The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-06-15
CHAPTER V (Continued)
The Strengthening of the Chain.


Il tell you we need not fear. w
know what Miss Castlemaine is. Sh
is not the kind of woman to b.
carried away by handsome pres
ence and clever speeches. 1t ism
as though this would be her firs
offer"
No, but she admires strength
Do you krow her most favorlte char
acters in history?'
NO"
well, just think. The men she
admires most are Richelieu, Crom
well ami Napoleon
"A curious combination.
Yes, but each one of them had
the same characteristics. All of them
were strong men, men who dared
great things, played great stakes.
We'll, Leicester has not dared
great things"
But he's capable of great things.
Why. you know as well as | that
when he's in the room, everyone
else is put in the shade-that is.
If he cares to exert himself | tell
you, Leicester could be a great man,
II he only had the motive power.
But we need have no fear When
did you say he was invited to Mr..
Castlemaine's?"
Next Thursday week"
81 wish We were invited too" said
Sprague.
who lnows?-perhaps We may
be-"
As matter of fact, they were,
and when the night of the elmer
came round they both found them
selves sitting not only in close prox
unity to Leicester. but also to Miss
Olive Castlemaine. For this was one
of those rare occasions when John
Castlemaine gave IA dinner party.
Radt5rd Leicester sat beside Olive
Castlemainc and all admitted that
they were the most striking looking
couple in the room. Had they met in
some brilliant society throng, they
would have been just as noteworthy
Moreover this was one of those
nights when Radford Leicester found
in a mood to exert himself
while Olive Castlemaine, as host
ess, naturally desired. to be agree
able.
For the first part of the dinner
hut little of note was said. The
passed from one topic
TO another. Motor cars, a continent.
al exhibition, the latest novel of
note, and the political news, were
each discussed in their turn. Soci-
ETY. scandal was not INDUCED in,
and the sayings and dcings of act
resses and music hall singers were
comes to think about it, the con
was of considerably high
er standari than that often indulg-
ed in at society functions But
then it must be remembered that
John Castlemaine was a middle class
man, who professed the Christian
and the atmosphere of his
house was not favorable to smart"
talk
Indeed, if the truth must be told,
Radford Leicester grew rather rest
i've under it. He noticed, too that
both Sprague and Puryis were
him closely, and listening
to all he hal to say. He instinct
lively knew OF what they were think
ing, and more-he felt certain that
If his host and hostess We're aware
of the circumstances which led 10
his being their guest that night, a
servant would have shown him to
the door. Moreover, although he was
not afraid of the outward effect Of
taking much wine at dinner. he
was obliged to be abstemious. Olive
Castlemaine had heard of his weak
ness, and would doubtless take note
Df the number of times the waiter
filled his glass.
Presently, when discussing poll
lies. some one remarked on the
mount Of self-sacrifice which had
)een practiced by members of Par /
lament, especially by those who /
leli a position in the country.
Mr.. Leicester does net believe /
n that" remarked Purvis. "He is
# opinion it is all great fun"
All eyes were turned toward Lei
ester.
You are mistaken" he replied. Il
'elieve the self-sac1ifice of these