Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-21

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.
about that matter of Blessington,"
he began; then he stopped. Bramfell
Mad reached them.
The little man came up smiling and
with an outstretchcd hand. There's
no penalty for separating husband and
wife. is there, Mrs. Chilcote? How are
you, Chilcote?" 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 SELF 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
III his wake.
AS she moved aside Bramfell looked
at Lodcr. "Well. Chilcote. have you
dipped into the future yctT' he asked
with Il laugh.
Loder echoed the laugh, but said
nothing. In his uncertainty at the
question he reverted to his old re-
source of silence.
Braufell raised his eyebrows.
"What" he said. Don't tell me that
my sister-in-aw hasn't engaged You
as victim" Then he turned III
Ewes direction. you've heard of our
new departure. Mrs. ChilcotcE'
Eve looked round from the lively
group Ivy which she was surrounded.
"Lillans crystal gazing? Why, of
course" she said. "She should make
very beautiful seer, We are all quite
curious"
Bramfcll rursed up his lips. she
has very beautiful tent mt the end
of the conservatory. It took five men
as many days to rig it up. We could
not hear ourselves talk for hammer
ing. Ny wife said it made her feel
quite philanthropic. it reminded her so
much Of a charity bazaar"
Everybody laughed, and at the same
moment Blessngton came quickly
across the room ana joined the group.
"IIello.' he said. "Anybodv seen
Witchcston? Hes next on nv list for
the crystal business
Again the Whole party laughed. and
Bramfcll, stepping forward touched
Blessington's arm in mock seriousness
"Witcheston IS playing bridge. like
& sensible man." he said. Leave him
in peace Bobby
BlcsSngton made comical grimace
But I'm working this on commercial
principles" he said. II keep the list
names and hours complete. and Lady
Astrupp gazes in blissful ignorance as
to vino her victims are. The whold
thing is great simple and statistical"
For goodness sake, Bobby, shut
up" Bramfelrs round eyes were
twinl;lng with amusement.
But my SYSTEM
"Systems. AL we Ell had them when
we were rs young as you are.'
"And they all had flaws, Bobby
Eve broke in. I'VE were always find
ing gaps that had to be filled up. Never
mind about Lord Witcheston. Get q
substitute. 1t won't count if Lillian
| doesn't know"
Bessincton wavered as she spoke
His eyes wandered round the party
and again rested on Bramfcll
Not me, Bobby. Remember. I've
breathed crystals practically lived or
them for the last week. Now. there,
Chilcote''-- Again bis eyes twinl:lcd.
All eyes We're turned on LoJer
! though one or two straEel SuIopti
,ously to Eve. She, seeming sensitive
to the position. laughed quickly.
"a very good idea" she said. "Whc
wants to see the future if not q poll
/ tician?'
Lodcr glanced from her to blessing
| ton. Then. with Il very feminine i'm
| pulse. she settled the matter heyonC
dispute,
please usc your authority, Bobby
! she said And when you've got hiw
/ safely under canvas come back TO me
/ It's years sircc we've had a talk" She
nodded and smiled. then instantly turn
! cd TO Bramfell with some trivial re
mark.
/ For second Lodcr waited; then
! with a movement Of resignation, he
! laid his hand on Blessineton's arm
VERY we'll" he said "But. If my fats
| is black, witness il was my wife who
sent me to it." His faint pause on the
word wife, the mention Of the word it
self in the presence of these people
! had SAVIOR OF reCklesSneSS. The small
discontinue of his earlier slip vanish
ed before it He experienced Il stronl
reaction of confidence in his luck
| With a cool head, a steady step and {
| friendly pressure of the fingers or
Blcssngtou's arm. he allowed himself
to be drawn across the reception rooms
through the long corridors ana dowr
the broad Aight of steps that led to tn,
conservatory.
The conservatory was Il feature q
the Rramflli town house. and to Lode,
it came Us something wonderful anC
unlocked for, with its clustering greer
branches, its slight. unoppressy'
scents, its temporarily pleasant atmos
| phere. lie felt no wish to speak as
still guided by Blcssington. he passed
! down the shadoWy paths that in the
half light had the warmth and mystery
of q southern garden. Here and Their,
from the darkness came the whisper
ing of II voice or the sound of n laugh