“That threat is not necessary,” exclaimed Tom, his anger rising. “And speaking of making criminal investigations, sir; hadn’t you better watch a member of your own family?” Calhoun-Cooper recoiled, and before he could recover from the emotion that mastered him, Tom was out of the club and into his roadster. As the car shot away into the darkness, Tom laid his head wearily on the steering wheel. “In God’s name,” he mumbled, “how can I question the girl I adore as to how a piece of jewelry came into her possession?” CHAPTER XVII OUT OF THE FRYING-PAN MRS. FORDYCE awoke from her nap to discover Janet earnestly regarding her from the depths of a big tufted arm-chair. “Bless me, Cutie!” she ejaculated. “Have I been asleep?” “You certainly have,” admitted Janet laughing. It was not often her mother called her by the familiar, schoolgirl nickname. “And snoring, too.” “Janet!” “Well, just a little snore,” hastily, noting her mother’s offended expression. “I wouldn’t have disturbed you, mumsie, dear, if I hadn’t thought Marjorie was here with you. I am sorry my entrance awoke you.” “I have no business to be sleeping at this hour.” Mrs. Fordyce shook herself more fully awake and glanced at the clock. “Are you not lunching with the Thayers today?” “Not going there until Saturday,” shortly. “Thank goodness I’m having a little rest today.” “Are you tired, dear?” “Somewhat,” reluctantly. “Then perhaps you had better give up going to the dance tonight----?” “Miss the Charity Ball? Well, I guess not. Why, mumsie, they say that’s the greatest fun ever.” “I was only thinking of your health; you and Marjorie have both gone out rather strenuously this past week, and Marjorie is showing the strain also.” “Then let her stay at home,” calmly. “I’m quite capable of taking care of myself; and, mumsie, people are laughing at me for being tied to Marjorie’s apron-strings.” “What people?” “Oh, some of the girls,” vaguely. “When you come down to it, mumsie, it is rather annoying to have to ask advice and instruction from a girl only a few years older than I.” Mrs. Fordyce looked troubled. “Has Marjorie been officious in any way?” “N--no,” reflectively. “But going to Marjorie for advice and seeing her presiding in your place isn’t agreeable to me. I miss you, mumsie, dear.” “My baby girl!” Mrs. Fordyce crossed the room and gave her daughter a loving kiss and hug. “And I miss you; but, dearest, it is impossible for me to take part in the gay world, and I made this arrangement with Marjorie as the best way to further your interests and pleasure. Duncan tells me she is extremely popular and....” “Oh, Duncan!” Janet shrugged her shoulders disdainfully. “Duncan will tell you anything to keep Marjorie here--he’s crazy about her.” “What!” Mrs. Fordyce dropped back in her chair and gazed with astonished eyes at Janet. “Haven’t you noticed his infatuation?”