New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-12

The ring was bought by Mr.. Thorpes uncle.
Mr.. st. John Beverley, a collector OF curios-
Very wealthy. he was able to give a fancy
price. and with this money, added to Mrs
Spuytens loan, my debts were settled never
quite understood. although given elaborate ex-
plantations, how it done, since the debts
were many and large. but Mr.. weiborn assured
me that my creditors were satisfied
A week after Mr. Thorpe's visit. saying goodby
to my friends and to Long Island. started on
my journey into the unknown. 1t was the first OF
June-a sad. rainy day. the landscape blurred.
the sea sobbing on the shore. The wind sighed
through the dark cedars of the tiny graveyard
but swept gently across the one new made
grave
The Welborns waited with me on the wet plat
form Of the country station until the train
Numbered in, when they introduced me to their
cousin. the conductor. saying. Have an eye to
her, SaTn!' and left me in his charge He was a
kind young man. and. meaning to do his duty
bought me all the Illustrated Weeklies"-so he
called them-and countless prize packages Of
candy. Although grateful, should have been
glad to be quite alone. Not having left home in
FIVE years. felt odd. and the dread of meet
ing Mrs. Spuyten added to my discomfort AS
we drew near New-York these disagreeable SEN
sations increased and it was with feeling OF
intense relief that I Mr.. Thorpe come on
board the train He was much surprised to
meet me. but took charge Of me at once, in his
kind way.
I'D give anything to go with you to Mrs.
Spuyten's." he said. as he put me in a cab. but
I think it may be easier for you if you arrive
alone. To speak frankly. she's a trying old
party-and. in short
I held out my hand to say goodby. thought
I UNDERSTOOD did not in the least-and told
him I should get on nicely.
May I come to see you. Miss Derohan?"
only hoped he might find the time-I was
already lonely. Leaning through the window. he
again shook hands. told me that the fare was
paid. and babe the man drive on.
The lack of air in the streets stif1ed me-a
savage fresh from the wilds! It seemed but
moment before the cab stopped in front OF
tall, brownstone house. I climbed it's steps
slowly. summoned all my courage. and rang the
bell I was told that Mrs. Spuyten would re-
ceive me upstairs. and. following the butler, was
In the dreaded presence. BY one Of the lace
draped windows was seated stout. fair haired
woman. I saw with disappointment. that she
did not resemble my father. Until then I had
not realized how much had hoped that she
might, at least, look like him. He had been
handsome and pleasing. His cousin was plain.
Her fattened. aquiline nose. hard eyes and
broad Tipped mouth promised an uncertain
temper
AS I advanced toward her, my black draperies
hanging heavily about me. she did not rise but.
holding out a short. soft hand. said, peevishly:
$50 this is Charles de Rohan's daughter! Dear
me- WE'LL might have expected nothing bet
terri
The insolence of this greeting shocked me.
looked at Mrs. Spuyten in haughty surprise.
"'You may sit down" She spoke as to an
Inferior inclined to be impertinent. i was sur
prised to see you in a cab"
II did not know my way, Mrs. Spuyten," I
nurmured at a loss how to answer. 1 had
never been so spoken to before.
why didn't you pay the driver?"
"A friend did so for me-" said, coldly Since
you sent no one to meet me. I have no money.
What you We're good enough to lend me is
spent, but I hope very soon to return tin a
few months, if the situation that you have
kindly secured for me brings in sufficient
money"
1t was long speech for me. Mrs Spuyten
sat and stared intense dislike in her small green
eyes Erect and indignant 1 endured this dis
approving scrutiny, then--I felt my hair be-
ginning to come down; The Grape veil hanging
down my back dragged on my bonnet. the bon
net on my hair. sat very still. hoping my
hairpins might stay in. Suddenly long yellow
snake slipped over one shoulder and coiled in a
heap on my lap.
"Hoity-toity!" exclaimed my hostess, her eyes
flashing in anger, high faIutin nonsensel If
you earn enough to keep out OF the poor
house or from coming back on my hands like
bad penny. I'll give you the money! Because
you're De Rohan I'll help you. and I'll tell
you how to show you're grateful Drop that
name. No De Rohan has ever been a servant
not that you will really be One"-thinking
she had gone too far. AN excellent situation
housekeeper and companion to an old lady,
an invalid. Lives up the river, somewhere
near Droneton. Mrs. Errantt Fifty dollars a
MONTH Few impoverished country girls could
get such a home"
I thanked her.
THE advertisement and De Rohans death
were in the same paper. Gods prOvidencel-
for I knew you'd come upon His guiding
hand has always led me. strive humbly TO fol-
low in all meekness."
Moistening her lips, she leaned back with a
fat sigh.
Since she was one OF my fathers benefciaries
I might eat her salt. told myself. without loss
Of self-respect 1t was none the less trying. |
however.
II suppose De Rohan often talked of me?
what?" for hesitated. Cant you speak out?
Have you lost your wits-as well your hair
pins?"
had Mr.. Thorpe had frankly confessed that |
no kind message accompanied Mrs Spuytens /
offer of assistance. had warned me that she was |
only through fear Of the worlds /
tongue. yeti was-unprepared for her brutality /
Of manner. She was old: 1 wished to be civil, /
but was shocked into answering her question /
by a rude No"
Mop she echoed. incredulously. marvened /
that so fat a person could have a voice so shrilL