The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1917-06-08

room; occupying Lne inner arc OF Ine
half-circle was q wide but shallow
stone fountain, upon the surface Of
which fioated large-leaved Egyptian
pond lilies Fat-bellied goldfish with
filmy fins, and tails like iridescent we'd
ding trains, propelled themselves indo-
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-
ton, the feathered creatures twittered
and fiuttered against the netting in a
panic. AS for the butterflies, no arti-
fetal light could deceive them, and
they chung with closed wings to leaves
and branches. only now and then dis
playing their full glory in sleepy pro-
test.
"How-beautifulw 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 adj
miring group; congratulations were be-
ing hurled at him from every quarter.
AT his side was Lilas Lynn, very dark,
very striking, very extensively gowned
and deliberately 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 it2" he asked. '.
cts beautiful, but-the extrava-
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 year. I hate poor people. Now
for the ortolans and the humming
bird tongues. No doubt there's pearl
in every winecup. Prepare to have
your palate tfckled with feather
when your appetite flags"
"That's what the Romans did, isn't
it?"
care you student as well as an
artist, Miss Knight"
81 thought you were going to be
pleasant, but you're not are you"
Lorelei was smilingly fixedly. "I'm
afraid you don't intend to have good
time, Mr." They had found their
places at the table, and Lorelei's escort
was seating her. 81 didn't catch your
name when we were introduced"
''Nor T." said he, taking his place be-
side her. sit 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 insomnia. You couldn't bring me
any more trouble than 1 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
there?" She inclined her head in the
hosts direction.
Merkle retorted acidly: "My dear
child, don't try to 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-
nitely, for Mrs. Harmon is very much
alive, to say nothing of her daughters.
Let's be natural, at least. I haven't
slept lately, and I'm not patient enough
to be polite"
'It's a bargain. I'll try to be as
diSagreeable as you are" said Lorelei;
and Mr.. Merkle signif1ed his prompt
acquiescence. He lit a huge mono
grammed cigarette, pushed aside his
hors d'Oeuvres, and reluctantly turned
down his array of wineglasses one by
one.
"Can't eat, can't drink, can't Sleep"
he grumbled. "Stewed prunes and rice
for my portion. Waiter, bring me
bottle of vichy, and when it's gone
bring me another"
The diners had arranged themselves
by now; the supper had begun. A bo-
hemian spirit prevailed; the .ardor of
the men, dashed 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 RECALLED her with an end
less story, the point Of which had sent
the teller in hiccups Of laughter, and
said to John Merkle:
"I'm glad I'm with you tonight.
don't like drinking men,"
"Can a girl in your position afford
he inquired, tartly. Thus
far the banker had fully lived up to his
sour reputation.