Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-25
Author Of 1.-THE Circle" /

them
"By Jove..' said Blessington agnin.
II never realized that Chilcote was 30
tall"
Again Eve said nothing. But silently
and with more subtle meaning she
found herself echoing the words.
Until he was quite close to her Loder
did not seem to see her. Then he
stopped quietly.
II was speaking to Lakeley," he said
Gle wants me to dine with him one
night at Cadogah Gardens"
But Eve was silent waiting for him
to address Blessington. She glanced
at him quickly, but though their eyes
met he did not catch the meaning that
lay In hers It was difficult moment.
She had known him Incredibly, almost
unpardonably absentminded, but 1t had
invariably been when he was sui
ferlng from nerves, rs she phrased 1t
to herself. But tonight he was OBJ
viously In the possession of unclouded
faculties. She colored slightly and
glanced under her lashes at Blessing
ton. Had the same idea struck him.
she wondered? But he was studiously
studying suit Of Chinese armor that
stood close by in niche Of the wall.
Bobby has been keeping me amused
while you talked to Mr.. Lakeley,' she
said pointedly.
Directly addressed, Loder turned and
looked at Blessington. How d'you
do?" he said, with doubtful cordially.
The name Of Bobby conveyed nothing
to him.
To his surprise Eve looked annoyed
and Blessingtons fresh colored face
deepened in tone. With slow, uncom-
Portable sensation he was aware Of
having struck wrong note.
There was a short, unpleasant pause.
Then, more by intuition than actual
sight, Blessington saw Ewes eyes turn
from him to Loder, and with quick
tact he saved the situation.
"How d'you do, sir?' he responded,
with smile. Il congratulate you on
looking $3.50 uncommon well. was
just telling Mrs. Chilcote that l hold
a commission for Lady Astrupp to-
night I'm sort of scout at present
reporting on the outposts." He spoke
fast and without much meaning, but
his boyish voice eased the strain.
Eve thanked him with a smile.
"Then we mustn't interfere with q
person ON active SERVICE" she said.
"Besidea we have our own duties to
get through She smiled again and.
touching Loder's arm, indicated the re-
ception rooms.
When they entered the larger of the
two rooms Lady Bramfell was still .
receiving her guests She was q tall
and angular woman who, except for
certain beauty Of hands and feet and
a certain similarity of voice, possessed
nothing in common with her sister Lii
liam. She was speaking to group OF
people as they approached, and the
first sound Of her sweet and rather
drawing tones touched Loder with
curious monentary feeling-a vague
suggestion of awakened memories.
Then the suggestion vanished as she
turned and greeted Eve.
low SWceL VI yOu W COhCs olA0
murmured. And it seemed to Loder
that more spontaneous smile lighted
up her face. Then she extended her
hand to hi1a. "And you, toow she add
ed. Though fear we shall bore you
dreadfully."
Watching her with interest, he saw
the change Of expression an her eyes
turned from Eve to him and noticed q
colder tone in her voice as she address
ed him directly. The observation NOV
ed him to self assertion.
That's poor compliment to me"
he said ITO be bored is surely only .
polite way Of being inane."
Lady Bramfell smiled. what" she
exclaimed. You defending your SO
cial reputation?" 4
Loder laughed little. 1.-THE smaller
1t is the more defending it needs" he
replied.
Another stream Of arrivals swept by
them as he spoke. Eve smiled at their
hostess and moved across the room,
and he perforce followed. As he gain
ed her side the little court about Lady
Bramfell was left well in the rear, the
great throng at the farther end Of the
room was not yet reached. md for the