Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1916-08-11
CHAPTER VIII-continued.


Looking back upon last nights home
ward ride. she was wholly at a loss
In view of Jim's words and of what
she had gathered at the theater she
had felt sure of Lilas' complete knowl-
edge of the blackmail plot, but Ham
mons unwavering faith in the girl and
Lias' own story Of her relations with
Max Melcher had awakened a doubt
What concerned her far more than the
moral complexion of the liaison was
her brothers connection with the I'M
lawful scheme of extortion. Jim, she
saw. had gone wrong with a ven
geance, and the consequences to him
troubled her, for in spite of all that he
might be or do she cherished a sisterly
affection for him. Family ties were
very real and very strong TO her
strong enough to keep her loyal to her
kin even after the demoralizing change
IN her whole mode of life. The firm
est, in fact the only bond that she had
ever known, was that of blood; obedi-
ence, faithfulness and affection had
thought to question their sacredness.
Tdling down Fifth avenue, she found
herself in front of a fashionable de-
partment store. A knot of curious
people were gaping at unique auto
mobile which stood in the line &c We
tieles along the curb, and she paused
to look. The equipage was snow white
in color; the chauffeur and a stiff
backed footman were in blood red with
white facings on their livery. A tiny
mop Of a lapdog, imprisoned within
the closed body of the car, was barking
frendedly at the throng. Across the
doors, in gold letters an inch high, vas
the name "Adoree Demorest."
As she entered the store Lorelei re-
fected with some disgust that no Wis
iting rajah, no barbaric potentate-
no one. in fact. except seIf-advertised
musical comedy queen-would so fla
gravity defy good taste as to ride IN
such vehicle
She was engaged In her final pur-
thase when dazzling creature in red
and white descended upon her with ex-
tlamations of surprise and delight Tt
n was Mademoiselle Demorest herself,
and her greeting was so ELUSIVE thar
the stream Of shoppers halted In the
aisle. She carried the mate to the ex-
citable poodle that defed the curiosity
seekers outside.
Miss Knight! I'm so glad to see
you again." she burbled How sweet
you look! 1 hoped we'd meet again;
but where have you been? Have you
finished your shopping? Then do come
and help me match some rose du
Barry"
Lorelei felt herself flushing uncom-
tortably under the stares of the on
lockers, and. glad to escape, she
cause Of all the furore
Miss Demorest seemed genuinely de
lighted at this encounter. She chung
70 her companion. chattering vivac1us-
"; then, when the rose du Barry had
been matched. she suggested tea.
Well run right over to the Wal
oorf-1ny car is outside" But Lorelei
declined, explaining lamely that she
uid not care for public places.
The dancers expression and tone
changed abruptly. 81 supposed you
were like all the others"
Well, I'm not. When I'm away
rom the theater 1 try to forget it.
hate the business"
The reply. which came with sincere
feeling, widened Lorelei's eyes with
uncomfortable surprise.
Here, too" said Adoree Demorest,
quietly. But I'm not allowed to for
ger 1t. Our first meeting made me
ullnk you were-out with banners. l
was hired on that occasion to be
naughty. What do you say to some
Iy'
Lorelei's heart sank at the thought
VI mat gaudy machine outside, but
Aefe was an honest appeal in the
speakers eyes, and. moreover, the
lle'.--,E Of her obligation rose TO pre-
,T Tut her from appearing ungrateful.
De delighted she falsifed, and,
SURFING with appreciation, Miss Dem
S.est hurried her toward the nearest
1t In the street, however, Adoree
s4sed, and her next words showed
I.t - sne was not wanting in womanly