Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-02-28
Continued from Page 5.

this,' he muttered, and in this frame of
mind strolled down the boulevard to his
hotel.
After dinner Melekin found himself spec
ulating curiously about the reception, and
at last decided to satisfy this sudden Gu
riosity and look in for an hour at the great
mansion.
He was not sorry either, for the magnif-
cent house, full of art treasures, repaid him
amply for the trouble. The crowds of bril-
liant men and women also proved a source
of interest. Melekin moved from one room
to another, and realized that he was en-
-ioying himself A small white and gold
Cctagonal room, leading out of the grand
salon, drew his attention. He made his
way to it by the palm conservatory.
"Ah! this is delightful!' murmured
Melekin, sinking into a deep chair under a
spreading palm.
He closed his eyes and listened to the
hum of voices and music, blending not in
tremendously.
I" You have found yourself quiet cor
ner-just what l am looking for" said a
tall, slight young man who had entered Guy
Melekin s retreat, and stood looking down
on his recumbent form.
''This is the way l enjoy a reception
besides, I don t know any one here, - Mele-
kin smiled up at the intruder.
g know everybody-yOu see, L belong
to the English embassy. How did you get
here tonight"
GA friend of mine passed me on his in
vitation | am glad l came, - said Melekin.
"Would you like me to introduce you to
some people, then we could all 60 and have
supper together
'EThat s very kind of you.
''Come, then; but first shall we exchange
the necessary condolences my name is Lau-
renee Wentworth, - he said, with bright
smile that was very attractive.
''Mine is Guy Melekin."
The two men moved toward the door
hut before they reached it an exquisitely
beautiful girl barred their way.
Guy Melekin stepped back involuntarily,
an exclamation of surprise nearly bursting
from him. His heart was crying over and
over, Honoria Honoria!' but his lips re-
manned closed. The strong emotions which
swept over him at sight of the girl he still
loved so dearly rendered him speeches..
Honoria looked Melekin steadily in the
eyes, a naughty contempt in her own; then,
with smile and bow to Laurence Went
worth, passed on her way and disappeared.
''Who is that lady?" asked Melekin, in
low voice.
FThe Lady Honoria Riven; she is the
center of attraction wherever she goes
and so delightfully."- clever and charming
no side, quite the contrary, in fact Lady
Honoria is always first and foremost where
there is fun on hand,' young Wentworth
laughed. % She looked rather angry just
now. I wonder who has been upsetting
her-one of the numerous suitors, I sup
pose"
Guy Melekin listened to his companion s
gay chatter as if in dream. His meeting
with HOnOria was so extraordinary, the past
so inexplicable, that he was utterly con-
founded.
The rest of the evening dragged, and he
left at the first opportunity.
81 deserve her hatred-what blind,
weak fool / was-and now it is too late
What nonsense late! Why, even if
we had met in the ordinary way, the Lady
Honoria Riven would never have looked at
me. She expressed that pretty eloquently
tonight. Caste! All! the irony of Fate.
The first where there is fun on hand -
Melekin repeated the words Laurence Went
worth had uttered to express Honoria s high
spirits-they threw light on the incidents