Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-03-28
CHAPTER xxx.

sne was SucCeSS1ul In gaming ner emu
For more than two hours she kept Lo-
der at her side. There may have been
moments in those two hours when the
tension was high, when the efforts she
made to interest and hold him were
somewhat strained. But il this was so
II escaped the notice of the one person
concerned, for 1t was long after tea
had been served, long after Eve had
offered 20 do penancc for her monopoly
OF him by driving him to Chilcotes
club, that I.oder realized with any de-
gree of distlnctness that it was she and
not he who had taken the lead in their
interview; that it was she and not he
who had bridged the difficult silences
and given fresh direction to danger
Gus channels Of talk. 1t was long be-
fore he recognized this. but it was still
longer before lie realized the far more
potent fact that without any GOODNESS,
without any lessening of the subtle
consideration she always showed him,
she had given him no further opportu-
nifty of making love.
Talking continuously, elated with the
sense of conflict still to come, he drove
with her to the club. Considering that
drive in the light of after events, his
own frame of mind invariably filed
him with incredulity. In the eyes Of
any sane man his position was not
worth an hours purchase. yet in the
blind self confidence OF the moment lie
would not have changed places with
Fraide himself. The great song of self
was sounding in his ears as he drove
through the crowded streets. conscious
Of the cool. crisp air, of Ewes close
presence, of the numbcrless intinitesi-
nal things that went 10 make up the
value of life. 1t was this acknowledge
ment Of personality that upheld him
the personality, the power that had
carried him unswervngly through elev-
el colo"lcss years; that had impclled
him toward this new career when the
new career had first been opened to
him; that had hewn a way for him in
this fresh existence against colossal
odds; the indomitahle force that had
trampled out Chilcote's footmarks in
public life in private life--in love. 1t
was a triumphant paean that clamored
in his ears, something persistent and
prophetic, with an undernote of men
ace--the cry of the human soul that has
dared to stand alone.
His glance was keen and bright as he
waited for n moment at the carriage
door and took Ewes hand before enter
Ing the club.
you're dining out tonight:' he said
His fingers. always tenacious and mas
terful, continued to hold hers. The
rompuncton that had driven him tenn
porarily toward sacrifice mad passed.
His pride, his confidence and with them
his desire, had flowed back in full
measure.
Eve, watching him attentivcly, paled
little. Yes she said. I'm dining
with the Bramfels.'
what time will YOU get home?' He
scarcely realized why lie put the Ques-
ton. The song of self still sounded
triumphantly, and he responded with
out reflection.
His eyes held hers, his fingers press
ed her hand; the intense mastery of his
will passed through her in n sudden
sense of fear, Her lips parted in depre
cation, but he, closely attentive of hel
expression, spoke again quickly.
when can | see you?' he asked very
quietly.
Again she was about to speak. She
leaned forward. as If soma thought
long suppressed trembled on her lips
then her courage or her desire faieC
her. She leaned back, letting her lashe:
droop over her eyes. Il shall be home
at H." she said below her breath.
Loder dined with Lakeley at Chill
cote's club, and SO absorbing were til,
political interests of the hour-the res
ignation Of Sir Robert Scarborough, thu
kings summoning of Fraide, the prob
able features of the new ministry-tha
it was after o o'clock when at last h,
freed himself and drove to the Area
dian theater.
The sound of music came to him a
he entered the theater-light, measure,
music suggestive of tiny streams, to.
lambs and painted shepherdesses. |
sounded singularly inappropriate to hi
moOd-as inappropriate as the theate
itself with its gay gliding. its pal
tones Of pink and blue. 1t was the SET
ting of a different world-a world o
laughter, light thoughts and shalloy
impulses, in which he had no part.
1t was the interval between the frs
and second acts. The box was i
shadow, and Loders first impressio
was Of voices and rustling skirts, bro
ken in upon by the murmur of fro
quent amused laughter. Later as hi
eyes grew accustomed to the light, Ii
distinguished the occupants, two We
men and man. The man was speal
Ing as he entered, and the story
was relating was evidently interestn
from the faint ordinations Of que.
ton and delight that punctuated it |
the listeners higher softer voices
"Ah. here comes the legislator" e,
claimed Leonard Kaine, for 1t was b
who formed the male element in tn
party.
1.-THE revolutionary, Lennie," Lila
corrected softly "Bramfell says Il
has changed the whole face OF things
She laughed softly and meaningly u
she closed her fan. 80 good Of you I
come, Jack" she added. Let me II