The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-05-31


could be very sweet. She suddenly
dropped her half petulant tone; she
suddenly ceased to be a spoiled Guild.
With perfectly graceful movement
she drew quite close to Loder and. slid
gently to her knees.
This Is an attitude that few women
can safely assume. 1t requires all the
attributes Of youth, suppleness and a
certain buoyant ease. But Lillian new
er acted without justification and as
she leaned toward Loder, her face lift
ed, her slight figure and pale hair soft
ened by the freight. she made a pic
ture that 1t would have been difficult
to criticise.
But the person who should have ap-
preciated it stared steadily beyond 1t
to the fire. His mind was absorbed by
>ne questionable question Of how he
might reasonably leave the house be-
fore discovery became assured.
Lillian, attentively watchful Of him,
saw the uneasy look, and her own face
fell. But, as she looked. an inspiration
came to her--a remembrance Of many
Interviews with Chilcote smoothed and
facilitated by the timely use of to-
bacco
Jack" she said softly, before you
say another word insist on your
lighting cigarette" She leaned for
ward. resting against his knee.
At her words Loder's eyes left the
fire. His attention was suddenly need
ed for new and more imminent diff
Guilty. "Tkanks" he said quickly. "I-,
have no wish to smoke"
1t isn't matter of what you wish,
but Of what l say" She smiled. She
knew that Chilcote with cigarette be-
tween his lips was Infinitely more trac-
table than Chilcote sitting idle, and she
had no intention Of ignoring the knowl-
edge
But Loder caught at her words. "Be-
fore you ordered me to smoke" he said.
you told me to give you some advice.
Your first command must have prior
claim" He grasped unhesitatingly at
the less risky theme.
She looked up at him. You're al
ways nicer when you smoke" she per-
sisted caresslngly. Light cigarette
and give me one"
Loders mouth became set. NO" he
said, well stick to this advice busi-
ness. 1t interests me.'
"Yes-afterward."
"No; now. You want to ind out why
this Englishman from Italy was at
your sisters party and why he disap-
pearedf'
There are times when a malignant
obstinacy seems to affect certain peo-
pie. The only answer Lillian made was
to pass her hand over Loder's waist
coat and, feeling his cigarette case, to
draw it from the pocket.
He affected not to see 1t. "Do you
think he recognized you in that tent?"
he insisted desperately.
She held out the case. Here are
your cigarettes. You know we're al
ways more social when we smoke"
In the short interval while she looked
up into his face several Ideas passed
through Loder's mind. He thought Of
standing up suddenly and so regaining
his advantage. He wondered quickly
whether one hand could possibly suf-
fee for the taking out md lighting of
two cigarettes. Then all need for
speculation was pushed suddenly aside.
Lillian. looking into his face. saw his
fresh look of disturbance, and from
long experience again changed her tao
tics. Laying the cigarette case on the
couch. she put one hand on his shoulder,
the other on his left arm. Hundreds Of
times this caressing touch had Quieted
Chilcote.
Dear old boy! she said soothingly,
her hand moving slowly down his arm.
In fash OF understanding the con-
sequences Of this position came to him.
Action was imperative. at whatever
risk. With an abrupt gesture he rose.
The movement was awkward. He
got to his feet precipitateiy. Lillian
drew back. surprised and startled,
catching involuntarily at his left hand
to steady~her position.
Her fingers grasped at. then held his.
He made no effort to release them.
With dogged acknowledgment, he ad-
mitted himself worsted.
How long she stayed immovable,
holding his hand, neither Of them knew.
The process of a woman's instinct is so
subtle, so obscure, that 1t would be
futile to apply 1t to the commonplace
test Of time. She kept her hold tenaci-
ously, as though his fingers possessed
some peculiar virtue. Then at last she
spoke.
Rings, JackY she said very slowly.
And under the two short words whole
world of incredulity and surmise made
itself felt.
Loder laughed.
At the sound she dropped his hand
and rose from her knees. What her
suspicious. what her instincts were she
could not have clearly defined, but her
action was unhesitating. without
moments uncertainty she turned to the