New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-07

did not want Don beaten. and I saw that
Philip. strangely enough. was furious Slip
ping my handkerchief under the dogs collar
kept him on the side he had last usurped. and
strove. TO make peace.
Now. Philip" I said serenely. Il may walk
between my two best protectors! Don. remem-
Der. takes care OF me every day when you are
not here. Have patience with him He feels his
own importance little too much. like all chill
dren who are intrusted with what they believe TO
be Of high value
Philip laughed. but there was no rerriment in
his laughter.
a strange child YOU are Athena, So simple
a baby could see through you, yet"-he looked
earnestly at me for mOment-"do you know
that your eyes are not unlike ice? Certainly as
cold and-look there" placing his hand on my
arm so that I stood still. see that long icicle
in the shadow yonder? Quite gray. yet shining
yes. it is like your eyes"
The comparison did not please me. but ! re-
Trained from saying so.
''Emeralds would suit your eyes" he con-
tinued. When you wear colOrs you must have
some
He spoke as II / were to remain forever with
Madam-with Madam. who fading day by
day-with Madam. to whom the doctor gave
but few months Of life, In my intOxication
over the ice storms beauty my cares had been
forgotten. At Philips words they all came
futtering back.
The sleigh was waiting outside the gates
Philip begged me TO start homeward before they
were opened.
ct am sorry I was cross about DON" he said.
patting the dogs head. Guard her well. old
chapl You're right 10 distrust everybody where
she is commemorative Treasure OF Highsrovs
Hau."
had become so accustomed to his flowers OF
speech I scarcely noticed them They no longer
provoked my indignation nirth. had long
since realized that they meant nothing. II was
only Philips way" as Madam said
wanted 10 see the world outside the gates
for the first time IN months. Philip OWNED the
meaning OF my wistful glances.
II wish might take you. pet" he said. but
I'VE no idea how long I'll be gone. 1t would
never do to leave you waiting IN those forlorn
Droneton streets. and shouldn't have any head
for business knowing you were freezing there
I'm terribly sorry"
TT doesn't matter IN the least Philip said
regretting I had not better concealed my
thoughts. II rancied for moment that should
like q peep at the frozen meadows. but only for
a moment I really prefer remaining at home
He stood still. his hand on the great knob OF
the gate. looking at me intently. oddly
Have patience, Athena he smiled strangely
-
and you shall have everything that you wish"
surIy Pat. who had no patience. here gave the
bar of the gate vicious pull. and Philip. wav-
ing an adieu passed out Don and turned
back into the avenue. he, well content 70 De my
only companion. I. once more chidlshly fascl-
mated by my fairyland. As We reached a oend
in the road where the view forward was cut on.
the sun came oct and we were IL in the CEN
tire Of a rainbow. Philip had spoken OF erner-
aids Here they were. and germs Of every tint'
Suddenly thought Of my mother. How beautl-
full she had been in the splendOr Of her ener-
aids
A low growI from Don reused me 70 a rerneIn-
brance Of the present A man had appeared
around the bend and was nearing US rapidly
DazzIed by long staring at the glitter about me
I saw only that the person was Of medium
height and very broad shOuldered- Don. recog-
MIXING in him member OF his masters last
house party. ceased growing and became indtf-
ferent.
go /. Is Athena Derohanr' said a well modu-
lated but unpleasant voice. Y knew there could
not be two such faces IN the world am glad
waited and-Tnade sure
IL was Lord Ebbrides-
stood quite stiII-a frozen woman in a frozen
world
rs this my welcome. AthenaT Aren't you
glad TO see an old friend?'
An old friend! 1 thought OF my father An
old friendl I should do well 70 hold my peace
Did I speak. my lips might reveal too clearly
the deadly hatred that filed my heart Out OK
respect to the dead let me keep silence
why don't you speak. Athena? There's no
one with mel am quite alone I go by the
name Of Percy here. These Yankees make such
an internal TODD about a title. Percys my fam
uv name "a you know. so I've a right TO It
Percy Stuart was my coustn-his mother was a
Percy You remember Percy STUART?
He was growing uneasy under my steady
gaze He looked just the same. save for few
vrinkIes-odd. fine little wrinkles. marrtng the
perfection of his still exquisite complexion
WHY had he spoken OF Percy Stuart? How dared
he drag back the past?
Perhaps you'd have preferred not 70 meet
your fathers old friend. in your present posi-
ton" A new tone was in his voice. he looked at
me strangely. What does this rich dress
mean. Athena? Not that you the wife OF
this Erranti. I hope, Perhaps you are about
TO marry him. perhaps He stepped Tor
ward placing his hand on my arm Don. snuff
ins rabbit tracks in the underbrush. did not see
the strangers familiarity. You remind me Of
your nother'-his face was suddenly gray. old
looking-.I am loath TO think Athena"
speaking sharply. "as a child you were always
truthful often unpieasantly so In Gods name,
what are you doirg here%
I had conquered myself. had repressed. forced
back the anger In my heart was a Derohan-
Let me behave as my mother and father would
approve Passionate vituperatiOn, revilings. re-
proaches. were not for the lips Of their daugh-
ter Lord Fbbrides must never know how bitter
had been the loss Of his friendship. 7 found my
voice ard answered him.
Pardon my too evident surprise at seeing
you Lord Ebbrides. I fear il has made ne