abruptly and a cool breath from the river refreshed the diners;
the inn itself was just comfortably filled with merry-makers whom
the heat had driven from the asphalt canons farther down-town; in
the distance the Jersey lights winked like glittering brilliants
sewed into the night; other illuminations swam through the
mysterious void separating the shores; an orchestra played, not
too loudly, and several couples were dancing. It had been a
stifling week; people complained that they could not dine in
comfort, yet they tangoed and trotted bravely wherever there was
music and an open floor.

Contrary to her custom, Lilas Lynn allowed herself free rein, and
for once drank more than was good for her, rejoicing openly in the
liberty she had snatched.

It is a peculiar experience to sit soberly through a meal and see
one's companions become intoxicated. Lorelei had often done so,
carelessly enough, but now her recent worries had not only
depressed her, but made her pensive, and it was in no approving
mood that she watched Lilas and Bob respond to the effect of the
wine. The whole procedure struck her, like her present life as a
whole, as both inane and wicked, and she longed desperately to lay
hold of something really decent, true, and permanent.

Jimmy Knight's admirable hospitality continued; he devoted his
entire attention to his guests, he made conversation and he led it
into the channels he desired it to follow. Then, when the
psychological moment had come, he acted with the skill of a
Talleyrand. No one but he knew precisely how Bob's proposal was
couched, whence it originated, or by what subtlety the victim had