The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-10-26

stage which occupied one end OF the
room; occupying the inner arc OF the
half-circle was a wide but shallow
stone fountain, upon the surface OF
which aoated large-leaved Egyptian
pond lilies. Fat-bellied goldfish with
hlmy nns. and tails Ike iridescent wed
ding trains. propelled themselves lndo-
lently about.
But the surprising feature OF the dec
Grating scheme was not apparent at
first glance. Through the bewildering
riot Of greenery had been woven an al
most Invisible netting. and the space
behind formed a prison for birds and
butterflies. Disturbed by the commo-
| tion, the feathered creatures twittered
and nuttered against the netting in a
panic. As for the butterflies, no arti-
hcial light could deceive them, and
they chung with closed wings to leaves
and branches. only now and then dis
playing their full glory in a sleepy pro
test.
"How-beautifulr' gasped Lorelei,
when she had taken In the whole
scene. "But--.the poor little things
are frightened" She looked up to find
her companion staring in Hammon's
direction with an expression OF pecul.
lar, derisive amusement
Harmon was the center OF an ad-
miring group; congratulations were be-
ing hurled at him from every quarter.
At his side was Lilas Lynn, very dark,
very striking. very eIpenslvely gowned
and elaborately bejeweled. The room
was DINING with the strains of an
invisible orchestra and the vocal up
roar. Becoming conscious OF Lorelei's
gaze, her escort looked down, showing
his teeth in a grin that was not Of
pleasure.
"You like it7' he asked.
'Tts beautiful. but-the e1trava-
gance Is almost criminal"
Don't tell me how many starving
newsboys or how many poor families
the cost Of this supper would support
for a year. l hate poor people. Now
for the ortolans and the humming-
bird tongues. No doubt there's a pearl
In every winecup. Prepare TO have
your palate tickled with feather
when your appetite flags"
"That's what the Romans did, isn't
itf"
"Are you a student as well as an
artist, Miss Knight"
"I thought you were going to be
| pleasant, but you're not, are your
Lorelei was smilingly fxedly. I'm
afraid you don't intend to have a good
time, Mr." They had found their
places 8t the table, and Lorelei's escort
was seating her. 81 didn't catch your
name when we were introduced"
"Nor l." sRid he. taking his place be-
side her. at sounded like Rice Curry
or some other dish, but it's really Mer-
kle-John t. Merkle."
"Ah! You're a banker. Aren't you
pretty-reckless confessing your rank
as it were?"
I'm a bachelor; also an invalid and
an insomniac. You couldn't bring me
any more trouble than l have" Again
he looked toward Harmon, and this
time he frowned. From indications
I'll soon have company, however"
Indeed. Is there talk of a divorce
thereg" She inclined her head in the
hosts direction.
Me-kle retorted acidly: MY dear
child, don't try 10 act the ingenue
You're in the same show as Miss Lynn,
and you must know what's going on.
This sort OF thing can't continue indefi-
4 nj t.fv To t. oh
alive, TO say nothing OF her daughters
Let's be natural, at least. l haven't
slept lately. and I'm not patient enough
TO be polite"
Its a bargain. I'll try to be as
disagreeable as you are" said Lorelel;
and Mr.. Merkle signifed his prompt
acquiescence. He lit a huge mono
grammed cigarette, pushed aside his
hors d'oeuvres, and reluctantly turned
down his array OF wlneglasses one by
one.
Cant eat, can't drink, can't Sleep"
he grumbled. "Stewed prunes and rice
for my portion. Waiter, bring me a
bottle of vlchy, and when it's gone
bring me another"
The diners had arranged themselves
by now; the supper had begun. A boz
hemian spirit prevailed; the ardor OF
the men, lashed on by laughter, CO.
quetry and smiles, rose quickly; wine
flowed, and general intimacy began.
Introductions were no longer neces-
sary, the talk few back and forth
along the rim OF the rose-strewn semi
circle.
Lorelei turned from the man on her
left, who had regaled her with an end
less story, the point OF which had sent
the teller in hlccups Of laughter, and
said 10 John Merkle:
I'm glad I'm with you tonight. l
don't like drinking men"
"Can a girl in your position AFFORD
preferences" he inquired. tartly. Thus
far the banker had fully lived mp to his
sour reputation.
"All women are extravagant. I
I d.