The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1915-08-07

perhaps, but-four millions! The enc
would have to justify the means.
So, handsome and elegant and popu
lar, witty and well-bred, he laughed
and gossiped with his guests, started
the dancing, introduced one to another
| showed his color prints, and between
times, watched the mousy girl in white
who had SO suddenly assumed an ex-
traordinary importance in his life.
Flodie, merely bowed to and patron
lied by most of the guests, had discov-
cred an unexpected friend in Mr.. Dore-
mus. He, finding her his only ac-
quaintance, had stuck to her like a
burr. Flodie liked him. At a one-step
he could not cut much of figure, but
seated in the office with Flodie, where
she could keep an eye on Alfred and
the caterer, it was not long before she
felt impelled to make him her ally
With all his elephantine wit and his
manners of the old school, Mr.. Dore-
mus treated her in a jocose, fatherly,
indulgent way that inspired her trust.
And, that evening, Flodie had dire
need of a coadjutor She began to
give him her confidence, bit by bit,
watching his face more than listening
to his replies and decided that she
could trust him; he had sympathy and
tact When, at last, after many inter
ruptions, her story was told, Mr.. Dore-
mus took off his misty glasses and
wiped them
Miss Fisher he said soberly, eff
l can help in this crisis, let me implore
you to tell me how"
Flodie got up slowly, and looked into
his kind blue eyes. Would you mind
coming into the studio for few min
utes?" she asked. I'm so afraid we
may be interrupted or overheard. l
want to tell you something"
Mr.. Doremus offered her his arm,
and escorted her into the studio.
BY eleven o'clock both Carolyn Dali
lys and Mrs. Royalton had come. They
had, in fact, arrived together, having
shared Mrs. Royaltons limousine. This
preconcerted action was caused less
by friendship than mutual suspicion.
The two ladies dared not trust each
other out of sight, and each for fear
the other might gain an advantage,
sacrificed her own desire to be be-
forehand with her plans.
The party was now in full swing.
Some twenty were in the reception
room, dancing or watching the
dancers. The evening grew in life
and merriment. Mr.. Doremus, back
from his interview with Flodie, was in
fected by the revels. He blossomed
suddenly and Unexpectedly into hilar-
ity, and encouraged and stimulated by
the gayer of the young actresses, be-
came, in spite of himself, the center of
the party. The company did not let
him off till Alfred Smallish, blushing
furiously, appeared in the doorway.
Supper is ready Membership
per is served" he announced, and
coughed into his hand.
The three soubrettes who had been
pelting Mr.. Doremus with pinks, now
surrounded him, bound him with ever
green garlands and carried him off en-
shaved, through the office, where Flo
die was presiding over tables of salad |
and sandwiches, into the reception |
room, where they enthroned him on an
old Spanish chair, and waited on him
like houris. The gentlemen rushed |
back and forth with plates and nap
kins; everybody began to talk and |
laugh. Beer bottles popped.
Hall was now becoming desperate i
1t did not seem at all SO easy as he |
had expected. If only Flodie hadn't |
got her back up SO foolishly! Well,
he must, at least, be off with his old |
loves before he was on with the new
And, for that, he must have the an
swers of the two women. He left the
company and walked into the studio,
now deserted, to look at the clock
eleven. Something would have to hap
pen in a hurry, if
Carolyn Dallys appeared in the door
way, smiling. She was wearing corn
color, in costume no man could have
described five minutes after he had
seen it. Carolyn's clothes were always
not only original but characteristic Of
her.
She sauntered in, and dropped upon
the couch, to look up at him good-na-
turedly. Halls hopes rose. It was 60
ing to be easy, thank heaven. She
didn't at all have the smile Of a pros
pective owner.
well, Hail. she began, "you don't
seem particularly anxious to see your
bride. l had almost begun
% think you were deliberately avoid
ng me-
Avoiding you! Nonsense, Caro-
yn!" Hall laughed easily and tossed
Ter a box of cigarettes. Really, I've
,een SO confoundedly busy with all
hese people, and"
She broke in placidly: well, you're
lot busy now, are your"
Hall began to be afraid. ooh, no, of
course not. Why?" He watched her
IS if she were about to strike him.
well, then, I've made up my MIND,
[all."
"What do Won moan Q" ha asked and