She had had her bedroom decorated according to her own taste. The two large windows were hung with violet plush portieres that could be drawn open or shut by heavy gold tasseled cords. At night the room could be made a blaze of light by a glass electrolier suspended from the ceiling with ropes of shimmering crystals.

Huge French plate mirrors studded the pale green-tinted walls. A dressing table completely designed in mirror pieces stood between the two windows. Lying in bed she could see herself in it, and every move she made. She had derived her taste for all this glass that reflected her movements from Money Johnson.

A four-poster bed of gold and jade-green with its violet and gold counterpane dominated the room.

Baldwin satisfied her every desire, and Babe loved him more and more as the days slipped quickly by. She knew she could hold him, or any man, for that matter, so she saw her future as just a succession of nights of pleasure blending into . . . For the first time in her life Babe became maternal.

Then Jenny again! Just when she was beginning to forget about her. Just when life seemed so secure.

Pearl brought her the message that Jenny was on the wire. With a flash of anger, Babe sprang up and went to the phone. Yet something warned her to handle Jenny with kid gloves.

“Hello,” she said, coldly.

“This you, Babe?” Jenny inquired.

“Yes,” said Babe. “My maid tells me you’ve been calling up here quite often. What’s on your mind? What do you want?”

“Yeah, your maid,” said Jenny. “Pretty lucky jane, ain’tcha? Got a swell apartment, a maid an’ everything. It’s a wonder you wouldn’t invite a feller up.”

“Well, I’ve been very busy,” said Babe.

“Too busy to see an old friend, eh?” Jenny said.

“I’m not seeing anybody,” Babe replied.

“Well, I gotta see you,” said Jenny. “I got somethin’ to say to you, you’d be interested in.”

“I know what you want, Jenny,” said Babe. “But you can’t get anything out of me.”

“No?” Jenny drawled. “Well, listen to me, kid. You better be nice to your old friend, Jenny. ’Cause——”

Babe’s voice echoed her anger.

“Don’t try to scare me, Jenny. I know you played a dirty trick on me. You’ve done enough and from now on we’re quits. If you keep bothering me, I’ll have you sent up the river. Don’t forget I can talk to the police too, if I want to. And I’ve got more protection than you have.”

Jenny’s voice was menacing.

“Oh, so that’s the way you feel about it? Turnin’ down an old pal.”

“That old pal stuff makes me sick,” said Babe. “Don’t bother calling up here again.”