davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21
CHAPTER XVII.

Hannibal Wharton arrived in New
to Merkle's bank. At eight o'clock
Jarvis Harmon died. During the
afternoon and evening other financiers,
summoned hurriedly from New Eng
land shores and Adirondack camps,
were busted I'm preparations for the
struggle they expected on the morrow.
During the closing hours Of the market
prices had slumped TO an alarming de-
gree; terrific raid on metal stocks had
begun, and conditions were ripe for
panic.
Harmon had bulked large In the
steel world, and his position in circles
OF high finance had become prominent;
but alive he could never have worked
one-half the havoc caused by his sud
den death. That persistent rumor Of
suicide argued, in the public mind. the
existence of serious money troubles,
and gave significance to the rumor that
for some time past had disturbed the
| Street. Hammon's enemies summoned
their forces for a crushing assault.
In this emergency Bob's father found
himself the real head OF those vast en-
terprlses in which he had been an as
soclate, ana until late hour that night
he was forced to remain in consultation
with men who came and went with
CONSERVATION written upon their faces.
The amazing transformation which
followed the birth Of the giant steel
trust had raised many men from we'll
to-do obscurity into prominence and
undreamed-of wealth. Since then the
older members OF the original clique
had withdrawn one by one from active
affairs, and OF the younger men only
Wharton and Harmon had remained.
Equally these two had figured In what
was perhaps the most remarkable chap
ter of American financial history. Both
had been vigorous, self-made, practical
mem But the outcome had affected
them quite differently.
Riches had turned Jarvis Hammons
mind into new channels; they had
opened strange pathways and projected
him into a life that was In every
way foreign to his early teachings
His duties kept him in New York
while wharton's had held him in his
old home. Harmon had become 9
great fnancier; Wharton had remainet
the practical operating expert, and
, owing to the exactions OF his position
, he had become linked more closely
, than ever to business detail At th'
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

the best girl in the world. and you're"
Adoree hesitared. and continued 10
stare. round-eyed. 81 didn't think
you'd-I didn't think she'd-I don't
know what thought or didn't think.
But-Jimminy! Marriedr' When Lore
lei led her into the bedroom TO lay or
her wraps the thunderstruck young
woman had more nearly recovered her
self. "Why, he's worth Millions" she
exclaimed. In n whisper-"billions! |
don't know how to talk to hlm-or you,
for that matter. Shall l call you my
lady or your honor, or didn't
dress for dinner either: I suppose I
should have worn the crown jools."
You're going to wear an apron and
help me scorch the dinner" Lorelel
laughed.
As Lorelei explained the reasons for
tonight's program. Adoree saw for the
l first time the WEAKNESS In her friends
eyes, the pallor OF her cheeks, the trem-
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

prompted his action. Anyhow, he's
gone home to put on a clean sweater"
"You don't mean you asked-P
Campbell Pope; yes. l met him,
and he looked hungry. He's coming
here at six" For almost the first time
in Bob's society Lorelel laughed out
clearly.
"And asked Adoree Demorest," she
said.
Bob grinned and then laughed with
her. "Fine" he cried. Both mem
bers Of this club. Really, this ought to
make the best finish fight seen in New
York for many a day"
Adoree's surprise at ending Robert
Wharton in her friends apartment was
intense, and when she learned the truth
she was for once in her life speeches.
She could only stare from one to the
other. wavering between CONSERVATION
and delight Finally she sat down
Imply.
I'D have brought present it Id
known" she managed to say.
"Are you going to wish us luck p
Bob inquired.
| "Lnckl You've both got f. She
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21
CHAPTER XVI.

That afternoon Mrs. Knight, In
great futter OF excitement, arrived
with Jim at the Elegancia. Embracing
her daughter in tremulous, almost tear
full delight, she burst forth:
"You dearl You darling! Jim came
home not an hour ago and told me ev-
erything. l thought I should swoon."
"Told you - everything" Lorelei
flashed a glance at her brother, who
made a quick sign of reinsurance.
What with Lorelei's good fortune
and Lilas' catastrophe Mrs. Knight was
well-nigh delirious. She was still re-
joicing garrulously when Lorelei burst
into one of her rare passions of weep
ing and buried her face in her hands.
"Child aliver cried her astonished
mother. "What ails your
Instantly Jim's suspicious caught
fire.
Say! Has Bob welchedr he de-
manded, harshly.
The amber head shook in negation.
isn't he-nice to you?" quavered
Mrs. Knight.
"Yes. But-I'm sorry L did It, He
was drinking; he didn't know what he
was doing"
"Hush" Mrs. Knight cast o fearful
glance over her shoulder. "It was al
straight and aboveboard, and he knew
perfectly we'll what he was about. jim
would swear to it."
Lorelei lifted a tragic, tear-stained
face. 81 ought to be hanged" she said
Jim laughed with relief. There's
gratitude for you! II had your share
of the Wharton coin I'd let 'em hang
me-for while"
As mother and son were leaving, jim
managed to get word in private with
his sister.
'Don't weaken" he cautioned her
"Lynn's gone, and it's all over We've
got the whip-hand on all OF 'em-Ham
mon, Merkle, Bob, Lllas-eyerybody
We've got 'em all, understand? We've
landed bigw
When she was alone Lorelel gave
sigh of relief, which changed to a sol
as the sense OF her helplessness surget
over her again. She had deliberatel!
sold herself; she wearlly wondered
where the new road led-surely not t
happiness.
Toward evening Adoree Demores
telephoned, and with many anticlpa
tory exclamations OF pleasure invited
Lorelei to dine.
"I can't" answered Lorelei, family.
Bother your engagementsP Mis-
Demorest's disappointment was keen.
"I can't even explain, unless--you'l
come here"
ITO dinnerf"
Lorelei decided swiftly. She dreade
to be alone with Bob; her constraint 4
his presence was painful, and he alsC
before going out, had appeared very 1
, at ease. He bad not even made plan
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

ulous droop OF her lower lip. Selling
Lorelei by the shoulders, she held her
Off as the target for searching gaze.
"Tefl me, did they make you marry
him?" she inquired, fiercely. 1t was
plain TO whom she referred.
"No."
"whewi I'm glad to hear that. You
love him, don't your
The answer came readily enough,
and the blue eyes did not finch, but
the smile was trine fixed and the
cheeks remained colorless.
"why, OF course. He's very nice"
"Loreleiw Miss Demorest's fingers
| frightened; her voice was tragic, but she
had no chance to say more, for Bob
called just then from the living room
Hurry back, girls. There's some
thing burning, and I can't find the
emergency brake"
When Adoree finally came forth in
one of Lorelei's aprons-really fetch
ing garment, more like a house dress
than an apron-Bob told her whom
they were expecting as the other guest.
She paused with a bread-knlfe up
raised.
"That-viper?" she cried.
Campbell isn't viper; he's cricket
"a dramatic cricket" declared Bob.
Adoree began TO undo the buttons at
her back, but Bob seized her hands.
LET go. I'll blow up II see that
creature" she exclaimed, in a kind OF
subdued shout.
Argument proved vain until Lorelel
told her firmly: "You owe 1t to your.
The dancer ceased her struggles, her
brows puckered.
Seriously, now, Lorelei has told me
everything, and / want Campbell to
acknowledge his mistake" said Bob
"The public has swallowed that royalty
hoax, but there's no use decelving him.
Despite her show Of bravery AdoreC
was panic-stricken when the bell rang
and Bob went to the door to explain
the change of plan and invite Pope in
He entered the living room with hand
extended and smile upon his lips
then halted as IL frozen. By the time
he had been introduced to Adoree III
had burst into gentle persplration.
AS for Miss Demorest, she took {
grim delight in his discomfort, and pre-
pared to blast him with sarcasm, 4
wither him with her contempt wher
the moment came. Meanwhile she lis
tened as the two men talked, turning
up her nose when Pope scored Broad
way with his usual bitterness.
HE think that's smart" she re
fiected; but she, too, detested the Grea
Trite Way, and his words expresses
her own dlstaste so aptiy that sh
could think OF no argument sufficient.
biting to confound him. She delhi
erately framed singing reference I
: his pose in the matter of dress, thoug
Q in frankness she had to admit that h
wore his gray sweater vest with an al
OF genuine comfort and unconscious
G ness.
Pope was noticeably III at ease. II
b was conscious of Miss Demorest's hos
: tile eyes. and the pointed manner 1
o which she ignored his presence was dis
Y quieting. Bob appeared to enjoy hi
lack of repose, and offered no relief.
t last Pope turned to the piano and flu
s tered through the stack Of sheet mus
h he found there.
J. "Do you play?" inquired Dob.
G Eyes. WhyT
n ''You look as II you dld-you're kin
n of-badly nourished. Know any raj
timer
d The musician groaned. After M
ment he murmured, 81 improvlse
% good deal" The instrument perhaI
for the irst time in Its life, began
q vibrate and ring to something besid'
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

transferred to their respective owners
Bob walked toward the Elegancia with
feeling of extreme fatigue in his
limbs, for the effort to conquer his in
toxication had left him weak; he dimly
realized also that he was still far from
sober.
There was no answer when he rang
at Lilas Lynn's apartment; the hall
boy volunteered the Information that
the occupant had just gone out with
gentleman. Miss Knlght2 Yes, she
was upstairs. he supposed. Bob was
surprised at his wife's apparent self
control when she let him in. Except
for the slim hand pressed to her bosom
and the anxiety Turing in her deep
blue eyes, she might have just come
from the theater. Those eyes, he not
ed, were very dark, almost black, un-
der this emotional stress; they ques-
toned him, mutely.
eve got him home all right" he told
her, when they stood facing each other
In the tiny living room.
"Will he liver"
"Oh. yes. He says he's not badly
hurt, and Merkle agrees. Lordl We'd
never left him alone II we'd thought
I'm glad. When you rang l thought
1T was the police"
"There, therer he said, comfortingly
seeing her tremble II won't let any
body hurt you. was terribly drunk
| thInpa ara swimming vet-hut all the
way across town l couldn't think OF
anything, anybody except you and
what it would mean to you II 1t got
out"
1T will get out, I'm sure. Sucf
things always do"
He eyed her gravely, kindly, with aI
expression she had never seen upon his
face.
"Then-we'll face 1t together" h,
said.
After moment her glance drooped
faint color tinged her cheeks. "I-
wouldn't dare face 1t alone. l couldn't
but you're tired-sick." He nodded
"You must lie down and sleep, and ge
to be yourself again We can't tel
what may happen now at any mo
ment."
"It's the reaction, suppose. I'm al
In. And your
She shook her head. 81 couldn't sleel
II tried. feel as If I'd never be abl
to sleep again. I-I'll sit and watc
and-wait."
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

same time ne mad become more and
more unapproachable. Unlimited power
had forced him into the peculiar isola-
tion OF chief executive; he had grown
hard, suspicious, arbitrary. Even to
his son he had been for years a remote
being.
IL was not until the last conference
had broken up. not until the last forces
had been disposed for the coming bat
tie, that he spoke to Merkle OF Bob's
marriage. Merkle told him what he
knew. and the old man listened silent
ly Then he drove to the Elegancia.
Bob and Loreei had just returned
from the theater. much, be 1t said,
against the bridegroom's wishes. Bob
| had been eager to begin the celebration
OF his marriage In fitting manner, and
II had required the shock OF Hammon's
death added TO Lorelei's entreaties to
dissuade him from a night of hllarity.
He was flushed with drink. and In con-
sequence more than little resentful
when she insisted upon spending an
other night In the modest little home.
SAY! I'm not used to this kind OF
place." he argued. "I'm not a cave
dweller. It's lovely fiat--for q muir
der-but it's no place to live"
"Don't be silly" she told him. eve
acted on impulse; we can't change
everything at a moments notice"
"But-people take trips when they
get married"
81 can't quit the show without two
weeks notice"
1.-TWO weeks?" He was agbast
1.-TWO minutes. Two seconds. I won't
have you dodging around stage DOORS"
Bergman won't let me go; u
wouldn't be right to ask him.
But Bob was insistent. IL intend to
cure you OF the work habit. You must
learn to scorn II. Look at me. I'm an
example of the unearned increment.
Wen kiss this dlnky Hat fond fare
well-it's impossible. really--I refuse
TO share such dark secret with you.
Tomorrow we leave II for the third and
last time. What d'you say to the sunny
side OF the Ritz until we decide where
We want to travel"
Just then the apartment bell rang
, Bob went to the door, He returned
with his father mt his heels. Mr. Whar.
ton tramped in grimly. nodded at his
daughter-in-law, who had risen at the
first sound OF his voice, then ran his
eyes swiftly over the surroundings.
81 hear you've made fool OF your.
self again." he began, showing his
A.. teeth In a faint smile. Have you
a given up your apartment at the Charlie
voix2'
mot yet" said Bob. "We're consld.
ering a suite at the Ritz for a. few
: days" m
a Indeed. You're going back to the
= Charlevoix tonight"
= Lorelei started. She had expected
opposition, but was unprepared fol
anything so blunt and businesslike. 81
q think you and Bob can talk more free
a ly II | leave you Alone" she said.
K Hannibal Wharton replied shortly
l. "No, don't leave. I'll talk freer witt
n you here"
v II appeared, however, that Rober
e stood in no awe of his fathers anger
I. he said lightly:
\. ''They never come back, dad. I'm
" royal consort, my yoke-mate, my rib
Wen have to scratch the Charlevoix."
II This levity left the caller unmoved
,e to Lorelei he explained:
L II want no notoriety, so all we nee,
Z talk about is terms. You'll fare bette
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

=
! the claptrap music OF the day. once
he had found means OF occupying
himself, Pope surrendered to his i'm
pulse and in a measure forgot his sur
roundings.
A short time later Lorelei turned
from the ktchenctte 10 find Adoree
Z Deuforest poised. n salad-bowl I'm one
hand, a wooden spoon grlpped In the
other, on her face a rapt expression OF
beatitude.
Have you rubbed the dish with gar
lic2" inquired Lorelei.
Adoree reused herself slowly
"Lordyl" she whispered I'D give both
legs to the knee and one eye IL could
play like that. The mean little shrlmp"
The embers Of her resentment were
still glowing when the four finally seat
cd themselves at the table. A furtlve
glance In Pope's direction showed that
he was studiously avoiding her eyes;
she prepared once more TO begin the
process of flaying him.
you've been away for some time,
haven't your Bob was asking.
Pope nodded. IL hate New York. I
went as far away as could get, and
managed TO return just two jumps
ahead of the sheriff. IL will take me
six months TO pay my debts. I'm a
grand little business man."
"what was II this timer Mning"
"No. Poultry" Adoree prlcked ur
her ears.
"You went West, chr" pursued Bob.
"No. East--Long Island. saw O
great opportunity to make money; so
found farm on lake. bought It, ant
went to raising ducks"
"Ducksv breathlessly exclaimed
Miss Demorest; but her interruption
went unnotlced.
Campbell Pope's features shone witt
the gentle light of a pleasurable re
membrance. at was lovely and quie
out there. The local inhabitants wer,
shy but friendly; they did me no harm
Butt was no place for ducks; the.
swan all over the pond. They swan
| all their fat or. and had the pom,
dredged and never found an egg"
! Miss Demorest glggled audlbly; sh
had lost all interest IN her food; sh
was tingling with excitement
"Why didn't you fence them inf" rh
asked.
Pope eyed her for tieeting instan
then his gaze wavered.
IL fenced in the whole pond to begi
with. II nearly broke me-"
g "a duck shouldn't have mucn waite
# What kind were they"
plymouth Rocks, or Holsteins, {
y Jersey Lilies-anyhow they WEI
IS white"
white PekinsW
The critic frowned argumentativel
u what is a duck for II he isn't
swim2 What is his object? We ha
b, six on my fathers farm, and the
1t swan all the time. OF course, six ism
lie many, but"
Naturally they didn't do we'll"
Bob Wharton signaled frantically
rs his wife. but there was no stopping II
lie discussion that had begun to rage ba,
ID and forth. II lasted until the concl
: sion OF the meal, and 1t was only wi
e. an effort that Adoree tore herself ava
ie She was in her element, and in HIT
time had won the critics undivided q
In tentlon; he listened with absorptio
h. he even made occasional notes.
IS As the two girls dressed hurried
IN for the theater, Adoree confessed:
IT. "Gollyl I'm glad l stayed. He's n
p bright; he's perfectly silly about son
things, and yet he's the most interei
ing talker l ever heard. And-caI
ct he play a planoT
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21
SYNOPSIS.
ID

Peter Knight, defeated for political Of
nee In his town. decides to venture New
York In order that the family fortunes
might benefit by the expected rise of his
charming daughter, Lorelei. A we'll
known critic interviews Lorelei Knight,
now stage beauty with Bergman's Revue,
for a special article. Her coin-hunting
mother outlines Lorelels ambitions but
Slosson, the press agent, later adds his
Information, Lorelei attends Millionaire
Hammons gorgeous entertainment. She
meets Merkle. a wealthy dyspeptc Bob
Wharton comes unlimited. Lorelei dis
covers a blackmail plot against Harmon,
In which her mother is involved. MerRle
and Lorelei have an auto wreck. The
blackmailers besmirch her good name
Lorelei learns her mother Is an unscru.
pulous plotter. She finds in Adoree Dem.
crest a real friend. and finds Bob Whar.
ton IN llkable. Lorelei leaves her family
and goes TO live alone. Lorelei and drum.
ken Bob Wharton are tricked into mar.
rtage. Lilas shoots and wounds Ham
mon seriously.
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

for the evening meal. In view or all
this she answered.:
yes, to dinner. Please please come"
Lorelei was not quite sure that Bob
would consent TO dine in the modest
little home, but under the circum
stances idleness was maddening, so she
fell to work. This was very different
| from what she had expected, but
everything was different. Once the
marriage had become known to Bob's
| people and he had thoroughly sobered
down, once she had withdrawn from
| the cast of the Revue, their real life
would begin
Rob was pale and a bit unsteady
when he arrived, but Lorelei saw that
he suffered only from the effects OF his
J previous debauch. He was extremely
self-conscious and uneasy In her pres
ence. though he kissed her with a
brave show of confidence.
~ galloped into the bank just as they
slammed the DOORS" he explained, but
my bookkeeping is rotten"
Are you trying to tell me that you
| nave ONerurhWnF
Exactly. But l drew against the
old gentleman. as usual so on with the
dance. What's the--er--idea OF the
apron?"
ITS nearly dinner time"
! Bob's eyes opened with surprise.
why, we're going to Delmonico's."
"rd-rather do this II you don't
| mind" She eyed him appealingly. 81
, don't feel equal to going out tonight.
? Tm-afraid."
: His glance frightened with admira-
ton. well, you look stunning in that
get-up, and I'd hate to see you change
1t. Do you mean to say you can cookT
l mot well, but can fry almost any
thing. Mother has maid. couldn't
afford two"
81 love fried things" he assured her
with twinkle. And to think your,
! going to cook for mel That's an ex
y perience for both of us. Let's have
I some fried roast beef and fried corr
on the cob with fried salad and cheese.
;, "Don't tease" she begged, uncertain
= ly. 81 hardly know what I'm doing
and thought this would keep me bus,
e until theater time"
4 He extended hand timidly an(
d patted her arm, saying with unexpect
It ed gentleness:
"Please don't worry. 1t was ter
II rible night for all OF us. When
think of 1t I'm sure 1t must have beel
n a dream. saw Merkle. He got bacl
IS to Hammon's house ahead OF the doc
tor and nobody suspects the truth. Blu
e the Street is in chaos, and all OF Ham
mons companies are feeling tn
!, strain"
= shouldn't you have been at busi
I. ness on such dayY
u. Bob shrugged carelessly. "Pm onl
et joke broker. The governor thinks
III firm name looks well on my cards.
D. hope he doesn't lose more than a mi
lion in this fiurry-it won't improve hi
il disposition. But-wait till he learn
I've married a girl who can fr
p things BY, the way" Bob pause,
lie 81 invited a friend to dine with us t
h night"
Lorelei was less dlsmayed than h
had expected. $50 have l." she said
II thought 1t might be pleasantC
for you" he explained, bit awkward
ly, "inasmuch as we're not very we'll
su acquainted. / saw before l went ol
lg that you -embarrassed-an
r and" He flushed boyishly, scare
ly conscious of the delicacy that ha
The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-21

Adoree Demorest, the dancer,
and Campbell Pope, the critic,
. once more. He Is the man who
told all New York through his
dramatic column that she was
the most shameless woman on
the stage. Really good girl,
she naturally despises him for
thus besmirchlng her. Well, they
meet at dinner. How the bar
rier between them Is broken and
how they begin a friendship Is
told In delightful manner in this
installment.