Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-02-23
The MASQUERAOERS.
CONTINUED FROM SECOND PAGE

He had no definite notion Of what be
expected or what he must avoid. He
was only conscious that the pavilion.
with its silk draperies. its scent OF
musk and its intolerable secrecy. was
no longer endurable. He felt cramped
and confused I'm mind and muscle. lie
stood for a second 20 straighten his
limbs; then be turned and. moving d.
rectly forward. passed through the
Portiere.
After the dimness Of the pavilion the
conservatory seemed comparatively
bright. but without waiting 70 grow
accustomed 10 the altered light he
moved onward with deliberate haste
The long green alley was speedily
traversed. In bis eyes IL no longer
possessed grcenness. no longer suggest
ed freshness or repose. Il was simply
a means 10 the end upon which bis
mind was set.
AS be passed Up the flight OF steps he
drew his rings from his pocket and
slipped them on again. Then be step
ped into the glare Of the thronged cor
ridor
Some one hailed him as be passed
through the crowd. but with Chilcote's
most absorbed manner he hurried on
Through The door OF the supper room
he caught sight Of BlessinEton and
Eve. and then for the first time his
expression changed. and be turned d.
rectly toward them.
Eve" be said. "wiH you excuse mel
I have a word 20 say 10 Blesslngton."
She glanced a: him in momentary
surprise; then she smiled in her quiet
self possessed way.
~Of course" she said i've been
wanting a chat with Millicent Cover.
but Bobby has required so much enter
timing she smiled again. this time
at BlesSington. and moved away to
ward q 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 or
Chilcote's hasty manner-"I know
you're tremendously busy. but I'm In
tx" One glance at Blesslngton's
healthy. ingenious face told him that
plain speaking was the method to
adopt
Indeed, STRIP In a moment Bless
ington was on the alert
"Yes. And II want your help"
The boy Redeemed. That Chllcote
should appeal to him stirred him TO an
uneasy feeling or pride and uncertain
q.
Loder saw his advantage and pressed
IL home. Its come about through this
crystal gazing business. I'm afraid /
didn't play my part-rather made an
ass OF myself. I wouldn't swallow the
thing. and-and Lady Astrupp"- he
paused, measuring Blessington with
glance swell. my dear boy. you-you
know what women arel'
BlesslngtOn was only twenty-three.
He Redeemed again and assumed an
air OF profundlty. Il know. air" be
said, with a shake OF the head.
Loder's sense OF humor was keen.
but be kept grave face. II knew
you'd catch my meaning. But I want
you TO do something more. II Lady
Astrupp should ask you who was In
her tent this past ten minutes. I want
you Again he stopped. looking at
his companions face.
Eyes. slrT'
81 want you 10 tell an immaterial lie
for me-"
Blesslngton returned his glance; then
he laughed a little uncomfortably.
"But surely. sir
~She recognized me. you meanF'
Loder's eyes were as keen as steel.
"Yes."
~Then you're wrong. She didn't"
BlesSington's eyebrows went up.
There was silence. LOder glanced
across the room. Eve bad parted from
the girl In green and was moving to-
ward them. exchanging smiles and
greetings as she came.
"My wife is coming back" he said
-WIl you do this for me. Blessington?
TIT VIII smooth things" lie spoke
quickly. continuing to watch Eve. AS
be had hoped. Blesslngton's eyes turn
ed In the same direction. twill
smooth matters" ne repeated-"smooth
them in-in a domestic way that 1
can't explain"
The shot told. Blessington looked
round
Fright, sir" he said. You may
leave IL TO me-" And before Loder
could speak again he had turned and
disappeared into the crowd.