The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1907-02-01

4
speedily. Twice during the morning hs
drove to the entrance OF Clifford's inn
but each time his courage failed him
and he returned 10 Grosveuor square to
learn that the expected message from
Loder had not come
| II was a wearing condition Of mind.
tbut at worst 1t was scarcely more than
an exaggeration OF what his state had
been for months and made but little
Obvious difference in his bearing or
manner
In the afternoon he took his place In
the house. but, though it was his first
appearance, since his failure of two
days ago. he drew but small personal
notice. When he chose, his manner
could repel advances with extreme
effect, and of late men had been prone
to draw away from him.
In one Of the Hobbies he encountered
Fraide surrounded by group OF
friends. With his usual furtlve haste
he would have passed on, but moving
away from his party the old man ac-
costed him. He was always courteously
particular in his treatment of Chilcote,
as the husband OF his ward and god
child.
Better, Chilcote," he said, holding
out his hand At the sound of the low,
rather formal tones, so characteristic
of the old statesman, hundred memo
ries rose to Chilcote's mind, a hundred
hours distasteful in the living and I'm.
bearable in the recollection, and with
them the new fash of hope. the new
possibility of freedom. In sudden
rush of confidence he turned to his
leader.
II believe I've found a remedy for
my nerves." he said. IL believe I'm
going to be a new man" He laughed
with touch of excitement.
Fraide pressed his fingers kindly.
THAT is right, he said. '"That is right
/ called at Grosvenor square this morn
ing but Eve told me your illness of the
other day was not serious She was
very busy this morning. She could
only spare me quarter Of an hour,
She is indefatigable over the social side
of your prospects. Chilcote. You owe
her large debt. A popular wife
means great deal to politician"
The steady eyes of his companion dis
turbed Chilcote.
He drew away his hand.
"Tve Is unique" he said vaguely.
Fraide smiled. "1'hat Is right" he
said again. Admiration is too largely
excluded from modern marriages."
And with courteous excuse he re-
Joined his friends
1t was dinner time before Chllcote |
could desert the house. but the moment /
departure was possible he hurried to
Grosvenor square.
AS he entered the house the hall
was empty. He swore irritably under
his breath and pressed the nearest
,ell Since his momentary exaltation
n Fraide's presence his spirits had
steadily fallen until now they hung at
he lowest ebb
AS he waited In unconceaIed impa-
fence for an answer to his summons
lie caught sight OF hts man Allsopp at
he head of the stairs
"Come herev he called. pleased to
ind some one upon whom to vent his
irritation. HAS that wire come for
ne?'
mo. sir. inquired five minutes
'ack.''
Inquire again
Eyes. sir" Allsopp disappeared.
A second later after his disappear
nee the bell of the hall door whizzed
)udly.
Chilcote started. All sudden sounds,
Ike all strong lights, affected him. He
alf moved to the door. then stopped
imself with short exclamation. At
ne same instant Allsopp reappeared.
Chilcote turned on him excitedly.
what the DEVILS the meaning OF
his p he said. "A, battery of servants
| the house and nobody to open the
all door,
Allsopp looked embarrassed. Crap
am is coming directly, sir. He, only
IT the hail to ask Jeffries''--
Ghilcote turned. "Confound Crap
ami he exclaimed. go and open !
he door yourself"
Allsopp hesltated, his dignity strug.
ing with his obedience. AS he wait '
the bell sounded again.
did you hear me?' Chilcote said.
Eyes. sir" Allsopp crossed the hall.
As the door was opened Chilcote
Used his handkerchief from one
Ind to the other In the tension OF
'pe and fear, then as the sound Of ,
$ own name in the shrlll tones Of
legraph boy reached his ssrs he let y
e handkerchief drop to the ground. h
Allsopp took the yellow envelope and A
rried II 10 his master !,
"A telegram, sir" he said And the =
y wishes 20 know II there Is an an
'er.' Picking up Chilcote's handker.
ief, he turned aside with elaborate l.,
gnity.
Jhiicote's hands were so unsteady y,
It be could scarcely insert his I'm a,
r under the Zap OF the envelope. ~
arilnu off a t.ornor hn wrnnchad tia ! I.