Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-25

In drama than al ordinary
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 againNand 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
sneculations 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 o keen, alert
pleasure that altered his whole face.
Eve, looking back, saw the express
sion. 1t attracted and held her, like q
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 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 filed the cor
ridor
4.NIrs. Chilcotev' he exclaimed. Can
believe my luck in finding you alone"
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. "Oh!' he
said. "Indeed!' Then he relapsed into
silence. He was the soul Of good ma
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 1t away.
"Ten me about yourself" she said.
what have you been doingT
Blessington looked at her, then smil-
ed again, his buoyancy restored. do.
ing?" he said. ooh, 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 ma
ture, had beguiled many dull hour
for her in past days, and she had miss
ed him not little when his face had
been filed by Greening.
"But 1 mean seriously, Bobby. Has
something good turned up?"
Blessington made wry face. Some
thing is on its way That's why I'm on
duty tonight. Old Bramfell and the
pater are working it between them, so
if Lady Bramfell or Lady Astrupp hap
pen to drop a fan or 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 z" Eve smiled.
Blessington's face suddenly looked
grave. II wish you hadn't said that"
he said. Then he paused abruptly.
Out of the hum of talk behind them
mans laugh sounded. 1t was not loud,
but it was laugh that one seldom
hears in London drawing room. II
expressed interest, amusement and IN
an inexplicable way 1t seemed also to
express strength.
Eve aud Bessington both turned in
voluntarily.
by Jovew said Blessipgton.
Eve said nothing.
Loder was parting with Lakeley and
his was the laugh Tint had attracted
them both. The interest excited by his
talk vas still reflected in his face and