New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-06
XVIII.

That last day Of October-so brilliantly beau
tiful-proved to be what the country folk call
a weather breeder" II was followed by long
storm November was a sullen month. with
sad gray skies and constant drilling rain The
wind moaned increasingly through the dark
trees: the gay. red leaves turned dull and sod
den in their death on the chilling earth.
Madam no longer went out. The weather was
too damp. Mr. Erranti did what he could to
tighten her Imprisonment by turning the veran-
da into winter garden Inciosed with glass.
filed with palms. ferns and Towering plants.
with divans and easy chairs ranged against the
warm red Of the brick walls. ii became not only
her garden but a favorite longing place fOr
Philip and his friends.
Heated by stearn-as was the hOuse-its at
rnosphere was that OF a conservatory, and
being no dollhouse plant I needed all ny
strength TO withstand its enervating effect
often suffocated by the airless luxury OF my
surroundings. I longed for the cold. draughty
farmhouse OF Long Island Philip also insisted
upon having double windows in the north rooms
Of the second and third story. Yielding TO his
fondness for rich tints he had them made OF
colored glass purple pink yellow. Opaque
they shut out the view well as the air; for
differing from any I had before seen, none had
the usual single pane that will open for airing
purposes Mine was pink barrier, filing my
room with rosy light but my view nOrthward
was gone The two windows left free were
overshadowed by the knoll which ran behind
the house.
missed my outlook toward Beverley Towers
missed the light that shone every evening from
the windows Of Mr.. Beverleys library. I had
liked to think Of Richards uncle ensconced be-
fore the fire. book in hand. A comfortable,
neighborIy glimrer Of lamps in the early au-
tumnal twilight I had felt a friend was near
1 even ventured TO grumble little 10 Philip. 70
regret my lost view, 10 mention the cheerful
glow IN the distance. He showed such pain at
M disapprovaI OF his arrangements for my
.comfort"-as he called it-that let the matter
drop, resigning myself 70 the inevitable
He was very kind In providing ne with good
maps. on which I might follow Dicks Journey
ings. and brought all the books OF Russia
novels included-that he could find. The TO
mances he read aloud. Often II was nearly
midnight before 1 reme1nbe red 10 put away my
embroidery and say good night"
Since Dicks going he had shown never
tagging interest in him and his afairs-so
kindly an interest I wrote 20 Dick and told him.
thinking II would set his fears at rest Indeed
when letter came the last week in October
saying that Die was Just starting for a long
trip northward-tO visit out OF the way
estate belonging TO his client-Phnp startled
me by an exclamation Of alarm:
How rash,'-then made matters worse BY
trying 10 mend them. Don't look so frightened
child. I don't know what I meant I'm sure.
Travelling there Is doubtless as safe as here.
II winter should set IN early-probably IL won't
this ysar-what harm can come TO Mr.. Thorpe
IN a well warmed railway carr I take twice
day" smiling reassuriugiy.
But he writes he must, after leaving the
trairt travel some distance by carriage-or
sledge."
And your lovely little head is full OF tales q
wolves and such nOnsenSeT' laughing at my
fears. The laugh was. / knew. affected You
foolish child. it's too early In the season for
wolve, 10 De hungry Before winter has starved
them into ferocity Mr.. Thorpe viii be safe and
sound at home Cheer up. Athena. and read ne
what I NAY hear OF yeur lstteE"