New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-26

had last seen him. His face was thinner. less
cheerful. Although l had intended to salute
him formally, I hurt by his assuming the
same role
so you know Mr.. Thorpe" said Philip,
drove away but no. his bow because of
Randals knowing US, / suppose"
remained silent. Why need / correct this
impression? My acquaintance with my aunt's
lawyer was indeed thing of the past.
Philip took off his hat. leaning back luxuri-
ously against the soft cushions of the carriage
stared at the noontide landscape. hot. drowsy.
and peaceful. and Philip stared al me. 1 was
neither drowsy nor peaceful, Yet TIE sl-ht of me
seemed TO soothe and please him much as
th~ fields and woods did me- Presently I broke
the long silence which had fallen between us.
Il am Try 1 was disagreeable about the
money I wish very much that would try
to understand how I feel however,
You are always agreeable to me. Athena, and
to all the world. I should judge. from the way in
which the crowd stare" lie smiled lazily, and
I thought what pity his lips were too full
Otherwise the dark face was perfect.
I'm like the crowd he went on. so don't
wonder at its rude staring. What 1 do some
times wonder is if you know how beautiful you
are"
Yes 1 said, composedly. Just as you know
that you remarkably handsome. How
one help knowing? And what does it matter
after alI!"
The languor vanished from Philips voice and
attitude He sat erect. and looked eagerly
at me.
DO you really like my-wen think me not
unpleasant looking Athena?"
I smiled.
AS I just said you are remarkably hand
some. Philip. How might any one think other
wise? And-why should YOU care?"
Il care very much" he said. earnestly. Every
much indeed. I feared. Athena. that to a lily
like creature like you I must be almost repuI-
sively dark"
We had reached the Hall, and was glad.
had no liking for the conversation, and little
patience for what considered ridiculous self
depreciation on his part. I capped his foolish
remark with one equally
Not so very dark" 1 said. stepping from
the carriage. mot quite blackamoor!"-end
passed swiftly on into the house and to my
room.
Later, thinking I heard Julie. I opened my
door on a crack to see. 1t was Philip, with
Cray, and he was swearing so furiously in care
fully lowered tones at his quiet valet that it
almost took my breath away to hear himl
Word was brought me after luncheon that
Madam would not need me until evening, and
I grateful to Philip Deciding to spend
the afternoon in the woods. where, not seeing
the house. I might imagine myself free. I armed
myself with sunshade and book and struck
into the woodpath from which Mr.. Thorpe had
emerged 1t along the top of the river
bank southwark to Droneton. 1t was narrow.
and damp and overgrown the avenue.
from which it was separated by dense thicket.
Half mile from the house it suddenly widened.
making place for a rustic bench fronting the
river, of which, because Of trees and under
brush. one nothing. Here had intended
to sit and read but it was too close and dismal
followed the path for half mile further,
where it ended abruptly a green door in
high brick wall stopping further progress. Close
under the wall a little path led eastward, to
the lodge. 1 supposed.
1 had never explored far before. Philip
preferred my remaining near the house. because
of tramps. The railroad track below the bank
was their highroad. Remembering this. I
sorry I had come wishing 1 had brought Don.
and regretting that 1 had gone contrary to
Philips wishes, when I owed my holiday to
him. Still, l did not want to return. 1 opened
the door, stepped through and found myself
in broad meadow. flooded with sunshine.
Around it's edges grew a few trees. in it's centre
a grove of NAPLES sprang from the split masses
of a tall rock. In past ages some farmer must
have tried to rid himself of the gray giant by
blasting. and failed. The naples had taken
possession. I quickly scrambled up among
them, and seating myself the edge. my
back against a tree. opened my book. Celia
Thaxter's poems.
I read Of the little sandpiper. and could almost
hear the waves upon the beach. 7 leaned my
head against the friendly tree. l closed my
eyes the better to imagine myself on the beach
fell asleep
I was reused by noise very near me-a
rustling. a muffled tread. heavy breathing. I
sat up and looked about me. then sprang to my
feet i'm alarm. Close to the rock. staring wick
eddy. were thirteen COWS! Thirteen! Where had
they been when l entered the meadow? In hid
ing proba bly, behind the trees it's edge.
was sure it was time to go home-I must have
slept long-and I was a prisoner Fortunately,
I was safe the rock. The cows could not
climb it. Then I began to imagine dsagreeable
possbities-the alarm my non-appearance
might occasion Madam's terror; Philip. with.
perhaps, RandaI-RandaI would enjoy the ex-
misunderstanding the woods. searching the
rivers edge. collaring innocent tramps-and /
a ridiculous Andromeda. chained rock by
vicious cows
Stung into activity. I looked around for a
weapon. There lay my sunshade-a large one.
I picked it up, and opening it suddenly at the
COWS cried "Shoo"' at the top of my lungs. My
effort was failure a far the cows were
concerned. They gazed languidly and fearlessly
at the umbrella but a loud "HalloT' as If in
answer To my shout, came from the opposite
direction. Looking toward the river I a
man crossing the field. AS he came nearer. evil
IDENTIFY thinking had called him. I saw it was
Mr.. Thorpe
I sat down instantly in my old place. had
not called. and should tell him so. Rather than
ask him to drive away the cows 1 would sit