The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-10-06
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

"NH!" Evelyn's hand flew to her
" mouth. OIL didn't think!
I mean It couldn't have been!
Mitchell eyed her gravely. you
say you're sure you had the neck
lace Yesterday"
yes" Mrs. Parsons nodded en-
nhatically. ct was before the
others arrived. 1 was showing Celia
about the grounds and the house
and then I thought she might like
tn. see the view from the windows
of my room. It's quite unusual.
I'VE went upstairs. and while we
were there Rose, my maid, came
in with the pearls They'd just
come back from shop where l sent
them to have the clasp repaired.
/ remember I put them down
She stopped and the shocked eX-
preston on her face deepened.
mo, mol" Mrs. Parsons went on.
"Of course it couldn't have been"
"But Celia was with you when
you put them away?"
The woman nodded slowly as
though she dreaded the admission.
i've looked everywhere" she said.
Il wouldn't have thought about
them, but I was in my room a little
while ago and saw that the drawer
where I keep them was partly open.
The pearls are gonel I've looked
everywhere!"
She was an excellent actress.
Evelyn Parsons expression and
tone of voice both protested against
this horrifying truth.
we must investigate this thing
at once" Mitchell said firmly. I'll
call Celia
oh. pleased mol" Mrs. Parsons
begged. Il couldn't do such a thing.
I mean I won't believe"
TITS the only way to put the mat
ter straight" the man insisted. My
daughters name must be cleared. )"
Waltz Mrs. Parsons implored.
'There's-there's no reason why 1
should suspect Celia. It's only that
she was with me. We mustn't
huniliate the child"
"Humiliate? That's hardly the
word. If Celia did this thing"
He was interrupted by Lisi Dun
can. She came dancing into the
! hallway Of the living room.
"Oh, Mr.. MITCHELL Lisi cried.
g"Ive been looking for you! Come
on--you have to be my partner.
The others are all making fun of
me. and won't have it..
She had caught Mitchells arm
and seemed determined to pull him
after her by force, if necessary.
Come alongl" Lisi demanded.
They're all ready to start. And I
won't be without a partner. Come
alongl"
WASTING back protesting glances
~ at Evelyn, Mitchell was led
away. The widow, alone, tapped
one foot angrily and bided her time.
She still was standing in the hall
way when Celia Mitchell appeared
rounding the curve of the stairway.
Her face was pale. AS soon as Celia
saw Mrs. Parsons, she ran down the
remaining steps.
oh, Mrs. Parsons, Celia said.
The queerest thing has happened.
I can't understand it, I went up
stairs a while ago to see that all my
things were packed and ready to
leave.
I was putting a pair of hose I'd
forgotten into my travelling bag.
when I found this. Look"
She held up the dazzling strand
Of pearls.
Why, Celial"
Its the beautiful necklace you
showed me yesterday, isn't it? But
how in the world did it get into my
travelling bag7"
Evelyn Parsons face was burning.
For a moment her poise deserted
her. A queer nuffled sound is
sued from her throat. Then she
recaptured command of the situa-
ton.
IN your travelling bag?" she
echoed Why-how curiousl"
Ceiia's cheeks still we're white.
Mrs. Parsons. you wouldp'd think
YOU couldn't think--I mean /
sidnt put them therel It must