was surprised to receive a call from John Merkle. "The Judge" led
him to her dressing-room, then shuffled away, leaving him alone
with her and Mrs. Croft.

"I hope I haven't broken any rules by dropping in during your
office hours," he began.

"Theatrical rules are made to be broken; but I do think you are
indiscreet. Don't you?"

The banker had been using his eyes with an interest that betrayed
his unfamiliarity with these surroundings. "I was on my way up-
town and preferred not to telephone." He looked meaningly at
Croft; and Lorelei, interpreting his glance, sent the dresser from
the room on some errand. "Well, the game worked," said Merkle.
"Mrs. Hammon has left home and commenced suit for divorce. If our
friend Miss Lynn had set out to ruin Jarvis socially--and perhaps
financially--she couldn't have played her cards better."

"Is that what you came to tell me?"

Merkle hesitated. "No," he admitted, "it isn't; but I'm a bit
embarrassed now that I'm here. I suppose your mother told about
seeing me?"

"My mother?" Lorelei's amazement was convincing, and his keen eyes
softened. "When did you see mother? Where?"

"Yesterday, at my office. Didn't you know that she and your
brother had called?"