The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-02-14

But Lady Astrupp was absorbed in
her own concerns. Again she changed
her position, and to Loder, listening
attentively, it seemed that she leaned
forward and examined his hands
afresh. The sensation was so acute
that he withdrew them involuntarily.
Again there was a confused rustic.
The crystal ball rolled from the table,
and the seer laughed quickly. Obeying
a strenuous impulse, Loder rose.
He had no definite notion of what he
was only conscious that the pavilion,
with its silk draperies, it's scent Of
musk and it's intolerable secrecy, was
no longer endurable. He felt cramped
and confused in mind and muscle. He
stood for a second to straighten his
limbs; then he turned and, moving d.
rectly forward, passed through the
portiere.
After the dimness of the pavilion the
conservatory seemed comparatively
bright, but without waiting to grow
accustomed to the altered light he
moved onward with deliberate haste.
The long green alley was speedily
traversed. In his eyes it no longer
possessed greenness, no longer suggest
ed freshness or repose. It was simply
a means to the end upon which his
mind was set.
AS he passed up the fight of steps he
drew his rings from his pocket and
slipped them on again. Then he STEP
ped into the glare of the thronged cor
ridor.
Some one hailed him as he passed
through the crowd, but with Chilcote's
most absorbed manner he hurried on.
Through the door Of the supper room
he caught sight Of Blessington and
Eve, and then for the first time his
expression changed, and he turned d.
rectly toward them.
"Eve," he said, will you excuse me-?
have word to say to Blessington."
She glanced at him in momentary
surprise; then she smiled in her quiet,
self possessed way.
"Of course" she said. 'I've been
wanting a chat with Millicent Cover,
but Bobby has required so much enter
tanning She smiled again, this time
at Blessington, and moved away to-
ward a pale girl in green who was
standing alone.
Instantly she had turned Loder took
Blessington's arm.
II know you're tremendously busy"
he began in an excellent imitation Of
Chilcote's hasty manner-"I know
you're tremendously busy, but I'm in
fix One glance at Blessington's
healthy, ingenious face told him that
plain speaking was the method to
adopt.
Indeed, sir?" In a moment Bless
ington was on the alert.
eyes. And IL want your help.''
The boy Redeemed. That Chilcote
should appeal to him stirred him to an
uneasy feeling of pride and uncertain
ty.
Loder saw his advantage and pressed
it home. cts come about through this
crystal gazing business. I'm afraid 1
didn't play my part-rather made an
ass of myself. I wouldn't swallow the
thing, and-and Lady Astrupp''- He
paused, measuring Blessington with a
glance. ''Well, my dear boy, you-you
know what women are!'
Blessington was only twenty-three
He Redeemed again and assumed an
air of profundity. Il know, sir,' he
said, with shake of the head.
Loder's sense Of humor was keen,
but he kept grave face. II knew
you'd catch my meaning. But want
you to do something more. If Lady
Astrupp should ask you who was in
her tent this past ten minutes, I vant
you'- Again he stopped, looking at
his companions face.
Eyes, sir?'
II want you to tell an immaterial lie
for me-"
Blessington returned his glance; then
he laughed a little uncomfortably.
"But surely, SIR
"She recognized me, YOU camp
Eyes"
'"Then you're wrong. She didn't"
Blessington's eyebrows went I'D.
There was silence. Loder glanced
across the room. Eve had parted from
the girl in green and was moving to-
ward them, exchanging smiles and
greetings as she came.
MY wife is coming back" he said.
twill you do this for me, Blessington?
lit will smooth things" He spoke
quickly, continuing to watch Eve. AS
he had hoped, Blessington's eyes turn
ed In the same direction. "'Twill
smooth matters" he repeated-"smooth
them ln-in a domestic way that ]
can't explain
The shot told. Blessington looked
round.
fright, sir" he said. "You may
leave it to me-" And before I,ode1
could speak again he had turned an6
disappeared into the crowd.