The midland journal., 1917-07-06

in his handsome eyes. Now that she
saw him in his right mind, it was un-
expectedly hard to resist him, for he
was very boyish and friendly-quite
unlike the person who had so grievous-
ly offended her.
When she and Jim had first entered
the restaurant they had received po-
lite but casual recognition from the
head waiter, but there attentions had
ceased. With Wharton as a member
of the party, however, there came a
| change. Mr.. Proctor himself paused
momentarily at the table and rested a
hand upon Wharton's shoulder while
he voiced a few platitudes. Then in
some inexplicable manner Robert
found himself not only ordering for
himself but supplementing Jim's menu
with rare and expensive viands. AS
great favor, he was advised of newly
imported vintage wine which the pro-
prietor had secured for his own use.
OF course Mr.. Wharton wished to
sample such vintage, any vintage, in
fact, since a thousand fires were con-
suming him, and his nerves were on
edge from the night before. The first
draft electrified him, his spirits rose,
and he swept his companions along
with his enthusiasm. From surround
ing tables people accosted him; men
paused in passing to exchange word
about stocks, polo, scandal Newport.
tennis, Tuxedo; none were in the least
stiff or formal, and all expressed in
one way or another their admiration
for Lorelei. Women who she knew
were not of her world beamed and
smiled at the young millionaire. 1t
was new experience for the girl, who
felt herself, as the supper progressed,
becoming conspicuous without the
usual disagreeable accompaniments.
Men no longer openly ogled her; wom-
en- did not nudge each other and whis-
per; her presence in company with a
member of the idolized rich was caus-
ing gossip, but gossip of a flattering
kind.
All this attention, however, had quite
the contrary effect upon Campbell
Pope. Much to Jim's relief he ex-
cused himself shortly, whereupon the
former, after allowing Wharton to pay
the score, suggested a dance, breezily
sweeping aside his sisters mild objec-
ton. OF course Bob was delighted,
and soon the trio had set out upon a
round of the dancing cafes.
Bob Wharton had drunk heavily, but
up to this time he had shown little eff
feet from his potations beyond a grow
ing exhilaratiOn; now, however, the
wine was taking toll, and Lorelei felt
certain pity for him. With Robert
Wharton liquor intensified a natura!
agreeableness until it clOyed. His
amenities were monstrously magnitied;
he became convivial to the point of Of
fEnsiveness. In the course of this
metamorphOsis he was many things,
and through such a cycle he worked to-
night while the girl looked on.
Overcoming his niggardly instincts,
Jimmy Knight, as the evening pro-
gressed, assumed the burden Of enter
tainment. He too, adopted a spend
thrift gayety and encouraged Whar
lOn . ilDdlAohS, dituouSn he uIdAh Allic
himself
There came a time when Bob could
no longer dance-when, in fact he
could barely walk-and then it was
that Jim proposed leaving. Bob read
lily agreed-having reached a condition
of mellowness where he agreed enthu
siastically to anything-and LOrelei
was only too glad to depart. She had
witnessed the pitiful breaking down of
Bob's faculties with curious blending
of concern and dismay, but her pro-
tests had gone unheeded. Having had
a glimpse of his real self earlier in the
evening, and being wise in the ways of
intemperance, she felt only pity for