IV A PAPER SNAKE––––––––
ON the third floor was the bedroom of the maid, Estelle, and before its locked door stood Pauline and Anita, demanding admittance. There was no response from inside, until Pauline said sternly, “Unless you open this door at once, Estelle, the police will force it open.”
The key turned, the door moved slowly ajar, and Estelle’s face appeared, wearing an expression of amazement.
“What is it you say, Miss Pauline? The police? Why?”
The maid was making a very evident effort to appear composed, and was succeeding wonderfully well. Her eyes were reddened with weeping,—a condition which a hasty dabbing of powder had not concealed. She was nervously trembling, but her air of injured innocence, if assumed, was admirable.
“Estelle,” and Pauline loomed tall and magnifice
