“So she was afraid of being lonely—poor Carlotta,” said the manager with a sneer. “Well, it’s lucky for you, child, that I saw you getting into her carriage. I knew she was up to something, and I called the turn pretty correctly.” “So that is why I am honored with your presence,” said Carlotta, sarcastically. “You came here to rescue your new sweetheart Ila from the natural vengeance of your old sweetheart Carlotta.” Clayton Graham looked at her scornfully, but did not deign to reply. Then his glance swept the full length and breadth of her now thoroughly sobered companions. “I knew you were blackguards and loafers before,” he said, coolly, “but I wouldn’t have believed that drunk or sober you wouldn’t respect an innocent girl. Carlotta must have you in good training, you infamous puppies!” He offered his arm to Marion and led her out of the apartment. “Thank goodness I was in time,” he said as they reached the curb, “still, I guess you would have looked out for yourself all right. I wouldn’t want you to come for me armed with even a toy revolver.” He chuckled good-naturedly as he put Marion into a cab. “Don’t fail to be on hand to-morrow night,” he said, earnestly. “Your song is the hit of the evening, and the public can’t spare you. Don’t mind about Carlotta. I’ll watch her in future. She’s a tigress all right, but I know her nature.” Marion thanked him and was soon alighting at her own door. It was nearly two o’clock, and the block where she lived was almost in darkness; as she ran up the steps she felt a trifle nervous. While she was searching for her latchkey she heard a step behind her. She turned around quickly and confronted a stranger, a small, swarthy man, his face badly scarred and hideous. “What do you want?” asked Marion with a frightened gasp. “You,” muttered the fellow instantly, as he laid a long yellow hand on the fair girl’s shoulder. Marion gave a shriek that awoke the echoes. In an instant the man turned and fled down the street; he was out of sight before any one responded. CHAPTER V. A CHINESE GIRL STEALER. When Ralph Moore, Marion’s brother-in-law, opened the door he was astonished to find her trembling with terror. “Why, sister, I thought you were not coming home to-night,” he began, but the girl stopped him with a quick explanation. “Carlotta trapped me,” she said, hotly, “but I escaped from her safely! Now, who do you suppose that fellow was, the dreadful creature that just grabbed my arm right here on the steps. My shriek must have frightened you awfully, brother.” Ralph Moore looked up and down the street, but there was no one in sight, so in another minute they went up to his apartment. Dollie Marlowe, or Dollie Moore, as she was now, had been married only three weeks, but her little flat already had a homelike look, and both she and her husband were radiantly happy.