Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-03-07
smiled again and held the book to the

light.
Dine 33 Cadogan gardens, 8 o'c.
Talk with IT," he read, still speaking
softly to himself
He stood for moment pondering on
the entry, then once more his glance
reverted to the cross.
Evidently meant It to be SEEM" he
unused. But why the deuce isn't he
more expllcltT' AS he spoke a look of
comprehension suddenly crossed his
face and the puzzled frown between
his eyebrows cleared away.
With n feeling of satisfaction he re-
membered Lakeley's frequent and
pressing suggestion that he should dine
/ with him at Cadogan gardens and dis
cuss the political outlook.
Lakeley must have written during
his absence, and Chilcote, having mark
ed the engagement, felt no further re-
sponslbilty. The invitation could
scarcely have been verbal, as Chlcote,
he knew, had lain very low in the five
days Of his return home.
SO he argued as he stood with the
book still open in his hands, the blue
cross staring imperatively from the
white paper. And from the argument
rose thoughts and suggestions that
seethed in his mind long after the lights
had been switched Off long after the
/ fire had died down. and he had been
left wrapped in darkness in the great
canopied bed.
| And so it came about that he took
! his second false step. Once during the
/ press OF the next mornings work 1t
crossed his mind to verify his convic-
tons by glance at the directory. but
for once the strong wish that evolves
a thought conquered his caution. His
work was absorbing; the need of veri.
fication seemed very small He let the
suggestion pass.
At I o'clock he dressed carefully. His
mind was full Of Lakeley and Of the
possibilities the night might hold; for
more than once before the weight Of
the st. Georges Gazette with Lakeley
at its back, had turned the political
scales. To be marked by him as q
/ coming man was at any time 4 favora
able pOrtent: to be singled out by him
at the present juncture was momen-
tOus. a thrill of expectancy, almost
excitement, passed through him as he
surveyed his appearance preparatory
to leaving the house.
Passing downstairs. he moved at
once to the hall door; but almost as
his hand touched it he halted. attracted
by n movement on the landing above
him. Turning, he saw Eve
She was standing quite still, looking
down upon him as she had looked once
before. As their eyes met she changed
her position hastily.
you are going out?" she asked. And
it struck Ioder quickly that there was
a suggestion, a shadow of disappoint-
ment in the tone Of her voice. Moved
by the impression. he responded with
unusual promptness.
YES" he said I'm dining out
dining with Lakeley"
She watched him intently while he
spoke; then. as the meaning of his
words reached her her whole face
Frightened
with Mr.. Lakeley?' she said. ooh
I'm slad-very glad. 1t is quite-quite
another step" She smiled with warm
impulsive touch of sympathy.
Loder, looking up at her, felt his
senses stir. At sound Of her words his
secret craving for success qulckened to
stronger life. The man whose sole in
centive lies within may so forward
coldly and successfully; but the man
who graspS n double inspiration, who
even unconscously Is impelled by an
other force, has stronger impetus fol
attack, a surer, more vital hewin2
power, Still watching her, he answer
ed nstinctively:
Yes" he said slowly "a long step
And. with Il smile of farewell he turn
ed, opened the door and passed into the
road.
The thrill OF that one moment was
Ptill warm as he reached Cadogan gar
dens and mounted the steps OF No. 80
so vitality warm that he paused for M
instant before pressing the electric
bell. Then at last, dominated by auticl
patton he turned and raised his hand.
The "ctiul was abrupt and it was
only as his fingers pressed the bell that
certain unpNpcctelnoSs. Il certain
want of suitability in the aspect of the
house, struck him. The door was white;
the handle and knUcker were of mass
i've silve" The first seemed a disap-
pointing index of I.akeley's private
taste. tho second a ridiculous tenpta-
ton TO needy humanity. He looked
again ut the number of tie house, but
it stared back at him convinc.ngly.
Then the door opened
SO keen was his sense of untitness
that. still trying to fuse his impression
of Lakciey with tie idea Of silver door
fittings, he stepped into the hall with
out the usual preliminary question,
suddenly realizing the necessity, he
turned to the servant, but the man fore
stalled him;
Twill you come into the white room,
sir! And may | take your coat?"
The smooth certainty of the mans
manner surprised him. 1t held another
SAVIOR Of disappointment, seeming as
little in keeping with the keen, busi-
nesslike Lakeley as did the house. Still
struggling with his impression, he al
lowed himself TO be relieved of his hat