The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-01
SYNOPSIS

Tom krendrick, a young American ef whom she has dreamed since she met him in the days of her poverty. has returned to Paris and sought out Elise DunchanieT. When he knew her she was maid to Lolette, the celebrated dancer. Now, because Lolette's jeal- eusy has miscarried, Elise is La Phalene, whose fame as a dancer out shines that of her former mistress.
 Dr. Lapierre, who loves Elise, has warned her she has one year to live. Elise, sole support of an invalid sis ter, has sought security in the number af her suiters, playing one. against the ether. They include Coun. Mordac and her manager, Maurice Brunei. Also Ahmed. Arab prince, and Dona- tRllf- who because of her fought a duel eff dice and poison. Ahmed lost. kenslrick found Elise at the duelling ground whither she had gone in vain effort to stop the strange contest. Elise tells Brunei she must rest and break her contract with him.
 CHAPTER 52-THE FORGING
 Lolette left Brunei with the fixed intention of signing the London con tract and going straight to the north ern metropolis for season. But be- tween the making of this decision and ifs execution was forged one more link tn the chain.
 lEordae called on Lolette. He was, in fact. whiting for her at her apart ment when she returned home from her little dinner with Brunei. She arrived home in condition of white fury, which died directly she saw him.
 -Cheri r'' she said, holding out both her hands. You are just the man I would wish to see at this moment. 1 have just quarreled with that odious Brunei and I am feeling lonely and GkeeTfess.''
 She ordered champagne, and when the maid had left it. She said: And why did you prepare this so pleasant surprise for me-"
 -I just wished to see you" Mordac taasted her silently and slipped the champagne.
 That IS good of you" Her eyes saftened as they rested on him. She would have told him all about Brunei. sand her intention to go to London, but he gave her no chance.
 For q little while he chatted with Her on q diversity of topics, and had the satisfaction of watching her be- -eeme more and more friendly, and of seeing all traces of the anger which had fingered from her interview with Brunei vanish completely. x At last he ventured to approach the subject which had brought him to the apartment
 
 -'That oil affair of Hendricks in 1fesopetamia has gone none too we'll" < T thought Kendrick had returned because 1t was all completed satisfac- tafiIE- She would have gone on to say something else but that Mordac gave her no chance.
 Completed satisfactorily from his paint of view My people on the spot advise me that I stand to lose heavily if something isn't done. kedrick, find, is q very shrewds man.
 Suddenly Lolette had an apprehen- -xfve thought that this visit was not merely 4 call for friendships sake. .sI should have thought Kendriek hon. est she observed. He Is. But he is business man, Rntf he loses no chance to make money. II fear shall be forced to journey to BagdId. My representative reports @hnt my presence is necessary, and 1fhere seems no way of avoiding the .tripLr
 LoIette could have shivered, as though an icy wind had touched her.
 And how long will you be away"
 "Oh''-he considered-''I hardly