Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-05-21

But the surprising feature Of the dee
Grating scheme was not apparent ut /
first glance. Through the hewildering I
riot of greencry had been woven an al I
most invisible netting. and the space I
behind formed prison for birds and
BUTTERFLIES. Disturbed by the commo-
ton the featllered creatures twittered |
and fiuttered against the netting in Il
panic. As for the butterflies, no ari- |
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 a 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 Hamm0n's
direction with an expression OF pecul-
lar. derislve amusement.
Harmon was the center of an adj
mirlng group; congratulations were be
ing hurled Mt him from every quarter
At his side was I.ilas Lynn, very DARK
very striking. very expcnslvely gownca
and deliberately hcicwelcd The room
was dining with the strains Of n
invisible orchestra aud the vocal un
roar. Becoming conscious of Loreei'f
gaze, her escort looked down. showing
his teeth in grin that was not OF
pleasure.
"You like TT" he asked.
"Its 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 a year 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 tiekled with feather
when your appetite flags"
That's what the Romans did, isn't
it?"
Are you a student MS 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 a good
time. Mr." They had found their
places at the table, and Lorelei's escort
was seating her. Il didn't catch your
name when we were introduced"
"Nor l." said he, taking his place be-
side her. 1T sounded like Rice Curry
Or some other dish, but it's really Mer-
kle-John 7. Merkle'
"Ah! You're a banker. Aren't you
pretty-reckless confessing your rank,
as it wereT
I'm bachelor: also an invalid and
! an insomnia. You couldn't bring me
any more trouble tinn have" Again
I he looked toward Harmon, and this
\ time he fr0wned. Prom indications
/ III soon have company, however
Indeed. Is there talk of a divorce
there?' She inclined her head in tue
! 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; going on.
This sort of thing can't cCrtinue indeii-
nitely. for Mrs Hammer is very much
alive, to say nothing OF her daughters.
Let's be natural, ut least. haven't
slept lately, and I'm not patient enough
to be polite
'It's bargain. XII try to be as
diSngreeable us you are" said Lorclei;
and Mr.. Merkle sieniiied his prompt
acquiescence. He vt huge mono
grammed cigarette. pushed aside his
hors d'oeuvres, and reluctantly turned
down his array of wineglasses one by
one.
Cant eat, can't drink, can't sleep
he grumbled. "Stewed prunes and rice
for my portion. Waiter. bring me q
bottle of vichy. and when it's gone
bring me another
The diners had arranged themselves
by now; the supper had begun. A 30
hemian spirit prevailed; the ardor o!
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 flew back and fortl
along the rim of the rose-strewn semi
circle.
Lorelei turned from the man on hel
left who had RECALLED her with an end
less story, the point Of which had sen
) the teller in hiccups Of laughter, nnt
I said to John Merble:
) I'm glad I'm with you tonight.
. don't like drinking men,
Can Il girl In your position AFFORD
Z preferences" he inquired. tartly. Thu
: far the banker had fully lived up to hi
e sour reputation.
Q "All women are extravaganza.
g have preferences, even II can't affor,
e them. II you were tippler instead o
@ plain crouch could tell you precise
y " how you'd act and what you'd tai
+ about. I'd die If had to teach yo
n the tango"
h Mr. Merkc grunted, $50 would L.
i She smiled sweetly. you see, we'r
J. both unpleasant pcoplc."