New Britain herald., 1930-10-28
Chapter II ROSE PROBES HER PAST

MI. IlONdlu lcChttl, piNdt h'- tectite, looked up at the highly rouged young woman whom he en- ployed to receive callers.
 "A lady to see you, sir" she said
 What's her name? Has she got an appointment" q didn't ask, sir"
 Well why didn't you? How rany times have 1 got to tell you. Well, never mind. Show her in"
 Rose Conaldine's entrance made him forget his anger. Blonde, baby eyed plenty of perfume and silk stocking and llp-stick, she ripped toward him smiling and extended her card. MT. Leckett placed q chair for her and glanced at the card.
 Miss Conaldine?" he murmured. And what have you come to see me about?'
 Rose gave him look of childish l.elplessness. MT Lcckett became almost Gatherly.
 'I always tell my clients that this room is like the consulting-room Of q physician or the office of law yer" Mr. Leckett encouraged her. 'Everything that passes their lips becomes absolutely confidential
 Thank you" she said. What ! really want is, all the information you can get me about-my-Well, parents"
 What was your fathers name?"
 "Conaldine. :. . l don't know lis first name," she added as Mr. Lecllett appeared dissatisfied.
 "Youre sure that was his name ?" he persisted. q ask because it's such an unusual one. Are you sure there isn't an aunt or uncle who'd tell you all you want to know?"
 q have no relatives returned Rose, stiffly. "Parhaps it would be best if you'd just let me tell my story in my own words"
 By all means" said Mir. Lecket-.
 Its sad story" said Rose, pro- ducing a scent t-drenched handker- chief. But I mustn't be silly anl take up q lot of your time. :. For the first nine years of my life, Mir. Leckett, I was one of the-thr foundlings at the Sarah Sidley Home. I was called Alice Evans there because they just handed out names like they handed out clothes you're sure all this will be kept absolutely confidontial?"
 'S'lutely," agreed Mr. Leckett.
 Well, one day when l was abou; nine the matron sent for me and told me that it had been found out who was. l was Rose Conaldinr and my parents were dead and my guardian, Mr Perlo, had come to take me away
 "Pcrle?"
 Hes lawyer, pcrle and kevern."
 Its very old established firm" said Mr. Leckett, doubtfully. | mean there wouldn't be likely to be any mystery about anything Nr. Perle had to do with"
 Rose flushed crimson.
 'srhere may be two opinions about Mr. Perle,' she said. But I can see you think I'm wasting your time and I'm beginning to think p'raps I'm wasting my own.'
 Nothing of the kind" protested MT. Leckett. urging her back into her chair It's part of my job to b. cautious"
 Well, MT. Perle took me away from the home" went on Rose partly modified. And he sent me to one school after another and abroad with different friends O. his - during vacations. The last school was the best fun we did pretty we'll what We liked"
 "Thcy certainly know how to turn out the finished article" said M". Leckett with gallantry.
 At all these schools" pursued Rose. still further modified, it was always taken for granted I should inherit q lot Of money when I was twenty-on l mean, the principals and the others and the girls par ents all seemed 10 know about it, i