up-to-date as to costumes, and is of vivacious and charming manner."

"Humph!" sniffed Miss Rhoda, "an actress?"

"Not at all! Victoria Van Allen is a well-bred lady if there ever was
one."

"You are a staunch friend, Mr. Calhoun," and Mrs. Schuyler looked her
surprise.

"I speak only as I feel; I can't say surely that Miss Van Allen did
not commit this crime, for I know there is evidence against her. But I
can't reconcile 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 personal feelings in the matter have no
weight in law, and I stand ready to obey whatever orders you may give
in connection with a search for the missing girl."

"I don't know exactly what I do want done, yet, Mr. Calhoun," and Ruth
Schuyler glanced deferringly toward the sisters.

"No, we don't." For once Sarah agreed with Ruth. "After the funeral,
we can set our minds to the finding of the criminal. Of course, the
police will do all they can, meantime, to trace her?"

"Of course. And such a plan is best. She may return--"

"To a house guarded by police?" asked Ruth.

"Possibly. If she is innocent, why not?"