"With Mr. Lakely?" she said. "Oh, I'm glad--very glad. It is
quite--quite another step." She smiled with a warm, impulsive
touch of sympathy.
Loder, looking up at her, felt his senses stir. At sound of
her words his secret craving for success quickened to stronger
life. The man whose sole incentive lies within may go forward
coldly and successfully; but the man who grasps a double
inspiration, who, even unconsciously, is impelled by another
force, has a stronger impetus for attack, a surer, more vital
hewing power. Still watching her, he answered
instinctively--
"Yes," he said, slowly, "a long step." And, with a smile of
farewell, he turned, opened the door, and passed into the
road.
The thrill of that one moment was still warm as he reached
Cadogan Gardens and mounted the steps of No. 33--so vitally
warm that he paused for an instant before pressing the
electric bell. Then at last, dominated by anticipation, he
turned and raised his hand.
The action was abrupt, and it was only as his fingers pressed
the bell that a certain unexpectedness, a certain want of
suitability in the aspect of the house, struck him.
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