The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-10-27

Eve, looking back, saw the express
ZION It attracted and held her, like a
sudden glimpse into q secret room. In
all the years of her marriage, in the
months OF her courtship even, she had
never surprised the look on Chilcote's
face. The impression came quickly
and with it strange, warm rush or
interest that ~ceded slowly, leaving an
odd sense of loneliness. But at the
moment that the feeling came and pass
ed her attention was claimed in an
} pther direction. A slight, fair haired
boy forced his way toward her through
the press of people that filed the cor
rdor.
? Mrs Chilcote"' he exclaimed. can
believe my luck in finding you aloneE"
Eve laughed 1t seemed that there
was relief in her laugh. How absurd
you are, Bobby" she said kindly. But
YOU are wrong My husband is here.
] am waiting for him.
BIessington looked around. "Ohr' he
said. ..Indeedr' Then he relapsed into
silence He was the soul of good ma
fure. but those who knew him best
knew that ChiIcote's summary change
of secretaries had ranked. Eve, con-
smooth il away.
Tell me about yourself. she sald.
'What have you been doing?'
BlessingtOn looked at her, then smll-
ed again. his buoyancy restored. DO
ing?" lie said. "Oh. calling every other
afternoon at Grosvenor squac,. only to
find that a certain lady is never at
home"
At his tone Eve laughed again. Inc
boy, with his frank and ingenious ma
ture, had beguiled many dull hour
for her in past days, and she had miss
ed him not a little when his face had
been filed by Greening-
But I mean seriously, Bobby. Has
something good turned upf'
Blessngton made wry face. Some
thing is on its way. That's why I'm on
duty tonight Old Bramfell and the
pater are working it between them, SO
if Lady Bramfell or Lady Astrupp hap
pen to drop fan or handkerchief
this evening I've got to be here to pick
it up. SeeT
"As you picked up my fans and hand
kerchiefs last year and the year be-
fore?' Eve smiled.
Blessington's face suddenly looked
grave II wish you hadn't said that
he said Then he paused abruptly.
Out of the hum of talk behind them
mans laugh sounded. 1t was not loud.
but it was a laugh that one seldom
hears in a London drawing room. 1t
EXPRESSED interest. amusement and in
an inexplicable way it seemed also to
express strength.
Eve and Bessington both turned in
voluntarily
by Jover' said Blessington.
Eve said nothing.
Loder was parting with Lakeley and
his was the laugh that had attracted
them both. The interest excited by his
talk was still reflected in his face and
bearing as he made his way toward
them.
by Jovev' said Blessington again.
81 never realized that Chilcote was so
tall"
Again Eve said nothing. But silently
and with a more subtle meaning she
found herself echong the words
Until he was quite close to her Loder
did not seem to see her. Then he
stopped quietly.
Il was speaking to Lakeley." he said
'.He wants me to dine with him one
night at Cadogan Gardens"
But Eve was silent, waiting for him
to address Blessington She glanced
Mt him quickly, but though their eyes
met he did not catch the meaning that
lay in hers. 1t was difficult moment.
She had known him incredibly, almost
unpardonably absentminded, but it had
invariably been when he was suf-
fering from nerves, as she phrased it
to herself. But tonight he was OBJ
viously in the possession of unclouded
faculties. She colored slightly and
glanced under her lashes at Blessing
ton. Had the same idea struck him,
she wondered? But he was studiously
studying q suit of Chinese armor that
stood close by in niche of the wall.
Bobby has been keeping me amused
while you talked to Mr.. Lakeley," she
said pointediy.
Directly addressed. Loder turned and
looked at Blessington. How d'you
do?" he said, with doubtful cordially.
The name of Bobby conveyed nothing
to him.
To his surprise Eve looked annoyed
and Blessingtons fresh colored face
deepened in tone. With a slow, uncom-
ortable sensation he was aware of
having struck wrong note.
There was q short, unpleasant pause.
Then. more by intuition than actual
sight. Blessington saw Ewes eyes turn
from him to Loder. and with quick
tact he saved the situation.
How dyou do, sir?' he responded,
with smile. Il congratulate you on
looking $3.50 uncommon well. l was
just telling Mrs. Chilcote that l hold
n commission for Lady Astrupp to-
night I'm sort of scout at present
reporting on the outposts.' He spoke
fast and without much meaning, but
his boyiSh voice eased the strain.
Eve thanked him with a smile.
'Then we mustn't interfere with n
person on active service" she said
s.B.eides, we have our own duties to
E-t through" She smiled again and,
touching Loder's arm, indicated the re-
ception rooms
When they entered the larger of the
two rooms Lady Bramfell was still
~ he fa1