Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-08-17

you settled; we could take Peter to a
specialist, and maybe he could be
cured We could go abroad and get
the help of those German surgeons.
I've always wanted to travel"
When Lorelei reached the tLeater
that evening she found Lilas Lynn en-
tertainlng u caller who had been more
than once IN her thoughts during the
day. Miss Lynns visitor was we'll
tailored man who gave a first impress
sion of extreme physical neatness. He
was immaculate in attire, his skin was
fine, his color fresh: pair Of small,
imperturbable eyes were set in smi.
ing face beneath a prematurely gray
head. Max Melcher was figure on
Broadway; he had the entree to all the
stage doors; he frequented the popular
cafes, where he surrounded himself
with men. Always affable, usually at
leisure, invariably obliging, he had
many friends
At Lorelei's entrance he smiled and
nodded without rising, then continued
his earnest conversation with Miss
Lynn. None of their words We're au-
dible to the last conner until Melcher
rose to leave; then Lilas halted him
with nervous laugh. saying:
Remember, If it doesn't go, it's
joke, and | run to cover"
1T will go, he told her. quietly, as
he strolled out.
What are you two planning?" in
quired Lorelei
Nothing. Max drops in regularly;
he used to be sweet on me" Lilas
completed her makeup. then tidgeted
nervously. "Gee! she presently ex-
claimed, I'm tired of this business.
We're fools to stay in 1t. Think Of
Atlantic City on q night like this, or
the mountains. This heat has com
pletely unstrung me" She rummaged
through the confusion on her table,
then inquired of the dresser. Croft,
where are my white gloves?'
They haven't come back from the
cleaners" Mrs Croft answered.
Not back? Then you didn't send
them when told you. You're getting
altogether shiftless, Croft When
tell you to do a thing l want it done"
II hope / drop dead if"
Il hope you do snapped the indig
nant girl II told you to attend to
them; now I've nothing but soiled
ones''
The dresser began to weep silently.
She was small, timid old woman,
upon whose manifest need Of employ
ment Lorelei had taken pity some time
before. Her forgatfulness had long
been trial to both her employers.
That's right: turn on the food
gates" Knocked Lilas. You stop that
sniyeling or I'll give you something to
cry for. I'm nervous enough tonight
without having you in Mysteries. Re
member, II 1t ever happens again you'll
go-and you'll take something with
you to think about Selling the clean
est pair Of gloves at hand, she flung
out of the room in fine fury
You won't let her-flre me? need
work. do quavered Mrs Croft.
"Now, now Don't mind her temper.
You know Lilas is excitable."
"Excitable?" Croft wiped red eyes
with a corner of her apron. us that
what you call it? I'll be glad if her
millionaire takes her out of the bust
ness. like she thinks he will Poor
man! He's laying up trouble for him
| self, that he Is. She'll land him in the
; divorce court-with her flash-light pho
tographs"
LOrelei swung around from her mir
ror:: What do you mean?"
"Oh heard her and that Jew-that
Maxey Melcher. They've got pho
tographer and witnesses. Your brother
is one Of EN-"
"Jim? What"
"It's true. It's bad crowd Mister
Jim's in with. And there's something
/; big in the air. Millions it is. And her
saying she'll box my ears. Tbs hussyi
I've heard 'em talking before tonightl'