Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-22

so the rope has run out, ehT' he
said, in imitation Of the others tone.
But under the quiet Of his manner his
own nerves were throbbing with the
peculiar alertness of anticipation,
sudden sense Of mastery over life that
lifted him above surroundings and
above persons-a sense OF stature,
mental and physical, from which he
surveyed the world. He felt as If fate
in the moment of utter darkness had
given him sign.
AS they crossed the hall Chilcote
had drawn away and was already
mounting the stairs. And as Loder
followed it came sharply to his mind
that here, in the slipshod freedom of
door that was always open and stairs
that were innocent Of covering, lay his
companions real niche-unrecognized
In outward avowal. but acknowledged
by the inward, keener sense that mani
tests the individual.
In silence they mounted the stairs,
but on the first landing Chilcote
paused and looked back, surveying
Loder from the superior height Of two
steps.
II did very we'll at first" he said. II
did very well. almost followed your
example for a week or so. l found
myself on a sort Of pinnacle. and I
chung on. But in the last ten days I've
I've rather lapsed.'
"Why?" Loder avoided looking at
his face. He kept his eyes fixed de-
terminedly on the spot where his own
hand gripped the banister.
"Whyw Chilcote repeated. "Oh. the
prehistoric tale-weabness stronger
than strength. "I'm-rm sorry to
come down ON you like this, but it's
the social side that bowls me over. It's
the social side can't stick"
1.-THE social side? But thought
Don't think. never think; it en-
tails such constant upsetting Of prin-
ciples and theories. We did arrange
for business only, but one can't set up
barriers. Society pushes itself every
where nowadays, into business most
Of all don't want you for theater
parties or dinners. But big reception
with political favor is different A
man has to be seen at these things. He
needn't say anything or do anything,
but It's bad form IL he fails to show
up"
Loder raised his head. "You must
explain" he said abruptly.
Chilcote started slightly at the sud-
den demand
I'll suppose I'm rather irrelevant"
he said quickly. Fact is, there's a re-
ception at the Bramfells' tonight. You
know Blanche Bramfell- Visoountess
Bramfell, sister to Lillian Astrupp."
His words conveyed nothing to Loder,
but he did not consider that. All ex-
plantations were irksome to him and he
invariably chafed to be done with
them.
"And you've got to put in an appear
ance-for party reasons?' Loder broke
in.
Chilcote showed relief. Eyes. Old
Fraide makes rather point Of it-so
does Eve He said the last words
carelessly; then, as if their sound rel
called something, his expression chang
ed. A touch of satirical amusement
touched his lips and he laughed.
+ "By the, way, Loder," he said, my
wife was actually tolerant of me for
nine or ten days after my return.
thought your representation was to be
quite impersonal? I'm not Jealous"
he laughed. "I'm not jealous, assure
you, but the burned child shouldn't
grow absentminded."
At his tone and his laugh Loder's
blood stirred. With sudden, unex-
pected impulse his hand frightened on
the banister, and, looking up, he caught
sight Of the face above him-his own
face it seemed, alighted with malicious
interest. At the sight a strange sensa-
ton seized him, his grip on the banis-
ter loosened, and, pushing past Chill
cote, he hurriedly mounted the stairs.
Outside his own door the other over
took him.
"Lodery' he said. "Loder! / meant
no harm. A man must have a laugh
sometimes"
But Loder was facing the door and
did not turn round.
A sudden fear shook Chilcote. 10
der!' he exclaimed again. ''You would
not desert me? can't go back to-
night. can't go back"
Still Loder remained immovable.
Alarmed by his silence, Chilcote step
ped closer to him.
'Loder! Loder, you won't desert
me?" He caught hastily at his arm.
Win a Quick repulsion Loder shook
him off, then almost as quickly he
turned round.
"What fools we all are!' he said
abruptly. 1--WE only differ in degree.
Come in and let us change our
clothes"
Go be Continued)