The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-01-12

dom it opened up. He ceased TO con-
slider that by fate he was a Conserva-
tive. bound by traditional convention
alities. In that great moment he knew
himself sufficiently a man to exercise
whatever individuality instinct prompt
ed. He forgot the didactic methods BY
which he had proposed to show knowl-
edge Of his subject, both as a past and
a future factor In European politics.
With his own strong appreciation OF
present things be saw and grasped the
vast present interest lying beneath his
hand.
For fifty minutes he held the interest
of the house, speaking mistakenly, fear
lessly, commandingly on the immediate
need of action. He unhesitaungly
pointed out that the news which had
just reached England was not so much
an appalling fact as sinister warning
to those in whose keeping lay the safety
of the country's interests. Lastly, with
fine touch of eloquence. he paid trib-
ute to the steadfast fidelity of such men
as Sir William Brice-F Field. who. what
ever political complications arise at
home, pursue their duty unswervingly
on the outposts of the empire.
AT his last words there was silence
the silence that marks a genuine effect
then all at once, with vehement. i'm
pressive force, the storm of enthusiasm
broke its bounds
1t was one of those stupendous bursts
of feeling that no etiquette, no decorum,
Is powerful enough to quell AS he re-
sumed his seat, very pale, but exalted
as men are exalted only once or twice
| in lifetime, 1t rose about him-clamor-
Gus, spontaneous, undeniable. Near at
hand We're the faces of his party, excit-
ed and triumphant; across the house
were the faces Of Scarborough and his
ministry, uncomfortable and disturbed.
| The tumult swelled, then fell away,
and in the partial lull that followed
Fraide leaned over the back of his seat.
His quiet, dignified expression was I'M
altered, but his eyes were intensely
bright
"Chilcote," he whispered, 81 don't con-
graduate you or myself l congratu-
late the country on possessing a great
man.
The remaining features Of the de-
bate followed quickly one upon the
other. The electric atmosphere Of the
house possessed a strong incentive
power. Immediately Loder's ovation
had subsidized, the undersecretary for
foreign affairs rose and in a careful
and nonincriminating reply defended
the attitude of the government.
Next came Fraide, who, in one Of his
rare and polished speeches, touched
with much feeling upon his personal
grief at the news reported from Persia
and made emphatic Endorsement Of Lo-
ders words.
Following Fraide came one or two
dissentient Liberals, and then Sefbor-
ough himself closed the debate. His
speech was mastery and fluent; but,
though any disquietude he may have
felt was we'll disguised under tone of
reassuring ease, the attempt to reha-
bilitate his position-already weakened
in more than one. direction-was task
beyond his strength.
Amid extraordinary excitement the
division followed, and with it govern
ment defeat
It was not until half an hour after
the votes had been taken that Loder
freed at last from persistent congratu
lations, found opportunity to look fol
Eve. In accordance with promise
made that morning, he was to find hel
waiting outside the ladies' gallery al
the close of the debate.
Disengaging himself from the grouI
of men who had surrounded and fol
lowed him down the lobby, he discard
ed the lift and ran up the narrow stair
case Reaching the landing, he wen
forward hurriedly. Then with certain
abrupt movement he paused. In thu
doorway leading to the gallery Ev'
was waiting for him. The place wa
not brightly lighted, and she was stand
ing in the shadow, but it needed only ;
glance to assure his recognition. H
could almost have seen in the dark tina
night, so vivid were his perceptions
He took step toward her, then again
he stopped In a second glance he real
lied that her eyes were bright wit
>,
sensation he had ever experienced tina
the knowledge flashed upon him. Her
also he had struck the same note-th
long coveted note of supremacy 1t ha
rung out full and clear as he stood i
Chilcotes place dominating the house
it had besieged him DANGEROUSLY as b
passed along the lobbies amid sea Q
friendly hands and voices; now in th
quiet Of the deserted gallery 1t cam
home to him with deeper meaning fror
the eyes Of Chilcote's wife
Without a thought he pat out hi
hands and caught hers.
l 81 couldn't get away" he said III
afraid I'm very late"
With a smile that scattered her tears
Eve looked up. Are your she saiC
!. laughing d little. 81 don't know wha
the time is. 1 scarcely know whethe
it's night or day"