The Winter Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine

Author:S. S. Van Dine [Van Dine, S. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Detective, Mystery
Publisher: Anncona Media AB
Published: 1939-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter XI. FAREWELL SOIRÉE

(Saturday, January 18; 9 p.m.)

The afternoon had passed uneventfully. After lunch Carlotta Naesmith and Stanley Sydes invited Vance to go with the others and watch their practice routine on the ice. He had politely declined. Richard Rexon, who likewise remained at the Manor, had talked briefly with Vance regarding the stolen emeralds and spent the rest of the afternoon brooding about the matter. Miss Joan retired to her sitting room for a rest. The house was unusually quiet.

At dinner there was excited talk about the party. Especially were there mysterious hints of a surprise performer whom Mr. Rexon had invited for the occasion. No one seemed to have any specific information, however.

Dinner over, the older guests assembled on the veranda, grouping themselves on either side of Miss Joan's chaise longue at the center window. The night was clear and not too cold.

Shortly before nine Marcia Bruce brought Miss Joan out to her place.

"Please pull up a chair for Ella beside me," the girl requested. "She should be here any minute now."

Miss Bruce complied.

Doctor Quayne came up. After a word of encouragement to Miss Joan and a greeting to Richard, he seated himself beside Carrington Rexon behind the young people. Jacques Bassett stood against the closed doors at the rear. Lieutenant O'Leary unobtrusively found a place for himself.

A high, old-fashioned phonograph was wheeled out to the rink by Higgins and another servant. A box of records was carried down.

Vance, on skates, in immaculate evening attire, with a white muffler at his throat, appeared on the rink. Additional lights were turned on as he came forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began in mock ceremonious style. His voice was clear and resonant. "I have been honored with the privilege of conducting this memorable event. I confidently promise you an evening of most unusual regalement."

General applause greeted his statement.

"We have with us tonight," he proceeded with exaggerated formality, "performers of wide renown. I might even say, of world-wide renown. Most of you, I am sure, will recognize each name as it is announced..."

Another round of applause drowned out his next words.

"The first of our guest stars," he resumed, "is Miss Sally Alexander. She will entertain you in her own incomparable manner."

Miss Alexander came up from the pavilion, a smiling urchin in colorful tatters, skating gracefully into the spotlight thrown from an upper window of the Manor. She sang a gay Parisian chansonette of dubious significance, and was rewarded with much laughter and cheering. Her next number was a monologue depicting an intoxicated celebrity attempting to thread his way through a bevy of admiring debutantes. Skates made the task none too easy. The small audience was genuinely amused, their approval long and loud.

Vance assisted the young woman back to the pavilion and returned with Dahlia Dunham and Chuck Throme, both in trunks and jerseys. They skated into the spotlight and made a deep bow. Vance raised the young woman's hand.

"On my right, wearing red trunks," he announced, "is Miss Dahlia Dunham--a most charmin' battler, with many a vict'ry to her credit.

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