Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-12

The best moments of a mans life are
the moments when, strong In himself, he
feels that the world lies before him. Graf
flied ambition may be the summer, but an
ticlpation is the ardent springtime of a
mans career.
AS Loder drove that night from Fleet
street to Grosvenor square he realized this
though scarcely with any degree of con-
sciousness-for he was no accomplished
self-analyst. But In wave of feeling too
vigorous to be denied he recognized his re-
gained foothold-the step that lifted him
at once from the pit to the pinnacle
In that moment of realization he looked
neither backward nor forward. The pres
ent was all-sufficing. Difficulties might
loom ahead. but difficulties had but one OBJ
ject-the testing and sharpening of a mans
strength. In the first deep surge of egotis-
teal feeling he almost rejoiced in Chill
cotes weakness. The more Chilcote tangled
the threads of his life. the stronger must
be the fingers that unraveled them He
was possessed by great impatience the
JOY OF action was stirring In his blood
Leaving the cab, he walked confidently
TO the door of Chilcote's house and insert
cd the latch key. Even-In this small act
there was grain of Individual satisfaction
Ihen very quietly he opened the door and
crossed the hall
AS he entered a footman was arranging
the flre that burned in the big CRATE See
ing the man, he halted.
Where Is your mistress?" he asked in
unconscious repetition of his first question
in the same house.
The man looked up. "She has Just fin
ished dinner, sir. She dined alone In her
own room" He glanced at Ioder IN tba
quick, uncertain way that was noticeable
In all the servants of the household when
they addressed their master. Loder saw
a av,I ,J--z
osity 1t betrayed. how much of Insight into
the domestic life that he must always he
content to skim. For an instant the old
resentment against Chilcote tinged his ex-
altation. put ne swept 1t angrily aside.
Without further remark he began to mount
the stairs.
Gaining the landing, he did not turn as
usual to the door that shut off Chilcote's
rooms, but moved onward down the cor
ridor toward Ewes private sitting room
He moved slowly till the door was reached:
then he paused and lifted his hand There
was moments wait while his fingers rest
ed on the handle; then sensation he could
not explain-a reticence, a reluctance to
lntrude upon this one precinct-caused his
fingers to relax. With a slightly embar-
raised gesture he drew back slowly and
retraced his steps
Once in Chilcote's bed room ha wa1kad
to the nearest bell and pressed it. Rem
wick responded. and at sight of him Loders
feelings warmed with the same sense of
mness and familiarity that the great bed
and somber furniture of the room had in
spired.
But the man did not come forward as he
expected He remained close to the door
with hesitation that was unusual in
trained servant 1t struck Loder that pos
sibly his stolidity-had exasperated Chileote
and that possibly Chilcote had been at no
pains to conceal the evaporation The
idea caused him to smile involuntarily
Come into the room, Renwick," hessaid,
TITS uncomfortable to see you standing
there. / want to know IL Mrs. Chilcote has
sent me any message about tonight"
Renwick studied him furtively as he came
forward. Yes, sir" he said. Mrs. Chill
cotes maid said that the carriage was or
dered for 1915, and she hoped that would
suit you" He spoke reluctantly, as If ex-
pecting a rebuke.
At the opening sentence Loder had turned
aside, but now, as the man finished. he
wheeled round again and looked at him
closely with his keen. observant eyes
Look here he said. II can't have Won
speak to me like that. l may come down
you rather sharply when my-my nerves
are bad; but when I'm myself treat you
well, ! treat you decently, at any rate
at me now!' A thrill Of risk and OF ruler
ship passed through him as he spoke. Look
at me now. Do look as / looked this
morning-or yesterday?''
The man eyed him half stupidity, half tim
idly.
.wellg' Loder insisted.
Well. sir Renwick responded. with
some slowness, you look the same-and
you look different. A healthier color. per-
haps, strand the eye clearer" He grew
more confident under Loders half-hurnor-
Gus. half-insistent gaze Now that look
closer, sir
Loder laughted. That's itip he said.
Now that you look closed. You'll have to
grow observant; observation ID an excellent
quality In servant When you come into
q room In future look first OF all at me-
and take your cue from that. Remember
that serving q man with nerves Ii like serv-
Ing two masters Now you can so and tell
Mrs. Chilcote's maid that / shall be quite
ready at q quarter-pasf TO-
Yes, sir. And after that?"
Nothing further. shan't want Won
again tonight" He turned away as he
spoke and moved toward the great fire that
was always kept alight in Ch1lcofe's room.
But as the man moved toward the door he
wheeled back again. "Oh, one thing more
Renwick. Bring me some sandwiches and
whisky. He surrendered for the first