Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-09-08

pathy for others. Jarvis Harmon, II
seemed, had heard about the party,
and was furious with her.
"You must expect to meet such
muckers in this business" she re-
marked philosophically.
Jim agreed. 81 guess you'll have to
forget it, sis. Just don't think about
1T. I'll bring Wharton around tonight
and we four will have supper, ehi'
Lllas' hesitation in accepting this in
vitatlon seemed genuine, but she acQul-
esced finally, saying with a short
laugh: "All right. Maybe little jeal.
ousy won't hurt my lord and master.
He's getting too bossy, anyhow"
When the four set out that night
Wharton was in exceptional spirits,
and, as usual, devoted himself to Lore.
lei. For him life was joyous ad.
venture; he took things as they came
and now that he knew the girl for
what she was he did not allow him
self the slightest liberty. He was a
fervent sutton, to be sure, yet he court
ed her with jests and concealed his ar
dor behind a playful raillery.
Jim had ordered supper at a popular
Washington Heights inn, and thithcr
the quartet were driven in an open car
which he hired in the square before the
theater.
1t was charming place for sup
per Contrary to her custom, Lllas
Lynn allowed herself free rein, and for
once drank more than was good for
her, rejoicing openly in the liberty she
had snatched.
1t is peculiar liberty to sit soberly
through meal and see ones compan-
ions become intoxicated. L0relel
watched l.ilas and Bob respond to the
effect Of the wine. The whole pro-
cedure struck her, like her present life
as whole, as both inane and wicked,
and she longed desperately to lay hold
of something really decent, true and
permanent
Jimmy Knights admirable hospital
ity continued; he devoted his entire at.
tentOn to his guests, he made CONVEX
sation, and he led 1t into the channels
he desired 1t to follow. Then, when
the psychological moment had come, he
acted with the skill of Taleyrand. |
No one but he knew precisely how
Bob's proposal was couched, whence
it originated, or by what subtety the
victim had beth induced to make II.
AS a matter of fact, 1t was no pro-
posal and not even Bob himself sus
pected how his words had been twist
ed. He was just dimly aware of some
turn in the conversation, when he
heard Jim eXclaim;
by Jove, sis, Bob asks you to mar
ry him"
In prizc-ring parlance, Jimmy had
Tented his opponent into lead, then
taken prompt dvantage to counter"
Loreei awoke to her surroundings
with start, sensing the sudden gray.
ity that had fallen upon her three com.
panions.
"What--Y
Lilas nodded and smiled at the be.
wildered lover. That's the way to
put it over, BOb-before witnesses"
Don't joke about such things"
cried Lorelei sharply.
Joke? Who's jokingT" Jim was in
dignant and glanced appealingly at
Bob You meant 1t. didn't your"
Sure. No joking matter" Bob
declared vaguely Il was just say
ing that this is no life for fellow
to lead-batting round the way I do;
then jim said-I mean l said need
ed wife, beautiful wife. l never
saw girl beautiful enough to suit me
before, and he said"
Jim's relief came as an explosion.
"There That's English. You spoke
a mouthful that time, Bob, for she
certainly is A beauty bright. Rut I