The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-02-22

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for the most part social claims, We're
to be left to circumstance and Loder's
inclination. Chlcote's erratic memory
always accounting for the breaking OF !
trivial promises.
But Loder In his new energy was
anxious for obligations. The desire for
fresh and greater tests grew with in
dulgepce. He scanned the two lines
with eagerness. The first was an in
terview with Gresham, one Of Chill
cote's supporters In Wnrk; the other an
engagement to lunch with Fraide. At
the idea of the former his interest
quickened, but at thought OF the latter
1t qpailed momentarily. Had the entry
been royal command 1t would have
affected him infinitely less. For a
space his assurance faltered. Then by
coincidence the recollection of Eve and
Ewes words of last night came b8ck to
him, and his mind was filled with a
new sensation.
Because of ChilcOte he was desplsed
by Chilcote's wife! There was no de-
nying that in nTl the pleasant excite
ment of the adventure that knowledge
had ranked. 1t came to him now link
ed with remembrance of the slight, re-
luctant touch of her fingers. the family
evasive dislike underlying her: glance Z
1t was trivial thing, but 1t touched
his pride as n man. That was how he
put 1t to himself. 1t wasn't that he,
valued this woman's opinion-any wo-
mans opinion. 1t was merely that II
touched his pride. He turned again to
the window and gnzed out. the ensnge-
ment book still between his hands.
What if he compelled her respect?
What if by his own personality clonk-
ed under Chilcotc'S identity he forced
her to admit his capability? 1t was
matter of pride after all-scarcely even
of pride; self respect was Il better
word.
Satisfied by his own reasoning. he
turned back into the room.
See to those letters, Greening," he
said. "And for the rest of the morn
inS's work you might go on with your
! jlhorasan notes. believe We'll all
want every inch of knowledge we can
get In that quarter before we're much
older. I'll see you again later" With
n rcasSuring nod he crossed the room
and passed through the door.
and afteFRMe ftsReH slu with EGad%S %Sifh I'll him to
Westminster. The walk and lunch
We're both memorable. In that hour he
learned many things that had been
sealed 10 him before. He tasted his
first draft Of real elation. his first drop
, Of real discontinue. He saw for the
first time how IL great man may con-
/ Il
fully. how delightfully."-. He felt what
tact and kindness perfectly combined
may accomplish, and he burned in
wardly with n sense of duplicity that
crushed and elated him alternately
He was John Loder, friendleSs. penni-
less, with no present and no future, yet
he walked down Whitehall In the FUR
light of day with one Of the greatest
statesmen England has known.
Some strangers were being shown
over the terrace when he and Fraide
reached the house, and, noticing the
open door. the old man paused.
IL never refuse fresh air." he said.
Shall we take another breath Of it
before settling down. He took Lo-
dcr's arm and drew him forward. AS
they passed through the doorway the
pressure of his fingers tiGhtened. Il
shall reckon today among my pleasant
est memories. Chilcotc," he said grave
ly. Il can't explain the feeling. but
seem to have touched Ewes husband.
the real you, more closely this morning
than | ever did before. 1t has been a
genuine happiness" He looked UP with
the eyes that through all his years Of
action and responsibility had remained
so bright
But Loder paled suddenly. and his
glance turned to the river-wide, mys-
terious, secret. Unconsciously Fraide
had stripped the illusion. 1t was not
John Loder who walked here; it was
Chilcote with his position. his
constltuency-his wife. He half extri-
Gated his arm. but Fraide held it.
NO." he said. Don't draw away
from me. You have always been too
ready 10 do that. 1t is not often have
q pleasant truth to tell. l won't be Ge-
prived OF the enjoyment"
"Can the truth ever be pleasant, sr?'
Involuntarily Loder echoed Chilcote.
Frnide looked up. He was half a
head shorter than his companion
though his dignity concealed the fact
"Chilcote," he said seriously. '.give VI
cynicism! 1t Is the trademark Of fall
= 4ure.- and T do not like it In my
friends"
Loder said nothing. The quiet in
sight Of the reproof, it's mitigating
kindness, touched him sharply. Ii
that moment he saw the rails dowI
which he had sent his little car of ex
istence spinning, and the sight dauntet
him. The track was sleeper. the gauge
narrower. than he had guessed; ther,
were curves and sidlngs upon whicl