d heard
concerning their guest.

Claire had been very much in love with the grave, stately lady from
the first, and after a morning's chat with her, Mrs. Keith was not far
behind in admiration.

And the woman who had lived alone so much, found this cheery little
family circle very pleasant, so when Claire and her mother begged her
with much earnestness to remain with them, she did not refuse.

"I cannot resist the invitation which I feel to be so sincere," she
said. "I will remain with you for a time, at least, but I am too much
of a hermit to tarry long where there is such a magnet as this,"
turning to Claire.

And Claire laughingly declared that she would forswear society, and
don a veil of any thickness, if only Mrs. Ralston would share her
isolation.

So she stayed with them, and soon became as a dearly loved sister to
Mrs. Keith; while between herself and Claire, an attachment, as
unusual as it was strong, sprang into being. They drove together, read
together, talked together by the hour, and never seemed to weary of
each other's society.

Enthusiastic Claire wrote to Olive and Madeline, giving glowing
descriptions of her new found friend. But because of the events that
were making Olive and Madeline doubly dear to her, and because she
could not speak of them to a stranger, however loved and trusted,
Claire said little to Mrs. Ralston of her sister or of the little
heroine of Oakley.

CHAPTER XXX.

WAITING.

The expert who had been tracing out the goings and doings of Percy,
made his report.

After it had been thoroughly reviewed by Clarence and Olive, they were
forced to confess that they were not one whit the wiser. The detective
had found how and where Percy had squandered much of his fortune, but
had brought to light absolutely nothing that could be of use to his
employers. And so they abandoned the investigation in that direction.

But when the report of the Professor's case was sent in, they found
more cause for congratulation. First, it had been discovered that the
Professor had visited three different physicians, all of them men
bearing reputations not over spotless. Next he had made sundry
purchases from two different chemists; and third, last and all
important, he had been dogged to the bazaar of a dealer in theatrical
wares, where he had purchased a wig, beard, and other articles of
disguise.

Two days had passed since the above discoveries were reported. Then
the detective cal