"Often those who are closely concerned with such tragedies do not observe the evidences of crime as clearly as outsiders." "Where did you get that information ?" demanded Patsy.
"From one of Anna Doyle Oppenheim's detective stories," answered Beth, seriously.

"I've been reading up on such things, lately." "Detective stories," said Louise, reflectively, "are only useful in teaching us to observe the evidences of crime.

This case, for example, is so intricate and unusual that only by careful thought, and following each thread of evidence to its end, can we hope to bring the criminal to justice." "That seems to me conceited," observed Miss Doyle, composedly.
"Detective stories don't have to stick to facts; or, rather, they can make the facts to be whatever they please.

So I don't consider them as useful as they are ornamental.

And this isn't a novel, girls; it's mostly suspicion and slander." "You don't seem able to be in earnest about anything," objected Beth, turning a little red.
"But I try to be." said Patricia.
"We are straying from the subject now under discussion," remarked Louise.