New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-06

whole matter she never wanted TO sec the collar again
1t was evidently defective hearing alone that caused
the desk clerk to require repetition OF the name
"AIrs Mcrrilccs
The clerk retired to consult the rack, and pres
entity returned with the official smile, impcrs"nally
apologize. al thought possibly Mrs. McrrccS had
arrived during the day
ayes" Lydia affirmed, "shc did this afternoon,
believe.
The smile became even more remotely rcgrcttui ! m
sorry. but Mrs Mcrrilccs is not among our guests.
Some instants later Lydia became conscious that she
WAS staring to the panied embarrassment OF the young
man. Hastily avcring her gaze. she remarked the
clock. and mechanically noted the hour: ii wa, quar-
ter to eleven.
"Arc you sure" she (acrcd'
"Oh, quite.
But Craven had promised to meet her there, E'd
given her the necklace deliver to Betty at the Mar
grave Impossible that ne could be mistaken as to his
iancGcs hotel he who had been flying round all alter
noon, getting Betty settled his very words
InscnSibly Lyclias eyes darkcncd and bccan" IN
formed with an expression that had suited better the
cv,s nf on, bv right Of years more Injured to mental
anguish Could be possible that this but another
of his fahricarions, Had ne commissioned her with
FOOLS crrand simply get rid OF her for an h'ur or
two But with the collar, running the risk {" ITS '''
or theft -incpmprchcnsblc Would ne never deal hon
cstly with her, his daughter the one living b'ihH VII"
had his interests most AT heart!
But surely this is the MarTavc
ayes il is Mrs Mcrrccs may be at the Plaza, or
the Savoy or the Netherlands even the st. Kegs
not quite 50 near. II you care to sit down a rn"h'"
I'll inquire by telephone
"Yon'vc very kind said Lydia; "but | fancy won't
have to trouble YOU. Mrs. Bcggarslaf will know.
hope I'm not mistaken in bcicving that she Is Stopping
here"
The smile, Of the voans man passed the bounds ~
strict ,ccrurn as from dc, clerk t" one Of the 'nhc
He WAS enchanted to be able to answer rc;r'urinEy
CHAPTER Xxx
TT was good Of you to come over s." late, Dear q"
L ,,lcas,. an old woman" With TIN, the Dpwagrr
Dragon took Betty Nlcrrilccs into her arm, and kissed
her on both checks
~AIcrciful Heavens" cried that unaffected person.
freeing herself and regarding Mrs. Bcggar>Mi win
arnaz,.mcnt "What's over YOU: | could nave
sworn you ,Iisapprovcl "f me
"Not Of you Dear" Mrs. Bcggar''a' interrupted
with an asp,rity that showed she wa' a''an'! "i A'r
recent exhibition. "Bc,ilcS, I'm truly grateful that
they didn't make drag my govt out this ah"mInablc
night"
As important As all that" demanded Betty.
AS important as all that" the Dowagcr Dragon
affirmed.
Truth to tell for the fun Of it, said Mr.. Mcrric's
refusing 10 bc impressed, &c" was glad Of an excuse +"
STAY up I'm possessed Of a devil tonight. Il WASH
at heart a respectable widow woman III cut zoos" AMI
mslclavc sc;tnlalnus. For two cents III head It mob
to burn the Custom House and lynch that man
Loeb"
Dyc,,ci Of her wraps she sailed rcmpc'tuou,Iy into
the drawing room Of the Bcg,2r,ta suite where Peter
Trait upr,sc from consor, in a wing chair and bowed
politely.
40 wonder they cali him Loeb the poor Indian ~
he commented. Though believe the poor man would
die happy If he could get l, long lingering slant
at YOU a, YOU look tonight Rippin'!
II feel like rippin something or somebody, Peter,
Betty declared with a brief. metallic laugh. Then rh"
dciancl 10 notice the other present. "Oh, You. Is
!. NIr nmlinl IInrly ,.xnccrcI 10 ind Won here.