Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-12

dissentient Liberals, and then sefbor- ough himself closed the debate. His speech was masterly and fluent; but. though any disquietude he may have felt was we'll disguised under tone of rsassufing ease. the attempt to reha- bilitate his position already weakened in more than one direcuon-was task beyond his strength.
 Amid extraordinary excitement the division followed. and with 1t . govern nent defeat.
 It was not until half an hour after the votes had been taken that Loder. freed at last from persistent congratu- lations, found opportunity to look for Eve. In accordance with promise made that morning. he was to ind her waiting outside the ladies' gallery at the close of the debate.
 Disengaging himself from the group of men who had surrounded and fol lowed him down the lobby. he discard cd the lift and ran up the narrow stair case. Reaching the landing, he went forward hurriedly. Then with certain abrupt movement he paused. In the doorway leading to the gallery Eve was waiting for him. The place was not brightly lighted. and she was stand ing in the shadow. but it needed only glance to assure his recognition. He could almost have seen in the dark that night. SO vivid were his perceptions. He took step toward her, then again he stopped. In second glance he real ized that her eyes were bright with tears, and 1t was with the strangest sensation he had ever experienced that the knowledge flashed upon him. Here also he had struck the same note-the long coveted note of supremacy. It had rung out full and clear as he stood in Chilcote's place dominating the house; 1t had besieged him clamorously as he passed along the Hobbies amid a sea of friendly hands and voices; now in the quiet of the deserted gallery 1t came home to him with deeper meaning from the eyes of Chilcote's wife.
 Without a thought he put out his hands and caught hers.
 T couldn't get away" he said. "I'm afraid I'm very late"
 With smile that scattered her tears, Eve looked up. Are you?' she said. laughing a little. q don't know what the time is. I scarcely know whether it's night or day"
 Still holding one of her hands, he drew her down the stairs, but as they reached the last step sho released her fingers.
 ''In the carriage" she said, with an other little laugh of nervous happiness.
 At the foot of the stairs they were surrounded. Men whose faces Lodcr barely knew crowded about him. The intoxication of excitement was still in the air-the instinct that new force had made itself felt, a new epoch been entered upon, stirred prophetically in every mind.
 Passing though the enthusiastic con course of men. they came unexpected Y upon Fraide and Lady Sarah sur rounded by a group of friends. The old statesman came forward instantly and, taking Loder's arm, walked with him to Chilcote's waiting brougham. He said little as they slowly made their way to the carriage, but the pres sure of his fingers was tense and an unwonted color showed In his face. When Eve and Loder had taken their seats, he stepped to the edge of the curb. They were alone for the mo ment, and. leaning close to the car. riage, he put his hand through the open window. In silence he took Eyes fngers and held them in a long, affec- tlouate pressure; then he released them and took Loder's hand.
 Good night, Chilcote," he said. You have proved yourself worthy of her. Good night" He turned quickly and rejoined his waiting friends. In an- other second the horses had wheeled round. and Eve and Loder were car ried swiftly forward into the darkness.
 Tn the great moments of mans hfe woman comes before-and after. Some shadow of this truth was in Eyes mind as she lay back in her seat, with closed eyes and parted lips. It seemed that life came to her now for the first time came in the glad. proud, satisfy Ing tide of things accomplished. This was her hour. and the recognition of 1t brought the blood.to her face in sud den happy rush. There had been no need to precipltate its coming; it had been ordained from the first. Whether she desired 1t or no. whether she strove to draw it nearer or strove to ward 1t off. Its coming had been in- evitable. She opened her eyes sudden ly and looked out Into the darkness. the darkness throbbing with multitudes of lives, all waiting. all desiring fulfill ment She was no longer lonely. no longer aloof. She was kin with all this pItiful, admirable. shining. loving hu- manIty. Again tears of pride and hap piness filled her eyes. Then suddenly the thing she had waited for came to pass.
 Loder leaned close 10 her. She was conscious of his nearer presence. of his strong. masterful personality. With a thrill that caught her breath she felt his arm about her shoulder and heard the sound of his voice.
 aCvo ho eaid sI love ron 10 you