita. and the unmistakable sincerity in his tone robbed the words of all hint of rudeness.
 "Yes." agreed the Duchess. "very clever. too. And . most staunch and loyal friend"
 "Yes, she seems 50. But I'm sure all your friends are that"
 'Now, now. Mir. Riggs, you mustn't flatter me a. you would school grill"
 ''Why not? 1s there . distinc- tion to be made in flattery?"
 T think there ought to be. A school girl can be taken in by in- sincere compliments-''
 And can't you?"
 The Duchess laughed. "Of course I can! Any woman can. You're clever. MT. Riggs"
 "Yes, am. That's my only claim to a life worth living"
 Have you no other virtues or graces?"
 None that count. But my clev- erness I really bank on"
 What do you do with it-most- ly?"
 And then they settled down for a talk about ideals and ambitions which was mere airy persiflage on both sides. but which was anus ing and gave Helen Barnaby a respite from the sadness brought about by the death of the morning.
 But Carmelita was indulging in no light chatter with Roger Ne vile.
 Roger" she said, as soon >as they were we'll away from the ho- tel, T want you to lend me the key to Garrett Folsom's room."
 What for?" he asked bluntly.
 T want to go in there-and be- fore his sister comes"
 You're crazy! You can't do thing like that!"
 q must! He has something - of mine - that I must have. I must get"
 "What?"
 Something important = never mind what. Just let me take the key for half an hour. I'll bring it right back to you. Oh. Roger do give it to me. ] must have it."
 "Carmelita, you don't realize what you're asking. I'm willing. more than willing to let you have | the key. but think how it would | look for you to go into his i room."
 Nobody will see me. I'll le very careful"
 "I'll get you what you want. i rsll me what is 1t? Did you leave in there? When?"
 "Oh, no. Nothing like that! I've never been in his rooms. But he lad something of mine-oh, Roger, lon't torment me. Give me the key, To-"
 Though they were on the crowded boardwalk. Carmelita's ones were low. and her manner luiet. But Neville could see the underlying excitement and he fear d an outbreak If he refused long F.
 Tnwillingly he drew a key from lis pocket
 "At least, let me go with you. )r let me stand guard outside the ooms."
 "No, that would be far worse, any one saw Us. than for me to 70 alone. must do this, Roger.
 must! Don't worry. I'll make ure where his valet, Ross, is first nd then I can slide in and out gain in few minutes"
 So Neville perforce acquiesed. nd after escorting her back to he hotel he put her in an ele- ator and himself strolled out COTS again.