The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-03-07


ward. With each succeeding day of
the old life the new annoyances, the
new obligations, became more hamper
ing. Before his compact with Loder
this old life had been a net about his
feet. Now the meshes seemed to have
narrowed, the net itself to have spread
till it smothered his whole being. His
own household, his own rooms even,
offered no sanctuary. The presence of
another personality tinged the atmos-
phere. 1t was preposterous, but it was
undeniable. The lay figure that he had
set in his place had proved to be flesh
and blood, had usurped his life, his
position, his very personality, by sheer
right Of strength. AS he walked along
Bond street in the first sunshine of the
year, jostled by the we'll dressed crowd,
he felt pariah.
He revOlted at the new order Of
things, but the revolt was silent one
the iron Of expediency had entered into
his soul. He dared not jeopardize Lo-
der's position because he dared not dis
pense with Loder. The door that
guarded his vice drew him more re-
sistlessly with every indulgence, and
Loder's was the voice that called the
"open sesame"
He walked on aimlessly. He had
been but five days at home, and al
ready the quiet, grass grown court of
CliffOrd's inn, the bare staircase, the
comfortless privacy Of Loder's rooms,
seemed haven Of refuge. The speed
with which this hunger had returned
frightened him.
He walked forward rapidly and with
out encountering check. Then sud-
denly the spell was broken. From the
slowly moving, brilliantly dressed
throng Of people some one called him
by his name, and, turning, he saw Lii
liam Astrupp.
She was stepping from the door of
jewelers., and as he turned she paus-
ed, holding out her hand.
"The very person would have wish
ed to see" she exclaimed. "Where
have you been these hundred years?
I've heard Of nobody but you since
you've turned politician and ceased to
be mere member Of parliament" She
laughed softly. The laugh suited the
| light spring air, as she herself suited
the pleasant, superficial scene.
He took her hand and held it, while
| his eyes Travelled from her delicate
face to her pale cloth gown, from her
soft furs to the bunch of roses fasten-
ed in her muff. The sight of her was
curious relief. Her cool, slim fingers
were so casual, yet so clinging; her
voice and her presence were so redo
lent of easy, artificial things.
"How we'll you look" he said invol-
UNFAIRLY.
Again she laughed. "Thats my pre-
rogative," she responded lightly. "But
I was serious in being glad to see you
Sarcastic people are always so intui-
tive. I'm looking for some one with
intuition.'
Chilcote glanced UP. "Extravagant
again? he said dryly.
She smiled at him sweetly. "Jackw
she murmured, with slow reproach.
Chilcote laughed quickly. 81 under
stand. You've changed your minister
of finance. I'm wanted in some other
direction"
This time her reproach was express
ed by a glance. "You are always
wanted" she said.
The words seemed to rouse him
again to the shadowy self distrust that
the sight of her had lifted.
''Its-it's delightful to meet you like
this" he began, land I wish the meet
ing wasn't momentary. But Pm-I'm
rather pressed for time. You must let
me come round one afternoon-or even
ing, when you're alone" He fumbled
for moment with the collar of his
coat and glanced furtively upward to-
ward Oxford street.
But again Lillian smiled, this time to
herself. If she understood anything
on earth, it was Chilcote and his
moods.
IF one may be careless of anything,
jack" she said lightly, "surely it's of
time. I can imagine being pressed for
anything else in the world. If it's an
appointment you're worrying about, a
motor goes ever so much faster than a
cab" She looked at him tentatively
her head slightly on one side, her muff
raised till the roses and some Of the
soft fur touched her cheek.
She looked very charming and very
persuasive as Chilcote glanced back.
Again she seemed to represent a re-
spite something graceful and subtle
in world Of oppressive obligations.
His eyes strayed from her figure to the
smart motor car drawn up beside the
curb. $3.50.
She saw the glance. ever so much
quicker" she insinuated. And, smiling
again, she stepped forward from the
door Of the shop. After a seconds
indecision Chilcote followed her.
The waiting car had three seats, one
in front for the chauffeur, two visa.
Wis at the back, Offering pleasant posi-.