"Oh, we--the birds and I--are merely decorations--something to add
to the rich man's gaiety. But I'm afraid you don't intend to have
a good time, Mr.--" They had found their places at the table, and
Lorelei's escort was seating her. "I didn't catch your name when
we were introduced."

"Nor I," said he, taking his place beside her. "It sounded like
Rice Curry or some other damnable dish, but it's really Merkle--
John T. Merkle."

"Ah! You're a banker. Aren't you pretty--reckless confessing your
rank, as it were?"

"I'm a bachelor; also an invalid and an insomniac. You couldn't
bring me any more trouble than I have."

"You ARE unpleasant."

"I'm famous for it. Being the only bachelor present, I claim the
privilege of free speech." Again he looked toward Hammon, and this
time he frowned. "From indications I'll soon have company,
however."

"Indeed. Is there talk of a divorce there?" She inclined her head
in the host's direction.

Merkle retorted acidly: "My dear child, don't try to act the
ingenue. You're in the same show as Miss Lynn, and you must know
what's going on. This sort of thing can't continue indefinitely,