Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1907-02-21

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"There's no penalty for separating has
band and utfc7"
was the explanatory tone one might
adopt toward an in%corrigible child.
Loder felt this, but the gist of a re-
mark always came to him first, it's
mode of expression later. The fact
that it vas Blessington whom he had
Observation-Disclosures to whom he
had spoken with vague ~politeness-
came to him with a sense of unnleas-
antness. He was not to blame in the
matter, nevertheless he blamed him
self. He was annoyed that he should
have made the slip in Ewes presence.
They were moving forward, nearing
the press of people in the second room,
when Eve spoke, and the fact filed
him with an added sense of annoy
ance. People smiled and bowed to
her from every side; one woman lean
ed forward as they passed and whis-
pered something in her ear. Again
the sensation Of futility and vexation
filled him; again he realized how pal
pable was the place she held in the
world. Then, as his feelings reached
their height and speech seemed forced
| 1ynnn him a email mon NTH n ro1,rd
face, catching a glimpse Of Eve, dart
ed from a circle Of people gathered in
n 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 Involuntary and I'm.
der his breath.
She half paused and turned toward
him. "Yes?" she said, and he wonder
ed If it was his imagination that made
the word sound slightly eager.
&AOOul lAuL udkLSI VI nlCSSluklOu
he began; then he stopped. Bramfell
had reached them.
The little man came up smiling and
with an outstretched hand. THERE'S
no penalty for separating husband and
wife, is there, Mrs. Chilcote? How are
you, ChilcoteT" 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
her usual se'f 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. U
AS she moved aside Bramfell looked
at Loder. "Well, Chilcote, have you
dipped into the future yet?' he asked
with a 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 a 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
course!"' she said. "She should make
a very beautiful seer. We are all quite
curious"
Bramfell pursed up his lips. ''She
has a 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 it made her feel
quite philanthropic, it reminded her SO
much of q charity bazaar"
Everybody laughed, and at the same
moment Blessington came quickly
across 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
Blessington's arm in mock seriousness
"Witcheston is playing bridge, like
a sensible man." he said. Leave him
in peace, Bobby"
Blessington made a comical grimaee
But I'm working this IN commercial
principles" he said. II 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
upT Bramfelps round eyes were
twinkling with amusement.
"But my system
sSystems! All. we all had them when