his sway the somber and the stoical become gay and impulsive,
while the joyful sink into despondency. But with Robert Wharton,
liquor intensified a natural agreeableness until it cloyed. His
amenities were monstrously magnified; he became convivial to the
point of offensiveness. 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
progressed, assumed the burden of entertainment. He, too, adopted
a spendthrift gaiety and encouraged Wharton's libations, although
he drank little 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 readily agreed--having reached a condition of mellowness where
he agreed enthusiastically to anything--and Lorelei was only too
glad to depart. She had witnessed the pitiful breaking-down of
Bob's faculties with a curious blending of concern and dismay, but
her protests 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 him now as the three made
their way down-stairs.

While Jim went in search of their belongings Bob propped himself
against the wall and regarded her admiringly through eyes that
were filmed and unfocusable.

"Fairy Princess, you are more adorable every minute," he said,
thickly. "Yes! A thousand yesses. And I'm your little friend, eh?