er, if
you had only thought of it and known where to look," Mona thoughtfully
observed.

"That is a bright idea," said Ray, quickly. "I honestly believe that
women would make keener and better detectives than men. But," with a
sigh, "I'm afraid it is too late now to put your theory to the test,
and perhaps I have brushed against its folds on the street a dozen times
since in a different color. Well, I suppose I must try to reconcile
myself to the inevitable and make up my mind that the stones are gone
beyond recovery, unless this Mrs. Vanderheck should prove to be the
thief. I have not much faith in the detective's theory, that the Chicago
adventuress and our diamond thief are one and the same."

"There seems to be a singular coincidence about the name of the lady who
so imposed upon you, and that of the one who is now under arrest," Mona
remarked.

"Yes, the only difference is in one letter, and if Mrs. Vanderheck does
not prove to be my charmer, or connected with her in any way, I shall be
tempted to believe that she purposely took a name so similar in order to
throw suspicion upon this woman," said the young man, thoughtfully.

"That may be; and is it not a little suspicious, too, that Mrs.
Vanderbeck should have mentioned an invalid husband when Mrs. Vanderheck
really has one?" Mona inquired.

"I had not thought of that before," Ray replied. "Still another singular
circumstance comes to my mind just at this moment. At the time I was
introduced to Mrs. Vanderheck, at Mrs. Merrill's reception, I repeated
the name as if it was spelled with a 'b,' and emphasized the last
syllable. The woman started, glanced at me curiously, and changed color
a trifle, while she did not seem to quite recover her self-possession
throughout our conversation."

"That does seem rather strange, considering all things," said Mona.
"Perhaps, after all, she may prove to be your adventuress; and yet she
must be a very bold one to flaunt her plunder so recklessly and in the
very presence of people who would be sure to recognize it."

They changed the subject after that, and chatted upon topics of a more
tender and interesting nature.

It was a delightful walk in the mild February air, and a pleasant
interview, and both were loath to part when they suddenly found
themselves at the other end of the pine-shadowed lane where it curved
into the main road again.

Ray took a tender leave of his dear one, then mounting his horse,
rode back ove