Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-03-30

fire giowed warmly In the CRATE He
noted these things carefully. telling
himself that n man should always be
alertly sensible OF his surroundings.
Then all ct once the nice balancing OF
detail suddenly gave way. He forgot
everything but the onecircumstancet 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 motiouless. As he
came into the room she had glanced at
him-a glance or quick. searching ques-
ton, then with equal suddenness she
had averted her eyes. AZ he drew close
TO her now she remained immOvabte.
Eve be 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 a new. abrupt tone.
And then ii was that Eve showed
herself In a 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
Loder's knowledge OF her the vitality
and force that he had vaguely appre-
hended below her quiet. serene exte-
rior sprang up like a flame within
whose radius things are illuminated.
With a quick gesture. she turned to-
ward him. her warm color deepening.
her eyes suddenly ollght.
Il understand" she said-"I under
stand. Don't try 10 explain. Can't
you see that it's enough Toto see you
as you are
Loder was surprised. Remembering
their last passionate scene and the
damper Chilcote's subsequent presence
must inevitably have cast upon il. he
had expected 10 be douhtfuly received.
but the reality of the reception LEFT him
bewildeTed. Ewes manner was not
that OF the an used wife. Its vehe-
mence. its note Of desire and deprecia-
ton. were more suggestive Of his own
ardent setting Of the present rs dlstin-
gulshed from past or future. With an
odd sense Of confusion he turned to her.
afreSh.
Then l am forgivonf" ne said. And
unconsciously as lac moved nearer he
touched her arm.
At his touch she started. All the
yielding sweetness. all the submission.
that had marked Ter two nights ago
was gone. In its place she was pos
seSsed by curious excitement that
stirred while IL perplexed
Loder, moved by the sensation. took
another step forward. Then I am
forgivenf' he repeated more softly.
Her face WAS averted as be spoke.
but ne felt her arm CULVER. and when
at last she lifted her head their eyes
met Neither spoke. but In an instant
Loder's arms were around her.
For a long silent space they stood
holding each other closely '"hcn. with
a sharp movement. Eve freed herself.
Her color was still high. her eyes stiu
peculiarly bright. but the bunch OF VIC
lets she had worn I'm her belt had fallen
20 the ground.
John" she said quickly. but on the
word her breath caught. with n touch
OF nervousness she stopped to pick up
the flowers.
Lodcr noticed both voice and gesture.
What is itt' he said What We're
you going 10 sayT'
But she made no answer. For sec
ond longer she searched for the vIolets.
then as he bent 20 assist her she stood
up quickly and laughed-a short. en-
barrasSed laugh
How absurd and nervous amir she
exclaimed. Like n schoolgirl Instead