The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-04-12
v KATHERINE CECIL THUR.

Author Of "The Circle" E

After the dimness Of the pavilion the
conservatory seemed comparative y
bright. but without waiting to grow
accustomed to the altered light he
moved onward with deliberate haste
The long green alley was speedily
traverSed. In his eyes it no longer
possessed greenness, no longer suggest
ed freshness or rcpose. 1t was simply
a means to the end upon which his
mind was set.
AS he passed up the flight Of steps he
drew his rings from his pocket and
slipped them on again. Then lie step
ped into the glare Of the thrOngrd cor
ridor.
Some one hailed him as he passed
through the crowd. but with Chilcotc's
most absorbed manner he hurried on
Through the door of the supper room
he caught sight Of Blessington and
Eve, and then for the first time his
expression changed. and he turned di-
rectly toward them.
Eve" he said. will You excuse me :?
i have word to say to Blessington."
She glanced ut him in momentary
surprise; then she smiled in her quiet,
self possessed way.
"Of course" she said. 'I've been
wanting a chat with Milliccnt Cover.
but Bobby has required so much enter
tainlng"- She smiled again, this time
at Blessington. and moved away to-
ward pale girl in green who was
standing alone.
Instantly she had turned Loder took
Blessington's arm
Il know you're tremendously busy"
he began in an excellent imitation of
'Chilcote's hasty manner-.I know
you're tremendously busy. but I'm in
fix" One glance at Blessington's
healthy, ingenious face told him that
plain speaking was the method to
adopt.
Indeed, sir?" In a moment Bless
dngton was OH the alert.
Yes. And IL want your help"
The boy Redeemed. That Chilcote
should appeal to him stirred him to an
uneasy feeling Of pride and uncertain
ty.
Loder saw his advantage and pressed
1t home. Its come about through this
crystal gazing business. I'm afraid 1
didn't play my part-rather made an
ass Of myself. 1 wouldn't swallow the
- - * =, -antf=and-1. Astrupp"- He
paused, measuring Blessington with a
glance. "Well, my dear boy, you-you
know what women are!'
Blessngton was only twenty-three.
He Redeemed again and assumed an
air of profundity. II know, sir" he
said, with a shake Of the head.
Loder's sense of humor was keen.
but he kept grave face. Il knew
you'd catch my meaning. But want
you to do something more. If Lady
Astrupp should ask you who was In
her tent this past ten minutes. 1 want
you Again he stopped, looking at
his companions face.
Eyes, sir?"
81 want you to tell an immaterial lie
for me-"
Blessington returned his glance; ther
he laughed little uncomfortably
''But surely, sir
"She recognized me, You meanT
Loders eyes were as keen as steel.
Yes"
.Then you're wrong. She didn't"
Blessington's eyebrows went up.
There was silence. Loder glance'
across the room. Eve had parted fror
the girl In green and was moving tc
ward them, exchanging smiles an
greetings as she came.
"My wife is coming back" he sale
,"Will you do this for me, Blessington
lit will smooth things" He spok
quickly, continuing to watch Eve. A
he had hoped. Blessington's eyes turl
ed in the same direction ""Twi
smooth Matters" he repeated-"smoot
them in--in domestic way that
cant explain
The shot told. Blessington locke
round.
"Right, sir" he said. You ms
leave it to me-" And before I.od
could speak again he had turned al
disappeared into the crowd.