looking with interest at the gorgeous confection.

"They're really for birthdays," said Mrs. Reeves, "and to-day is
Vicky's birthday. That was part of her surprise. She didn't want it
known, lest the guests should bring gifts. She's like a child, Vicky
is, just as happy over a birthday party as a little girl would be."

"What does Miss Van Allen look like?" asked the detective.

"She's pretty," replied Mrs. Reeves, "awfully pretty, but not a raving
beauty. Black hair, and bright, fresh coloring--"

"How was she dressed? Giddy clothes?"

"In an evening gown," returned Mrs. Reeves, who resented the
detective's off-hand manner. "A beautiful French gown, of tulle and
gold trimmings."

"Low-necked, and all that? Jewels?"

"Yes," I said, as Mrs. Reeves disdained to answer. "Full evening
costume, and a necklace and earrings of amber set in gold."

"Well, what I'm getting at is," said Lowney, "a woman dressed like
that couldn't go very far in the streets without being noticed. We'll
surely be able to trace Miss Van Allen. Where would she be likely to
go?"

"I don't know," said Mrs. Reeves. "She wouldn't go to my home, I live
'way down in Washington Square."