Page:The Star in the Window.pdf/256



T was when she had gotten as far as the door that led into the hall that she saw Louise Bartholomew. She was seated at a table with a dozen or so other young people, who evidently had run over from some nearby summer colony for an evening of dancing. Reba knew by the expression on Louise's face that she must have been aware of her presence there for some time. She gave no start of surprise as their eyes met. Reba smiled faintly at her, and passed swiftly out into the hall. She did not mount the stairs to the dressing-room, but immediately approached the outside door, and went out onto the long veranda. She walked the length of it, and down the few steps at the far end, which led to the large open parking-space, well-filled now with a confusing lot of automobiles, and a few chauffeurs. Reba did not know just where Chadwick Booth had left his car. She had not been with him then, but she knew its number and appearance. Besides, there was the little green cross to simplify her search still more.

She discovered the car inside of three minutes hidden behind two limousines, and quickly went up to it. Chadwick Booth had taken the precaution to lock both of the doors, and for a moment Reba feared that it would be necessary for her to leave behind the motor-coat and silk sweater, which she was very well aware was rolled up inside the coat. She observed, however, that one of the glass windows was not quite closed,