New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-15
XXXIV.


look. 1t if early April had returned
L had expected to find my trunk outside my
door. and on 1t a package containing the slen-
der wardrobe 1 had brought with me to High
grove Hall Julie knew 1 wished to pack for
myself, but would see that all was in readiness.
When. cautiously. through fear Of attracting
Philips attention. I peeped into the hall.
found nothing. Disappointed. feverishly anx-
ious to prepare for my journey, stole softly
out. and up to the third story. to seek my be-
lodgings.
dread Of Philip was In my heart felt
so terribly alone. 1. Athena Derohan. was
afraid In vain tried to overcome my fear. l
could not conquer tit conquered me. 1 knew
1 must go through with one more interview;
but until then let me escape seeing him. II pos
sible. 1 went UP to the third story and made
my search there noiseessly. 1 found nothing
until reached the trunkroom- To my intense
relief, my trunk stood in the middle OF the
f1oorl Julie had already packed IT for me. 1t
was strapped. tagged. ready!
Pleased. greatly relieved. 1 went IN to I'M
strap it's fastenings. There were some things
downstairs that must go in Hardly had L
grasped a strap when it dropped from my hand.
still buckled, for lying the top OF the trunk
was a letter, addressed In my own handwriting.
to Mrs Welborn. Had FRANCOIS forgotten TO
post II, after all? Then L saw that there was
something bulky inside. I took 1t UP. In one
corner Of the envelope was written in my writ
ing:
Contains trunk key"
sat down on the floor felt odd and faint
NV eve fell on the fresh tag fastened 10 one of
the handles l lifted it. Again. IN my hand
writing. Mrs welborn's name and address. and
in the this
From Mrs Philip ErrantL"
I tore open the letter IN my other hand-the
trunk key. nothing else. 1 bent again 10 the
strap. The trunk stood open 1t was tightly
hacked. strange medley. indeed My clothes.
and with them rolls Of silk shawls lace trimmed
undergarments, odds and ends. I knew them
all They had formed part OF Madam's collec-
ton.
I went through each tray as carefully as
swiftly disturbing nothing. had learned little.
so far The letter pocket, fastened against the
inside lid, caught my attention. thrust in my
hand, drew out an envelope. 1t was addressed
like the other, but was unsealed. In it was a
card
For Mrs. Stephen Welborn- To De used
or distrfbuted-as she wishes.
From her friend.
Athena de Rohan Erranti"
had sought eagerly for the meaning Of the
ready packed trunk. Found. IL appalled, me- The
tenacity with which Philip chung to his purpose
reused me 70 instant action The interview I
had dreaded now desired He must know at
once that his forgery was discovered-and de-
spised.
'"Mademoiselle"
turned FRANCOIS stood in the doorway.
'.MademoseIIe breakfast IS ready
shut and locked the trunk took its key. and
the card had found in the letter pocket. In my
hand. and followed FRANCOIS swiftly. 10 confront
Philip with my knowledge Of his INSCRIPTIONS
handiwork. The dining room was empty. but
one cover laid.
Where is Monsieur Erranti?" demanded
Monsieur Mademoiselle?'' said Francois.
drawing out my chair for me. But he has
gone! To town. Mademoiselle, as always"
His shifting eyes glanced meaningly at my
place Following the glance saw letter be-
side It. The address was in Philips own bold
The note was as follows:
Dearest Athena: I am forced to leave you
for the day few tiresOme business matters
demand instant attention. j shall be with you
again by 6 o'clock Julie is with me TO make
few purchases articles that she thinks may
add TO your comfort during our coming voyage
May I beg you 20 remain indoors during my
absence? You are sadly in need Of rest my
poor darling Best try for quiet day. This
evening We can discuss our plans for the future.
Your devoted lover,
Thursday morning. PHILIP"
refolded this very remarkable letter carefully
and replaced it in its envelope then turned 10 the
observant butler and gave my
orders.
Il go to town on the 1870 train. Please order
the carriage to be al the house at 915. Be good
enough. also. to see that my trunk is carried
Gown stairs at that time"
'Madenoiselle has eaten no breakfast
FRANCOIS spoke rep-oachfully. entreatingly. still
holding the back OF my chair. l sat down and
asked for glass OF milk. I had no appetite yet
was faint from long fasting 1 slipped the milk
slowly. very slowly Swallowing had. somehow.
grown very difficult I stared absently across
he table. through the long window opposite.
my sense Of vision was recalled a
nan in sailor dress lounged past. along the We
-anda. In a moment he repassed the window
With nOiseless tread I recognized him He be-
onged TO the new crew Of the Charlotte
'Madenoisellc"'
Yes FRANCOIS" I wondered at his evident
'Mademoiselle. 1 am very sorry-that note
rom Monsieur" He stopped short. as II
hiding great difficulty in expressing himself
Il am waiting Francois" I was in haste 20 be
~ stairs
Monsieur recommends that Mademoiselle
awaits his return. n'est-ce pas?" said the man.
desperately.
You fear to anger your master By obsyins