Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-02-23
CHAPTER Kill

in himself. he feels that the
world lies before him. Gratifed
ambition may be the summer. but an
tielpation is the ardent springtlme OF
mans career.
AS Loder drove that nj ght from Fleet
street 20 GrOsvenor square he realized
this. though scarcely with any degree
of consciousness. Tor he was no accom-
Dlished SELF analyst. But in a wave OF
feeling too vigorous TO be denied he
recognized his regained foothold-the
step that lifted him at once from the
pit TO the pinnacle.
In that moment OF realization he look
ed neither backward nor forward. The
present was all sulcing. Difficulties
might loom ahead. but difficulties had
but one object-the testing and sharp
ening OF n mans strength. In the hrst
deep surge OF egotistical feeling be al
most rejoiced IN Chilcote's weakness.
The more Chilcote tangled the threads
OF his life the stronger must be the
fingers that unraveled them. He was
possessed by a great Impotence. The
Joy Of action was stirring in his blood
Leaving the cab. he walked confident
" to the door Of Chilcote's house and
inserted the latchkey. Even IN this
small act there was a grain OF indi-
vidual satisfaction. Then very quietly
he opened the door and crossed the hall.
AS he entered. a footman was ar
ranging the FIRE that burned in the big
CRATE. Seeing the man. he halted.
where Is your mistressTT he asked
In unconscious repetition OF his FIRST
question Ia the same house
The man looked up. "She has Just
finished dinner. sir She dined alone in
her own room" He glanced at Loder
In the quick. uncertain way that was
noticeable In all the servants OF the
household when they addressed their
master. Loder saw the look and won
dered what depth OF curiosity II be
trayed. how much OF insight into the
domestic life that he must always be
content 10 skim. For an instant the old
resentment against Chilcote tinCed his
exaltation. but he swept Il angrlly
aside. without further remark be be-
gan TO mount the stairs.
Gaining the landing. he did not turn.
as usual 20 the door that shut OF Chill
cotc's rooms. but moved onward down
the corridor toward Ewes private sit
ting room. He moved slowly tin the
door was reached. Then he paused and
lifted his hand. There was moments
wait while his fingers rested on the
handle; then n sensation ne could not
explain. reticence. n reluctance 20 in
trude upon this one precinct. caused
his fingers 70 relax. With a slightly
embarrassed gesture he drew back
slowly and retraccd his steps.
Once IN ChicOte's bedroom. he walk
ed 10 the nearest bell and pressed II.
Renwick responded. and az sight OF
him LOders feelings warmed with the
same sense OF fitness and familiarity
that the great bed and somber furni-
ture Of the room had inspired.
But the man did not come forward
as he had expected. lie remained close
TO the door with hesitation that was
unusual in n trained servant. II struck
LOcer that possibly his Stolidlty had
exasperated Chilcote and that possibly
Chllcote had been az no pains TO con-
ceal the evaporation. The idea caused
him 20 smile involuntarily.
''Come into the room. Renwick." he
said. Its uncomfortable 20 see you
standing there. / want 10 know II Mrs
Chilcote has sent me any message
about tonight"
Renwick studied him furtively as he
came forward. Yes. sir" he said.
"Mrs. Chicote's maid said that the car
rage was ordered for 1915. and she
hoped that would suit you" He spoke
reluctantly, as IL expecting a rebuke.
at the opening sentence LOder had
turned aside. but now. as the man fin
ished. be wheeled round again and
looked at him closely with his keen.
observant eyes.
Look here" he said Il can't have
you speak to me like that. may come
down on you rather sharply when my
my nerves are bad, but when I'm my
self 1 treat you-well. / treat you de-
Gently at any rate. You'll have 10 learn
TO discriminate. Look at me nowP A
thrill OF risk and OF rulership passed
through him as he spoke. Look at me
nowi Do look as looked this morn
hg-or yesterday
The man eyed him half stupidity, half
timidly.
''WellY' Loder insisted.
S'Well. sir" Renwick responded. with
some slowness. you look the same aud
you look dlnerent-a healthier color,
perhaps. sir. and the eye clearer" He
grew more confident under Loder's
half humorous. half insistent gaze.
''Now that look closer. sir
Loder laughed. That's itr' he said.
''Now that you look closer. You'll have
TO grow observant. Observation is an
excellent quality in a servant. When
you come into a room in future. look
first OF ali 10 me and take you cue
from that Remember that serving a
man with nerves is like serving two
masters. Now you can go. and tell
Mrs. Chilcotes maid that l shall be
quite ready at a quarter past 10"
YES. sir. And after thatT'
Nothing further. shan't want
you again tonight" He turned away
as he spoke and moved toward the
great fire that was always kept alight
In Chiicote's room. But as the man
moved toward the door he wheeled