The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-03-29
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
tn lODER entered Lady. Bramfell's
III In drama than an ordnfltfy
- man In peculiar situation. 1t
was the first time he had played Chill
cote to purely social audience and
the first time for many years that he
had rubbed shoulders with n we'll
dressed crowd ostensibly brought to-
-sether Tor amusement AS he follow
eu eve along the corridor that led to
the reception rooms he questioned the
reality Of the position again and again:
then abruptly, at the moment when the
sensation Of familiarity was strongest,
CHEEKY voice hailed him, and, turn
Ing, he saw the square shoulders, light
eyes and pointed mustache Of Lakeley.
the owner Of the st. Georges Gazette.
AT the sight Of the man and the
sound of his greeting his doubts and
-speculations vanished. The essentials
or life rose again to the position they
had occupied three weeks ago, in the
short but strenuous period when his
dormant activities had been stirred
and he had recognized his true self
lie lifted his head unconsciously, the
shade of mlsgiving that hau crossed
his confidence passing from him as he
smiled at Lakelcy with n keen, alert
pleasure that altered his whole face.
Eve, looking back, saw the express
sion. 1t attracted and held her, like a
sudden glimpse into Il secret ROOM In
.all the years Of her marriage, In the
months Of her courtshp even, she had
never surprised the look on Chlcote's
face. The impression came quickly
and with 1t n strange, warm rush Of
interest that receded slowly, leaving an
odd sense Of loneliness. But, ut the
moment that the feeling came and pass
cd, her attention was claimed In an
other direction. A slight, fair haired
boy forced his way toward her through
the press Of people that filled the cor
rruur.----- 49,
Mrs. Chilcote" he exclaimed. "Can
believe my luck in finding you alone?"
Eve laughed. 1t seemed that there
was relief in her laugh. "How absurd
you are Bobby!" she said kindly. "But
you are wrong. My husband Is here.
D.! am waiting for him."
Blessington looked around. "Ohv' he
said. "Indeed"' Then he relapsed into
silence. He was the soul Of good ma
ture, but those who knew him best
knew that Chilcote's summary change
of secretaries had ranked Eve, con-
.scious Of the little jar, made haste to
smooth 1t away.
"Tell me about yourself" she said
"What have you been doing"
Blessington looked at her, then smil-
ed again, his buoyancy restored. do
lng?" he said. "Oh, calling every other
afternoon at Grosvenor. square, only to
find that a certain lady is never at
home"
At his tone Eve laughed again. The
boy, with his frank and ingenious ma
ture, had beguiled many a dull hour
for her in past days. and she had miss
ed him not little when his face had
been filed by Greening.
But I mean seriously, Bobby. Has
something good turned up?"
Blcssngton made n wry face. "Some-
thing Is on its way. That's why I'm on
duty tonight Old Bramfell and the
pater are working 1t between them, so
IL Lady Bramfell or Lady Astrupp hap
pen to drop fan or Il handkerchief
this evening I've got to be here to pick
1t up. SeeY
"As you picked up my fans and hand
lerchiefs last year and the year be-
fore?" Eve smiled. -. .-,,
Observation-Disclosures - ,ssprsdadn, ,66rssriJfiy.
put or the hum Of talk bohlnd them a
man laugh sounded. 1t was not loud
out 1t was laugh that one seldom
hears In a London drawing room. II |
expressed interest, amusement and I'm
an ineIplicable way 1t seemed also to
express strength.
voluntarily.
By Jove!' said Blessington.
Eve said nothing.
Aooer was parting with Iakeley and
MS was the laugh that had attracted
them Doth. The interest excited bv his
laik was still reflected in his face and
gearing as he made his way toward
them. """
ny Jove" said Blessington again
never realized that Chilcote was CO
all" ""' 'o
again eve said nothing. But silently ,
no with a more subtle meaning She :
ound herself echoing the words. :
Chtii he was quite close to her Loder =
III not seem to see her. Then he =
topped quietly. !.
Il was speaking to Lakeley," he said. ~
he wants me to dine with him one .
lght at Cadogan Gardens" -
but Eve was silent, waiting for him ~
ADDRESS Blessington. She glanced