Part 22 (2/2)

The members of the household were put through the third degree, but each declared his innocence in the matter.

”'Twas most likely Iry took it,” said Cory, who found the baby a convenient loophole for any accusations, ”and most likely he hez swallered it.”

Gus persisted in his oft-repeated statement, that there was nothing in the pocket when it was hung up during quarantine. This a.s.surance was conveyed to Colette by John, who hoped she might find solace in the thought that none of the renters could have had it, if this were true, but to his chagrin she found in his information an implied reflection on her veracity.

”Colette,” he said whimsically, ”only three persons connected with this affair have taken my remarks as personal, you, Brother Was.h.i.+ngton, and the thief.”

With this remark John, despairing of his ability to fathom the mystery of the article or to follow the caprices of Colette, dropped the matter completely.

CHAPTER XVIII

At half past eight on the morning indicated, Amarilly's ring at the door of the studio was answered by Derry, whose face was covered with lather.

”h.e.l.lo, Amarilly!” he exclaimed heartily, extending his hand in genial comrades.h.i.+p. ”I am glad to see you again. Been pretty well through the summer? Well, come on into the butler's pantry, and see what you can do in a coffee way while I finish shaving.”

Amarilly had been receiving instruction in domestic science, including table service, at the Guild school. Colette, interested in the studio work, had provided some minute muslin ap.r.o.ns and a little patch of linen for the head covering of the young waitress, advising her that she must wear them while serving breakfast. So when Derry emerged from his dressing-room, a trimly equipped little maid stood proudly and anxiously awaiting him.

”Why, bless your heart, Amarilly! I feel really domesticated. You look as natty as a new penny, and the little white cap is great on your hair.

I see you have remembered how to fix it.”

”Thank you, Mr. Derry, but please sit down while your coffee is hot.”

”'Deed I will, and if it tastes as good as it smells, I shall raise your remuneration.”

He p.r.o.nounced the coffee delicious, the grapefruit fixed to his liking, the toast crisp, and the eggs boiled just to the right consistency.

”And have you had breakfast, Amarilly?”

”Yes, Mr. Derry, at half past five.”

”Jiminy! you should be ready for another. Now talk to me while I eat.

Tell me about your reverend friend who was so daffy on the subject of pockets. Has he located any yet?”

Amarilly looked troubled.

”Miss King said I wa'n't to talk to you while I was serving.”

”Tell Miss King with Mr. Phillips' compliments that artists are not conventional, and that you and I are not in the relation to each other of master and maid. We are good friends, and quite _en famille_. You are such a fine cook, I think I shall have you serve me luncheon at one o'clock. Can you?” ”Oh, yes; I should love to, Mr. Derry.”

”I'll stock the larder, then. No; I can't be bothered, and I'd feel too much like a family man if I went about marketing. I'll give you _carte blanche_ to order what you will.”

”What's that, Mr. Derry?”

”Good! We mustn't neglect your education. I am glad you asked me. You might have always supposed it a breakfast-food.”

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