The Red Cloud chief., 1907-02-08
The maSQueradGr
Continued from Page Ihree.)

the sensation Of futilty and vexation
filed him; again he realized how pal
pablc was the place she held i'm the
world Then, as his feelings reached
their height and speech seemed forced
upon him, n small man with round
face. catching n glimpse of Eve, dart
ed from circle of people gathered in
one of the windows and came quickly
toward them. With an unjust touch
Of Irritation he recognized Lord Bran
fell.
Again the sense Of Ewes aloofness
stung him as their host approached.
In another moment she would be lost
to him among this throng of strangers
claimed by them as by right.
Eve" he said involuntarily and un-
der his breath.
She half paused and turned toward
him. "YesT' she said, and he wonder
ed II II was his imagination that made
the word sound slightly eager.
about that matter Of Blessington,"
lie began; then he stopped. Bramfell
had reached them.
The little man came up smiling and
with an outstretched hand. There's
no penalty for separa ting husband and
wife. Is there, Mrs Chilcote? How are
you. ChllcoteT'' He turned from one
to the other with the quick, noiseless
manner that always characterized him.
Loder turned aside to hide his vexa-
ton, but Eve greeted their host with
Ter usual self possessed smile
you are exempt from all penalties
tonight she said. Then she turned to
greet the members of his party who
had strolled across from the window
In his wake.
AS she moved aside Bramfell looked
ut Loder. well, Chilcote, have you
dipped into the future YETI" he asked
with laugh.
Loder echoed the laugh, but said
nothing In his uncertainty at the
question he reverted to his old re-
source Of silence.
Bramfell raised his eyebrows.
"What- he said. Don't tell me that
my sister-in-law hasn't engaged you
as victim Then he turned in
Ewes direction. you've heard of our
new departure, Mrs. Chilcote!"
Eve looked round from the lively
group by which she was surrounded.
"Lillian's crystal gazing? Why, Of
coursew she said "She should make
n very beautiful seer We are all quite
curious"
Bramfell pursed up his lips. 'She
has very beautiful tent at the end
! Of the conservatory. 1t took five men
as many days to rig it up. We could
not hear ourselves talk for hammer
ing. My wife said 1t made her feel
quite philanthropic, it reminded her SO
much of a. charity bazaar"
Everybody laughed. and at the same
mo'''"nt Blessington came quickly
a. - the room and joined the group.
"Hello.' he said. Anybody seen
Witcheston? He's next on my list for
the crystal business"
Again the whole party laughed, and
Bramfell, stepping forward, touched
Blesslngton's arm in mock seriousness
"Witcheston is playing bridge, like
a sensible man." he said. Leave him
| IN peace, BODDy.
Blessington made a comical grimace
But I'm working this on commercial
principles" he said. 81 keep the list
names and hours complete, and Lady
Astrupp gazes in blissful ignorance as
to who her victims are. The whole
thing Is great, simple and statistical
For goodness sake, Bobby, shut
up!' Bramfell's round eyes were
twinkling with amusement.
But my SYSTEM
Systems, All, we all had them wher
we were ms young as you are"
And they all had flaws, Bobby
Eve broke in. I'VE We're always find
ing gaps that had to be filed UP. Never
mind about Lord Witcheston. Get {
substitute. 1t won't count If Lilliar
doesn't know"
RlcsSington wavered as she spoke
His eyes wandered round the party
and again rested on Bramfcll.
Not me. Bobby! Remember, Iv'
hrcathcd crystals--practically lived ol
thcm-f for the last week. Now, there's
Chilcotc"- Again his eyes twiuklcd.
All eyes were turned on Loder
though one or two straycd surreptl
=. tiOusly to Eve. She, seeming sensitiv
TO the position, laughed quickly.
"a very good ideaw she said. "Wh'
wants to see the future If not poll
, tician"
Lodcr glanced from her to Blessing
ton. Then, with a very feminine i'm
3 pulse, she settled the matter beyon'
dispute.
"Please use your authority, Bobby,