New-York tribune., 1903-08-25

May I care for you to-night?'' I asked.
Julie wants so much to see the ball opened"
Philips face darkened. and he called sharply
to Julie. who was vanishing through the door
with Randall
Attend your mistress" he said, sternly.
and don't attempt again to shrk your duties
She murmured that had promised. that she
had wished for the first dance.
You forget yourself strangely tonight" said
her master. Remember what your position is
here-what 1t would be elsewhere No more Of
this. Madam Is tired; take her TO bed"
Pale and frightened, she wheeled her mistress
away without a word. I sorry, but might
not interfere
Where IS your wrap. little woman Philip
asked. He looked kind and afectionate, but his
manner had lost the something that Jared upon
me before. Since learning my true name it had
vanished. and because Of his friendship for my
father his familiarity was natural enough. He
fetched my wrap and, insisting that 1 should
wear it. led me out upon the veranda and placed
in big chair by Madarn's glass door
Wait here for me until have done my duty
by Norah.' he said. then viii enjoy myself
if I may"
urged him to remain for the ball He
laughed.
"A great tnducernenti Dancing with crowd
Of servants-and you here I shall be gone but
a few moments. Peggy is IN the upper hall
and'-whistling shrilly-''heres Don to stay by
you. Are you afraid Athena? I shouldn't leave
you If there were the least danger"
I was not afraid. Don settled himself with
thump my feet and Philip disappeared be
meath the black arch Of the avenue, that. in
spite of the brilliant moonlight. looked like the
mouth Of a cavern. The lanterns feeble gln-
rner had the effect Of frefies hardly lighting it
more. The avenue was dark green even on sum
mer moons, and because OF the green mould
which clothed the north side OF the trees, and
the moss and fungi spreading beneath the tan
gled underbrush, looked damp even when it was
not. It's mile of impenetrable shade I found
inexpressibly dismal Indeed. the woods shut
IN the house so closely that from my position
near Madam's door saw little OF the heavens
sat quite still. Don slumbering at my feet
The moon shone down upon u.s. faint breeze
brought the sound OF the dance music, and an
odd sensation as OF one awake in a world OF
dreams took possession of me Then the glass
door opened and Julie appeared.
Madam wishes for you. NIademoiselle 1
may go?''
She spoke Grossly evidently feeling I was to
blame for her disappointment
Il have tried TO be good all day" whimpered
Madam, as I sat down beside her; 1t has tired
me so! I sick Of it
'"Yeu have made every one happy" 1 said
soothingly.
Not you" she cried not you. Athena! In
mourning. and I made you dance-clad in bro
cade and jewelsi A wicked old womani The
devils own. You are an angel-and I made
you sin"
Surprised that she had seen so clearly when I
had imagined 1 had successfully hidden my
distaste for my role. and not a little mortified
by my failure. I said what I could TO comfort
her. This set her new tack
It's made Philip grow more fond Of you"
she went on, "and that's A good thing. 1t will
make me more comfortable. He says he feels
you belong to US. I hope he may not change.
Try to please him. Athena Do as he wishes IN
everything. His anger is terrible Never rouse
It. Still, he is also wise. and old enough to be
trusted Forty yes forty, next MONTH Then.
| relapeing into French. Thou art beautiful; but,
since he Is old. thou canst be his companion
without fear. To him thou art but a lovely
/ child With Randall. now. An. the difference!
/ A vaurien. Randal-amiable. charming. gentll-
/ But be careful. Athena. All, know. / know
/ she wagged her head wisely-'what do 1
know All, Cod"-with a swift change Of tone
too much. too much. too muchI Kneel down
/ and pray. Athena, God is angry, and II have
! forgotten how. Pray. pray. pray!' She flung
herself and looking cautiously around, she whis-
pered: Did you know the devil vas deadf
Hush, I'll tell you who shot him
Pressing her hands close IN mine. knelt be
side her bed. praying earnestly for the poor
restless heart. and before long her regular
breathing told me- sleep had come I heard
| Philips step on the veranda When I could
release my hands and join him 7 found him
| leaning against the post Of the veranda near
my chair He had flung aside his powdered wig.
In the moonlight his close cut hair looked like
/ black velvet. His rich satin coat shimmered
| as he turned to meet me He was magnihcently-
| handsome-unlike any one else. As looked at
/ him. wondering at his odd beauty, Madam
| called. again awake. Philip went tn her. When
! he returned he carried her guitar
she wishes me to sing" he said
| For an hour he sang to her, continuing long
/ after she had fallen asleep-sang as though
/ pouring out his heart in melody. Again, on
| the night before the Fourth, on the staircase.
/ forgot where was-time. place and everything
! in listening TO the magic Of his voice. First,