The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-10-20

slightly air. slpped Dack
into bed.
When Allsopp returned he was sit
ting up, cigarette between his lips.
the teacup standing empty on the
salver. The nervous irritability had
gone from his manner. He no longer
moved jerkily; his eyes looked bright
er, his pale skin more healthy.
"Ah, Allsopp," he said, there are
some moments in life, after all. 1t
isn't all blank WALL
Il ordered breakfast in the small
morning room, sir" said Allsopp, with
out change of expression.
Chilcote breakfasted at 10. His ap-
petite, always tickle. was particularly
uncertain in the early hours. He help
ed himself to some fish, but sent away
his plate untouched; then, having
drunk two cups of tea he pushed back
his chair, lighted a fresh cigarette and
shook out the mornings newspaper.
Twice he shook it out and twice turn
ed it, but the reluctance to fix his mind
upon it made him daily. The effect of
the morphia tabloids was still appar-
ent in the greater steadiness of his
hand and eye, the regained quiet Of his
susceptibilities. but the respite was
temporary and lethargic. The early
days-the days of six years ago, when
these tabloids meant an even sweep of
thought, lucidity of brain, balance Of
judgment in thought and effort-were
days of the past. AS he had said of
Lexington and his vice, the slave had
become master.
AS he folded the paper in a last at
tempt at interest the door opened, and
his secretary came step or two into
the room.
Good morning. SIR he said. "For-
give me for being SO untimely."
He was a fresh hammered, bright
eyed boy of twenty-three. His breezy
alertness his Difference, as to a man
who had attained what he aspired to,
amused and depressed Chilcote by
turns.
Good morning, Blessington. What
is it now?" He sighed through habit
and. putting up his hand, warded off
ray of SIN that had forced itself
through the misty atmosphere as if by
mistake.
Of the Wark timber contract. sir" he
said. You promised your look into
it today. You know you've shelved it
for week already, and Craig Bur
mage are rather clamoring for an an
,swer." He moved forward and laid
the papers he was carrying on the ia
bic beside Chi1cote. I'm sorry to be
such a nuisance" he added. II hope
your nerves aren't worrying you to-
day."
Chilcote was toying with the papers.
At the word nerves he glanced up sus-
piciously. But Blessington's ingenious
face satisfied him.
NO." he said. Il settled my nerves
last night with-with a bromide.
knew that fog would upset me unless
took precautions"
I'm glad of that. sir, though I'd
avoid bromides. Bad habit to set up
But this Wark business-Id like to get
it under way if you have no objection.
Chilcote passed his fingers over the
papers. Were you out in that fog last
night Blessington
NO, sir supped with some people
at the Savoy, and we just missed it. II
was very partial, 1 believe"
$50 1 believe
Blessinston put his hand to his neat
tie and pulled it. He was extremel.
polite, but he had an inordinate sense
of duty.
Forgive me. sir" he said, "but a bout
that contract? 1 know I'm a frightful
bore"
'Oh, the contract" ChiIcote looked
about him absently. by the way, did
you see anything of my wife yester
day? What did she do last night.''
Mrs. Chilcota gave me tea yesterday
afternoo~ no was din
ing at Lady Sabinet's and looking in at
one or two places later" He eyed his
papers In Chilcote's listIess hand
Chilcote smiled satirically. Eve is
very true to society" he said. -
couldn't dine at the Sabinets' il it wa.
to make me premier. They have
butler who is an Institutions sort
heirloom in the family. He is fat an
breathes audibly. Last time / lunche
there he haunted me for a Who'll
night"
Blessington laughed sayly. Mrs
Chilcote doesn't see ghosts. SIR" b
said: but il may suggest
Chilcote tapped his fingers on til
table
NO Eve doesn't see ghosts " |