New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-02
XIV

graphed for instructions Monday L did not
know where TO send for medical aid Madam
had had no physician during my stay at the
Hall. and dared not, on my own responsibility,
call I'm stranger. But Philip answered my
telegram in person. bringing with him the doc
tor who had cared for Madam the previous
winter in town. Philip deeply shocked by
her condition. suffering at sight Of her pain.
heard him tell the doctor that it was all owing
TO his brutality.
'cNonsenser' said the doctor. nonsense!
You're no saint. 1 grant. If 1 may believe all the
stories I hear: but I'll bear witness to your
being the best Of sons
Not in this instance" said Philip, gloomily.
You say she's suffering from some shock-so
she is. owing to my devilish obstinacy! I'd just
met with great misfortune
Not lost money. I hopper
Damn money! was the impatient answer
Il wish 10 heaven It had been money. 1t was
the pigeon match--the noise'- He broke OF
suddenly-his eyes on me-then left the room
The doctor gave me his orders. Madam was
in need Of good nursing and complete repose.
little else.
She's weathered good many terrible storms
I guess" he said; gone through the kind Of ex-
elements that wear out body and mind. Her
heart Is weak any sudden shock may kill her.
Try TO lead a tranquil life. my dear young
lady'-he smiled a tri1e unpleasantly-'youn
find it paysr"
Then I recognized him as one Of the Fourth Of
July party and wondered that Philip had faith
IN his skill Later 1 heard that but for his love
OF fast living he might have risen high IN his
profession. He very clever.
On Friday morning Claude beckoned into
the hall with mysterious finger.
Company for you IN the library"
Because Of Madam he whispered laboriously,
but his suppressed sinper told me whom was
TO see. How came Dick IN Droneton at that
hour? 1 had no sooner greeted him than
voiced this question.
Are you Just from town, DickT
Just from the train had to see you i'm
nediately. I want you TO marry to-day.
Athena. and SAT- with me tomorrow"
I stared in wonder.
Marry you-saili Why. what nonsense. Dick
| Sal where7'
ITO Russia" he said coolly. I've got 10
start at once to look after an estate that's been
left 70 one Of clients It's going to be big
thing Athena and It's end Of a compliment
the governors paying me. Lots OF difficulties IN
the way. probably. Russian relatives SQUAD
bling over the will. etc II will take two
months. perhaps three. 20 straighten II all out
and want you with me. dear"
He began TO coax-he coaxed very well too
but Madam was too I'll 10 be left. and I said so
7 promised 10 stay with her through No
vember. Dick. I must keep my word"
There was much grumblng at this: but I was
in the right, and Dick knew il.
You'll marry me directly come home
Athena
Yes"
You won't give Erranti chance 10 persuade
you 10 change your mind?"
"Dick!!"
We'll. well I didn't mean to be nasty. Some
how I can't be easy about that man I don't
trust him"
Nor me. apparently"
Don't be angry. Athena I'm deadly ashamed
OF what said. I'd give a good deal IL he were
on his last legs. instead Of that nice old woman
See here I shall leave a sealed letter with
Uncle Beverley. telling him what 10 do in case
anything happens to me- Don't look so fright
ened. Athena. It's only like taking an umbrella
to keep Of problematical rain. wish you'd
let me announce our engagement before go"
mo. no." begged. Tt has been for such a
short time"
That's what troubles me-" he said. modify.
Il know I've rushed matters. II you were COM
ing with me I might make you keep on liking
mel know 7 couId-but when you have time
to think ne over. and I'm not on hand 10 keep
telling ~ou how fine a fellow I am He
smiled ruefully. then. taking a little box from
his pocket. gave It 10 me. Here's something
you must wear for my sake, sweetheart"
A beautiful cross made OF great pearls, Dick
clasped the slender chain from which il hung
around my throat II was very lOvely-he had
shown such taste, But pearls,
Time slipped away and our parting was over
Again I took UP my post by Madam's bedside.
felt very sad. very lonely. but I said 20 my
self that three months would soon be over. and
then no more partings. please God, IN the mean
time there would be letters. and 1 comforted
myself by the thought that Dick would sail in
pleasant ignorance OF the disagreeables at
HighErove Hall I had not told OF the pigeon
match Randall. for his own sake. had kept
silence Nv trials were all NY own. and must
remain so.
The day after Richards departure-Sunday
afternoon-I was in the garden for half hour
OF fresh air. when Philip Joined He looked
grave and very sad. I a bench by the
spring. and would have risen. but he stopped me
BY gesture
I am glad You look very tired. Athena May
sit down." I bowed. He seated himself be-
side me II am very sorry you could not go
church this morning. I know you must have
wished 10 pray for those who 20 down 10 the
sea in ships Why look surprised. my child?
Did you think me bIiu. lovers eyes are
proverbiaIly quick 20 see. Athena-don't CO.
as 1 rose TO leave him TIL say nothing that
the hancee OF Richard Thorpe need object to
Esar.