Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-21
xxi.


Greening and passed into Chilcote's bed
room. The interview with Eve, though
widely different from the one he had an
ticipated, had left him stimulated and alert.
In the hours that followed 1t there had
been an added anxiety to put his mind into
harness, an added qualification IN finding
II answer to the rein.
A pleasant sense of retrospection settled
upon him as he slowly undressed, and
pleasant sense of interest touched him as
crossing 10 the dressing table, ne caught
sight OF Chilcote's engagement book-taken
with other things from the suit ne had
changed at dinner time and carefully laii
aside by Renwick.
He picked 1t up and slowly turned the
pages. le always held the suggestion of a
lottery-this dipping into another mans en-
gagements and drawing a prize or a blank.
1t was sensation that even custom had
not dulled.
At first he turned the pages slowly then
Dy degrees his fingers quickened. Beyond
the fact that this present evening was free
he knew nothing of his promised move
ments. The abruptness of Chilcote's arrival
at Clifords Inn IN the afternoon had left no
tlme for superI1uous questions. He SKINNED
the writing with touch OF interested
haste. then all at once he paused and
smiled.
big enough for tombstoner' he said
below his breath as his eyes rested on
large blue cross. Then he smiled again
and held the book to the light.
4~AliS % SduOBdH SdEQeflS, - o c. Talk
with L. he read, still speaking softly to
himself
He stood for moment bordering on the
entry, then once more his glance reverted
Evidently meant 1t to be seen" he
unused; but why the deuce isn't he more
explicit?" AS he spoke, a look OF compre-
hension suddenly crossed his face and the
cleared away
With feeling of satisfaction he remem-
bered Lakely's frequent and pressing sug-
gesuon that he should dine with him at
outlook.
Lakely must have written during his alb
sence, ana Chilcote, having marked the en-
gasement, felt no further responsibility
The invitation could scarcely have been yer
bal as Chilcote, he knew had lain very
low in the five days of his return home.
so he argued, as he stood with the book
still open in his hands, the blue cross star
ing lmperauvely from the white paper. And
from the argument rose thoughts and sug-
gestons that seethed in his mind long after
the lights had been switched off. long after
the fire had died down and he had been
left wrapped in darkness in the great can
opted bed.
And so it came about that he took his
second false step. Once during the press
of the next mornings work 1t crossed his
mind to verify his convictions by a glance
at the directory. But for once the strong
wish that evolve a thought, conquered
his caution. His work was absorbing the
need OF Verihcation seemed very small. He
let the suggestion pass.
At O'Clock he dressed carefully. His
mind was fun of Lakely and OF the posi-
hiltles the night might hold for more than
once before, the weight of the St. Georges
Gazette, with Lakely at its back had
turned the political scales. To be marked
by him as coming man was at any time
a favorable portent; to be singled out by
MIN at the present junsture was moment
\ nf nj g 80
| citement, passed through him as he sur
veyed his appearance preparatory to leav-
| ing the house.
| Passing down stairs, he moved at once TO
| the hall door; but almost as his hand
touched 1t he halted attracted by move
mont on the landing above him. Turning
he saw Eve.
She was standing quite still. looking down
upon him as she had looked once before.
AS their eyes met, she changed her posi-
| ton hastily.
You are going out?" she asked. And
it struck Loder quickly that there was a
suggestion, a shadow of disappointment. in
the tone OF her voice Moved by the i'm
| preston, he responded with unusual
promptness.
Yes" he said. I'm dining out-dinins
with Lakely."
She watched him intentIy while he spoke:
then, as the meaning of his words reached
her. her whole face frightened.
With Mr.. Lakely?' she said. oh I'm
I =.
step" She smiled with warm. impulsive
touch of sympathy
Loder. looking up at her, felt his senses
stir. At sound of her words his secret cray
ing for success quickened to stronger life
The man whose sole incentive lies within
him may so forward coldly and successfully;
but the man who grasps a double inspira-
| ton, who, even unconsciously, is impelled
by another force. has a stronger impetus
for attack, a surer. more vital hewing
power. Still watching her, he answered in
stinctively:
YES" he said slowly "a long step"
And, with smile OF farewell, he turned.
opened the door, and passed into the road
The thrill of that one moment was still
warm as he reached Cadogan Gardens and
mounted the steps OF No. $3.50 vitality
warm that he paused for an instant before
pressing the electric bell. Then at last,
dominated by anticipation, he turned ana
raised his hand.
The action was abrupt, and 1t was only
as his fingers pressed the bell that GER
tain unexpectedneSs, certain want of
suitability IN the aspect of the house struck
him. The door was white, the handle and
knocker were of massive silver. The first
/ seemed a disappointing index of Lakely' $
private taste, the second a ridiculous temp
tation to needy Humanity. He looked again
at the number of the house, but 1t stared
back at him conVincingly. Then the door
opened.
SO keen was his sense of unftness that
still trying to fuse his impression of Lakely
stepped into the hall without the usual
preliminary question. Suddenly realizing
the necessity, he turned to the servant;
but the man forestalled him:
"Will you come to the white room, sir ?
And may ] take your coat?''
The smooth certainty of the mans man
ner surprised him. 1t held another SAVIOR of
Experimentation as little in keeping
with the keen. business-like Lakely as did
the house. Still struggling with his i'm
preston, he allowed himself to be relieved
of his hat and coat and in silence ushered
up the shallow staircase.
AS the last step was reached II came to
him again to mention his hosts name; but
simultaneously with the suggestion the SER
want stepped forward with a quick, silent
movement and threw open door.
Mr.. Chilcotei' he announced, in sub
dued, discreet voice.
Loder's first impression was of room
that seemed unusually luxurious, soft and
shadCwed. Then all impression of mani