The midland journal., 1917-07-20

And you're mine. she's mine, ehf No
foolishness about that, is thereY he
appealed to Jim.
AS they drew in toward the New
York side the chauffeur inquired,
where to, nowY'
"Why, drive US" Jim hesitated.
There was silence which LiIas broke
with a litter
"Never thought of that" Bob turned
again to Jim, who solved the difficulty
with a word.
why you're both going to Lorelei's
place, Of course; then you can make.
your plans tomorrow"
The brides haIf-strangled protest
was lost in a burst of enthusiasm from
Lilas.
"Surest thing you know" she cried;
land Wen stop in my fiat for a fare
well bottle; I've got a whole case.
Well end the night with another party
at Jarvis expense. He's crazy about
marriages, anyhow. Ha! But you
needn't tell him 1 was-full, under
stand?" She fell silent suddenly, then
burst into a loud laugh. bah! I
should worry"
The ferry drew into its slip, the cab
motor shivered, the metallic rattle Of
windlass and chain proclaimed the re-
turn to Manhattan. Up the deserted
avenues the vehicle sped, while inside
the white-faced bride covered with fin
gers locked and heart sick with dread.
CHAPTER xiv.
Hitchy Koo had gone home. When
Lilas ushered her friends In and
snapped on the lights, the apartment,
save for the delirious spaniel, was un-
occupied. She flung down her hat,
coat and gloves, then, with the help
of Jim, prepared glasses and cooler.
Lorelei was restless; the thought Of
more wine, more ribaldry, revolted her,
and yet she was grateful for this delay,
brief though it promised to be. Any
interruption, trivial or tragic, would
be welcome She was forced to pledge
her own happiness in a glass. then in
wild moment of desperation longed
to deaden herself with liquor as the
others had done.
Jim and Lilas were talking loudly
when a key grated in the lock, the
door of the little apartment opened,
and Jarvis Hammon paused on the
threshold, glowering.
Lilas' wineglass shattered upon the
floor
Jarvis! You frightened me-" she
cried
Evening, Mr.. Harmon" Bob
lurched to his feet, upsetting his chair.
"This is sprise."
Jim had risen likewise. but Ham
mon had eyes for no one except Lilas.
"Ah! You're home again, finally.
Where have you been" he demanded,
in a voice heavy with anger. His
hostile tone, his threatening attitude
brought an uncomfortable silence
upon the hearers.
"Now, Jarvis" said the bridegroom,
placatingly. steadying himself mean
while with the aid Of the table, "don't
be a crouch. Everything's all right"
Lilas remained motionless, staring
dedantly. Her face had slowly whit
ened, and now its unpleasantness
matched that of her elderly admirer.
Harmon dropped his smoldering gaze
to the half-empty glasses, then raised
it, scowling at Jim.
"Humph! Who is-this?"
Lilas made her guest known. "Mr.
knight, Mr. Harmon. l believe you
know Miss Knight"
$50 you're the one" Harmon
showed his teeth in sardonic smile.
I'm the one what?" inquired Jim,
with a sickly attempt at pleasantly.
"What does she see in you" Ham
mon measured the young man with
contemptuous curiosity.
Don't be an ass, Jarvis" began
Lilas. q"
She was interrupted roughly That's
precisely what don't intend to be; and
I don't intend that Bob shall be one,
either" He turned to young Whar-
ton. "What are you doing here, my
boy? I'm sorry to see you with these
grafters" Harmon indicated Jim
and Lorelei with a nod.
"Eh? What's that?' Bob stiffened.
"Lorelers my wife. s true, Jarvis"
"Wife?" Harmon took a heavy step
forward "Wife? You're drunk, Bob!"
"P'r'aps. But we're mar"
$50! You landed him, did your?
Harmon glared at the brother and
sister. "You got him drunk and mar
ried him, eh? And Lilas helped you,
suppose. Fine! They're crooks,
Bob, and they've made fool of you"
Bob checked the speech on Loreleis
lips with an upraised hand, then said
slowly, with painful effort to sober
himself: We've been good friends,
Jarvis; you're a kind of an uncle to
me, but-you're a liar. You've lied
bout my wife, so I s'pose I've got to
licl, Won With q backward kick he