Mr. Gay was enjoying his lunch. He praised the food and the service to Mary Louise and exclaimed in surprise that the hotel was not well filled.
“It’s partly because of these robberies,” explained Mary Louise. “Several people have moved out just since I came. No wonder Mrs. Hilliard is worried.”
“But she feels encouraged since you found two of the thieves, doesn’t she?”
“Oh, yes, she’s tremendously pleased. She told me I had earned my money, and I could go home. But of course I’m not satisfied. The job’s only half done.”
The waitress approached the table, and offered a menu.
“I’ll take plum pudding,” announced Mr. Gay, “in celebration of the season. How about you, Mary Lou?”
“Chocolate sundae,” was her inevitable choice.
“Where,” inquired Mr. Gay, turning to his daughter, “did this aunt of Pauline’s live when she was in Philadelphia?”
“She stayed at the Ritz.”
“Never at Stoddard House?”