Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-12
THE MASQUERADER
BY KATHERINE CECIL THURSToN

Author Of "The cireit,' Etc

time that he had eaten nothing since early
afternoon.
cote's room. resoiutely descended the stairs
and took up his position in the hall. Reeo-
luton Is strong word to apply to such
proceeding. but something In his bearing.
In the attitude Of his shoulders and head,
instinctively suggested 1t.
Five or six minutes passed, but he waited
without fmpatience; then at last the sound
of a carriage stopping before the house
caused him to lift his head. and at the
same instant Eve appeared at the head of
the staircase.
She stood there for second looking
down on him. her maid pace or two be-
| hind holding her cloak The picture she
made struck upon his mind with something
of revelation.
On his first sight Of her she had appealed
to him as strange blending of youth and
self-possession-a girl with woman's
clearer perception OF life; later he had been
drawn to study her in other aspects-as a
possible comrade and friend; now for the
first time he saw her as power in her own
world. woman to whom no man could
deny consideration. She looked taller for
the distance between them, and the distinc-
ton of her carriage added to the effect. Her
black gown was exQufsitey sofas soft as
her black hair; above her forehead was
cluster of splendid diamonds shaped like a
coronet, and a band of the same stones en-
circed her neck. Loder realized In a glance
that only the most distinguished of women
! could wear such ornaments and not have
her beauty eclipsed. With a touch of the
old awkwardness that had before assailed
him in her presence he came slowly forward
as she descended the stairs.
Can l help you with your cloak he
asked, and as he asked 1t something like
surprise aEr1Hs 6mn timidity crossed his
mind.
For seed11sve's glance rested on his
face. Her expression was quite impressive.
but as shev16Wefed her lasles a faint CLEAN
| fckered across her eyes: nevertheless her
answer when 1t came, was studiously
'Thany YOU she said. but Marie will do
Ledef locked at her for moment then
turned aside. He was not hurt by his
| buff; rather, by an interesting sequence of
Impressions, he was stirred by IT. The pride
that had refused Chilcotes help and the
self-control that had refused it graciously
moved him to admiration. He understood
| and appreciated both by the light of per-
sonal experience.
THE carriage is waiting sir" Crapham's
voice broke In.
Loder nodded. and Eve turned to her
maid THAT will do, Marie she said. Il
shall want cup of chocolate when 1 get
back-probably at l o'clock. She drew her
cloak about her shoulders and moved to-
ward the door. Then she paused and looked
back. Shall we start?" she asked. quietly.
Loder, still watching her, came forward
at once. Certainly he said, with I'M
usual gentleness.
He followed her as she crossed the foot
path, but made no further offer of help;
and when the moment came he quietly took
his place beside her in the carriage. His
last impression, as the horses wheeled
round, was of the open hall door-Crap ham
in his somber livery and the maid in her
black dress, both silhouetted against the
| dark background Of the hall; then, the
carriage moved forward smoothly and
rapidly, he leaned back in his seat and
closed his eyes,
During the first few moments of the
drive there was silence. To Loder there
was strange, new sensation in this COM
partnership, SO close and yet so distant. He
was so near to Eve that the slight fragrant
scent from her clothes might almost have
belonged to his own. The impression was
confusing yet vaguely delightful. 1t was
years since he had been close to wo-
man of his own class-his own caste. He
acknowledged the thought with a curious
sense of pleasure. Involuntarily he turned
and looked at her.
She was sitting very straight, her fine
prohle cut clear against the carriage win
dow, her diamonds quivering in the light
that flashed by them from the street For
space the sense of unreality that had per-
vaded his first entrance into Chilcotes life
touched him again. then another and more
potent feeling rose to quell it. Almost in
voluntarily as he looked at her his lips
parted.
May I say something" he asked.
Eve remained motionless. She did not
turn her head as most women would have
done. Say anything you like" she said,
gravely.
'Anything2' He bent little nearer,
filled again by the inordinate wish to dom
mate.
"Of course"
1t seemed to him that her voice sounded
forced and a little tired For a moment
he looked through the window at the pass
Ing lights: then slowly his gaze returned
to her face.
You look very beautiful tonight" he
SAID. HIS voice was low and his manner
Unconditional, but his words had the effect
he desired.
She turned her head, and her eyes met
his in a glance of curiosity and surprise
Slight as the triumph was, it thrilled
him. The small scene with Chilcote's valet
came back to him; his own personality
moved him again to a reckless determine
ton to make his own voice heard Lean
Ing forward, he laid his hand lightly on
her arm.
Eve" he said, quickly-"Eve, do you re-
member Then he paused and with
drew his hand. The horses had slackened
speed, then stopped altogether as the car
riage fell into line outside Bramfen House
CTo be continued tomorrow