Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-09-21
CHAPTER vIil-Continued.

CTAF TEX Vblt-Continued.
Looking back upon last nights home
ward ride, she was wholly at loss.
In view Of Jfm'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
Lilas' 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 IN
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
been born in her, and she never
thought to question their sacredness.
Idling down Fifth avenue, she found
herself in front Of fashionable de-
partment store. A knot of curious
people were gaping at a unique auto
mobile which stood in the line &C We
hicles 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 faeings on their livery. A tiny
mop of a lapdog, imprisoned within
the closed body of the car, was barking
frenziedly at the throng. Across the
doors, in gold letters an inch high, was
the name "Adoree Demorest."
: AS she entered the store Lorelei re-
fected with some disgust that o.gis-
iting rajah, no barbaric... pgtentater
no one, in fact, except self advertised
musical comedy queen-woqld.. SO. fla
gravity defy good taste as to ride id
such vehicle.
She was engaged in her final pnr-
chase when dazzling creature iii red
and white descended Upon her Wifi ex,
CARNATIONS of surprise and delight. 1t
was Mademoiselle Demorest herself,
and her greeting was so ,effusve that
the stream of shoppers halted III the.
aisle. She carried the mate to the ex.
ritable poodle that defed the tutfssify
seekers outside. '.:.,.-', :, &:I;f, 4
Miss knight! I'm $50, glad to- see:
you again." she burbled. How sweet
you look! I hoped We'd meet again.
but where have you been? Have you
finished your shopping2, Then do come
and help me match some rose du
Barry" -.
Lorelei felt herself flushing unconi-.
fortably under the stares Of the on
lockers, and, glad Z to escape, she
moved away beside the undisturbed
cause Of all the furore. ~ .3t.> 81
Miss Demorest seemed genuinely de-.
lighted at this encounter. She chung
to her companion, chattering vivecious-
ly; then, when the rose du Barry had
been matched. she suggested tea.
We'll run right over to the wal
dorf-my car is outside But Lorelei
declined, explaining ,Iamely that she.
did not care for public places::. rs:
The dancers expression and tone
hanged abruptly. 81 supposed you
we're like all the others' ia ..,.,
"Well, I'm not. When I'm away
from the theater / try to forget it.
hate the business" ...S
The reply, which came with sincere
feeling, widened Lorafers" eyes with
uncomfortable surprise.@ 80 -. -,
Here, too" said AAoree Nemorest.
quietly. "But I'm not allowed to tor
get it. Our first meeting made ME
think you were-out- with bannats: i.
was hired on that occasion to be
naughty. What do you say to some
real tea at my house? Just yoyf And
1p' = '''iH".. !;
Lorelei's heart sank. at the, thought
OF that gaudy machine outside, b1E
there was an honest appeal In the
speakers eyes, and, moreover, the
memory Of her Obligation rose to pre-.
vent ner from appearing ungratefui.
s'rd be delighted" she falsified, and,
gurgling with appreciation, Miss Dem.
crest hurried her toward, the nearest
exit. In the street, however. Adoree
paused, and her next words showed
that she was not wanting in womanly
Intuition. <S.i'. :.