Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-08-11

jimmy might pdleu, IOr Denlnu
Pope's genial smile were both mockery
and contempt; panic swept him lest
this fellow should acquaint Lorelel
with the truth. Jim lost interest in
his clans and thereafter avoided con
versation with the wariness of a fox
He was still glowing with resent
ment when Robert Wharton paused al
the table and greeted Its occupants
cheerily. In response to Jim's invita-
ton Bob drew up fourth chair, seat
ed himself, and began to beam upon
Lorelei. Noting the faint line of an
noyance between her brows he
laughed.
Retreat Is cut off," he announced,
complacently. Escape Is hopeless.
I've left orders to have the windows
barred and the doors walled up"
"Eh? What's the idea?' inquired
Pope.
Wharton answered sadly: my van
ity has suffered the rudest Jolt of its
young career; l mourn the death of q
perfectly normal and healthy self-con-
ceit, age Twenty-Five. Services at
noon; friends and relatives only"
"Oho! You've heard the seductive
song Of the Rhine maiden?" Pope's
eyes were twinkllng.
"Eh?--I'm tangled up like basket
of ticker tape. You see, Campbell, I
drink: candor compels me to acknowl-
edge that much. In a moment of folly
l was indiscreet, and ever since have
been trying to apologize. In short, I'm
In Dutch, and there sits the adorable
cause of my sorrows"
In spite of Wharton's reproachful
tone, the gaze he bent upon Lorelei
was good-humored, and she saw that
he was in mood different to any she
had ever seen him In. Strange to say, he
was sober, or nearly so, and he was
plainly determined to make her like
him.
HAS he annoyed you, Miss Knightg"
asked Pope.
"Dreadfully."
Wharton explained further. 1.-THE
first time we met l deserved to be
slapped, and was. You see, I was
ruder than usual But have sobered
up purposely to apologize; l have re-
pented, and-well, here we are, thanks
to brother James,"
Thanks tO-Jim" Lorelei raised
her brows.
Pope turned to young Knight and
said, politely, "That is my foot you are
on"
Ignoring Jim's mute appeal, Whar-
ton ran on, smilingly: "He promised to
shackle you to table until l could
stammer out my hating apologies, and
now that I've done SO in the presence
of press and public won't you forgive
me and help me to bury the Ratchet in
a Welsh rabbit" He was speaking
directly to her with genuine appeal
in his handsome eyes. Now that she
saw him In his right mind, 1t was I'M
hard to resist him, for he
was very boyish and friendly-quite
unlike the person who had so grievous-
ly offended her.
When she and Jim had first entered
the restaurant they had received po-
lite but casual recognition from the
head waiter, but there attentions had
ceased. With Wharton as member
If the party, however, there came a
,hange. Mr.. Proctor himself paused
at the table and rested a
hand upon WhartOn's shoulder while
lie voiced few platitudes. Then In
'ome inexplicable manner Robert
'Ound himself not only ordering for
himself but supplementing Jlm's menu
With rare and expensive viands. AS a
treat favor, he was advised Of a newly
vintage wine which the pro-
Drietor had secured for his own use.
OF course Mr.. Wharton wished to J
ample such vintage, any vintage, In /
act, since thousand fires were con-
uming him, and his nerves were on
'dge from the night before. The first
lraft electrified him. bis spirits rose,
md he swept his companions along
With his enthusiasm. From surround
ng tables people accosted him; men
'aused in passing to exchange word
bout stocks, polo, scandal, Newport,
ennis, Tuxedo; none were in the least
tiff or formal, and all expressed in
ne way or another their admiration
or LOrelei. Women who she knew
we're not of her world beamed and
mlled at the young millionaire. 1t
vas new experience for the girl, who
cit herself, as the supper progressed,
'ec0ming conspicuous without the
sual disagreeabe Accomplishments.
Zen no longer openly ogled her; wom-
n did not nudge each other and whis-
er; her presence In company with
lember OF the idolized rich was caus-
% gossip, but gossip of fiattering
ind.
All this attention, however, had quite
ne contrary effect upon Campbell
ope. Much to Jim's relief, he ex-
used himself shortly, whereupon the
primer, after allowing Wharton to pay
he score, suggested a dance, breezily :
weeping aside his sisters mild objec
on. OF course Bob was delighted,
nd soon the trio had set out upon
)und of the dancing cafes.
Bob Wharton had drunk heavily, but
. to this time he had shown little ef
,ct from his potations beyond grow
n Al