Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-04-06
CHAPTER MN

moments ln those two hours when the
tension was high when the efforts she
made 70 interest and hold him were
somewhat strained. But II this was SO
It escaped the notice OF the one person
concerned. for Il was long after tea
had been served. long after Eve had
offered 90 do penance FOR her monopoly
OF him 10y driving him 10 Chilcote's
club that Iodcr realized with any de-
gree Of distinctness that Sc was she and
not he who had taken the lead IN their
Interview: that IL was she and not ne
who had bridgcd the difficult snences
and given fresh direction 90 danger
Gus channels Of talk II was long be-
fore he recognized this. but 10 was stiu
longer before he realized The far more
potent fact that without any GOODNESS.
without any lessening or the subtle
consideration she always showed him.
she had given him no further opportu-
nifty of making love.
Talking continuously. elated with the
sense Of conflict stiI 90 come. ne drove
with her Co The club Considering that
drive in the light OF after events. lis
own frame OF mind invariably filed
him with ncredulty In the eyes Of
any sane man his position was not
worth an hours purchase. yet ina the
blind SELF confidence Of the moment he
would not have changed places with
Fraide himself Tho great song Of self
was sounding in his ears as he drove
through the crowded streets. conscious
OF the cool crisp air. Of Ewes close
presence. OF the uumbCrlcss indnitcsi-
NAL things that went Co make Up the
value OF life. To was this acknOwledg-
ment OF personality that upheld him
the personality. the power that had
carried him unswerviugiy through elev-
en- col0ricss years; that had impelled
him toward this new career when the
new career had first been opened 10
him. that had hewn a way for him I'm
this fresh existence against colossal
odds; the indomitahle force that had
tramplcd out Chilcote's foOtnarks IN
public life. in private life-in love. II
was a triumphant paean that clamored
I'm his ears, something persistent and
prophetic, with an undernote Of men
ace-the cry OF the human soul that has
dared 90 stand alone.
His glance was keen and bright rs he
waited Tor a moment at the carriage
door and took Ewes hama before enter
ing the club.
You're dining cut tonichty' he said.
His fingers, always tenacious and mas
terful. continued 70 hold hers. The
compunctiOn that had driven him tenn
porarily toward sacrifice had passed
His pride. his confidence and with them
his desire. had flowed back In full
measure.
Eve, watching him attentively. paled
a little. Yes" she said, I'm dining
with the Bramfells."
what time viii you get homer" He
scarcely realized why he put the ques-
ton. The song OF self still sounded
triumphantly. and he responded with
out reflection
His eyes held hers. his fingers press
ed her hand: the intense mastery Of his
Will passed through her in a sudden
sense Of fear Her lips parted in depre-
cation. bat he closely attentive Of her
expression spoke again quickly.
when can see youE' he asked very
quietly.
Again she was about 60 speak. She
leaned forward. as II some thought
long suppressed trcmblcd on her lips
Ihen her courage or her desire failed
her. She leaned back. letting her Iashes
droop over her eyes. 4 shall be home
at H." she said below her breath.
LOder dined with I.akeley at Chill.
cote's club, and so absorbing were the
political interests OF the hour-the res
ignation of Sir Robert Scarborough, the
kings summoning of Fraide, the prob
able features OF the new ministry-that
IL was after o o'clock when at last he
freed himself and drove 10 the Area
dian theater.
The sound OF music came to him as
he entered the theater-light. measured
music suggestive OF tiny streams. toy
lambs and painted shepherdesses. II
sounded siDgularly inappropriate TO his
mood-as inappropriate as the theater
itself with its gay gliding. its pale
tones Of pink and blue. 1t was the set
ting Of a different world-a world OF
laughter, light thoughts and shallow
impulses, in which he had no part
1t was the interval. between the first
and second acts. The box was In
shadow, and Loder's first impression
was OF voices and rustling skirts. bro
Ken In upon by the murmur OF fire.
quent amused laughter Later, as his
eyes grew accustomed % the light. he
distinguished the occupants, two wo
men and man. The man was speak
Ing as he entered. and the story he
was relating was evidently interesting
from the faint ordinations OF cues
ton and delight that punctuated it in
the listeners higher, softer voices.
"Ah, here comes the legislator ex.
claimed Leonard Kaine, for IL was he
who formed the male element in the
party.
The revolutionary. Lennie," Lillian
corrected softly. "Bramfen says he
has changed the whole face OF things"
She laughed softly and meanIngly as
she closed her fan. $50 good OF you to
come. Jack" she added. LET me IN.
uoduce you TO Miss Esseltyn. / don't
think you two have met. This is Mr.
Chiicote, Mary-the great, new Mr.
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