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

u = III Il dlA11ld lIldu all
- man in peculiar situation. 1t
was the first time he had played Chill
cote to a purely social audience and
the first time for many years that he
had rubbed shoulders with a well
dressed crowd ostensibly 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,
a CHEEKY 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 misgiving that had crossed
his confidence passing from him as he
smiled at Lakeley with a keen, alert
pleasure that altered his whole face
Eve, looking back, saw the express
sion. 1t attracted and held her, like a
sudden glimpse into a 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 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
Mrs. Chileoter he exclaimed. Can
believe my luck in finding you aloneY'
Eve laughed. 1t seemed that there
was relief in her laugh. How absurd
you are Bobbyr' she said kindly. But
you are wrong. My husband is here.
] am waiting for him"
Blessington looked around. "Ohr' he
said Indeed Then he relapsed into
silence. He was the soul of good ma
ture, but those who knew him best
knew that Chlcote's summary change
of secretaries had ranked Eve, con-
sclous of the little jar, made haste to
smooth it away.
Tell me about yourself" she said.
what have you been doingY'
Elessington looked at her, then smil-
ed again, his buoyancy restored. DO
lng?" he said. ooh, calling every other
afternoon at Grosvenor square, only to
find that a certain lady is never at
home"
At his tone Eve laughed again. The
boy, with his frank and ingenious ma
ture, had beguiled many a dull hour
for her in past days, and she had miss
ed him not little when his face had
been filled by Greening-
But 1 mean seriously, Bobby. Has
something good turned upf"
BleSsington made a wry face. Some
thing is on its way. That's why I'm on
pater are working it between them, so
if Lady Bramfell or Lady Astrupp hap
pen to drop a fan or a handkerchief
this evening I've got to be here to pick
it up. See?'
"As you picked up my fans and hand
kerchiefs last year and the year be
fore?" I've 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 a
mans laugh sounded. It was not loud
but it was a laugh that one seldom
hears in q London drawing room. II
expressed interest, amusement and il
an inexplicable way it seemed also tc
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 Jove"' said Blessington again
Il never realized that Chilcote was Sc
tall
Again Eve said nothing. But silently
and with more subtle meaning she
found herself echoing the words
Until he was quite close to her Lodel
I did not seem to see her. Then BIZ
stopped quietly.
u was speaking 10 Lakeley," he said
He wants me to dine with him ont
night at Cadogan Gardens"
But Eve was silent. waiting for hin
| to address Blessington. She glanced
at him quickly, but though their eye:
| met he did not catch the meaning tha
lay in hers. 1t was q difficult moment
She had known him incredibly, almos
unpardonably absentminded, but it hat