black and very brilliant against her pallor, and she was smiling
derisively.

"Wait!" she interposed. "I'm not going to stay here with this
old--fool."

Hammon grew purple; he ground his teeth.

"You SHALL stay. We're going to have a talk and settle things once
for all."

"See? He's going to settle me."

"Nonsense. I mean--"

"He's liable to harm me." Lilas's words were directed as an appeal
to the others, but her eyes mocked Hammon. "Jim, dear, you won't
leave me alone?"

Jimmy, not relishing in the least this attempt to goad the
millionaire, remained silent, but no words from him were needed.

"We've got to have an understanding, right now," stormed Hammon,
"so clear 'em out. Clear 'em out, I say."

Lilas rose swiftly with a complete change of manner; she was
smiling no longer; her face was sinister.

"Very well," she agreed. "To-night. Why not? But I want Lorelei to
stay and--hear. Yes."