New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-02

1 sat down again mechanically. so my secret
was secret How many knew?
Philip watched me. II he would read my
thoughts. There was understanding and sym
PATTY in his eyes. He looked so kind. so truly
friendly, that my heart sOftened.
How did you guess?'' I asked
Il did not guess-Cray told me. Listen. and
you shall hear everything I won't attempt TO
justify my brutal behavior-nOr ask you 20
overlook it-but simply tell you why the devil
who lives in unclaimed Yes. Athena
firmly believe that all men-and some women
have private devil Of their own They keep
him chained and half starved. as rule. but
occasionally ne breaks loose. when he giuts
himself on wickedness-hence the expression
that There's the devil to pay
He was silent. 1 thought Of my own demon.
Pride. hard TO keep down. Then Of another.
sometimes called an Unforgiving Spirit
"Of course. Athena. this Is hard for you TO
understand"
Not at all You have convinced me that
have several fends. all clankins their chains
rebelously"
Philip laughed.
What an absurd child. But there-let
finish what I have to say: it's none too agree
able I want to get it over. On a certain after
noon not long ago Cray CHANGED TO make
short cut through the woods and overheard
what not intended for his long ears He
came and told me: he might as well have stuck
knife into my hearti Don't look fright
ened. child Because I am beaten IN the
sha'n't weary you with my bewailings- am
thankful to say 1 have enough sense TO know
when I am out OF IT, HencefOrth ask no more
than the kind consideration you would show
any old friend Of your fathers For allowing
the pain Of the unexpected blow to turn
savage at first, most humbly beg your pardon
L,TG 49, Tf~~.
much of my mother in ma"
I smiled.
TO me Madam seems thoroughly civilized.
Philip"
Yes" he said. absentIy she is. I wish you
might persuade her to forgive me. athena. But
that can't be until you forgive me yourself
Won't you try tor"
As hesitated. not knowing how TO answer.
he said. abruptly:
Mr.. Thorpe is going to England?'
Yes. but only his way to Russia He IS
not to stay in England"
TO Russia, Athena7 May hear-but TO. you
will not wish to tell ne"
This was no secret 80 I explained Dicks rea-
son for so sudden a departure. Then, putting
my shyness in my pocket-along with my pride
Il asked II Cray had impaired his news 70
many people.
mo. Athena He spoke TO no one save my
self I told him to hold his tongue. He will
obey me You wish only your and Mr..
Thorpe's relations to know-of it-for the pres
entg'
It was easy TO see that the subject was try
ing one to Philip I was sorry for his pain
mo one is to know until after Mr.. Thorps's
return I shall ask you 10 keep my secret.
Philip"
What. no one7" he exclaimed Not Mr..
NO one. Philip"
After this he fell into reverie profound
that he seemed TO forget my very existence. He
started when at last I rose to return home
Don't go Just yet" he said. hastily. rest a
little longer. Let tell you how sorry am
for you, poor desolate child holding out his
hand Let me promise to guard your secret as
II II were my own Give me your forgiveness.
Athena, and the right 70 watch you.
your sincere friend until Mr.. Thorpe comes to
claim you. For the sake OF your father. Athena
who is longer here to protect his little daugh-
ter"
was touched by this unselhshness. and
placed my hand confdingly IN his
You forgive me. then?"'
bowed
You will win my mothers forgiveness for
ue2"
Il will Try. Philip"
He went with ne % the house. and
entered her room together
What does this rnean7'' she whispered feebly
rearranged her pillows.
Peace on earth goodwill toward men"
said, kissing her faded cheek.
Philip fell on his knees by the bedside press
ing his lips 70 the trembling hand that plucked
al the coverlet.
'Manan. nnannan"' he innpIored. detected
the sound OF tears in his voice.
He may give me my broth" said Madam
slipped quietly from the room