Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-21


which an impulse or en- emotion had al
most found voice; then training, in
stinct. or it. might have been diplomacy,
had conquered, and the moment had
passed. There was riddle in the very
atmosphere OF the place--and he abom-
mated riddles.
But Lady Astrupp was absorbed in
her own concerns Again she changed
hcr position. and to Lodcr, listening
attcntiycly it seemed that she leaned
forward and examined his hands
afresh. The sensation was so acute
that he Withdrew them involuntarily.
Again there was a confused rustic.
The crystal bali rolled from the table,
and the seer laughed quickly. Obeying
Il strenuous impulse, f.oder rose.
lie had no definite notion Of what he
expected or what he must avoid. He
was only conscious that the pavilion.
with its silk draperies, its scent Of
musk and It's intolerable secrecy. was
10 longer eudurable He felt cramped
and confused in mind and muscle. He
stood for second to straighten his
limbs; then he turned and. moving di-
re"tiy forward, passed through the
por;iere.
After the dimness of the pavilion the
conservatory seemed comparatively
bricht, bat without waiting to grow
accustomed to tn" altered light he
moved onward with deliberate haste.
The long green alley was speedily
traversed. IN his eyes it no longer
possessed 9recuupsS. no longer suggest
ed freshness or rcpose. 1t was simply
means to the end upon which his
mind was SGT.
As he passed UP the flight Of steps he
drew his rings from his pocket and
slipped them on again Then he step
ped into the glare Of the thronged cor
ridor.
Some one hailed him as he 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 Blessington aud
Eve, and then for the first time his
expression changed. and he turned di-
rcctly toward them.
Eve" he said, will you excuse me?
I have word TO say to Blessington."
She Glanced ct him in momentary
surprise; then she smiled in her quiet,
self possessed way.
"Of COURSE" she. said i've been
wanting Il chat with Millicent Cover,
but Bobby has required 80 much enter
timing she smiled again, this time
at Blossington. and moved away to-
ward a paio girl in green who was
standing alone.
Instantly she had turned Loder took
BlessinEton's arm.
Il know you're tremendously busy"
ne began in an excellent imitation of
Cbilcotc'S hasfy manner-'I know
you're tremendously busy, but I'm in a
fix" One glance at Blessington's
healthy, ingenious face told him that
plain speaking was the method to
adopt.
Indeed, sir?' In moment Bless.
ingtou was on the alert.
YES. And II want your help"
The boy Redeemed. That Chilccte
should appeal to him stirred him to an
uneasy feeling of pride and uncertain
y.
Loder saw his advantage and pressed
it homo. IT'S come about through this
crystal gazing business. I'm afraid |
didn't play my part rather made an
ass Of myself l wouldn't swallow the
thing, aLl-aNd Lady Astrupp"- lie
paused, measuring Blcssin-tor With n
glance "Wel, my dear boy, you-you
know what women are
81 Wa,sin%tou was only twentv-three
lie redeemed again AMI assumed m
air Of profundity. Il know, sir" he
said. with \ shake Of the head.
Ioler's sense Of humor was keen
but lie kept grave face. Il knew
you'd catch my meaning. But | want
you to 90 something more. II Lady
Astrupp should ask you who was in
her tent this past ten minutes, l want
you''- Again he stopped, looking at
his companions face.
Yes. SIR"
II want You to tell an immateral lie
for me-"
Nlessington returned his glance; then
he laughed little uncomfortably
but surely, sir
she recognized me- you mean
Lodcr's eyes were as kccn as steel.
Yes"
Then you're wrong. She didn't
Blessingtou's eyebrows went up.
There was silence Ioder glanced
across the room. Eve had parted from
the girl in green and was moving to
ward them, exchanging smiles and
greetings as she came.
NY wife is coming back" ne said
"Will you do this for NE Rlesaington
lit will smooth things" He spoke
quickly continuing to watch I've. A.
he had hoped, Blcaangton'S eyes turn
ed In the same direction. Twill
smooth matters" he repelted-"smooth
them in--in a domestic way that
can't explain"
The shot told. Blcssington LOOKED
round.
Right sir" he said. You may
leave it to me-" And before Lodel
could speak again he had turned and
disappeared tGto the crowd.
CHAPTER WI.
TywlIS husness with Blessingtou