The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1906-12-29

filed him; again he realized how pal
pable was the place she held in the
world Then, as his feelings reached
their height and speech seemed forced
upon him, a small man with a round
face, catching a glimpse of Eve, dart
ed from a circle of people gathered In
one of the windows and came quickly
toward them. With an unjust touch
Of irritation he recognized Lord Bran
fell.
Again the sense of Ewes aloofness
In another moment she would be lost
to him among this throng Of strangers
Claimed by them as by right.
Eve" he said involuntarily and I'M
der his breath.
She half paused and turned toward
him. "YesT" she said, and he wonder
ed If 1t was his Imagination that made
the word sound slightly eager.
about that matter of Blessington,
he began; then he stopped. Bramfell
had reached them.
The little man came up smiling and
with an outstretched hand. There's
no penalty for separating husband and
wife, is there, Mrs. Chilcote? How are
you, Chilcote?" He turned from one
to the other with the quick, noiseless
manner that always characterized him.
Loder turned aside to hide his vexa-
ton, but Eve greeted their host with
her usual self possessed smile.
You are exempt from all penalties
tonight" she said. Then she turned to
greet the members of his party who
had strolled across from the window
In his wake.
AS she moved aside Bramfell looked
at Loder. "Wen, Chilcote, have you
dipped into the future YETI" he asked
with a laugh.
Loder echoed the laugh, but said
nothing. In his uncertainty at the
question he reverted to his old re-
source of silence
Bramfell raised his eyebrows.
"Whatr' he said. Don't tell me that
my sister-ln-law hasn't engaged you
as q victim" Then he turned in
Ewes direction. you've heard of our
new departure, Mrs. Chilcote?"
Eve looked round from the lively
group by which she was surrounded.
"Lillians crystal gazing? Why, of
coursev' she said. "She should make
a very beautiful seer. We are all quite
curious"
Bramfell pursed up his lips. 'She
has a very beautiful tent at the end
of the conservatory 1t took five men
as many days to rig it up. We could
not hear ourselves talk for hammer
ing My wife said it made her feel
quite philanthropic, it reminded her so
much Of a charity bazaar"
Everybody laughed, and at the same
moment Blessington came quickly
across the room and Joined the group.
"Helloy' he said. Anybody seen
Witcheston2 He's next on my list for
the crystal business"
Again the whole party laughed, and
Bramfell, stepping forward, touched
Blessingtons arm in mock seriousness
"Witcheston Is playing bridge, like
a sensible man." he said. Leave him
in peace, Bobby"
Blessington made a comical grimace
but I'm working this on commercial
principles" he said. II keep the list
names and hours complete, and Lady
Astrupp gazes in blissful ignorance as
to who her victims are. The whole
thing Is great, simple and statistical"
/ "For goodness sake Bobby, shut
upw BramfelIs round eyes were
twinkling with amusement.
But my system
Systems! All, we all had them when
we were as young as you are!'
"And they all had flaws. Bobby
Eve broke in. I'VE were always find
ing gaps that had to be filed up. Never
mind about Lord Witcheston. Get {
substitute. 1t won't count if LilliaI
doesn't know"
Blessington wavered as she spoke
His eyes wandered round the party
and again rested on Bramfell
mot me, Bobby! Remember, Tv,
breathed crystals-practically lived OF
them-for the last week Now, there!
Chilcote"- Again his eyes twinkled
Ali eyes were turned on Loder
though one or two strayed surrepti
tiously to Eve. She, seeming sensitive
to the position, laughed quickly.
"a very good ideal" she said. "Wht
wants to see the future If not a poll
ticianY'
Loser glanced from her to Blessing
ton Then, with very feminine i'm
pulse, she settled the matter beyond
dispute.
please use your authority, Bobby
she said and when you've got hin
safely under canvas come back to me
| It's years since we've had a talk" Sh.
nodded and smiled, then instantly turn
ed to Bramfell with some trivial re
mark.
For a second Loder waited; then
with a movement Of resignation, b.