Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-09-06

1t was evidently defective hearing alone that caused
the desk clerk to require repetition of the
"Mrs. Merrilees."
The clerk retired to consult the room rack and pres
emily returned with the official smile, mpersonally
apologize Il thought possibly Mrs. Merrlees had
arrived during the day
eyes" lydia affirmed "she dd-this afternoon,
believe"
The smile became even more remotely regretfu. I'm
sorry but Mrs. Merriees is not among guests.
Some instants later Lydia became conscious that she
was staring, the panied embarrassment of the young
Hastily averting her gaze, she remarked the
clock and mechanically noted the hour: it quar-
ter to eleven.
"Are you sure?" she faltered?
ooh, quite"
But Craven had promised to meet her there had
given her the necklace to deliver Betty the Mar
grave Impossible that he could be mistaken as to his
iancees hotel, he who had been flying round all after
noon, getting Betty settled very words!
Insensibly Lydias eyes darkened and became in
formed with expression that had suited better the
eyes of by right of years more Injured to mental
anguish Could it be possible that this but another
of his fabrications? Had he commissioned her with
fools errand, simply to get rid of her for hour
two? But with the collar, running the risk of its loss
or theft-incomprehensib Would he deal hon
estly with her, his daughter the living being who
had his interests most at heart?
@But surely this is the Margrave!'
eyes it is. Mrs Merrilees may be at the Plaza or
the Savoy, the Netherlands, the St. Regis
not quite If you care to sit down moment,
I'll inquire by telephone"
aYou've very kind" said Lydia; abut fancy won't
have to trouble you. Mrs Beggarstaf will know.
hope I'm mistaken in believing that she is stopping
here9"
The smile of the young man passed the bounds OF
strict decorum from desk clerk of the public
He enchanted to be able to reassuringly.
CHAPTER Xxx
TT good of you to come SO late, Dear-to
please an old woman" With this the Dowager
Dragon took Betty Merrilees into her and kissed
her on both cheeks.
aMerciful Heavens" cried that unaffected person,
freeing herself and regarding Mrs. Beggarstaf with
amazement. whats come over you? l could have
you disapproved of me-"
4Not of you, Dear" Mrs. Beggarstaf interrupted
with asperity that showed she ashamed of her
recent exhibition. Besides, I'm truly grateful that
they didn't make drag my govt out this abomnable
night"
aAs important all that?' demanded Betty.
@As important as all that" the Dowager Dragon
affirmed.
truth to tell for the fun Of it," said Mrs Merrlees
refusing to be impressed, Il glad of excuse to
stay up I'm possessed of devil tonight If l wasn't
at heart respectable widow woman, I'd cut loose and
msbehave scandalous For two cents I'd head mob
to burn the Custom House and lynch that man
Loeb
Divested of her wraps, she sailed tempestuously into
the drawing Of the Beggarsta suitewhere Peter
Trait uprose from comfort in wing chair and bowed
politely.
4No wonder they call him Loeb the poor Indian! !"
he commented. Though believe the poor would
die happy he could get just long, lingering slant
at you you look tonight. Rppin!a
Il feel like rppin something somebody, Peter
Betty declared with brief metallic laugh Then she
deigned notice the other present ooh, you, is
it, Mr. Quon? Hardly expected to find you here"
Deep regrets" the detective replied cheerully
for that shown cold if adorable shoulder.
@Oh, now, Betty Peter protested. 4Don't
cut up rough with Quoin Angels could do no more