Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-03-07

most afTectionate gesture, each carried
weight. With swift return of assur-
sncc he responded to her tone.
Right he said. Right. We will
enjoy ourselves" lie laughed quickly
and again with a conscious movement
lifted his hand to his muller.
Then we'll postpone the advice?"
Lillian laughed too.
Eyes. Right! Well postpone IT," The
word pleased him, and he caught at 1t.
1--WE won't bother about it now, but
we won't shclvc it altogether. Well
iostpone it,
Exactly" She settled herself more
comfortably. you'll dine with me one
highland we can talk it out then. |
see so Little Of you nowadays she
added in lower voice.
"My dear girl, you're unfair" Chill
cote's spirits had risen. He spoke rap
idly. almost pleasantly. ut isn't | who
keep away. It's the stupid affairs of
the world that keep me. I'd he with
you every hour of the twelve if had
my way"
She looked up at the bare trees. Her
expression was n DELIGHTFUL mixture of
amusement, satisfaction and skepti-
cism. Then you will dne?" she said
at last.
"Certainly." His reaction 10 high
spirits carried him forward.
"Now nice? Shall we tiX a day."
"A day? Yes; yes-if you like" He
la
impulse OF the previous moment domi-
mated his other feeling. Yes" he said
quickly; yes. After all, why not fix it
now" With sudden inclination to-
ward amiabilty he opened his over
coat. thrust his hand into an inner
pocket and drew out his engagement
book the same long. narrow book fit
ted with two pencils that Loder had
scanned so interestedly on his first
morning at Grosvcnor square. He
opened it, turning the pages rapidly
what day shall it be: Thursdays
full-and Triday-and Saturday What
bore" He still talked fast.
Lillian leaned across. What a sweet
book" she said. But why the blue
crosscst' She touched one of the
pages with her glovcd finger.
Chlcotc icrkcd the book. then laugh
ed, with touch of embarrassment.
ooh the crosses. Merely to remind
me that certain appointments must be
kept. You know my beastly memory!
But what about the day? Shall we fix
the day." His voice was in control,
but mentally her trivial question had
disturbed and Jared him. What day
shall we say" he repeated. Monday
In next week.
Lillian glanced up, with a faint cx-
clamation of disappointment. How
horribly far away" She spoke with
engaging petulaucc and. leaning for
ward afresL, drew the book from Chill
cote'S hand. What about tomorrow"
she exclaimed. turning back page.
why not tomorrow? knew | saw n
blank space"
"Tomorrow, Oh, II He stopped.
Jack" Her voice dropped. 1t was
true that she desired Chilcotc's opinion
on her adventure, for Chilcote's opin-
ion on men and manners had certain
bitter shrewdneSS. but the exercise of
her own power added point to the
desire. If the matter had ended with
the gain or loss Of Il tetea-tetc with
him. it is probable that, whatever its
utility, she would not have pressed It,
but the underlying motive was the
stronger Chilcote had been Il satellite
for years. and it was unpleasant that
any satellite should drop away into
space.
Jack" she said again in n lower
and still more effective tone, and. lift
ing her muff, she buried her face in
! her flowers. Il suppose l shall have
to dine and go to a music hall with
Leonard-or stay at home by myself,
she murmured, looking out across the
trees.
Again Chilcote glanced over the long
tan strewn ride. They had made the
full circuit of the park.
Its tresome being by oneself she
murmured.
| For awhile he was irresponsible; ther
| slowly his eyes returned to her face
| lie watched her for Il second, and, lean
ing quickly toward her. he took his
book and scrubbed something in the
vacant space,
She watched him nterestedly Hell
face lighted up, and she laid aside hel
muff.
Dear Jack" she said How very
sweet of your Then, as he held the
book toward her, her face fell. Dine
33 Cadogan gardens, s o'c. talk will
L." she read. "Why, you've forgotten
the essential thing!
He looked up. The essential thing?'
She smiled. The blue cross" she
said. isn't it worth even little one?'
The tone was very soft. Chilcot'
yielded.
you have the blue pencil" he sale
in sudden response TO her mood.
She glanced up in quiet pleasure a
her success, and with charming nj
fectatiOn of seriousness, marked thu
engagement with big cross. At thu
same moment the car slackened speed
as the chauffeur waited for further or
ders
Lillian shut the engagement bool
and handed it back. Where can
drop you?" she asked. AT the club?"
The question recalled him to sens
| of nresent things He thrlst the bOOl