Vicky Van

to me that the bell rang almost continually. The police people answer

iver and heard Mr.

I've talked with her over the telephone, and she asked me to come up there, but I've got the Crittendon case on this morning, and I can't ge

the rich man's widow should so readily

ith tears, as I took leave of her. "Of course, the Schuylers will pu

s. Schuyler the

f the doubt? For there is a doubt. Why shoul

't a stranger to

, before he came, tha

"I've been thinking this thing over. Suppose Vicky did know M

before. There was not the least sign of recognition. Besides, that isn't like Vicky-to have a millionaire and a marrie

huyler knows som

up for Vicky, as far as you c

that," I replied, as I

I looked at the house, which I had bee

nd as I glanced up I noticed that all the window shades were down. The floral emblem of dea

It was not a cheerful room; the appointments were heavy and somber, though evidently the woods and fabr

Mrs. Schuyler c

ress, she had looked almost pretty, but now, in a black gown, without eve

wed dark shadows, as of utter weariness. She

and inflection betokened New England ancestry, or training. "As you were her

"that you look on me like that. Please tell me anything

dignified address. She had the air of bewildered helplessness that always appeals to a man, but she had,

r speech. But she controlled it, and went on. "There is so much to be gone

st assured you shall be. But there is much ahead of you that will be

and all that?" she whispe

or several days, probably. You kn

nd her. Why should she kill my husband? Have you any the

ch I mean, I have met her

in her o

ended studio parties

hemian

ul girl, bright and of merry spirits, but

I cannot believe a really nice, correct young

uyler to her house. As near as we can make out, Mr. Steele brought

shame stain

flects against my husband. Must all

aw is inexorable in it

y can't the whole affair be hushed up? Personally, I would far rather never find the girl-ne

proceedings. Of course, if Miss Van Allen is never found, the affair must remain

be paid, her household effects looked af

understand s

business people-lawyer, bank or cred

she must surely return to

vants? What

al menage that Vicky

was int

id. "She sounds to me

that. She has

oes she

quiet, self-reliant little person, a

to the houses of complete strangers and get murdered by them! And I hope she will never be found, for it might bring out a story of scandal or shame that will always cling to Mr. Schuyler's

Schuyler, but tha

ould help me-I'm

ury had had this job instead of myself, for I am soft-hearted wher

er sisters came into the lib

We can't believe it! I wish I had that girl h

rought to judgment. An eye for an eye and a

. "It won't bring Randolph back, to punish hi

be avenged. I'm ashamed of you, Ruth, if you let any idea of

rt or expense, Mr. Calhoun, to find th

less under the iron hand of the family opinion. "Of course, if you feel that way, I s

ame demands the strongest powers of the law. I only fear that the most desperate ef

ttered by Rhoda Schuyler's sharp tong

Miss Schuyler. I think she

arch for her. Scour the country. Don't let her get away be

t. Put it in the paper at once; a large re

your own purpose? Miss Van Allen doubtless will see the papers, wherever she may

I am sure, Rhoda, we oughtn't to do anything like th

everything to Randolph. How

on to be brave and strong. "Now, Mr. Calhoun, what is there to be discussed in a

"The will can be examined at your convenience, and any questions of securities or money can

ends to bills and tradesmen. My greatest wish is for a secretary or some person to w

umed that the rich man's wife h

nce, "Mr. Schuyler didn't wish me to have a se

it is nece

at you, Ruth! You know how Randolph objected to such

it is now. You've no idea what a task it will be. All our friends and many of R

and I will attend to our own. A great many, doubtless, but not too

or two, Mr. Calhoun, and then, if, as I believe, the matte

rs, and yet she knows better than to have any open disagreement. I'll bet she gets her s

she continued, without waiting for com

at the harassed white face. "Probably this afternoon. Ca

yler shuddered. "Those d

see the undertaker's men, Ruth. I think Rhoda and I will know better what

ir councils. Apparently she was, or they deemed her, of lesser birth or social standing. Personally, how

he proposition, and seemed relieved

r. Schuyler was-where he die

nswered, "unless Miss

e many people t

re details of the occasion, bu

r. It was Miss Van Allen's birthday,

day? How o

ld guess about twenty

hat does she

Schuyler's dignity scarcely permitted the question. I notic

black hair, and large, dark gray eyes. She is exceedingly chic and

ed Miss Rhoda,

Allen is a well-bred lad

Mr. Calhoun," and Mrs. Sc

the deed with her character, as I know it, and I, for one, shall wait further developments before I condemn her. But, of course, Mrs. Schuyler, my person

hat I do want done, yet

deferringly tow

eral, we can set our minds to the finding of the criminal. Of c

uch a plan is bes

arded by polic

she is innoc

imed Miss Rhoda w

rs. Reeves, a lady who was at the party, stayed in

?" asked Mrs. Schuyl

would return, and she wait

ind. Who is

lightly, but she is a warm-hearted and a most capable a

o you c

er Vicky Van. It-it

hought her at first; but, all the same, she murdered

our feelings toward her

uyl