Part 15 (2/2)
I began to realize that the sisters had a family pride which did not include their brother's wife in their councils. Apparently she was, or they deemed her, of lesser birth or social standing. Personally, however, I greatly preferred the gentle kindliness of the widow to the aristocratic hauteur of the sisters.
Ruth Schuyler made no objection to the proposition, and seemed relieved that her advice would not be required.
”Who is in the house where Mr. Schuyler was--where he died?” she asked, hesitatingly.
”Only the police,” I answered, ”unless Miss Van Allen has returned.”
”Were--were there many people there--last night?”
Clearly, she wanted to know more details of the occasion, but didn't like to show curiosity.
”Yes,” I informed her, ”quite a number. It was Miss Van Allen's birthday, and so, a sort of little celebration.”
”Her birthday? How old was she?”
”I've no idea. I should guess about twenty-two or twenty-three.”
”Is she--is--what does she look like?”
The eternal feminine wanted to ask ”is she pretty?” but Ruth Schuyler's dignity scarcely permitted the question. I noticed, too, that the sisters listened attentively for my reply.
”Yes,” I said, truthfully, ”she is pretty. She is small, with very black hair, and large, dark gray eyes. She is exceedingly chic and 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?”
”Innocent!” exclaimed Miss Rhoda with utmost scorn.
”Some of her friends think her so,” I observed. ”Mrs. Reeves, a lady who was at the party, stayed in the house all night, and is, I think, there still.”
”Why did she do that?” asked Mrs. Schuyler, looking puzzled.
”She hoped Miss Van Allen would return, and she waited there to look after her.”
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