New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-18

would seem very proud of him. boasting OF his
| beauty. superb voice. strength of character and
fine education. Yet it seemed to me the deep af-
lection felt by most mothers for an only child
gas lacking Her sentiment appeared rather a
compound of pride, admiration, and wondering
awe. The days when this feeling swayed her
learned to call her good days.
On her bad days his name might not be
mentioned. 1t as If she hated to be re-
minded of his existence. She would close her
eyes and turn her head away If he were even
distantIy alluded to. Julie told me that If the
subject were pursued Madame had, later, IAN
attack of the nerves." 1t did not escape my
notice that Julie awaited herself of this peculiar
ity to avenge herself for Sights received. 1 re-
membered her praises of Mr.. Erranti on the
day of my arrival. after Madame had insulted
her by the epithets pig and '1mbecile."
Unfortunately. Mr.. Erranti chose to return
on one of his mothers bad days. The letter an
nouncing his coming arrived late, not till noon.
owing to the carelessness of the men about go
ing for the mail during their masters absence.
I had been called half-hour earlier to Ma
DANES room that morning than customary.
and found her very irritable and hard to please.
Seated in her wheeled chair, clad in morning
gown Of lilac silk a-1utter with lace and rib
bons, her white lace cap gay with fresh pink
rose, she was amusing herself playing with her
wear because of her swollen fingers. She &C
knowledged my salutation entering coldly,
and when asked II 1 should read to her or get
my embroidery she did not answer, but broke
out into peevish complaints.
Mon Dieu! No one loves met All. that I
were dead! The bread that gives me TO eat
Is disgusting. The femme de chambre who
serves me is a fool-of a wicked temper. with
out heart; and thou. Athena. for whom have
Z ,rI- -
thee, and demand. Shall read? Shall sew2'
tell thee no. no. nor
Dear madame" I asked gently. what is it
you wish? I am anxious to please you"
She turned her head away. saying. But no,
thou wilt not consent. have asked thee again
and yet again. It is always No" Thou art
beautiful. but cruel Thou hast no hearth
This meant that refused to wear her rings an
old grievance. That might not do so because
could not replace a gem should lose one she
thought no reason. arguing that the rings were
hers TO throw away even, should she see ht
Why might she not wear them by proxy? 1
could not yield. and she would not. returning
on her bad days to the charge.
ST am sorry" said; think OF something else
might do for you. madame"
Her brown eyes twinkled with malicious mis-
chief
Go then, 70 the green door In the wall and
wait the coming of young Randall. like him
we'll the young Randall He is always amable
and polite Say to him he shall accompany
me in my promenade. Go quickly. my child"
Julie looked at me and shrugged her shoulders
despairingly Following to the door she
whispered ''Mademoiselle will not go there
alone! But, no. Pretend only. and return"
1 did not answer. She opened the door for
me; she seemed very eager to advise.
1T is not CONNIE ii faut!' she whispered.
Monsieur is young, and mademoiselle also!'
1T does not matter, Julie and 1t may quiet
Madame"
The woman's handsome eyes flashed.
Mon Dieuw she exclaimed. what folly! But
these Americans-they are all the same Bar
bariansw
Stepping from the veranda, struck into a
path slirting the knoll which rose above the
house to the east. and soon in the belt of
woodland dividing the lands of the Hall and
Beverley Towers. Don, rising lazily from his
nap or the Veranda, trotted after me, his clum-
sy, puppy feet scuff-scuffng along the gravel in
slovenly fashion. 1t a beautiful but in
tensely hot day. and the heat brought out the
sweet scents of the woods. Few sunbeams con-
trived to shoot their quivering darts through
the thick network Of leaves overhead, and. in
contrast to the outside world, the little forest
seemed cool 1t refreshing. and caught
myself hoping that Mr.. st. John might be long
in coming.
The path divided at the summit. Of the hill.
sweeping to right and left. Following the LETT
division 1 found myself before the green door
in the high brick wall which was our boundary
line Opening it 1 peeped through The path
descended rapidly, and 1 heard far below me,
the musical tinkle of brook, but saw noth-
ing save trees and ferns and mosses Return
ing to the top of the knoll seated myself. care
Of CTS nj frOCk,
on a. moss cushioned rock. and waited for Mr.
ST. John.
had three new frocks all white. however
two filmy musns and one silk. this last yellowed
by its long retirement in one of Madame's chests
Thew were oddly made, Madame's fancy being
followed instead of the fashion of the year.
open at the throat, Julie. and flowing sleeves
angel sleeves-and yes. plaits. Vatican plaits.
falling from between the shoulders; train, yes.
for Athena has dignity-and plenty. plenty
plenty of lace and embroidery!
Distinctly a livery it was, an absurd one for
the wearing of a companion and housekeeper.
had not waited long before heard the door
click to sharply. and presently Mr.. st. John
lounged into sight AS he saw me he called out.
in his gentle voice:
.eYou here. Miss Dean! What pleasant
prise! 1 wish I dared hope you came to meet
me- what'-to Don. who. hair bristling, teeth
barred and growing fercely, had planted him
self before me-"don't you know me. you young
goose? That pup dislikes me- Miss Dean, and
I can't imagine why. Can you? No, don't get
up" as 1 moved. its lovely and cool here and
hotter than thunder everywhere else. vote we
spend the morning in the woods" But was
already upon my feet. You are the strangest
girl ever met" he spoke. peevishly; you don't
care a button what / say to you. Most women
like me awfully Their gentle hearts go out to