Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-04-11

done two nights ago, and the fact that
he had come thus candidly to Ewes
room was to his mind proof that
temptation could be dared. Neverthe-
less there was something disconcerting
to a strong man in this merely physical
perturbation, and when Ewes voice
came to him, giving permission to en-
ter, he paused for an instant to steady
himself. Then, with sudden decision,
he opened the door and walked Into
the room.
The blinds were partly drawn, there
was scent of violets in the air, and
fire glowed warmly in the crate. He
noted these things carefully, telling
himself that man should always be
alertly sensible of his surroundings.
Then all at once the nice balancing OF
detail suddenly gave way. He forgot
everything but the one circumstance that
Eve was standing In the window, her
back to the light, her face toward him.
With his pulses beating faster and an
unsteady sensation In his brain, he NOV.
ed forward, holding out his hand.
Eve. he said below his breath.
But Eve remained motionless. As he
came into the room she had glanced at
him-a glance Of quick, searching ques-
ton, then with equal suddenness she
had averted her eyes. AS he drew close
to her now she remained immovable.
Eve he said again II wanted to
see you'll wanted to explain about yes
terday and about this morning" He
paused, suddenly disturbed. The full
remembrance Of the scene In the
brougham had surged up at sight OF
her-had risen fierce, lypQuenchabl BILE
recollection. Eve he began again
in new, abrupt tone.
And then it was that Eve showed
herself in fresh light. From his en-
trance into the room she had stayed
motionless, save for her first glance of
acute inquiry, but now her demeanor
changed. For almost the first time in
Loders knowledge of her the vitality
and force that he had vaguely appre-
hended below her quiet, serene exte-
rior sprang up like flame within
whose radius things are Illuminated.
With quick gesture, she turned to-
ward him, her warm color deepening,
her eyes suddenly alight.
II understand" she said-"T under
stand Don't try to explain. Can't
you see that it's enough toto see you
as you are
Loder was surprised Remembering
their last passionate scene and the
damper Chilcote's subsequent presence
must inevitably have cast upon it, he
had expected to be doubtfully received,
but the reality of the reception left him
bewlldered Ewes manner was not
that Of the Ill used wife. Its vehe-
mence. Its note OF desire and deprecia-
tion, were more suggestive Of his own
ardent Selling Of the present as distin-
guished from past or future. With an
odd sense of confusion he turned to her
afresh
.'Then 1 am forgiven?' he said. And
unconsciously as he moved nearer he
touched her arm.
At his touch she started. All the
yielding sweetness all the submission,
that had marked her two nights ago
was gone. In its place she was pos
sessed by a curious excitement that
stirred while 1t perplexed.
Loder. moved by the sensation, took
another step forward. .'Then am
forgiven?' he repeated more softly.
Her face was averted as he spoke,
but he felt her arm culver, and when
at last she lifted her head their eyes
met. Neither spoke, but in an instant
Loder's arms were around her.
For a long silent space they stood
holding each other. closely. Then, with
sharp movement, Eve freed herself.
Her color was still high. her eyes still
peculiarly bright, but the bunch Of VIC
lets she had worn in her belt had fallen
to the ground.
.'John." she said quickly, but on the
word her breath caught. With touch
Of nervousness she stopped to pick up
the flowers
Loder noticed both voice and gesture.
"What is it2'' he said. what were
you going to say?"
But she made no answer. For q sec
ond longer she searched for the violets,
then as he bent to assist her she stood
up quickly and laughed-a short, en-
barrassed laugh.
''How absurd aud nervous amp' she
exclaimed. Like schoolgirl instead
Of woman Of twenty-rour. You must
help me to be sensible" Her cheeks
still burned, her manner was still ex-
cited, like one who holds an emotion
or an impulse at bay.
Loder looked at her uncertainty.
Eve he began afresh with his odd,
characteristic perseverance, but she
instantly checked him. There was a
finality. faint suggestion Of fear, In
her protest.
Don't" she said. Don't! don't
want explanations. l want toto en-
Joy the moment without having things
analysed or smoothed away. Can't you
understand? Can't you see that Pm
wonderfully. terribly happy toto have
you-as you are!v' Again her voice