Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-12-27
CHAPTER vi.

VAN SSNiSS StiSlSS INV SNSlN NaSh
that presented itself, only to drop it as
speedily. Twice during the morning he
drove to the entrance Of Clifford's inn,
but each time his courage failed him
and he returned to Grosvenor square to
learn that the expected message from
Loder had not come.
1t vas a wearing condition Of mind,
but at worst it was scarcely more than
an e~xaggeration Of what his state had
been for months and made but little
obvious difference in his bearing OF
manner.
In the afternoon he took his place III
the house, but, though it was his first
appearance since his failure of two
days ago, he drew but small personal
notice. When he chose, his manner
could repel advances with extreme
effect, and of late men had been prone
to draw away from him.
In one of the Hobbies he encountered
Fraide surrounded by a group of
he would have passed on, but moving
away from his party the old man ac-
costed him. He was always courteously
particular in his treatment of Chilcote,
as the husband Of his ward and god
child.
Better, Chilcote," he said, holding
out his hand. At the sound of the low.
rather formal tones, so characteristic
Of the old statesman, a hundred memo
ries rose to Chilcote's mind, a hundred
hours distasteful in the living and IN
bearable in the recollection, and with
them the new flash of hope, the new
possibility of freedom. In a sudden
rush of confidence he turned to his
leader.
Il believe I've found a remedy for
my nerves." he said. II believe I'm
going to be a new man." He laughed
with a touch of excitement.
Fraide pressed his fingers kindly.
"That is right" he said. "That is right.
I called at G%rosvenor square this morn
ing, but Eve told me your illness Of the
other day was not serious. She was
very busy this morning. She could
only spare me a quarter Of IN hour.
She is indefatigable yer the social side
of your prospects. Chilcote. You owe
her a large debt. A popular wife
means a great deal to a politician"
The steady eyes of his companion dis
turbed Chilcote.
He drew away his hand.
eve is unique" he said vaguely.
Fraide smiled. "That is right" he
said again. admiration is too largely
excluded from modern marriages."
And with a courteous excuse he re-
Joined his friends.
1t was dinner time before Chilcote
could desert the house, but the moment
departure was possible he hurried to
Grosvenor square.
AS he entered the house the hall
was empty. He swore irritably under
his breath and pressed the nearest
bell. Since his momentary exaltation
in Fraide's presence his spirits had
steadily fallen until now they hung at
the lowest ebb.
AS he waited in unconcealed impa-
fence for an answer to his summons
he caught sight Of his man Allsopp at
the head of the stairs.
Come here" he called. pleased to
find some one upon whom to vent his
irritation. Has that wire come for
me?"
mo, sir. l inquired five minutes
back"
Inquire again."
Eyes. sir" Allsopp disappeared.
A second later after his disappear
ance the bell of the hall door whizzed
loudly.
Chilcote started. All sudden sounds
like all strong lights, affected him. He
half moved to the door, then stopped
himself with a short exclamation. AT
the same instant Allsopp reappeared.
Chilcote turned on him excitedly.
what the DEVILS the meaning OF
this?' he said. "a battery Of servants
in the house and nobody to open the
hail door,
Allsopp looked embarrassed. Crap.
ham is coming directly, sir. He only
left the hall to ask Jeffries"-
Chilcote turned. "Confound Crap.
ham, he exclaimed. GO and oper
the door yourself"
Allsopp hesitated, his dignity strug.
Cling with his obedience. AS hi wait.
ed the bell sounded again.
odd you hear me?" Chilcote said.
"Yes, sir" Allsopp crossed the hall
AS the door was opened Chilcote
passed his handkerchief from one
hand to the other in the tension OF
hope and fear, then as the sound of
his own name in the shrill tones Of Il
telegraph boy reached his ears he lei
the handkerchief drop to the ground.
Allsopp took the yellow envelope anf
carried it to his master.
"a telegram, sir" he said. And the
boy wishes to know If there is an an.
swer." Picking up Chilcote's handker
chief, he turned aside with elaborate
dignity.
Chilcote's hands were so unsteady
that he could scarcely insert his fin.
ger under the flap of the envelope
Tearing off a corner, he wrenclled the
covering apart and smoothed out the
fimsy pink paper.