New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-22
XXXXTII.

Philip won badly, not attempting TO conceal
his exultation. Randall lost as badly. showing
too plainly his chagrin.
z With an air of good humored superiority
Philip leaned both elbows the table, and
said. smiling:
Well hope you are satisfied. Now, hand
over my wifes ring
Randall rose suddenly his chair grating on the
marble as he pushed IT back. Philip stared at
him. then sprang to his feet.
You mean you WON'T" he cried Come. don't
be a fool, You've taken too much wine. Try
TO behave like gentleman. This is a debt Of
honor-gentlemen pay their debts Of honor.
Even you must. Randal-once in a while"
He laughed insolently.
Randall took d step forward. his comedy face
almost unrecognizable from passion, so CHASTITY
white, save for the pink blotches that came and
went with his breathing
We'll, must take it from you?' said Philip.
Take this-instead. you damned niger and
learn your place." As the words Kissed through
his teeth he struck Philip across the face. The
next instant they We're struggling together like
wild beasts
I saw Randall dfsengage one hand to try 10
seize the dagger Philip. too quick fer him. got
il first. I rose to my feet. What was coming
They had forgotten me-both mad with rage.
A moment they sWayed back and forth. then
Philip lifted his right arm high above his head
there was the CLEAN OF steei-Randal flung Up
his hand, wardng off the blow-I saw the blaze
OF Nemesis and, springing swiftly forward,
caught him as he feli-the death wound in his
breast.
Half dragging half carrying. got him TO the
couch had Just left. and hft.ns him upon it,
supported his head on my bosom. knew that
sing. I spok. his name gently:
Randall
He opened his blue eyes wide and looked at
me. The ugly old smile curved his lips
"%ernesis''-
At this effort to speak the blood welled up.
choking him. I raised his head higher He
struggled for breath \ strong CONFUSION
racked hfn-the red stained the lace upon my
breast. He turned his head to one side, sighed
deepIy-and passed.
I laid the fair head on 2 cushion He looked,
suddenly so very peaceful Lifting the limp
hand. pressed close against his wound, I drew
of the ring and put it on my finger. 1t was wet
with blood.
Athena"
turned slowly and faced the speaker. lie
was replacing a glass upon the tray. one OF the
decauters was quite empty.
..Atheua-ny God, You are covered with
blood"
looked down. The pearIy whiteness Of the
satin was duHed by ugly spots Of red shud-
dered.
Athena. my darling l am not TO blame. l
struck in self-defence. He insulted me foully.
Philip spoke pleadingly. his eyes full Of wisttul
tenderness. Never had his beautiful voice been
so exquisitely modulated, never had its rich
tones sounded more sweetly. I made no answer
I stood quite still. But met his gaze fully.
Suddenly his expression changed y look OF
doubt. Of suspicion swept across his face.
You heard what that carrion said.
i know everything" 1 said, slowly. ON the
night she died. Madam told all
For a very long moment there was silence IN
the great hall. Tho man by the card table stood
as still as l. stunned by my knowledge Of the
truth Then he recovered himself.
1t doesn't matter much, after all, seeing you
are my wife
NO. Never So help me Cod
Philip smiled, mockingly. The devil within
him broke its chains and looked AZ me through
his eyes. 1 made ready. 1 tried TO stand ex-
actly as I had been taught by my father. who
now I was sure stood close behind me, calling
out his orders. The old childish desire 70 do him
credit took strange possession OF me. poised
myself lightly. easily. upon my feet. letting my
arms hang loosely at my sides. balling my hands