New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-08

fensive persistency, II he took personal
pride in my looks.
How came you here?' I asked. hoping to
change the subject
The merest chance! A vulgar beast from
San Francisco, whom I was told 1 might find
useful, suggested my coming here for the play
to be had. I'd nothing to do. so came. My valet
told me of the presence Of a mysterious beauty
in the house-kept under lock and key. What ]
heard reused my suspicons-'a golden-haired
statue On Sunday 1 caught glimpse OF you.
That was enough. 1 feigned illness. excuse
for remaining and don't need to seek you In
California
He was again silent. thought heard an odd
sound. as Of hoarse breathing. at the door. Lord
Ebbrides moving swiftly across the room. flung
It wide and FRANCOIS fell in upon his knees!
"Ah! The individual who is supposed not to
understand English, Athena said Lord Eb-
brides. calmly Pick yourself up. my man. and
go clean the plate. You may be a good butler.
You are wretChed spy
FRANCOIS, stumbling to his feet. sneaked away.
Next we shall have the master, Athena! Well.
it doesn't matter how soon he comes now. for
this last episode must convince you that the
sooner you're out of this house the better. Now
pay attention. for what 1 am about TO say is Of
Importance. have come. as I said to take you
home I intend to make you my wife Yes" as
1 stared in embarrassment no doubt you are
surprised. I know I'm not supposed to be a
marrying man. My heir a detestabe prig is
making cocksure Of stepping into my shoes
He'll make a wry face when he hears Of the
lovely new viscountess! The ceremony had bet
ter take place at once-say in New-York, to-
morrow morning unless you suggest bet
ter arrangement"
He looked inquiringly at me as he finished
this extraordinary speech; but dumb with
amazement. I found no words at my command.
This silence was misinterpreted.
Il don't wonder at your surprise. my dear.
As far as money goes. Of course, might do bet
ter but I've enough OF that What I want is
young veII-born woman. who is both beautiful
and good. You fill these requirements. You
never were d very interesting child far
saying bright things goes. but you were. II
slow very good l couldn't endure a flirting
wife. and you won't trouble me in that way"
made haste to answer. rising spoke.
Il am sensible of the honor you do me, Lord
Ebbrides but cannot be your wife"
Astonishment now stayed Lord Ebbrides's
speech. At last. in hard voice, he asked my
reason for declining his offer.
Il prefer not to marry.
STUFF That's no reason"
Il don't for you Lord Ebbrides-
He burst into a harsh laugh.
What rot you are talking,' he exclaimed
Have I asked you to care for me. pray? Do
pretend TO be romantically in love with you?
Listen. Try to understand 1 want a wife l
can give her good old name. wealth-you shall
have nothing to complain Of in the matter of set
dement's high position in England I ask
you to accept these advantages. Surely you
won't be mad enough to refuse?"
Yes. / refuse. 1 can't understand why you
IfIyaI
Lord Ebbrides"
You remind me Of the happiest time in my
ufe-and I can't have Athena DerOhan pau
per"
Doubtless you mean 10 be kind 1 said.
YEARLY. very tired of it all. so I thank you.
Pray say no more about it. Lord Ebbrides-
can't DO you wish
Nonsense, ! cant allow you to behave so
foolishlyl Why child. you shall have your
mothers emeraIds to wear at court
4 thought they were stolen"
SO they were" he said. frowning angriIy
and put back afterward, All save large
emerald. square with nick III corner
your mother wore il brooch: you remem-
her it,
remembered il well. also its double. a
dagger's hflt in Philips desk close at hand
That brooch. Athena was traced 70 a pawn
brokers'. but ii had been sold. The clerk who
probably was guilty Of other thievish business.
The pawn broker proved to he an honest man
You suspected no one?'
No I didn't suspect I knew who took the
Jewels
"Who?" / asked. breathlessly.
a valet had had for years-stAy. he mar