The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-01-16


ng-unconsciously ready with an ac-
ouiescence before his appeal had been
made. 1t was the fruit of this prepare
ton, the inevitable outcome of it, that
strengthened his step and steadled his
hand as he mounted the steps and
opened the hall door of Chilcote's house
on that eventful afternoon.
The dignity. the air of quiet solidity.
impressed him as 1t never failed TO do,
as he crossed the large hall and ascend
ed the stairs-the same stairs that he
had passed down almost as an outcast
not so many hours before. He was fill
ed with the sense Of things regained.
Belief in his own star lifted him, as it
had done a hundred times before in
these same surroundings.
He quickeRed his steps as the sensa-
ton came to him. Then, reaching the
head of the stairs, he turned directly
toward Ewes sitting room and, gaining
the door, Knocked. The strength of his
eagerness. the quick beating of his
pulse as he waited for response, sur
priSed him. He had told himself many
times that his passion, however strong,
would never again conquer as Ii had
done two nights ago, and the fact that
he had come thus candidly to Ewes
room was to his mind a proof that
temptation could be dared Neverthe-
less there was sopething disconcerting
to strong man in this merely physical
perturbation, and when Ewes voice
came to him, giving permission to en-
ter he paused for an instant to steady
himself Then, with sudden decision,
he opened the door and walked into
the room.
The blinds were partly drawn, there
was a scent of violets in the air, and a
fire glowed warmly in the CRATE. He
noted these things carefully, telling
himself that man should always be
alertly sensible of his surroundings.
detail suddenly gave way. He forgot
everything but the one circumstance that
Eve was standing in the window, her
back to the light, her face toward him.
With his pulses beating faster and an
unsteady sensation in his brain, he NOV
ed forward, holding out his hand
Eve he said below his breath.
But Eve remained motionless. AS he
came into the room she had glanced at
him--a glance of quick, searching ques-
ton, then with equal suddenness she
had averted her eyes. AS he drew close
to her now she remained immovable.
Eve he said again Il wanted to
see you'll wanted to explain about yes
terday and about this morning" He
paused, suddenly disturbed. The full
remembrance of the scene in the
brougham had surged up at sight of
her-had risen a fierce, unquenchable
recollection. Eve he began again
In new, abrupt tone.
And then 1T was that Eve showed
herself in q fresh light. From his en-
trance into the room she had stayed
motionless, save for her first glance of
acute inquiry, but now her demeanor
changed. For almost the first time In
Loders knowledge Of her the vitality
and force that he had vaguely appre-
! hended below her quiet, serene exte-
rior sprang up like a fame within
whose radius things are Illuminated
With a quick gesture, she turned to
ward him, her warm color deepening
her eyes suddenly alight.
81 understand" she said-NT under
stand. Don't try to explain. CAM
you see that it's enough toto see yor
as you are
Loder was surprised. Remembering
|
damper Chilcote's subsequent presenc,
must inevitably have cast upon it, b,
had expected to be doubtfully received
but the reality of the reception left hin
bewildered. Ewes manner was no
that of the i'll used wife. It's vehe
mence its note Of desire and deprecia
ton, were more suggestive of his owl
ardent Selling Of the present as distin
guished from past or future. With al
odd sense of confusion he turned to he
afreSh.
Then 1 am forgiven he said. AMI
unconsciously as he moved nearer b,
touched her arm.
at his touch she started All til,
yielding sweetness, all the submission
that had marked her two nights ag
was gone In its place she was pos
sessed by q curious excitement tina
stirred while it perplexed.
Loder, moved by the sensation, too
another step forward. Then l an
} forgiven" he repeated more softly.
Her face was averted as he spoke
but he felt her arm culver, and whe
at last she lifted her head their eye
, met Neither spoke, but in an instan
: Loder's arms were around her.
For a long silent space they stoo
holding each other closely. Then, wit
a sharp movement, Eve freed hersel
} Her color was still high, her eyes sti
peculiarly bright, but the bunch of viz
lets she had worn in her belt had falle
to the ground
John" she said quickly, but on tn
word her breath caught. With touc
l of nervousness she stopped to pick I
= the flowers