Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-02
CHAPTER XIV.

E ODER entered Lady Bramfelrs I feeling far more like an actor II in drama than an ordinary 0 man in a peculiar situation. It was the first time he had played Chll- cote to purely social audience and the first time for many years that he had rubbed shoulders with a well dressed crowd ostenslbly brought to- gether for amusement As he follow. ed Eve along the corridor that led to the reception rooms he questioned the reality of the position again and again: then abruptly, at the moment when the sensation of familiarity was strongest, | cheery voice hailed him, and, turn ing, he saw the square shoulders, light eyes and pointed mustache of Lakeley, the owner of the St. Georges Gazette.
 At the sight of the man and the sound of his greeting his doubts and speculations vanished. The essentials Of life rose again to the position they had occupied three weeks ago. in the short but strenuous period when his dormant activities had been stirred and he had recognized his true self. He lifted his head unconsciously, the shade of mlsgiving that had crossed his confidence passing from him as he smiled at Lakeley with keen. alert pleasure that altered his whole face.
 Eve, looking back, saw the expres- sion. It attracted and held her, like sudden glimpse into Secret room. In all the years of her marriage, in the months of her courtship even, she had never surprised the look on Chilcotes face. The impression came quickly and with 1t strange, warm rush of interest that receded slowly, leaving an odd sense of loneliness. But, at the moment that the feeling came and pass. ed, her attention was claimed in an other direction. A slight, fair haired boy forced his way toward her through the press of people that filled the cor 'ridor. sn@s
 Mrs. Chilcotew he exclaimed. ''Can believe my luck in finding you alone|
 Eve laughed. It seemed that there was relief in her laugh. How absurd you are. Bobby" she said kindly. But you are wrong. My husband is here. l am waiting for him."
 Blessington looked around. "Oh!" he said. "Indeedr Then he relapsed into silence. He was the soul of good na- ture, but those who knew him best knew that Chilcote's summary change of secretaries had ranked. Eve, con scious of the little jar, made haste to smooth it away.
 Tell me about yourself.' she said. "What have you been doingY
 Blessington looked at her, then smil- ed again, his buoyancy restored. Do ing?" he said. 'Oh, calling every other afternoon at Grosvenor square, only to find that certain lady Is never at home"
 At his tone Eve laughed again. The boy, with his frank and ingenious na- 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 filled by Greening.
 But mean seriously, Bobby. Has something good turned up?'
 Blessington made wry face. Some thing is on It's way. That's why I'm on duty tonight. old Bramfell and the batter 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 1t up. Seer
 As you picked up my fans and hand kerchiefs last year and the year be- fore?' Eve smiled.
 Blessington's face suddenly looked grave. "I wish you hadn't said that" he said. Then he paused abruptly. Out of the hum of talk behind them mans laugh sounded. It was not loud, but it was a laugh that one seldom hears in London drawing room. It expressed interest, amusement and in an inexplicable way 1t seemed also to express strength.
 Eve and Bessington both turned in- voluntarily. ....-
 By Jove.' 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 Jove.' said Blessington again. .I never realized that Chllcote was so tall"
 Again Eve said nothing. But silently and with a more subtle meaning she found herself echoing 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." l" he said He wants me to dine with him one night at Cadogan Gardens
 But Eve was silent, waiting for him to address BIessington. She glanced at him quickly, but though their eyes met he dld not catch the meaning that lay in hers. It was a difficult moment. She had known him incredibly. almost unpardonably absentminded. but 1t had invariably been when he was suf- fering from nerves. as she phrased it to herself. But tonight he was ob- viously in the possession os unclouded faculties She colo-ed slightly and glanced under her lashss at Blessing ton. Had tie same idea struck him. she wonde-edi But he was studiosrsly