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BEAR IN MIND
MILLY TAIDEN

LATIN GODDESS PRESS, INC.

 CONTENTS

Bear in Mind
About the Book

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Milly Taiden
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 BEAR IN MIND
PARANORMAL DATING AGENCY

NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

MILLY TAIDEN
 ABOUT THE BOOK

SIGN UP FOR MILLY TAIDEN’S NEWSLETTER FOR LATEST NEWS,

GIVEAWAYS, EXCERPTS, AND MORE!
http://eepurl.com/pt9q1

Private Investigator, Summer Delgado hopes Gerri can find her twin
sister a man. If anyone needs a happily ever after, it's Winter. But
not Summer. She’s got no time for romance. Even if it’s wrapped in
smoking-hot shifter muscles. She's got to focus on the break-in at
Gerri Wilder's apartment. Who needs a sexy, grumpy bear stomping
around? Not Summer. Nope. Gerri has other plans, of course.

As the alpha of his den, Quinn Teddy isn't interested in finding a

mate. He's got other things to worry about. Like getting Gerri
Wilder's recipes and helping his ailing father. He’s also got a missing
mother and twin brother to find. When he collides into Summer, his
bear reacts. Both man and animal want to bask in her sunny
presence. But Teddy knows he shouldn't have time for the sassy
beauty. Even if she does have curves in all the right places. But he
can't stay away.

Thankfully, Summer’s a gifted private investigator and agrees to help

Quinn. Together, they‘ll follow a new trail of clues to recover the
missing Teddy family members. The quest will test their budding
relationship and put Summer's life on the line. Quinn has already lost
so much. He'll do anything to keep her safe from the dangers of his
past.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or
have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any
resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely
coincidental.

Published By
Latin Goddess Press
Winter Springs, FL 32708
http://millytaiden.com
Bear in Mind
Copyright © 2019 by Milly Taiden
Edited by: Tina Winograd
Cover: Jacqueline Sweet
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in
critical articles and reviews.
Property of Milly Taiden
October 2019

Created with Vellum

 —For my PDA lovers

I hope you love Gerri’s newest match!

 CHAPTER ONE

A knock at the door and a peek through the peephole had

Gerri Wilder smiling. It had been too long since she’d seen
her old friend and a surprise visit was just what she needed
today. She swung the door open and laughed. “I can’t believe you’re
here and didn’t tell me you were coming! Come inside. I just made a
fresh batch of scones.”
“Thank you, dear. It’s been too long since we got to talk face to
face. Tristan had some local business, so I tagged along.” Barbara
Wolfe stretched out her arms.
Gerri chuckled and leaned in to hug her one of her most trusted
confidants. “I’ve missed you. I’m excited you came today. I actually
have a meeting with a young woman who wants her twin sister set
up on a date.” She stepped into the living room, waving her hand
over her shoulder. “I know you love matchmaking as much as I do.
This should be fun, don’t you think?”
Barbara shut the front door and followed behind Gerri. “Yes, I
think this could be quite fun. But before we get into the details of
the match…I heard about the break-in. Have you found out who is
behind it? Any news about what’s really going on?”
Gerri sat on her couch and picked up the plate of scones. “Scone,
dear?”
Barbara settled next to her with a small smirk. “I would love one
and stop trying to distract me.” Barbara bit into the scone and
moaned lightly. “I’m not sure it’s possible but your baking has gotten
even better.” Barbara glanced at the plate of scones and Gerri
laughed.
“Don’t worry, I have more in the kitchen. I’m sure Tristan would
love a little treat on your way back to Blue Creek.” Barbara didn’t
reply but lifted an eyebrow. Gerri sighed. “Fine, my sources haven’t
found out who was behind the break-in yet. Everything is at a
standstill while we wait for something else to happen. I’m not really
worried, though. He was human after all. Now tell me what brings
you to my town?” Gerri picked up the freshly made pot of tea and
filled both their cups.
“Nothing important, really. Tristan has a lunch meeting with some
old acquaintances. I tagged along to see you, and maybe…meddle in
someone’s love life. You get to match far more people than I do.”
Barbara added sugar and cream to her drink and sat back with a
smile.
“You arrived right on time then. My next appointment should be
here any second now.” Gerri glanced at her watch to confirm the
hour.
“Right, the twin who wants her sister matched. I assume you’re
planning on matching both sisters. Am I right?” Barbara’s eyes
twinkled over the top of the teacup as she sipped.
A knock at the door came before Gerri had a chance to reply.
“Oh, right on time. I can’t wait to meet this young lady.”
Gerri shook her head at Barbara’s excitement as she answered
the front door.
She opened it to see a woman in her mid-twenties. “Welcome,
I’m Gerri Wilder. Please, come inside.”
The young woman smiled and walked into the apartment. “Hello,
Mrs. Wilder. I’m Summer Delgado. I contacted you about my sister,
Winter.”
Gerri shut the door and gestured to the living room. “Please
come in and have a seat. This is my old friend Barbara Wolfe. I hope
you don’t mind if she joins us for our chat today. We don’t get to see
each other often and she is in town for the day.”
Gerri took a seat on the couch next to Barbara and offered a
chair across from them for Summer to sit.
 “Hello, Summer. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for
allowing me to intrude on your visit today.” Barbara reached out to
shake hands with Summer and glanced at Gerri.
“Hi, thank you for meeting me so quickly, Mrs. Wilder. I wasn’t
expecting a fast response, but I do appreciate it.” Summer ran her
hands down her thighs and glanced around the room.
“Shall we jump right in? Tell us about your sister, Winter, please.
Lovely names you have, by the way.”
Summer smiled and chuckled lightly. “Our parents were always a
bit out there. Free spirits, if you will. They were obsessed with the
changing of the seasons and when we were born… Well, when you
meet my sister you can see how fitting our names are.”
Barbara let out a loud laugh. “You were named Summer because
of your darker complexion and brown hair?”
Summer chuckled. “They said I smiled like the summer sun
shining on them.”
Gerri said, “Not to pry, dear, but your parents are…”
Summer glanced at Barbara then Gerri. “My mom is Latina and
my dad is Caucasian. My sister and I are fraternal twins. When I was
born, I had red hair and a natural tan. My mom swears genetics had
a field day with me. As I got older, my hair mellowed into this shade
of brown.
“My sister, though, I call her Snow. Not just because her name is
Winter, but she has midnight black hair, blue eyes, and the palest
skin. No one ever believes we are twins.” She smiled and leaned
back in her chair.
“She sounds lovely. Tell me about you. If you don’t mind.”
Barbara nodded eagerly at Gerri’s question.
“Me? But I’m here for my sister. Don’t you want to know about
her?” Summer glanced back and forth between Barbara and Gerri, a
look of confusion on her face.
Gerri leaned forward and patted her hand. “You’re twins, so
getting to know you helps us know her, too.”
“Exactly right. Now, are you single?” Barbara asked a little too
enthusiastically, and Summer jumped up from her chair.
 CHAPTER TWO

“O h no, you don’t. I’m not here to be matched, just my

sister! I’ll tell you all about her, but don’t even think
about setting me up. I’m too busy with work and I
don’t want to deal with a man. Even a sexy shifter is not in the cards
for me. Please, just concentrate on Winter.” Summer paced the living
room, her hands clenching and unclenching.
Gerri stood and stepped into her path. “Okay, tell us about your
sister and we’ll come up with the best way for her to meet her mate.
Would you be willing to help out if needed?”
Summer walked back to her chair and plopped down in it. “Help
how?”
Barbara leaned forward on the couch and smiled at Summer. “For
instance, accompanying her to an event. Maybe a double date so
she isn’t aware that you are involved. Depending on how we go
about this, we may need your help getting her to agree. That’s all
Gerri meant.”
Gerri smiled from behind Summer. Barbara was a crafty wolf and
hid the real reasoning behind the logic. It was plausible, but it was
not why they wanted Summer’s help. It worked well enough,
though.
Summer glanced at Gerri over her shoulder and then back to
Barbara. “Of course, I’ll help in any way I can.”
Gerri moved back to her seat on the couch. “Tell us about Winter,
please.”
 “Winter is my polar opposite. She is shy, quiet, and a bookworm.
She is an event planner and a type-A personality when it comes to
organization. She can be a total badass and stand up for what she
believes in. When it comes to dating and her social life, well, she is a
homebody.
“She gets bashful and nervous and sometimes won’t even make
eye contact.” Summer tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair. “I
don’t know what her type of guy is, but she needs someone who will
understand her. Someone who will cater to both sides of her
personality.”
“Why are you nervous? You paced my living room and now you
can’t keep still in your chair. What makes you so uncomfortable?”
Gerri picked up her teacup. “I apologize for my bad manners. Would
you like a cup of tea?”
Barbara stood. “I’ll grab you a cup from the kitchen. You must try
one of her scones. They are to die for.”
Summer sat in her chair gawking at Barbara as she rushed into
the kitchen. “I guess tea would be good.” She turned back to Gerri.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I wasn’t sure what to expect today and your
questions about me threw me off.”
Gerri waved her words away. “Don’t worry, dear. It sounds to me
like you need a good man in your bed to take away your stress. I’m
a big fan of stress relief through orgasms.”
Barbara returned with a teacup and saucer. “I’m in total
agreement with Gerri. Sex with the right man can blow your mind,
and when you add in the right companionship...it’s perfect. That’s
what Gerri does and what I dabble in at home.”
Summer’s mouth hung open. “Um. What?”
Gerri laughed. “They all have the same response to that,
Barbara. They think we get old and can’t or don’t enjoy sex
anymore. Sad, isn’t it?”
Barbara sat on the couch. “You should see the residents of Blue
Creek when they see me come down the street. Some actually cross
to get away from me! It’s crazy. I only want what’s best for them.”
“No, it’s not that,” Summer replied. “I guess I’m not used to
women being so frank about orgasms and sex. And my sex life is not
up for discussion. I’m here about my sister.” Summer’s voice rose at
the end of her statement.
“Okay, Winter is an event planner, hmm? Gerri, I think a
Christmas party might be in order. You could hire Winter to plan it.”
Barbara grinned at Gerri.
“Yes, I’ve been thinking it’s time for another party. On that note,
I can hire Finn Blackburn to do security for the event.” Gerri scooted
back in her chair, quite pleased with this new angle.
“Mrs. Wilder, if I may ask, why do you need security? Is this a
standard thing for your events or am I missing something?” Summer
chewed on her bottom lip.
Gerri wasn’t sure if Summer knew she was doing that, but she
could guess why she was anxious. “There’s nothing to endanger
your sister. The person I’m thinking to set her up with is the man
who owns the security firm. They would have to work together to
plan and set up logistics. She won’t even have to know you had a
hand in this.”
“I wasn’t worried about Winter. She doesn’t have any enemies,
but I thought you might have some issues that you need help with. I
didn’t mention it before, but I’m a private investigator.” Summer
shifted in her chair and pulled out her cell phone from her pocket.
“Let me help you in exchange for setting up my sister. I was told you
don’t normally take money. I’ll barter with my own services.”
Gerri glanced at Barbara and then back to Summer. “A few weeks
ago, my apartment was broken into. It was a human, but I haven’t
been able to get any other information. I don’t know what he was
after, but he was in my office. What do you have in mind to help
me?”
“Let me do some digging and get back to you. But I need to go. I
have a lunch date with Winter. I’ll mention we met and you are
looking for an event planner. Is it okay to have her call you?”
Summer stood and took a few steps toward the door.
“I’d rather she stop by. I would like to talk face to face and get a
better idea of who is right for her.” Gerri walked her to the door.
“Thank you for coming. We’ll be in touch soon, I assume?”
 Summer nodded and waved bye to Barbara before walking out.
As soon as the door shut, Barbara broke into loud laughter. “You are
the most devious woman I’ve ever met. But that young lady does
need a good orgasm. So, who do you have in mind?”
“I think this is one case I won’t have to do much meddling. If my
senses are correct, she should be meeting her mate at the elevator
right about now. My job will be to keep pushing them together and
make sure the stubborn girl doesn’t send him away.”
 CHAPTER THREE

S ummer walked to the elevator, going over everything she just

learned from Gerri and Barbara, making notes on her phone.
She was excited to tell Winter about the new job. This would
be a big event. Gerri Wilder was known for throwing extravagant
parties and everyone wanted to attend. This could really give her
sister’s business a boost!
A chime signaled the elevator’s arrival. Summer stepped inside,
not watching where she went, and bumped into someone. “Oh,
excuse me. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was
going.” She glanced up and paused as the doors closed.
Just her luck to bump into one of the most handsome men she
had ever seen. A few inches taller than her own 5’6,” his gorgeous
brown eyes mesmerized her. “You should really take notice where
you’re going, ma’am. Try taking your eyes off your phone for two-
seconds and you wouldn’t have this issue.”
Summer quickly stepped back and stared at the rude man. “I just
left a meeting, if you must know, and was jotting down a few notes.”
“If that’s how you conduct business, then I hope we never have
to work together. Have you ever heard of taking notes while in the
meeting?” The man leaned against the elevator wall and glared at
her.
“Wow. Miserable much? Who are you, anyway?” Summer couldn’t
believe this man gave her shit over a simple bump. Who the hell was
he to lecture anyone?
 “A successful business owner.” He smirked at her then turned to
face the doors as they opened. “After you.” He gestured for her to
exit before him.
She walked out of the elevator and spun around. “Who are you?”
She glared as he strolled out of the elevator and turned. “Where are
you going? I want to know who you are.”
He ignored her and walked to the couches on the far side of the
lobby.
She gaped at him while he sat and pulled out his cell phone.
With a huff, she spun around and stalked over to the bellman who
stood just inside the lobby doors.
“Excuse me, sir. May I ask you a few questions?”
The middle-aged man turned with a smile. “Of course. How can I
help you?”
Summer glanced down at his name tag. “Thank you, Barry. I’m a
Private Investigator and I’m looking into the break-in at Gerri
Wilder’s apartment. Do you know anything about it?”
Summer assumed there were a couple of people that worked the
door at the apartment complex, but they probably gossiped. At least,
she hoped they did.
“Yes, ma’am, I heard about it. I wasn’t on duty that night,
though.” Barry shuffled his feet and looked around the room.
“I just had a few questions about the policies here. Can anyone
visit a resident or do they have to be let in after certain hours?” This
morning Barry had opened the door and asked her which apartment
she was visiting. All she had said was Gerri’s name. He didn’t ask her
to sign in or verify her destination.
“After eight p.m., we have to buzz the door open. We aren’t
security, though.”
“Understood. Do you have a visitors’ log or video cameras?” She
glanced at the man from the elevator, but he hadn’t moved from the
couch. She could feel his eyes on her back.
“No, ma’am, we don’t keep track of who comes and goes unless
someone calls ahead to let us know they’re getting visitor.” He
sighed and looked down at the floor. “We don’t do that here. The
owner says the residents like their privacy and don’t want their
guests on video. I’m sorry.” Barry shuffled away and opened the
door for a young couple walking in.
“Hey, Barry, I’ve got one more question for you.” She walked
closer and lowered her voice. “Do you know that man over there,
the one sitting on the couch?”
“Yes, ma’am. He comes to visit Mrs. Wilder every week. He’s
usually here about twenty minutes then leaves.” Barry glanced at the
man and then back to her.
“Thank you. Do you happen to know his name?”
“No, sorry. But he’s coming over here, so you can ask him.” Barry
smirked and stepped away.
Summer spun around to find the man standing right behind her.
“Princess, are you asking about me?” His husky voice sent the
nerve endings in her body tingling.
“Part of my job. Why do you visit Gerri Wilder every week? Trying
to get something from her maybe? Are you with the person who
broke into her apartment?” Summer fired rapid questions at him,
hoping to catch some sign of guilt. Maybe a small smile, an evasive
look, or even shock.
“You think I broke into her apartment and what? Gerri Wilder is a
shifter. If I broke in, she would know. I do visit her weekly. She
knows my scent and would know it was me. You don’t know much
about shifters, do you?”
He stepped closer and Summer’s mouth dried up. His scent was
amazing, and she was having trouble focusing on his words. “Please
tell me your name.”
“Quinn Teddy.” He leaned in closer and inhaled.
“Did you just sniff me? What kind of shifter are you?” She hoped
it wasn’t rude to ask, but she had to know more about this man.
He laughed and she swore she heard a rumble. “Yes, I did. I’m a
bear.”
“Wait, you’re a bear and your last name is Teddy? Oh, what a
cruel joke fate played on you. Quinn the teddy bear. Holy shit and
you’re a bear. A classic teddy bear!” Summer could feel the tears
streaming down her face, but she couldn’t control her laughter.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying this. Now, tell me your name.”
 “Summer Delgado.”
“Well, Summer. I’ve got somewhere to be, but I will be in touch.”
Quinn walked back to the elevators. Summer stared at his ass in
his tight blue jeans. If he looked that good in them, she could
imagine how sweet he would look out of them. Now she just had to
rule him out as a suspect for the break-in. As a shifter, Gerri could
scent him, but that didn’t mean a human wasn’t doing his dirty
work.
The elevator dinged and Quinn stepped inside, turning and
leaning against the wall. He stared at her and gave her a smirk as
the doors shut.
 CHAPTER FOUR

T he elevator doors shut, and Quinn closed his eyes and

banged his head against the wall. He hadn’t meant to be
rude to his mate, but the elevator doors opened, and he
smelled her before he saw her. It was a punch to the gut. He meant
to get off on the floor to see Gerri. But the beautiful Summer hadn’t
been paying attention and walked right into him. His response was
instant, and he regretted it. Seeing the fire in her eyes was worth it.
He wondered how long it would take her to question why he sat
in the lobby watching her, just to get in the elevator and go back up.
He looked like a damn idiot. He groaned out loud. He should forget
he met her and go back to his den. He had too much to deal with,
and a grumpy mate was not on his to-do list. Especially as a bear.
He was supposed to be the grumpy one, dammit.
The elevator dinged and he realized he was back on Gerri’s floor.
He stepped off as soon as the doors opened and glanced down the
hall to see Gerri standing in her hallway waiting on him.
“You’re late, bear. That’s a first for you.”
“Somehow, I think you know exactly why I’m late this week.”
Quinn’s suspicions were confirmed when she smirked.
“Come inside, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.” Gerri
stepped back and waved him into the living room.
Quinn was just about out of social niceties, but he would do what
he must. Gerri had something he wanted, and one day, she would
give in. “You mean other than my mate? I know you somehow set it
up so we would meet today.”
“My dear boy, how could I make it that you would be arriving just
as she left, hmmm? Before you answer that question, I’d like to
introduce you to my old friend Barbara Wolfe. She’s from Blue
Creek.” Gerri sat on the sofa with a grin.
Quinn tried to hide his shock at the newest development. “As for
the how, I’m sure you set her appointment just before mine. You
knew I would run into her here either as I was leaving or arriving.
You’re a crafty lady.”
He turned to smile at Mrs. Wolfe. “Hello, ma’am. It’s a pleasure
to meet you. I’m surprised to see you here today. I was going to
reach out to you and your husband next week.”
“Have you given up on me then, boy? Moving on to greener
pastures already, I see.” Gerri leaned forward and nudged the plate
of scones closer to him. “Do sit and have a cup of tea with a scone.
One of your favorites, if memory serves.”
“Hush, Gerri, I want to know what this handsome man wants
with me.” Barbara waggled her eyebrows at him, and Quinn didn’t
know what to do.
“Stop scaring him, Barbara. I can tell you what he wants. He
owns the Beary Comfortable Bed and Breakfasts. I’ve told you about
them. Well, he wants to open one in Blue Creek. But, of course, you
have your hands in a lot of pies…so he needs your permission.
“As for what he wants from me, he has a terrible sweet tooth and
wants my recipe for the scones. What I’m not sure of, is it for him or
the B & B.” Gerri sat back with her tea in her hand, looking at him.
Geez, if he didn’t know better, he would think these women were
cougars. “Uh, yes, that’s exactly right. I’ve come once a week for the
last six months trying to get Gerri to give me the recipe. I’ve offered
to pay her. I’ve offered anything she wanted. All she asked was to
meet with her once a week and eventually she would agree.” Quinn
shifted in his seat and grabbed a scone. “I wasn’t sure of her
motive, but now I’m thinking it was to meet my mate.”
“Maybe it was, or maybe I liked the eye candy while you
attempted to schmooze me.” Gerri laughed and glanced at Barbara.
“I’m sorry, you’re too easy to tease. Anyway, I will give you the
recipe and a few others to use if you help me when the time comes.”
Barbara leaned forward and rested her elbow on her crossed
legs. “Recipes for an unknown favor. I like it.”
Quinn took a deep breath. He was a bit overwhelmed with these
two women. “Agreed, Mrs. Wilder. Mrs. Wolfe, may I contact you or
your husband at a later time to discuss opening a new location in
Blue Creek?” Quinn stood and waited for her response.
“Of course, anytime.” Barbara stood and reached out. He shook
her hand and turned to Gerri. “I have a meeting I need to run to. I’ll
be in touch.”
Quinn practically ran out the door to get away. At least, he
thought, he finally got the recipes he wanted or would soon. He
even got to talk to Barbara Wolfe about Blue Creek. And of course,
he met his mate...
His phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out with a frown.
Everyone knew he was in a meeting. Who could be calling? Caller ID
revealed it was Donovan, his beta. He hit Accept and started
speaking right away.
“Hey, man, I’ve got good news finally,” Quinn said.
Through the phone, he heard a sigh. “Good, because I’ve got
some bad news. Today is not a good day for your dad. Are you on
your way back?”
Quinn stepped into the elevator as soon as the doors opened. He
jammed his thumb on the Ground button and then the Close Door
button. “Yes, I’m on the elevator. Give me a second in case the call
drops.”
He anxiously tapped his foot while staring at the numbers as they
descended to the first floor. “Come on, dammit,” he muttered to
himself. As soon as the doors opened, Quinn stepped out. “You still
there, Donovan?”
“Yeah, man. Listen, your dad went into town today. He swears he
saw your mom and brother. He chased them.”
Quinn growled and slammed his way out of the apartment
complex lobby.
 Donovan started speaking again. “Quinn, he’s home. He’s safe,
so don’t rush here. I’m staying since the housekeeper is at the B &
B. Your dad’s just ranting and pacing the house. I won’t let him
leave until you’re here.” Donovan’s voice lowered as if he pulled the
phone away from his face. “Quinn’s on his way.”
“He’s asking for you, but he’s okay. He chased the woman and
man but couldn’t catch up to them. Then they disappeared. He
searched around for a while, apparently.”
Quinn jumped into his Jeep and started it before responding. “He
was fine when I left this morning. I should have told him to wait
until I got back before going into town. Each year he declines more.
It’s not natural for a shifter to be away from his mate this long.”
Quinn could hear Donovan moving around the house. He
assumed his beta was keeping an eye on his dad for him. “He
swears someone is keeping them away from you guys. He says she
wouldn’t have left on her own. Your brother may not even know you
guys exist, though. I’ve always wondered how she explained his
presence. I mean, you can only get pregnant by your mate, right?
So how did she explain it?”
Quinn closed his eyes for a moment. “I’ve asked myself that and
a million other questions many times over the years. Listen, I’ll be
there shortly. Stay with him, please.” Donovan grunted and hung up.
He tossed his phone onto the seat next to him and his thoughts
wandered. Why did she take his brother and not him? Was he a bad
baby? Cried too much? What made her choose his sibling? Why
would she leave in the first place? Shifters mated for life, so how
could she stay away?
She had to be declining much like his dad. He often thought
about what he would do when he met her for the first time. Would
he hug her, scream at her, or just stand there? He’d played out each
scenario in his mind many times. No matter how old he got, the
anger, pain, and hurt were always just under the surface. His dad
swore many times he had seen her out and about, but he never got
close enough to her to talk or find his brother.
He pulled up in front of his house and realized he didn’t actually
remember the drive there. He threw the Jeep into Park and jumped
out, rushing inside to talk with his dad.
 CHAPTER FIVE

S ummer stared at the elevator for a few minutes after the

doors closed, partly because she wanted to see what floor
Quinn stopped on. She wasn’t surprised to see it pause on
Gerri Wilder’s floor. She would find out what he was doing there
each week and if he was connected to the break-in. But in the
meantime, she had a lunch date with her sister and good news to
share.
“Excuse me, ma’am. If you would like, I could talk to the others
on duty to see if they have any information to share with you
regarding Gerri Wilder and her visitors, authorized or not.”
Summer spun around and smiled at Barry the doorman. “I would
really appreciate that, Barry. Let me give you my card.”
Summer swallowed a chuckle when Barry blushed. She refrained
from making any comments when she handed him a business card
and simply waved on her way out of the lobby. As she walked to her
car, her phone rang. Absently digging into her bag, she pulled it out
and glanced down to see who was calling. “I’m not late, yet,
dammit.”
Summer stuck the phone between her shoulder and ear and dug
around in her bag again for her keys. She scanned the area as she
walked, looking for anyone suspicious.
Winter’s chuckle sounded warm in her ear, and Summer ground
out, “I’m on my way. I will be on time, dammit.”
 This caused Winter to laugh harder on the other end of the line.
“I know, sis. I just wanted to make sure you hadn’t forgotten or
gotten caught up in a case. You tend to lose track of time.”
Summer huffed. “Well, Ms. Punctual, are you already at the
restaurant?”
“Of course, I ordered chips and queso. Do you want your usual
drink?”
Summer was thankful for her sister. She was always in her corner
and helped keep her sane and on track. “Sure. By the way…I’ve got
some good news to share with you. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
Summer hung up before Winter could scoff at her. She climbed into
her car for the short drive to their favorite restaurant.
Twenty minutes later, Summer pushed through the doors of the
restaurant and scanned the room for her sister. Winter’s frosty blue
eyes laughed at her from a booth by the bar.
“I knew you would be late. You’re never on time.”
Summer huffed and plopped in the booth seat across from her
sister. “I still say you’re just early all the time. Thanks for the
ordering for me.”
Winter laughed and pulled a salsa topped chip from the bowl that
sat between them. “Don’t make me wait. What’s your good news?”
Summer took a sip of her sweet tea and thought about how
much she should tell Winter. She wouldn’t appreciate Summer trying
to set her up. A little white lie on how she came to be in Gerri
Wilder’s apartment wouldn’t hurt…right?
“You’ve heard of Gerri Wilder?” Summer paused to gauge
Winter’s reaction.
She choked on the bite of chip she had just taken. “Of course!
Everyone has. She throws the best parties. Everyone wants an
invite.”
Summer laughed, scooping her own chip filled with queso to her
mouth. “Uh-huh. Well, beyond her parties, she’s known for the
Paranormal Dating Agency—you know, matchmaking shifters with
shifter and shifters with humans.”
Winter froze with her own glass of iced tea partway to her
mouth. “Are you telling me you met with the matchmaker? Are you
being set up?”
It was Summer’s turn to choke. “No! I was just saying that’s how
most people know who she is. Not because of parties.”
Winter shrugged and looked up apologetically. “Occupational
hazard.”
Summer started to speak again when the waiter approached to
take their orders. “Hello, what can I get for you ladies?” His name
tag read Wolff and Summer stared at him a little too hard. Since
meeting Quinn, she’d had shifters on the mind. Was he one or was
his name just a name?
“Um, hi. I’ll have a cheeseburger with the works and side of fries,
please.” Summer smiled as his eyes trailed over her sister. Winter
was oblivious, of course.
“I’ll have the cheese quesadilla with a side of fries, please.” Wolff
dragged his eyes away from Winter and walked away, glancing back
as he went.
“He was checking you out, Win.” Summer loved her twin, but she
was clueless when it came to men and flirting.
Winter snorted. “He was probably trying to figure out where I’m
planning to put all that food. I mean we have an appetizer and now
I want a quesadilla with fries. Men never expect women to have real
appetites. We’re expected to eat rabbit food and pretend we’re not
ravenous.”
Summer interrupted before Win could get too far into her rant.
This was a frequent topic, and Summer knew it by heart already.
“So, I had a meeting with the Gerri Wilder today. A human broke
into her office and she hired me to look into it.”
“Holy shit, sis, that’s huge! Business could really take off for you
if she gives you a good recommendation.” Summer nodded. The
thought had entered her mind, too. But it wasn’t the main reason
she took the job.
“So, while I was having tea with Gerri and her friend Barbara, a
discussion came up for a party. I mentioned you and she wants to
hire you to plan it.”
Winter’s complexion paled and she sat gaping at Summer. “Say
something, Win. You’re not mad, are you?”
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 12. EXTENSION OF KRONECKER'S
THEOREM ON ABELIAN FIELDS TO
ANY ALGEBRAIC REALM OF
RATIONALITY.
The theorem that every abelian number field arises from the
realm of rational numbers by the composition of fields of roots of
unity is due to Kronecker. This fundamental theorem in the theory of
integral equations contains two statements, namely:
First. It answers the question as to the number and existence of
those equations which have a given degree, a given abelian group
and a given discriminant with respect to the realm of rational
numbers.
Second. It states that the roots of such equations form a realm
of algebraic numbers which coincides with the realm obtained by
assigning to the argument in the exponential function all
rational numerical values in succession.
The first statement is concerned with the question of the
determination of certain algebraic numbers by their groups and their
branching. This question corresponds, therefore, to the known
problem of the determination of algebraic functions corresponding to
given Riemann surfaces. The second statement furnishes the
required numbers by transcendental means, namely, by the
exponential function .
Since the realm of the imaginary quadratic number fields is the
simplest after the realm of rational numbers, the problem arises, to
extend Kronecker's theorem to this case. Kronecker himself has
made the assertion that the abelian equations in the realm of a
quadratic field are given by the equations of transformation of elliptic
functions with singular moduli, so that the elliptic function assumes
here the same rôle as the exponential function in the former case.
The proof of Kronecker's conjecture has not yet been furnished; but I
believe that it must be obtainable without very great difficulty on the
basis of the theory of complex multiplication developed by H.
Weber[26] with the help of the purely arithmetical theorems on class
fields which I have established.
Finally, the extension of Kronecker's theorem to the case that, in
place of the realm of rational numbers or of the imaginary quadratic
field, any algebraic field whatever is laid down as realm of rationality,
seems to me of the greatest importance. I regard this problem as
one of the most profound and far-reaching in the theory of numbers
and of functions.
The problem is found to be accessible from many standpoints. I
regard as the most important key to the arithmetical part of this
problem the general law of reciprocity for residues of th powers
within any given number field.
As to the function-theoretical part of the problem, the
investigator in this attractive region will be guided by the remarkable
analogies which are noticeable between the theory of algebraic
functions of one variable and the theory of algebraic numbers.
Hensel[27] has proposed and investigated the analogue in the theory
of algebraic numbers to the development in power series of an
algebraic function; and Landsberg[28] has treated the analogue of
the Riemann-Roch theorem. The analogy between the deficiency of
a Riemann surface and that of the class number of a field of
numbers is also evident. Consider a Riemann surface of deficiency
(to touch on the simplest case only) and on the other hand a
number field of class . To the proof of the existence of an
integral everywhere finite on the Riemann surface, corresponds the
proof of the existence of an integer in the number field such that
the number represents a quadratic field, relatively unbranched
with respect to the fundamental field. In the theory of algebraic
functions, the method of boundary values (Randwerthaufgabe)
serves, as is well known, for the proof of Riemann's existence
theorem. In the theory of number fields also, the proof of the
existence of just this number offers the greatest difficulty. This
proof succeeds with indispensable assistance from the theorem that
in the number field there are always prime ideals corresponding to
given residual properties. This latter fact is therefore the analogue in
number theory to the problem of boundary values.
The equation of Abel's theorem in the theory of algebraic
functions expresses, as is well known, the necessary and sufficient
condition that the points in question on the Riemann surface are the
zero points of an algebraic function belonging to the surface. The
exact analogue of Abel's theorem, in the theory of the number field
of class , is the equation of the law of quadratic reciprocity[29]

which declares that the ideal is then and only then a principal ideal
of the number field when the quadratic residue of the number with
respect to the ideal is positive.
It will be seen that in the problem just sketched the three
fundamental branches of mathematics, number theory, algebra and
function theory, come into closest touch with one another, and I am
certain that the theory of analytical functions of several variables in
particular would be notably enriched if one should succeed in finding
and discussing those functions which play the part for any algebraic
number field corresponding to that of the exponential function in the
field of rational numbers and of the elliptic modular functions in the
imaginary quadratic number field.
Passing to algebra, I shall mention a problem from the theory of
equations and one to which the theory of algebraic invariants has led
me.
[26] Elliptische Funktionen und algebraische Zahlen.
Braunschweig, 1891.
[27] Jahresber. d. Deutschen Math-Vereinigung, vol. 6, and an
article soon to appear in the Math. Annalen [Vol. 55, p. 301]:
"Ueber die Entwickelung der algebraischen Zahlen in
Potenzreihen."
[28] Math. Annalen vol. 50 (1898).
[29] Cf. Hilbert, "Ueber die Theorie der relativ-Abelschen
Zahlkörper," Gött. Nachrichten, 1898.
 13. IMPOSSIBILITY OF THE
SOLUTION OF THE GENERAL
EQUATION OF THE 7TH DEGREE BY
MEANS OF FUNCTIONS OF ONLY
TWO ARGUMENTS.
Nomography[30] deals with the problem: to solve equations by
means of drawings of families of curves depending on an arbitrary
parameter. It is seen at once that every root of an equation whose
coefficients depend upon only two parameters, that is, every function
of two independent variables, can be represented in manifold ways
according to the principle lying at the foundation of nomography.
Further, a large class of functions of three or more variables can
evidently be represented by this principle alone without the use of
variable elements, namely all those which can be generated by
forming first a function of two arguments, then equating each of
these arguments to a function of two arguments, next replacing each
of those arguments in their turn by a function of two arguments, and
so on, regarding as admissible any finite number of insertions of
functions of two arguments. So, for example, every rational function
of any number of arguments belongs to this class of functions
constructed by nomographic tables; for it can be generated by the
processes of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and
each of these processes produces a function of only two arguments.
One sees easily that the roots of all equations which are solvable by
radicals in the natural realm of rationality belong to this class of
functions; for here the extraction of roots is adjoined to the four
arithmetical operations and this, indeed, presents a function of one
argument only. Likewise the general equations of the th and th
degrees are solvable by suitable nomographic tables; for, by means
of Tschirnhausen transformations, which require only extraction of
roots, they can be reduced to a form where the coefficients depend
upon two parameters only.
Now it is probable that the root of the equation of the seventh
degree is a function of its coefficients which does not belong to this
class of functions capable of nomographic construction, i. e., that it
cannot be constructed by a finite number of insertions of functions of
two arguments. In order to prove this, the proof would be necessary
that the equation of the seventh degree
is not solvable with the help of any
continuous functions of only two arguments. I may be allowed to add
that I have satisfied myself by a rigorous process that there exist
analytical functions of three arguments which cannot be
obtained by a finite chain of functions of only two arguments.
By employing auxiliary movable elements, nomography
succeeds in constructing functions of more than two arguments, as
d'Ocagne has recently proved in the case of the equation of the th
degree.[31]
[30] d'Ocagne, Traité de Nomographie, Paris, 1899.
[31] "Sur la resolution nomographiqne de l'équation du septième
degré." Comptes rendus, Paris, 1900.
 14. PROOF OF THE FINITENESS OF
CERTAIN COMPLETE SYSTEMS OF
FUNCTIONS.
In the theory of algebraic invariants, questions as to the
finiteness of complete systems of forms deserve, as it seems to me,
particular interest. L. Maurer[32] has lately succeeded in extending
the theorems on finiteness in invariant theory proved by P. Gordan
and myself, to the case where, instead of the general projective
group, any subgroup is chosen as the basis for the definition of
invariants.
An important step in this direction had been taken already by A.
Hurwitz,[33] who, by an ingenious process, succeeded in effecting
the proof, in its entire generality, of the finiteness of the system of
orthogonal invariants of an arbitrary ground form.
The study of the question as to the finiteness of invariants has
led me to a simple problem which includes that question as a
particular case and whose solution probably requires a decidedly
more minutely detailed study of the theory of elimination and of
Kronecker's algebraic modular systems than has yet been made.
Let a number of integral rational functions
of the variables be given,
Every rational integral combination of must evidently
always become, after substitution of the above expressions, a
rational integral function of . Nevertheless, there may
well be rational fractional functions of which, by the
operation of the substitution , become integral functions in
. Every such rational function of , which
becomes integral in after the application of the
substitution , I propose to call a relatively integral function of
. Every integral function of is evidently
also relatively integral; further the sum, difference and product of
relative integral functions are themselves relatively integral.
The resulting problem is now to decide whether it is always
possible to find a finite system of relatively integral function
by which every other relatively integral function of
may be expressed rationally and integrally.
We can formulate the problem still more simply if we introduce
the idea of a finite field of integrality. By a finite field of integrality I
mean a system of functions from which a finite number of functions
can be chosen, in terms of which all other functions of the system
are rationally and integrally expressible. Our problem amounts, then,
to this: to show that all relatively integral functions of any given
domain of rationality always constitute a finite field of integrality.
It naturally occurs to us also to refine the problem by restrictions
drawn from number theory, by assuming the coefficients of the given
functions to be integers and including among the
relatively integral functions of only such rational
functions of these arguments as become, by the application of the
substitutions , rational integral functions of with
rational integral coefficients.
The following is a simple particular case of this refined problem:
Let integral rational functions of one variable with
integral rational coefficients, and a prime number be given.
Consider the system of those integral rational functions of which
can be expressed in the form
where is a rational integral function of the arguments
and is any power of the prime number . Earlier
investigations of mine[34] show immediately that all such expressions
for a fixed exponent form a finite domain of integrality. But the
question here is whether the same is true for all exponents , i. e.,
whether a finite number of such expressions can be chosen by
means of which for every exponent every other expression of that
form is integrally and rationally expressible.

From the boundary region between algebra and geometry, I will

mention two problems. The one concerns enumerative geometry and
the other the topology of algebraic curves and surfaces.
[32] Cf. Sitzungsber. d. K. Acad. d. Wiss. zu München, 1890, and
an article about to appear in the Math. Annalen.
[33] "Ueber die Erzeugung der Invarianten durch Integration,"
Nachrichten d. K. Geseltschaft d. Wiss. zu Göttingen, 1897.
[34] Math. Annalen, vol. 36 (1890), p. 485.
 15. RIGOROUS FOUNDATION OF
SCHUBERT'S ENUMERATIVE
CALCULUS.
The problem consists in this: To establish rigorously and with an
exact determination of the limits of their validity those geometrical
numbers which Schubert[35] especially has determined on the basis
of the so-called principle of special position, or conservation of
number, by means of the enumerative calculus developed by him.
Although the algebra of to-day guarantees, in principle, the
possibility of carrying out the processes of elimination, yet for the
proof of the theorems of enumerative geometry decidedly more is
requisite, namely, the actual carrying out of the process of
elimination in the case of equations of special form in such a way
that the degree of the final equations and the multiplicity of their
solutions may be foreseen.
[35] Kalkül der abzählenden Geometrie, Leipzig, 1879.
 16. PROBLEM OF THE TOPOLOGY OF
ALGEBRAIC CURVES AND SURFACES.
The maximum number of closed and separate branches which a
plane algebraic curve of the th order can have has been determined by
Harnack.[36] There arises the further question as to the relative position of
the branches in the plane. As to curves of the th order, I have satisfied
myself—by a complicated process, it is true—that of the eleven blanches
which they can have according to Harnack, by no means all can lie
external to one another, but that one branch must exist in whose interior
one branch and in whose exterior nine branches lie, or inversely. A
thorough investigation of the relative position of the separate branches
when their number is the maximum seems to me to be of very great
interest, and not less so the corresponding investigation as to the number,
form, and position of the sheets of an algebraic surface in space. Till now,
indeed, it is not even known what is the maximum number of sheets which
a surface of the th order in three dimensional space can really have.[37]
In connection with this purely algebraic problem, I wish to bring
forward a question which, it seems to me, may be attacked by the same
method of continuous variation of coefficients, and whose answer is of
corresponding value for the topology of families of curves defined by
differential equations. This is the question as to the maximum number and
position of Poincaré's boundary cycles (cycles limites) for a differential
equation of the first order and degree of the form

where and are rational integral functions of the th degree in and

. Written homogeneously, this is
where , and are rational integral homogeneous functions of the th
degree in , and the latter are to be determined as functions of the
parameter .
[36] Math. Annalen, vol. 10.
[37] Cf. Rohn. "Flächen vierter Ordnung," Preisschriften der Fürstlich
Jablonowskischen Gesellschaft, Leipzig, 1886.
 17. EXPRESSION OF DEFINITE
FORMS BY SQUARES.
A rational integral function or form in any number of variables
with real coefficients such that it becomes negative for no real values
of these variables, is said to be definite. The system of all definite
forms is invariant with respect to the operations of addition and
multiplication, but the quotient of two definite forms—in case it
should be an integral function of the variables—is also a definite
form. The square of any form is evidently always a definite form. But
since, as I have shown,[38] not every definite form can be
compounded by addition from squares of forms, the question arises
—which I have answered affirmatively for ternary forms[39]—whether
every definite form may not be expressed as a quotient of sums of
squares of forms. At the same time it is desirable, for certain
questions as to the possibility of certain geometrical constructions, to
know whether the coefficients of the forms to be used in the
expression may always be taken from the realm of rationality given
by the coefficients of the form represented.[40]
I mention one more geometrical problem:
[38] Math. Annalen, vol. 32.
[39] Acta Mathematica, vol. 17.
[40] Cf. Hilbert: Grunglagen der Geometrie, Leipzig, 1899, Chap.
7 and in particular § 38.
 18. BUILDING UP OF SPACE FROM
CONGRUENT POLYHEDRA.
If we enquire for those groups of motions in the plane for which
a fundamental region exists, we obtain various answers, according
as the plane considered is Riemann's (elliptic), Euclid's, or
Lobachevsky's (hyperbolic). In the case of the elliptic plane there is a
finite number of essentially different kinds of fundamental regions,
and a finite number of congruent regions suffices for a complete
covering of the whole plane; the group consists indeed of a finite
number of motions only. In the case of the hyperbolic plane there is
an infinite number of essentially different kinds of fundamental
regions, namely, the well-known Poincaré polygons. For the
complete covering of the plane an infinite number of congruent
regions is necessary. The case of Euclid's plane stands between
these; for in this case there is only a finite number of essentially
different kinds of groups of motions with fundamental regions, but for
a complete covering of the whole plane an infinite number of
congruent regions is necessary.
Exactly the corresponding facts are found in space of three
dimensions. The fact of the finiteness of the groups of motions in
elliptic space is an immediate consequence of a fundamental
theorem of C. Jordan,[41] whereby the number of essentially different
kinds of finite groups of linear substitutions in variables does not
surpass a certain finite limit dependent upon . The groups of
motions with fundamental regions in hyperbolic space have been
investigated by Fricke and Klein in the lectures on the theory of
automorphic functions,[42] and finally Fedorov,[43] Schoenflies[44]
and lately Rohn[45] have given the proof that there are, in euclidean
space, only a finite number of essentially different kinds of groups of
motions with a fundamental region. Now, while the results and
methods of proof applicable to elliptic and hyperbolic space hold
directly for -dimensional space also, the generalization of the
theorem for euclidean space seems to offer decided difficulties. The
investigation of the following question is therefore desirable: Is there
in -dimensional euclidean space also only a finite number of
essentially different kinds of groups of motions with a fundamental
region?
A fundamental region of each group of motions, together with
the congruent regions arising from the group, evidently fills up space
completely. The question arises: Whether polyhedra also exist which
do not appear as fundamental regions of groups of motions, by
means of which nevertheless by a suitable juxtaposition of congruent
copies a complete filling up of all space is possible. I point out the
following question, related to the preceding one, and important to
number theory and perhaps sometimes useful to physics and
chemistry: How can one arrange most densely in space an infinite
number of equal solids of given form, e. g., spheres with given radii
or regular tetrahedra with given edges (or in prescribed position),
that is, how can one so fit them together that the ratio of the filled to
the unfilled space may be as great as possible?

If we look over the development of the theory of functions in the

last century, we notice above all the fundamental importance of that
class of functions which we now designate as analytic functions—a
class of functions which will probably stand permanently in the
center of mathematical interest.
There are many different standpoints from which we might
choose, out of the totality of all conceivable functions, extensive
classes worthy of a particularly thorough investigation. Consider, for
example, the class of functions characterized by ordinary or partial
algebraic differential equations. It should be observed that this class
does not contain the functions that arise in number theory and
whose investigation is of the greatest importance. For example, the
before-mentioned function satisfies no algebraic differential
equation, as is easily seen with the help of the well-known relation
between and , if one refers to the theorem proved by
Holder,[46] that the function satisfies no algebraic differential
equation. Again, the function of the two variables and defined by
the infinite series

which stands in close relation with the function , probably

satisfies no algebraic partial differential equation. In the investigation
of this question the functional equation

will have to be used.

If, on the other hand, we are lead by arithmetical or geometrical
reasons to consider the class of all those functions which are
continuous and indefinitely differentiable, we should be obliged in its
investigation to dispense with that pliant instrument, the power
series, and with the circumstance that the function is fully determined
by the assignment of values in any region, however small. While,
therefore, the former limitation of the field of functions was too
narrow, the latter seems to me too wide.
The idea of the analytic function on the other hand includes the
whole wealth of functions most important to science, whether they
have their origin in number theory, in the theory of differential
equations or of algebraic functional equations, whether they arise in
geometry or in mathematical physics; and, therefore, in the entire
realm of functions, the analytic function justly holds undisputed
supremacy.
[41] Crelle's Journal, vol. 84 (1878), and Atti d. Reale Acad. di
Napoli, 1880.
[42] Leipzig, 1897. Cf. especially Abschnitt I, Chaplets 2 and 3.
[43] Symmetrie der regelmässigen Systeme von Figuren, 1890.
[44] Krystallsysteme und Krystallstruktur, Leipzig, 1891.
[45] Math. Annalen, vol. 53.
[46] Math. Annalen, vol. 28.
 19. ARE THE SOLUTIONS OF
REGULAR PROBLEMS IN THE
CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS ALWAYS
NECESSARILY ANALYTIC?
One of the most remarkable facts in the elements of the theory
of analytic functions appears to me to be this: That there exist partial
differential equations whose integrals are all of necessity analytic
functions of the independent variables, that is, in short, equations
susceptible of none but analytic solutions. The best known partial
differential equations of this kind are the potential equation

and certain linear differential equations investigated by Picard;[47]

also the equation

the partial differential equation of minimal surfaces, and others. Most

of these partial differential equations have the common characteristic
of being the lagrangian differential equations of certain problems of
variation, viz., of such problems of variation
as satisfy, for all values of the arguments which fall within the range
of discussion, the inequality

itself being an analytic function. We shall call this sort of problem

a regular variation problem. It is chiefly the regular variation
problems that play a rôle in geometry, in mechanics, and in
mathematical physics; and the question naturally arises, whether all
solutions of regular variation problems must necessarily be analytic
functions. In other words, does every lagrangian partial differential
equation of a regular variation problem have the property of
admitting analytic integrals exclusively? And is this the case even
when the function is constrained to assume, as, e. g., in Dirichlet's
problem on the potential function, boundary values which are
continuous, but not analytic?
I may add that there exist surfaces of constant negative
gaussian curvature which are representable by functions that are
continuous and possess indeed all the derivatives, and yet are not
analytic; while on the other hand it is probable that every surface
whose gaussian curvature is constant and positive is necessarily an
analytic surface. And we know that the surfaces of positive constant
curvature are most closely related to this regular variation problem:
To pass through a closed curve in space a surface of minimal area
which shall inclose, in connection with a fixed surface through the
same closed curve, a volume of given magnitude.
[47] Jour. de l'Ecole Polytech., 1890.
 20. THE GENERAL PROBLEM OF
BOUNDARY VALVES.
An important problem closely connected with the foregoing is
the question concerning the existence of solutions of partial
differential equations when the values on the boundary of the region
are prescribed. This problem is solved in the main by the keen
methods of H. A. Schwarz, C. Neumann, and Poincaré for the
differential equation of the potential. These methods, however, seem
to be generally not capable of direct extension to the case where
along the boundary there are prescribed either the differential
coefficients or any relations between these and the values of the
function. Nor can they be extended immediately to the case where
the inquiry is not for potential surfaces but, say, for surfaces of least
area, or surfaces of constant positive gaussian curvature, which are
to pass through a prescribed twisted curve or to stretch over a given
ring surface. It is my conviction that it will be possible to prove these
existence theorems by means of a general principle whose nature is
indicated by Dirichlet's principle. This general principle will then
perhaps enable us to approach the question: Has not every regular
variation problem a solution, provided certain assumptions regarding
the given boundary conditions are satisfied (say that the functions
concerned in these boundary conditions are continuous and have in
sections one or more derivatives), and provided also if need be that
the notion of a solution shall be suitably extended?[48]
[48] Cf. my lecture on Dirichlet's principle in the Jahresber. d.
Deutschen Math.-Vereinigung, vol. 8 (1900), p. 184.