The Dermott news., 1915-06-10

JeuulUSS bpTlDBluS IOFNdTu 10 part the portieres for her and passing through the room quickly where Flirty Florrie sat waiting. F1irty Florrie rose and stood gazing at Elaine apparently very much embarrassed, even after Jennings had gone.
 It is embarrassing, she said final ly. but, Miss Dodge. l have come to you to beg for my love-
 Elaine looked at her nonplused
 Yes she continued, sou dc not know it. but Craig Kennedy is infatu- ated with you. She paused again. then added, But he is engaged to me"
 Elaine stared at the woman She was dazed. She could not believe it
 There is the ring" Flirty Florrie added, indicating very impressive paste diamond.
 Quickly she reached into her bag and drew out two photographs. Wi'h. out a word. handing them to Elaine There's the proof F1orrie said simply. choking a sob
 Elaine looked with start Sure enough. there was the neat living room in the house on Prospect avenue lu one picture F1orrie had her arms over kennedys shoulders In the other, apparently. they were passiouately kissing
 Elaine slowly lad the photographs on the table
 Please please Miss Dodge-giye me back my lost love You are rich and beautiful 1 am poor. l have only my good looks But-I-I love him and he-loves mc-and has promised to marry me"
 Florrie had broken down completely and was weeping softly into lace handkerchief
 She moved toward the door Elaine followed her
 Jennings please see the lady to the door
 Back in the drawing-room. Elaine seized the photographs and hurried into the library where she could be alone
 Just then she heard the bell and Kennedy's voice iii the hall
 How are you this afternoon" Ken nedy greeted Elaine gayly.
 Elaine had been too overcome by what had just happened to throw it off so easily, and received him with studied Coolness.
 Still. Craig. manlike. did not notice it at once In fact. he was too busy gazing about to see that neither Jen- nings Marie nor the duenna Aunt Jo- sephine were visible They were not and he quickly took the ring from his pocket Without waiting, he showed it to Elaine
 Elaine very eoolly admired the ring. as Craig might have eyed specimen on microscope slide Still. he did not notice.
 He took the ring. about to put it oH her finger Elaine drew away. Gencealment Was not in her frank na- ture
 She picked up the two photographs. What have you to say about those ." she asked cuttincly
 kcnuedy quite surprised took them and looked at them. Then he let them fall carelessly on the table and dropped into chair. his head back in a burst ot laughter.
 .MhS that Was what they put over on Walter" he said He called me up early this afternoon told me he had discovered one Of these poisoned kiss eases you have read about in the papers. Think of it-all that to pull a concealed camera, Such an elaho- they could fake this thing. sup pose they've put someone up to say ing shes engaged ?'
 Elaine was not so lightly anected "But." she said severely, repressinG her emotion. T don't understand. Mir. kenuo dy how scientific inquiry into the poisoned kiss could necessitate this sort of thing"
 She pointed at the photographs ac- cusingIy
 But" he began, trying 10 explain. 'No butts" she interrupted
 Then you believe that I-"
 How can you. as scientist ask mo io AOEUi tue tdtAtld S-st ti4SliANitf.Ass very celd!y turning away.
 Kennedy rapidly began to see that fl Was far more serious than he had at first thought
 Very well. he said with a touch of tmpatieuce, if my word Is not to be taken -l-lll
 He had seized his hat and stick
 Elaine did not deign 10 answer.
 Then. without word. he stalked out of the door
 
 Kennedy was moping in the labora, tory the next day when came in,
 Say Craig" began, trying to over como his fit of blues
 Kennedy, filled with his own thoughts, paid no attention 10 me. Then he jumped up,
 By George-l will" he muttered. poked my head out Of the door In time to see him grab up his hat and rnnt NauA srAp, ha rppp,