A Theft in the Dark

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Adventurous Lord Stranleigh has returned from Labrador, laden with the spoils, including a ship load of gold and the title to the mine. He is welcomed graciously by Lady Sinclair, who at once proposes a dinner and hall in Stranleigh's honor. He is introduced to Lady Sinclair's youngest sister, Genevieve, and also a gay youngster known as Ralph Vernon. Stranleigh, who has been seeking a chance to propose to Lady Sinclair, thinks it the psychological time and puts the question, but Lady Sinclair cannot take him seriously and dispatches the matter with a tantalizing laugh. Lady Sinclair is called away to accompany a skating party and Lord Stranleigh is also invited. After a few contortions, uncontrollable, of course, he removes his skates and goes to a deserted part of the lake to nurse a few bruises. He is aroused by a sound in the hedge near him and upon investigating, sees Vernon and Genevieve engaged in amorous converse. Thinking he is intruding, he leaves the spot and the party eventually returns to Gaythorn Manor. The hall in Stranleigh's honor is on New Year's Eve. A few seconds before twelve o'clock, the lights are dimmed, and on the stroke of the hour a beautiful goddess steps from the large Michaelangelo clock, and tosses roses among the guests. She retreats to the clock and the lights are thrown up. Lady Sinclair interrupts the hand-shaking by suggesting that the dance go on. It is the Elizabethan period and Lady Sinclair is dressed as Elizabeth. She wears a handsome necklace of the purest pearls, valued at 10,000 pounds. Lord Stranleigh and the hostess repair to the conservatory, and suddenly she discovers that her necklace has been stolen. A search of the vacated ballroom discloses nothing of the jewelry. Addressing the guests who are at dinner. Lord Stranleigh tells them that detectives from Scotland Yard will search everyone that morning, and although there are some remarks of protest against such a flagrant indignity which is certain to be caused the guests all agree to the search. Soon after, Stranleigh overhears a telephone message from Vernon to a confederate in London, and by some clever work gets possession of the necklace which Vernon thinks he is handing to the confederate. To prevent an exposé, Stranleigh promises Vernon immunity if he will leave the place. Vernon attempts to elope with Genevieve, but is frustrated. In appreciation, Lady Sinclair changes her name to Lady Stranleigh, and the Stranleigh series is pleasantly concluded.