New-York tribune., 1903-08-24

Weighing me in the balance Athena? May
not be found wanting
His voice was very sweet. but l did not want
him for an uncle I did not quite like him. Did
he know. 7 wondered, that he treated me too
Familiarity
Mr.. Erranti"
Yes. dear child"
May ask you not to call me-
NO. no. Athena, don't ask me that Please
don't look stern any more, There'-putting the
money back in his pocket-'if you don't want it
now. come for it when you do. IF money doesn't
please you-I thought all were spend
thrifts-perhaps something else may This. for
instance"
He took from drawer in his desk a stiletto
long. sharp. terrible. and laid it before me.
Look at the emerald in the hilt. Athena A
beautiful one, in spite of its ncked corner. Shall
have it taken out and set in some other way?
1t is yours. my child to do with as you please
only let me use my mothers pet name for
you
Madam had kept my secret, since he thought
me Augusta Dean! sighed. What trying
pair they were. mother and son. with their rich
gifts and strange whins. Then, examining the
emerald, I forgot them both, it was so like
my mother had worn as brooch. Not only the
same size. shape and color but nicked in the
same way. Slipping my finger over its smooth
surface, touching it's roughened corner.
was again little child. playing with my moth
er's well remembered gem.
You will keep it, murmured sweet voice
at my elbow. "and grant me the favor I beg?"
AS I returned to the present. with little
shfver of discomfort. some one knocked.
Come i'm cried Philip, sharply. angry at the
interruption, and Julie entered.
She had opened her lips to speak when her
eyes fell upon the deadly bauble in my hand.
and the words died away unspoken. A look Of
terror had crept into her eyes. her color faded.
She shrank back as if to leave the room. but her
master stopped her.
What is it. Julie? You surely did not dis
turb for nothing?"
I glanced quickly at him, for there cruel
amusement in his voice. and his smile expressed
cruel enjoyment of her fear. She made another
effort to speak. and again failed. was sorry
for her.
See Julie ] said. holding UP the stiletto,
this emerald is exactly like the one in my
mothers favorite brooch-you remember? The
one set in diamonds-she wore It constantly
It had notch in one corner, you have not for
gotten, I am sure. and, strangely enough. this
one has. too. Curious. n'est-ce pas. JulieY'
had done my best Rarely did I string so
many words together Julie tried TO collect
herself
Madame Derohan's brooch ?''-then grew pa1er
than before
You must be fi1-or crazy!' cried Philip,
sternly, and pushed her from the room. bidding
her ask Claude for = of wine Then. re-
Stunning his former place, -eaned both arms
on his desk and looked questoningly at me-
"And now" he said his voice silky. but an
oddly fierce expression in his eyes, may un-
derstand what this means? What does Julie
know Of your mother-or her brooches? Why
did she speak of Nine. de Rohan? Why are
you handing your few pennies to Mrs.
| de Rohan Spuyten? What is this mystery? Or
am L to be denied your confidence as-as-your
friendship
At last we were in sympathy. l. too, de-
tested mysteries and could we'll understand his
feelings 1 made haste to clear up this coil
by telling him of Mrs. Spuyten's loan, and Of
her changing my name.
'She is very snobbish.' said. 'and I owe her
money-voila TOUT
And Julie-and the brooch %
Julie was my mothers maid; so, Of course
she knew her jewels"
Your name. then, is" Philip leaned for
ward. his eyes alight. his voice eager
''Atherton Derohan," 7 said. smiling little
at his eagerness. "and now you know ALL"
I would have risen. but he motioned to
remain seated.
"One moment" he urged, Just one moment!
This is so very surprising"
He went TO the window and stared out alb
sorbed in thought apparently.
Why what 7 had just told him proved so very
interesting I failed to understand. 7 turned my
attention to the great emerald in the dagger's
hilt and fell recalling the days when its dou-
BILE had flashed at my mothers throat. until
suddenly remembered this one had been given
me- on n condition, I looked at the graceful
figure I'm the window with a sensa ton of actual
dislike. How wearisome the man was did
not want his money. his weapons. or his Jewels
! I wanted to he allowed to attend to my work
I'm peace. to Jog along sOberIy IN accordance
with my nature. I have been called obstinate
I made another effort TO gain my own way.
Mr. Erranti."
Yes, child"
He remained looking out ef the window. his
back toward me as if unable to give me- his
entire attention; but I continued
Mr. Errantt. since IT pleases your mother to
keep my name secret think II might better
remain one. she has little to amuse her
Your will is my law. Athena
T looked At him in despair Another foolish
speech.
TT is kind of you to say so. Mr Erranti-
need NOT hesitate. then. to ask this favor
Name it," His voice was vibrant with
pleasure. his eyes shone ne left the window
please call me Miss Dean in future"
He sat down again by his desk
Athena he said. quietly. and If he
weighed each word before speaking, Athena,
= belief so sweet has arisen in my mind I
hardly dare yield to it, fer what if should be
disappointed, Athena. my dear child. are you
the daughter Of Charles Derohan?'
Yes said, wondering what was coming
~Of the Charles Derohan who died-in May7'