About that time Paichoux began a most laborious correspondence with a fashionable jeweler in New York, which resulted in some very valuable information concerning a watch with a diamond monogram.
CHAPTER XXX
AT MRS. LANIER’S
It was a few days before the following Christmas, and Mrs. Lanier, who had just returned from Washington, was sitting alone one evening in her own pretty little parlor, when a servant handed her a card.
“Arthur Maynard,” she read. “Let him come up at once”; and as the servant left the room she added to herself: “Dear boy! I’m so glad he’s come for Christmas.”
In a moment a handsome young fellow was in the room, shaking hands in the most cordial way.
“You see I’m home, as usual, for the holidays, Mrs. Lanier,” he said, showing a row of very white teeth when he laughed.
“Yes, you always do come for Christmas and Mardi-gras, don’t you? You’re such a boy still, Arthur,” and Mrs. Lanier looked at him as if she approved of his boyishness. “Sit down and let us have a long chat. The children have gone to the theater with Mr. Lanier. I was too tired to go with them. You know we reached home only this morning.”
“No. I didn’t know that or I wouldn’t have come. You don’t want to be bothered with me when you’re so tired,” said Arthur, rising.
“Nonsense, Arthur; sit down. You always cheer me up. You’re so full of life and spirits, I’m really glad to see you.”
While Mrs. Lanier was speaking, the young fellow’s bright, clear eyes were traveling about the room, and glancing at everything, pictures, bric-à-brac, and flowers. Suddenly he uttered an exclamation, and, springing up, seized a photograph in a velvet frame that stood on a cabinet near him.