Mary Louise Solves a Mystery

may. The little girl had been reared from babyhood in an atmosphere of luxury; through environment she had become an aristocrat from the top of her head to the tips of

had been accustomed to. Therefore she had no thought, at this time, of protest. Her own little room contained a small iron bed, one st

this room, solemnly regarding it,

e them somewhere in the studio. Covered with drapes, they won't

ot at the Voltaire, for the maids to sell or give a

last for a good many years," h

for me when-when-you said we'd go away. I'm growing fast, you know, and I

, setting his stern jaws together. "There's been a terrible wa

e electric lights, which were not very bright, and Alora took a look at the wo

some were scarcely begun. Lory tried to see what they represented. Perhaps she had inherited from her mother a bit of arti

hicago a new trunk-a small and inexpensive one-and there were two big trunks and a suitcase belonging to Alor

er. You won't need your coat, for the

the fumes of much ancient cookery. The linen was coarse, the plating worn from the forks and spoons through constant use, the dishes thic

nd the counter approached them and

it's to be a cash

a slight frown. "Also I'll pay you the o

ead-a liberty she indignantly re

ed her changed conditions with evident indifference. But as they ate together in silence her small features grew grave and thoughtful and her father shrank from meeting th

aughter, puffing uneasily. They were both reserved; there was an indefinable barrier between them which each w

to have no maid to wait upon her, but she was glad to have something to do. As she passed to and from the studio she noticed that her father had resumed work on a picture that represented two cows

she began to grow restless, for the place was hateful and repulsive t

, for it was elaborately trimmed and embroidered. She wore considerable jewelry, including diamonds; her shoes were elegant and her hose daintily clocked; her hat must have been a French milliner's choicest creation. If good

d the room with frank disdain, "this

ronted the woman wi

an by coming he

herself in the only easy chair the room contained. "In

don't you?" a

fortable and ought to be happy here, Jason-you a

disconcerting gravity. Alora's eyes expressed wonder, tinged with a haughty

t you have graduated from servitude. I cannot admit that my mode of living is any of your business,

next meal," she interjected. "Well, that ought to make you still more conte

so

ve me a check whenever I asked for it. I want it no

y, seeming fearful and

spare it a

u can and will spare it. I

use caused him to

ur rent now and eat three square meals a day, and not have to work and slave for them? You can smoke a good cigar after your dinner, instead of that eternal pipe, and go to a p

d uneasil

d wife's generos

t la

for the rest of your life. You're in luck. And why? Just because you are Jason Jones and long ago married Antoinette Sea

er father, Jason Jones, was now sole guardian. It was not strange that the man seemed annoyed and ill

tten Alora's requiremen

ut a simple life is best for her. She'll grow up a more sensible and competent woman by waiting on herself and living; as most

en she comes into her fortune,"

and the best thing you can do for her is to teach her economy-a virtue you seem to possess, whet

e desk, sat down and drew a

er's nurse, wanted money-Alora's money-and her father was reluctant to give it to her but dared not refuse. Money was an abstract quantity to the eleven year old child; she had never handled it personally and knew nothing of its value. If her father owed Janet some of

e check and, rising,

eed to give you, but I did not think you would demand it so s

n Jones, and you can't hoodwink me, try as you may. You hid yourself in this hole and thought I wouldn't know where to find you, but you'll soon learn that you can't escap

o call again!

no mood to quarrel with you, and you'd bette

ood in his place, still frowning, until Janet's high-heeled shoes had clattered down the two flights of stairs. Alora went to the window and looking

her. He was filing his pipe and