Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-03-09

cal programme Ia the Offices Of the 81.
Georges Gazette. 70 the afternoon OF
April ! he found himself central &C.
ure IN the whirlpool OF activity that
formed Itself I'm Conservative circles.
With the acumen for which he was
noted. Lakeley had touched the keystone
or the situation on that morning and
succeeding events. each fraught With
Its own importance. had established the
precision Of his forecast
Minutely watchful of Russia's atti-
tude. Fraide quietly organized his
forces and strengthened his position
with statesmaulike grasp or opportu-
nifty. aud 20 Loder the attributes dis
played by his leader during those try
ing days formed an endless and alb
sorbing study Setting the thought Of
Chilcote aside. ignoring his own posi-
ton and the risks he daily ran. he had
fully yielded 90 the glamour OF the mo-
ment and in the first freedom OF a
loose rein De had given unreservedly
all that me possessed OF activity. capac-
ity and determination % the cause that
had claimed him
Singuiarly privileged In constant
personal contact with Fraide. he learn
81 many valuable lessons Of tact and
organization in those five vital DAYS
during which the tactics OF a whole
party hung upon one item Of news from
a country thousands Of miles away.
For should Russia subdue the insur-
gent Hazaras and. laden with the hon
OTIS OF the pcaccmakor. retire across
the frontier. then the political arena
would remain undisturbcd. but should
the all Important movement predicted
by Lakeicy become an accepted fact be
fore parliament rose for the Easter re-
cess. then the FIRST blow In the fight
that would rage during the succeeding
session must Inevitably be struck. Ina
the meantime he was Fraidc's difficult
position 90 wait and watch and yet pre-
serve his dignity.
Ii was early in the afternoon or
March % that Loder. in response 20 a
long standing Invitation, lunchcd quiet
ly with the Fraides. Being delayed by
some communications from Wark. ne
was a few minutes late in keeping his
appointment. aud on being shown into
the drawing room found the little group
OF three that was 10 make up the party
already asscmblcd-Fraide. Lady Sa-
rah-and Eve. As he entered the room
they ceased 20 speak. and all three
turned en- his direction
In the first moment he had n vague
impression OF responding suitably 90
Lady Sarah's cordial greeting. but DE
knew that Immediately and uncon-
sciously his eyes turned 70 Eve. while
a quick sense OF surprise and satisfac-
ton passed through him at sight OF
her. For an instant he wondered how
she would mark his avoidance Of her
since their last eventful Interview. then
Instantly he blamed himself for the
passing doubt. For. before all things.
he knew her 10 De woman Of the
world
He took Fraidcs outstretched hand.
and again he looked toward Eve. wait
ing for her TO- speak.
She met his glance. but said nothing
Instead OF speaking she smiled at him
"A smile that was far more reassurinc
than any words. "a smile that In
single secouI conveyed forgiveness.
appreciation aud warm. almost ten
der sense or sympathy ANA c,mprehel
sion. The Remembrance of that smile
stayed with him lou- after they were
seated al table aud Gar into the future
the remem rance OF the lunch itself
with It's pleasant pri vntc sense OF sat
isfact,0n. was destined 10 return to
him In retrospective moments The
delightful atmosphere of the Fraidcs'
home life had always been a wonder
and an enigma 20 him. but on this day
he seemed 20 grasp its meaning by a
new light as he watched Eve often
under its influence and felt himself
drawn impercepubIy from the position
of a speculative outsider TO that OF an
Intimate 10 was a fresh side TO the
complex, fascinating life of which
Fraide was the master spirit
These reflections had grown agree
ably familiar to his mind The talk,
momentarily diverted into social chan
nels. was quietly drifting back 10 the
inevitable question OF the situation"
that in private moments was never far
from their lips. when the event that
was 10 mark aud separate that day
from those that had preceded il was
unceremOniOusly thrust upon them.
Without announcement or apology,
the door was suddenly flung open and
Lakeley entered the room.
His face was trimming with excite
ment. and his eyes flashed. In the
first haste OF the entry be failed 10 see
that there were ladies in the room and.
crossing Instantly 10 Fralde. laid an
open telegram before him. This Is
official, SIR" he said. Then at last be
glanced round the table
Lady SARAH he exclaimed. "Can
you forgive me? But III have given
a hundred pounds TO be the irst with
this" lie glanced back at Fraide
Lady Sarah rose and stretched out
her hand. Mr.. Lakeley." she said. Il
more than understand There was
thrill in her warm, cordial voice. aud
her eyes also turned toward her hus-
band.
OF the whole party Fralde alone was
perfectly calm. he sat very still. his
small. thin figure erect and dlgniied.
as his eyes scanned the message that
meant SO much.