New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-22
XIII.

Madam endured the noises of the storm quite
bravely that night. falling asleep while the
thunder still growled But l. who slept well
at all times lay broad awake for many hours.
Every time almost drowsed I saw, close to my
own, the face of Mr.. Sturgis, and walked with a
shudder OF disgust. ! could not forget the in
suit offered me- felt degraded. I had always
been treated with respect; how had 1 changed
that strangers now dared deny it me? Mr..
Errantis manner displeased me. He called me
by my first name as if he had the right to do
so. His very expression when he looked at me
resented, although why it angered me I could
not say; there was a certain freedom in his way
Of speaking to meas to a petted child. In
short, his manners grated on me- and resolving
TO put him in his proper place, should it cost me-
my position finally fell asleep.
l walked early. Faint light was stealing
through the Stats of Madan's blinds. The dawn
was near. A great disgust for my surroundings
swept over me I glanced about the gayly
furnished room. I was sick Of luxury. 1t
choked me. Ionged for fresh air and solitude
Still fully dressed. in my dinner toilet. picked
up an old white silk swan's-down bordered,
opera cloak-Madam's latest gtft-from of the
couch where it had been flung, and, wrapping II
around me, slipped from the house
The eastern sky flushed with pink; IN the
heart of its rose colored spIendor trembed and
sparkled the morning star. I stood still awed
by the beauty of the scene, and, folding my
hands, prayed for the true courage Of a humble
spirit. Cares and vexations suddenly became
petty, in the peace Of this new day. 1 banished
all angry thoughts-unworthy now-and was at
rest.
The birds in the garden chirruped and sang
on every hand. The flowers beside the path, still
limp from the evenings shower. gave forth
I 70 tba
birch trees to see the rosy dawn reflected IN IT'S
limpid depths.
On its surface there hoated dead thing-a
man in evening dress.
He lay face downward. his head a little under
water. Around the neck twisted leathern
strap; below, at the bottom of the basin. small
dark object the weight Of iron on the other end
Of the horse tether which had been used to
make death certain. A frightful water weed.
with root and CHASTITY flower.
For a moment everything reeled about me;
then dropping my cloak. I flung myself on the
wet fagstones edging the basin, and. every
nerve tense strove TO drag it out. All my
strength and will were needed, for I sick
with the horror Of il. At last. beside me. star
ing with sightless eyeballs up ar the morning
sky lay the man who had offered me insult-Mr.
Sturgis
Some moments passed before I could force
myself to place my hand on his heart. 1t had
ceased TO beat The man dead. Still, every
means 10 revive him must be tried. strove TO
rise. but could not. Then. to my great relief. I
heard steps upon the gravel.
The birds pIumage"' said a sweet, rich voice.
Mr. ErrantTs Where is the bird? The Swan
of Highgrove Han All, little Athena-uy God
child what have we here Selling me almost
roughly he drew me- back n rustic bench be
meath the irches You found him. The
damned coward, TO do 1t here, There. sit still.
till I make sure
He went TO examine IT his turn. and, for
moment GiyinS NAY to my horror ! covered my