t in such wise that it was easy
for members of Pinkie's profession to satisfy their hopeful
curiosity--prompted by visions of eventual social conquest on the one
hand and a professional desire to memorize street numbers on the Wealth
Highway for ultimate financial manipulations. As one of the richest
members of the exclusive bachelor set, Montague Shirley, even unknown to
himself, occupied reserved niches in the ambitions of a hundred and one
fair plotters!

"You will honor us by taking a drink, Miss Pinkie?" was the
criminologist's courteous overture.

"Pinkie Marlowe, if you want to know the rest of my name. Yes, I need a
little absinthe to wake me up, for I just finished breakfast. We had a
large party last night at Reg Warren's. Why don't you dance with me?"

"The old adage about fat men never being loved applies especially to
those who brave the terrors of the fox-trot. I weigh two hundred, so I
wisely sit under the trees and laugh at the others."

"You two hundred?" and admiration flashed from Pinkie's emotional eyes,
"I don't believe it. Why, you're just right! I could dance with a man
like you all night!"

Helene's helplessness only fanned the flames of her inward fury at the
brazen intent of the girl. She forgot about Jack and even her plans
about Reginald Warren. But Shirley's purpose was now rewarded, for
Pinkie acted as the magnet to draw over several of the gilded youths
whom they had met the day before. More introductions followed, and
additional refreshments were soon gracing the table. Shine Taylor was
the next to join the party, and erelong the waited-for visitor was
approaching them. His eyes were upon Shirley from the instant that
he entered the room: he advanced directly toward their table with a
certainty which proved to Monty that method was in every move.

"What a pleasant surprise, little Bonbon!" exclaimed this gentleman as
he drew up to their table. "I'm so glad. I was afraid you wouldn't get
home safely with Grimsby; he was so absolutely overcome last night. He
promised to bring you to my little entertainment but didn't show up.
What became of him?"

"Join us in a drink and forget him," suggested Helene, as she took his
hand with an innocently stupid smile. "This is Mr. Shirley, Mr.--Mr.--I
had so much champagne last night I forgot your name."

"Warren, that's simple enough. Glad to see you, Mr. Sherwood, oh,
Shirley! It seems as though I had heard your name--aren't you an actor,
or