night, and it was SOME wedding party. Pipe me. I look like a wreck
on the Erie."

"And to think that while Lilas was out enjoying herself with you
poor Mr. Hammon was lying with a bullet in him. I NEVER had such a
shock as when I read the extras. You've seen them?" Lorelei
nodded--indeed, the room was strewn with newspapers. "They say it
was accidental--but pshaw!" Mrs. Knight shrugged knowingly.

"Don't you think it was?"

"My dear! Think of his family troubles and financial worries!"

"That's the general talk," Jim agreed. "Things were boiling when
the market closed. All of his stocks are away off. Well, I don't
blame him."

"Yes, and he'd quarreled with Lilas, too. That's why she sailed
for Europe this morning." Mrs. Knight's hard eyes glittered, her
sharp nose seemed to lengthen. "I'll warrant she knows a lot more
than she'll tell. I'd like to question her, and I will when--
Lorelei! You're as white as a sheet. Are you ill?"

"No. Only--everything came at once. It was a--long night."

Jim sighed wearily. "Deliver me from hysterical fluffs like Lilas.
I'd rather load a cargo of boa-constrictors than start her for the
briny."

What with Lorelei's good fortune and Lilas's catastrophe Mrs.