The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-11-16

itlti CHlue uOWn OOluly, dressed LOT
the street, and, since she could not pass
the besiegcr. crossed under the stage.
made her way into the orchestra pit.
and managed to leave the theater by
the front door.
She was waiting when Jim came
home. and followed him into his room,
where they could talk without disturb
Ing their father. Lorelel made her ac-
cusation boldly. prepared for the usual
burst OF anger. but Jim listened pa
tiently until she paused.
81 knew you had to spill this. so
let you rave" said he, "But it's too
late; somebody has been after Ham
mon for long time. and he's been
got-yes, and got good. Take a fash
at the Chorus Girls Bible" He
tossed his sister copy OF a prominent
theatrical paper. IL waited until 1t
came out"
Lorelei gasped, for on the front page
glared black-typed headlines OF the
Harmon scandal. John Merkle's name
was there, too, anG. linked with It, her
own.
"whnt is--this?" She ran her eye
swiftly down the column.
"Sure. Mclcher commenced suit
against Harmon this afternoon. Fifty
thousand dollars for alienation OF Ii
las affections. Joke. eb7 He claims
there was a common-law marriage and
he'll get the coin"
"But Mrs. Hammon2"
"The evidence Is In her hands al
ready--dntes. places. photographs. ev-
erythlng. She'll win her suit, too"
"Were you by any chance working
for Mrs. Hammon2"
Divlning his sisters prejudice, Jim
lied promptly and convlncingly. why,
Mrs Harmon, OF course l had a
chance to turn few dollars, and I
took it."
But why did you drag me in?
Couldn't you keep me out OF II? This
Is dreadful" As she ran her eye over
the article she saw that II was quite
in harmony with the general tone and
policy OF the paper, which catered to
the jaded throngs of the Tenderloln.
Truth had been cunningly distorted
fiippancy, sensationallsm and, a sala-
cious double meaning ran through II
| all.
whats dreadful about it7' inquired
her brother. "That sort OF advertising
does n show-girl good. You've got to
make people talk about you, sis, and
this'll bring a gang OF high rollers your
way. You've been so blamed proper
that nobody's interested In you any
more"
For a moment Lorelei scrutinized
her brother In silence. taken aback al
his outrageous philosophy. Jim had
changed greatly, she mused; not until
very lately had she observed the full
measure of the change In him. He was
no longer the country boy, the play
mate and contidant Of her youth, but q
man, sophisticated, hard. secretive. He
had been thoroughly Manhattanized
she perceived, and he was as foreign
to her as stranger. She shook hel
head hopelessly.
You're a strange brother" she said
81 hardly know what 10 make OF you
Has the city killed every decent in
stlnct in you, Jimr
"Now. don't begin on the Old Home
stuff" he replied, testify. "Do yor
really intend to marry a bunch Of
coin?"
That's the program, isn't it7 I've
been raised for that and nothing else.
"Well, ma can't put II over, so
guess it's up to me-" After moment
he added, would you accept Merkle?'
Lorelei shivered. "oh-no! Not Mr.
Merkle."
"Humph! You ought to consider the
rest OF us little bit. Pa could b'
cured, mad be happy. could get OF
my feet. How about Bob Wharton
Lets not talk about It, please. Mr.
Wharton is getting nasty, and-rm be
ginning to be afraid OF him."
"I'll bet you could land him"
"Please. I-don't want to thinl
about It. I dare say I'll bring myneli
to marry some rich man some day
but-Merkle-Wh Wharton" She shud
dered for a second time. III Mr.
Wharton is serious this scandal will
scare MIN OH, OF else neil DecOme-
Just like the others. I could cry. ii,
threatened me tonight; don't know
how I'll manage to avoid him tomor
row night"
"Hm-ml He's coming that strong
ehT was Jim's Interested query: bu
on hearing his sisters account OF thu
young millionaire's determined pursuit.
he volunteered In his offhand way e
assist her.
"rll come for you myself, and wei
whip over to cafe for supper"
"You'll save me from him." said Lo
relei. with n wan smile, "and I'll know
that you are In good company for on'
evening at least"
Don't lose any sleep over my hab
It's" he told her. lightly.
As Jim and his mother .breakfastet
together on the following morning h,
broached the subject Of his recent con
versation with Lorelei.
"She's sore about the story" HI