"He's about ready to ask her—SHE'S the one to fix. She hates men, though, and that Merkle story made her crazy."
"Sore, eh?"
"She talked the Dutch route—thinks her good name is gone, and regards every man as a hyena."
Melcher pondered for several moments. "I think I know Lorelei better than you do," he stated, deliberately, "and I believe we can pull this off, provided Wharton really wants to marry her. Anyhow, he's so rich it's worth the odds, and she's just the sort to fall for it."
"What's the idea?"
"If she's sore about that story in The Despatch we'll pull another one—and keep pulling them."
"Humph! That'll queer Wharton."
"Not if you get inside his shirt and make him believe they're lies. You and your mother will have to convince her that he's her only 'out.'"
"I don't think much of that program," Jim protested, nervously.
Melcher smiled. "A girl like her can be driven anywhere if she's handled right. Between you and your mother and Lilas you can do it."