Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-04-04


- conscious Of the appeal that
Ewes attitude made, found further en-
iurance impossible. Gently freeing his
hand. he moved away from her to the
fireplace taking up the position that
she had first occupied.
Eve" he said slowly. 81 haven't
finished yet ! haven't said everything.
I'm going to tax your courage further"
With a touch of panied alarm, Eve
lifted her head. "Further?' she said.
Lodcr shrank from the expression on
her face. Yes he said with difficulty,
there's still another point to he faced.
The matter doesn't end with my going
back. TO have the situation fully saved
thilcotc must return Chlcotc must be
:ronght to realize his responsibilities"
Ewes lips parted in dumb dismay.
at must be DONE he went on hur-
'iedly. land we have got TO do it-you
md l." lie turned and looked at her.
~? / could do nothing. What could
do;" Her voice failed.
Everything" he said. "You could do
everything. He is morally weak, but
I've has one sensitive point-thc fear Of
public exposure. Once make it plain
10 him that you know his secret and
you can compel him to whatever course
Of action you select 1t was TO ask you
to do this 10 beg YOU to do this--that
came TO You tonight ] know that it's
demanding more than womans reso-
lutiOn-more than womans strength.
But you are like no woman in the
world.
Eve" he cried. with sudden vehc-
nence, cant you see that it's impera-
Ive-tbe one thing 10 save us BOTH"
He stopped abruptly as he had be-
sun. and a painful silence filed the
room. Then, as before. Eve moved in
sinctively toward him, but this time
Aer steps were slow and uncertain
Nearing his side, she put out her hand
as if for comfort and support and, feel
ing his fingers tighten round it, stood
for a moment resting in the contact.
Il understand She said at last very
slowly. Il understand. When will you
lake me TO him."
For Il moment Loder said nothing.
not daring to trust his voice. Then he
answered low and abruptly. Now
ne said. Now. at once! Now, this
moment. II l may. And-and remem-
Der that | know what it costs you"
AS if imbued with fear that his cour-
ge might fnil him, lie suddenly re-
eased her hand and, crossing the room
to where long, dark cloak lay as she
had thrown it on her return home, he
licked 1t up. walked to her side and
ilently wrapped it about her. Then,
Viii acting automatically, he moved
o the door, opened 1t and stood aside
rAile she passed ont into the corridor.
In complete silence they descended
The stairs and passed to the hall door.
There Craphan, who had returned 10
dis duties since I.oder's entrance came
quickly forward with an offer Of serv-
&c.
But Loder dismissed him CURLY. ana.
rith something of the confusion bred
" Chlcote's regime. the man drew
back toward the staircase.
With hasty movement Ioder step
.ed forward and opening the door
Omitted n breath of chill air Then
N the threshold he paused. 1t was his
lrst sign OF hestation-the one instant
which nature rcbelled againsc the
conscience so tardily awakened He
TODD motionlesS for a moment. and it
doubtful whether even Eve fully
athomed tho bitterness of his reuun-
.iation-thc blackucss OF the night that
'tretched before his eyes
Behind him was everything; before
i'm nothing. The everything symbolic
by the luxurious house, the agerly
,4e tI.,
here Of responsibility: the nothing rep
esented by the broad public thorough
are. the passing figures, each uncon-
cious of and uninterested in his exist
nee. As an intcrloper he had entered
his house; as an interloper-a mas
auerader-he had played his part, lived
lis hour, proved himself; as an inter
oper he was now passing back into the
lin world of nreslZcd hopes and I'M
relieved ambitions
He stood rigidly quiet. his strong fig
ure silhouetted against the lighted hall,
his face cold and set: then, with a
'ouch Of fatality, chance cut short his
struggle.
An empty hanson wheeled around
the corner of the square The cabman,
seeing him, raised his whip In query,
and Involuntary he nodded an acQui-
escence. a moment later he had helped
Eve into the cab
Middle Temple lane he directed,
pausing on the step.
Middle Temple lane is opposite CIR
ford's inn," he explained as he took his
place beside her. When we get out
there we have only to cross Fleet
street"
Eve bent her head in token that she
understood. and the cab moved out
into the roadway
Within n few minutes the ne ghbor-
hood of Grosvenor square was exchang-
ed for the holster and more crowded
one of Piccadilly, but either the cab
man was overcautious or the horse was
below the average, for they made but
ylow progress through the more crowd
I'd streets. To the two sitting in 81
ence the pace was well nigh unbear
lble. With every added movement the
tension grew. The methodical care
With which they moved seemed like