Meade County news., 1916-11-09

half-circle was a wide but shallow
stone fountain, upon the surface of
which hoated large-leaved Egyptian
pond lilies. Fat-bellied goldfish with
filmy fms, and tails like irldescent we'd
ding trains propelled themselves indo-
lently about.
But the surprising feature of the dec
Grating scheme was not apparent at
first glance. Through the bewildering
riot of greenery had been woven an al
most invisible netting, and the space
behind formed a prison for birds and
butterflies. Disturbed by the commo-
ton, the feathered creatures twittered
and fluttered against the netting in a
panic. AS for the butterflies, no arti-
fetal light could deceive them, and
they clung with closed wings to leaves
and branches, only now and then dis
playing their full glory in a sleepy pro-
| test
"How-beautifulw gasped Lorelei,
when she had taken in the whole
scene. "But-the poor little things
are frightened" She looked up to find
her companion staring in Hammon's
direction with an expression OF pecul-
lar, derisive amusement.
| Harmon was the center of an ad-
miring group; congratulations were be-
ing hurled at him from every quarter.
| At his side was Lilas Lynn, very dark,
very striking, very extensively gowned
and elaborately bejeweled. The room
was DINING with the strains Of an
invisible orchestra and the vocal up
roar. Becoming conscious Of Loreleis
gaze, her escort looked down, showing
his teeth in a grin that was not of
pleasure.
"You like it?" he asked.
"Its beautiful, but-the extrava-
gance is almost criminal"
"Don't tell me how many starving
newsboys or how many poor families
the cost of this supper would support
for a year. 1 hate poor people. Now
for the ortolans and the humming-
bird tongues. No doubt there's pearl
in every winecup. Prepare to have
your palate tickled with a feather
when your appetite flags"
"That's what the Romans did, isn't
I'll"
"Are you a student as well as an
artist, Miss Knight"
II thought you were going to be
pleasant, but you're not are your
Lorelei was smilingly 6xedly. "T'm
afraid you don't intend to have good
time, Mr." They had found their
places at the table, and Loreleis escort
was seating her. II didn't catch your
name when we were introduced"
"Nor l." said he, taking his place be.
side her. ut sounded like Rice Curry
or some other dish, but it's really Mer-
kle-John I. Merkle."
"Ah! You're banker. Aren't you
pretty-reckless confessing your rank
as it were?"
"I'm bachelor; also an invalid and
an insomniac. You couldn't bring me
, any more trouble than have" Again
he looked toward Hammon, and this
t time he frowned. "From indications
| I'll soon have company, however"
"Indeed. Is there talk of a divorce
there? She inclined her head in the
hosts direction.
! Merkle retorted acidly: "My dear
child, don't try to act the ingenue
You're in the same show as Miss Lynn
and you must know what's going on
This sort of thing can't continue indef
nitely, for Mrs. Hammon is very much
alive, to say nothing Of her daughters
.. Let's be natural, at least. 1 haven't
: slept lately, and I'm not patient enough
4 to be polite"
"It's a bargain. I'll try to be as
disagreeable as you are" said Lorelel
! and Mr.. Merkle signified his prompt
acquiescence. He lit huge mono
!, grammed cigarette, pushed aside his
!, hors d'oeuvres, and reluctantly turned
! down his array of wlneglasses one by
one.
! Cant eat, can't drink, can't sleep
, he grumbled. "Stewed prunes and rice
!, for my portion. Waiter, bring me 0
bottle of vichy, and when it's gone
bring me another"
o The diners had arranged themselves
( by now; the supper had begun. A bo
hemian spirit prevailed the ardor Of
=. the men, lashed on by laughter, CO
= quetry and smiles, rose quickly; wine
flowed, and a general intimacy began
:. Introductions were no longer neces
sary, the talk few back and fortt
! along the rim of the rose-strewn semi
2 circle.
Lorelei turned from the man on hel
n left, who had regaled her with an end
). less story, the point Of which had sent
4 the teller in hiccups of laughter, ant
Q said to John Merkle:
b "T'm glad I'm with you tonight.
4 don't like drinking men,"
a "Can a girl in your position AFFORD
preferencesT he inquired, tartly. Thu
y far the banker had fully lived up to bill
|. sour reputation.
g "AII women are extrsvagant
s have preferences, even II can't AFFORD
s them. II you were tippler instead o.
e a plain crouch could tell you precise
ly how you'd act and what you'd tall