Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-08-17

me what you think of our hOuriShipg
little city and our New York men"
But Lorelei raised a slender hand.
mot for worlds. Besides, you're
making fun of me now. You are con-
sidered very dangerous person, Mr..
Pope"
You're thinking of my story about
the Demorest woman again." he
laughed.
is she really as bad as you have
described herr"
Il don't know, never having met the
lady. wouldn't humiliate myself by
a pei sonal interview, so / built story
on the Broadway gossip. Inasmuch
as she goes in for notoriety, 1 gave
her some of the best that l had in
stock. Her photographer did the rest"
The door curtains parted. and Lilas
Lynn, a slim, black-eyed young wom-
an, entered. She greeted Pope cor
daily as she removed her hat and
handed it to the woman who acted as
| dresser for the two occupants of the
room.
"Im late, as usual" she said. "But
don't leave on my account" She dis
appeared into the lavatory, and
emerged moment later in combing
jacket. "Lorelei's got her nerve to
talk to you after the banning you gave
Demorest," she continued aren't
you ashamed of yourself to strike a
defenseless starT
Pope nodded. 81 am, and I'm
q G 10 cd ~ T
of them fiocking to the Palace Gar
den just to see woman who has moth
ing to distinguish her but reputation
for vileness."
did you see the crown jewels--the
Kings cabochon rubies? Lorelei
asked.
"Only from the front. I dare say
they're as counterfeit as she is"
Miss Lynn turned, revealing a
countenance as shiny as that of an
Eskimo belle. With her war-paint only
half applied and her hair secured close
ly to her small head, she did not in
the least resemble the dashing count
ess" of the program.
ooh, they're real enough. I got that
straight"
Campbell Pope scoffed.
"Isn't it true about the king of Sell
dovia? Didn't she wreck his throne?''
eagerly queried Mrs. Knight
Il never met the king, and I haven't
examined his throne. But you know.
kings can do no wrong, and thrones
are easily mended."
But Mrs. knight was insistent; her
eyes glittered, her sharp nose was
thrust forward inquisitively. "They
say she draws two thousand a week,
and won't go to supper with a man for
less than 1--WE hundred dollars. She
says If fellows want to be seen in
public with her they'll have to pay for
it, and she's right. OF course she's ter
ribly bad, but you must admit she's
done mighty well for herself"
"We'll have chance to see her to-
night" announced Lilas. 'Mr. Ham,
mon is giving big supper to some Of
his friends and we're going-Lorelei
and I. Demorest is down for her
'Danse de Mutt They say it's the
limit"
"Hammon, the steel man?" queried
the critic. curiously.
"Sure. There's only one Harmon.
But nix on the newspaper story; this
is private affair.""
Never let US speak Ill of poor
Pittsburgh millionaire" laughed Pope
Scandal must never darken the SCOT
Of that village" He turned as Slos-
son, the press agent Of the show, en-
tered with bundle of photographs.
"Here are the new pictures of Lore
lei for your story, old man." Mr. Slos.
son said. Bergman will appreciate
the boost fer one of his girls Help
yourself to those you want. If you
need any more stuff I'll supply it"
Don't go to the trouble" Pope hast
lily deprecated. II know the story.
Now I'm going to leave and let Miss
Lynn dress"
Don't go on my account" urged
L1las. This room is like a subway
station, and I've got SO could change
in Bryant park at noon and never
shock policeman"
You won't say anything mean about
us, will your" Mrs. knight implored.
"In this business girls reputation is
all she has"
Il promise" Pope held out his
hand to Lorelei, and as she shook it
her lips parted in her ever-ready smile.
''Nice girl, that" the critic remarked,
as he and Slosson descended the stairs.
(which one-Lorelei, Lilas, or the
female gorilla?"
How did she come to choose thai
for mother" muttered Pope.
Zone of natures inscrutable mystic
ries But wait. Have you seen
Brother JIM"
mo. Who's he?"