Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-14

lowed ii came sharply to his mind
lt here, in the slipshod freedom of a
or that was always open and stairs
lt were innocent of covering, lay his
npanions real niche unrecognized
outward avowal. but acknowledged
the inward. ketner sense that mani.
Its the individual
n silence they mounted the stairs,
on the first landing Chilcote
uscd and looked back, surveying
der from the superior height of two
bps.
i did very we'll Mt first" he said. ~
very well. | almost followed your
hmple for week or so. | found
Fself on sort of pinnacle, and
ing on. But in the last ten days I've
We rather lapsed.'
3Why" Loder avoided looking at
face. lie kept his eyes fixed de-
|mlnedlv on the spot where his own
hd Eripped' the hanister.
Why Chilcote repeated. ooh. the
Historic weakness stronger
II strength. I'm I'm sorry to
he down on you like this, but it's
social side that bowls me over. It's
social side I cant stick"
The social side? But I thought
Don't think. | never think; 1t en-
Is such constant upsetting of prin-
les and theories. We did arrange
business only, but one can't set up
rriers. Society pushes itself every
Ierc nowadays, into business most
all. ! don't want you for theater
ties or dinners. But big reception
h political flavor is different. A
IN has to be seen at these things. He
Fln't say anything or do anything,
it's bad form If he fails to show
oder raised his head. you must
lain" he said abruptly.
hilcote started slightly Mt the sud
demand.
I suppose I'm rather irrelevant"
said quickly. Fact is. there's a re-
ton at the Bramfells' tonight. You
Bw Blanche Bramfell-Niscounte
mfcll sister to Lillian AstrupD."
words conveyed nothing to Loder,
he did not consider that. All ex-
nations We're irksome TO him and he
priably chafed TO be done with
m.
And you've got 10 put in an appear
g for party reasons!' Loder broke
hilcote showed relief. yes. Old
ide makes rather u point of it-so
$ Eve" He said the last words
'lessly; then. as If their sound re-
fed something, his expression chang
\ touch of satirical amusement
rhed his lips and he laughed.
~ the way, Loder," he said, my
was actually tolerant of me for
or ten days after my return. l
lcht your representation was TO be
e impersonalE I'm not jealous"
laughed. I'm not jealous, | assure
but the burned child shouldn't
" abSentminded
his tone and his laugh Loder's
|d stirred. With a sudden, unex-
ed impulse his hand frightened on
banister and, looking up, he caught
t of the face above him-his own
il seemed. alightcd with malicious
rest. At the sight strange scnsa-
seized him. his grip on the banis-
loOsened, and. pushing past Chill
he hurriedly mounted the stairs.
ltside his own door the other over
him.
oder" he said. 'Lodcr, I meant
harm. \ man must have laugh
etimes"
1t Loder was facing the door and
not turn round
sudden fear shook Chilcote. "Io-
he exclaimed again, You would
desert me? I can't go back to-
Et. can't go back"
i'll Loder remained immovablc.
armed by his silence, Chilcote step
closer 10 him.
oder. Loder, you won't desert
lie caught hastily Mt his arm.
ith quick repulsion Loder shook
off, then almost as quickly he
ed round.
What fools we all are" he said
Iptly, We only differ in degree.
10 in and let us change our
hes"
CHAPTER XIII.
1HE best moments Of a mans life
are the moments when, strong
in himself, he feels that the
world lies before him. Gratified
oltion may be the SUMNER. but an
patton is the ardent springtime of
lan's career.
5 Loder drove that night from Fleet
bet TO Grosvenor square he realized
though scarcely with any degree