Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-14
1.-THE
Masquer
By KATHERINE CECIL THURSTON.
Author 1.-THE Circle" Etc.
Copyright, 1903. Harper & Brothers
Bv KATHERINE CECIL
Copyright. 1909. by H.rDr & Brother.
CHAPTER VI.
Author of 1.-The Circle"

CHAPTER VI.
ILL the next day Chilcote moved
in fever OF excitement Hot
HAN with hope one moment, cold
with fever the next he rushed
with restless energy into every task
that presented itself, only to drop 1t as
speedily. Twice during the morning he
drove to the entrance Of Cllfford's inn,
but each time his courage failed him
and he returned to Grosvenor square to
learn that the expected message from
Loier had not come.
It was wearing condition Of mind,
but 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 1t 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 furtive 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, hundred
hours distasteful In the living and I'M
bearable in the recollection, and with
them the new flash of hope, the new
possibility Of freedom. In sudden
rush Of confidence he turned to his
leader.
II believe rye found remedy for
my nerves" he said. Ell believe I'm
going to be new man." He laughed
with touch Of excitement
Fraide pressed his fingers kindly.
'That is right, he said. "That is right.
I 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. 2
He drew away his hand.
GIVE is unique" he said vaguely.
Fralde smiled. THAT is right" he
said again. Admiration Is too largely
excluded from modern marriages"
And with a courteous excuse he re-
Joined his friends.
1t was dinner time before Chilcote
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
bell. Since his momentary exaltation
| in Fraide's presence his spirits had
steadily fallen until now they hung at
the lowest ebb.
AS he waited in unconcealed impa-
thence for an answer to his summons
he caught sight Of his man Allsopp at
| the head Of the stairs.
@"Come here!' he called, pleased to
| find some one upon whom to vent his
| Irritation. '.Has that wire come for
mey
NO. Sir. 1 inquired five minutes
back
Inquire again."
Eyes, sir" Allsopp disappeared.
A second later after his disappear
ance the bell of the hall door whizzed
loudly.
Chilcote started. All sudden sounds,
like all strong lights, affected him. He
! half moved to the door, then stopped
! himself with short exclamation. AT
the same instant Allsopp reappeared.
Chilcote turned on him excitedly.
what the DEVILS the meaning of
thisy' he said. "a battery of servants
in the house and nobody to open the
hall doorY
| Allsopp looked embarrassed. Crap
ham is coming directly, sir. he only
| left the hall to ask Jeffries"-
| Chilcote turned. "Confound Crap
hamv' he exclaimed. go and open
| the door yourself"
Allsopp hesitated, his dignity strug.
| Cling with his obedience. AS he wait.
ed the bell sounded again.
Ibid you hear meY' Chilcote said.
Eyes, sir" Allsopp crossed the hall.
As the door was opened Chilcote
passed his handkerchief from one
hand to the other in the tension Of
hope and fear, then as the sound Of
his own name in the shrill tones Of a
| telegraph boy reached his ears he let
the handkerchief drop to the ground.
Allsopp took the yellow envelope and
| carried it to his master.
"a telegram, sir" he said. "And the
boy wishes to know IL there is an an
swer." Picking up Chilcote's handker.
chief, he turned aside with elaborate
dignity.
Chilcote's hands were 80 unsteady