Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-02
>--. -..G. .Alll.

@1HE best moments of mans life are the moments when, strong
 in himself, he feels that the
 world lies before him. Gratifled ambition may be the summer, but an ticIpation is the ardent springtime of . mans career.
 As Loder drove that night from Fleet street to Grosvenor square he realized this, though scarcely with any degree of consciousness, for hSwas no accom- plished self analyst. But in a wave of feeling too vigorous to be denied he recognized his regained foothold-the step that lifted him at once from the pit to the pinnacle.
 In that moment of realization he look ed neither backward nor forward. The present was all sufacing. Difficulties might loom ahead, but difficulties had but one object-the testing and sharp ening of a mans strength. In the first deep surge of egotistical feeling he al- most rejoiced in Chilcote's 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 confident ly to the door of Chilcote's house and inserted the latchkey. Even in this small act there was grain of indi- vidual satisfaction. Then very quietly he opened the door and crossed the hall.
 As he entered. a footman was ar ranging the fire that burned in the big grate. Seeing 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 finished dinner, sir. She dined alone in her own room" He glanced at Loder in the quick, uncertain way that was noticeable in all the servants of the household when they addressed their master. Loder saw the look and won- dered what depth of curiosity 1t be- trayed, how much of insight into the domestic life that he must always be content to skim. For an instant the old resentment against Chilcote tinged his exaltation, but he swept 1t angrily aside. Without further remark he be- gan to mount the stairs.
 Gaining the landing, he did not turn, as usual, to the door that shut of Chil- cote's rooms, but moved onward down the corridor toward Eyes private. sit ting room. He moved slowly till the door was reached. Then he paused and lifted his hand. There was a moments wait while his fingers rested on the handle; then sensation he could not explain, a reticence, a reluctance to in- trude upon this one precinct, caused his fingers to relax. With slightly embarrassed gesture he drew back slowly and retraced his steps.
 Once in Chilcote's bedroom, he walk cd to the nearest bell and pressed it. Renwick responded. and at sight of him Loder's feelings warmed with the same sense of fitness and familiarity that the great bed and somber furni- ture of the room had inspired.
 But the man did not come forward as he had expected. He remained close to the door with hesitation that was unusual In trained servant. It struck Loder that possibly his stolidity had exasperated Chilcote and that possibly Chilcote had been at no pains to con- ceal the exasperation. The idea caused him to smile involuntarily.
 Come into the room. Renwick," he said. Its uncomfortable to see you standing there. want to know if Mrs. Chilcote has sent me any message about tonight"
 Renwick studied him furtively as he came forward Yes. sir" he said. "Mrs. Chilcote's maid said that the car riage was ordered for 10:l5. and she hoped that would suit you" He spoke reluctantly, as if expecting a rebuke.
 At the opening sentence Loder had turned aside. but now. as the man fin- ished. he wheeled round again and looked at him closely with his keen, observant eyes.
 Look here" he said. 'I can't have you speak to me like that. I may come down on you rather sharply when my my nerves are bad. but when I'm my self treat you-well. I treat you de- gently at any rate. You'll have 10 learn to discriminate. Look at me nowr A thrill of rick and of rulership passed through him as he spoke. Look at me now! Do look as I looked this morn ing-or yesterdsyT The man eyed him half stupidly. half timidly. "wellT Loder insisted.
 Swell. sir" Renwick responded. with come slowness. you look the same and you look dlsfeTent-a healthier color. perhaps. sir. and the eye clearer He grew more confident under LOder's balf humorous. half Insistent gaze. @Sow thss I look closer. sir . .yoder laughed. That's It-' he said "Now that you look closer. You'H have to grow observant. Observation is an excellent quality In a servant. When you come into a room in future. look first of all to nc and take you cue from that. Remember that serving a man with nerves is like serving two masters. Now you can @. and teIi Mrs. Chilcote's usid that I shall be quite ready at c quarter past 10- ~Yes. sir. And after thaty- Nothing further. shan't want . you again to1izst- He turnel avzy