Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1907-02-21

L SVA1 SSSN T. EL $40
Blessington made a wry face. Some
thing is OF it's way. That's why I'm Oh
duty tonight. Old Bramfell and the
pater are working it between them, so
If Lady Bramfell or Lady Astrupp hap
pen to drop a fan or a handkerchief
this evening I've got to be here to pick
it up. See?"
GAS you picked up my fans and hand
kerchiefs last year and the year be-
fore?" Eve smiled. 3.
Blessington's face suddenly looked
grave. 81 wish you hadn't said that"
he said. Then he paused abruptly.
Out of the hum of talk behind them a
mans laugh sounded. 1t was not loud,
but it was a laugh that one seldom
hears in a London drawing room. 1t
expressed interest, amusement and in
an inexplicable way it seemed also to
express strength.
Eve and Bessington both turned in
voluntarily.
"By Jove!' said Blessington.
Eve said nothing.
Loder was parting with Lakeley and
his was the laugh that had attracted
them both. The Interest excited by his
talk was still reflected in his face and
bearing as he made his way toward
them.
by Jove!!'' said Blessington again.
* never realized that Chilcote was SO
tall.".
Again Eve said nothing. But silently
and with a 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.
"He wants me to dine with him one
night at Cadogan 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. 1t was a difficult moment.
She had known him incredibly, almost
unpardonably absentminded, but it had
Invariably been when he was suf-
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 a suit Of Chinese armor that
stood close by in a 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 Blessington's fresh colored face
teepened in tone. With a slow, uncom-
Portable sensation he was aware Of
having struck a wrong note.
There was a short, unpleasant pause.
Then, more by intuition than actual
Hght, Blessington saw Ewes eyes turn
from him to Loder, and with quick
tact he saved the situation.
"How d'you do, sirY" he responded,
with a smile. II congratulate you on
looking $3.50 uncommon we'll. I was
just telling Mrs. Chilcote that l hold
a commission for Lady Astrupp to-
night. I'm a 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 a
person on active SERVICE" she said.
Besides, 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 a
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 Il group Of
people as they approached, and the
first sound Of her sweet and rather
drawing tones touched Loder with a
curious momentary feeling-a vague
suggestion of awakened memories.
Then the suggestion vanished as she
turned and greeted Eve.
GLOW sweet of you to comet" She
murmured. And it seemed to LodeI
that a more spontaneous smile lighted
up her face. Then she extended her
hand to him. and you, toov' she add
ed. Though 1 fear we shall bore yoI
dreadfully."
Watching her with interest, he saw
the change Of expression as her eyes
turned from Eve to him and noticed a
colder tone in her voice as she address
ed him directly. The observation NOV
ed him to self assertion.
"That's a poor compliment to me-"
he said. ITO be bored is surely only a
polite way of being inane."
Lady Bramfell smiled. What" she
exclaimed. you defending your So
cial reputation"
Loder laughed a little. ."The smaller
it is the more defending it needs" he
replied.