New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-28
NIX

Philip kept his promise He did not worry
me-; but since I knew Of what he thought
when he brought me flower, when he sang TO
me. watched me. busy with my embroidery
at Madams side longer quite at ease
save during his absence from the Hall. Still.
believed he would soon cease TO care for me,
and strove myself to forget what he had wished.
That week a great green" table--a gaming
table-arrived. and was put into the drawing
room. that Mr.. Erranti's guests might enjoy
''rouge-et-noir." A large party of men we're
coming for Sunday. The gardeners cottage had
been garnshed and turned into bachelor quar-
tiers. Highgrove Hall could not shelter
many.
At the stables there had been d new arrival
also beautiful mare. bought for me. Madam
had decided that 7 was TOO closely confined to
the Hall The mare had been purchased,
riding habit ordered. and I was to accompany
Philip in his morning rides before breakfast I
objected strenuously. but in vain. Madam swept
away all opposition. and I gave way. AS riding
is my passion suppose there was traitor in
the camp
"Larry''-the groom-"shaH always go with
YOU when Philip is away said Madam. "as. Of
course you are to ride every day whether he is
at home or not It is for your health. Larry
must follow, however, in any case. Outside the
gate you are not our little girl, but young lady
and must be properly attended
In all the arrangements recognized Philips
hand even Madam's words were prompted by
him. Larry's presence was meant to reassure
me. as it did. We rode every morning from
six till half-past seven. breakfasting at eight.
and explored the country for miles around Few
were abroad at that early hour. The whole
world with the freshness Of the morning glori-
flying it. belonged TO us. Philip was kind and
courteous a friendly companion, nothing more.
After ten days had slipped away, convinced
that he had forgotten his folly, regained con-
idence I was again at my ease when alone
with him. What past was past and I
found the present very absorbing.
Mr. Thorpe had reappeared at the end Of the
week. and Madam was pleased with him. He
is not so amusing as his cousin. the vaurien."
she pronounced after his first call of ceremony;
''but TO be amusing is not everything! Thou art
not amusing my Athena. I sometimes wonder
that I am never wearied by thy lack of CONVEX
sation. often thou are silent for hours yet not
duh. The great calm of thy nature gives re-
pose-for I know, though so quiet. thou art
ever ready Young Thorpe is strong. But for
his smile he would be ugly-yet like him much
much, much"
She insisted that I should accept his invita-
lions to go out on the river after breakfast
when was free. and made time for me to
walk with him on Sunday afternoons, But
she did not allow me drive with him. and
told me not to mention my morning rides.
Philip might be dispIeased." she said. He
sees many people daily. The early ride rests
hirn-aIone with a silent child
Mr. Thorpe would not wish to join US.
Madam
q think differently" said Madam. screwing
up her eyes and wagging her head. Il know
young men. ma chere, Yes, yes. know young
men,
So 1 held my peace. Mr.. Thorpe must know
all our habits. 1 thought. for he had begun 10
haunt the Hall. Claude with difficulty re-
pressed grin when he announced him. The
morning rides continued without his asking 10
he one of the party. or. indeed. ever abiding
to them. My pleasure in them was very
great had become fond of the beautiful
mare, Czarina. high spirited yet gentle Great
ure with many virtues. Her one fault was OBJ
stinacy about jumping. She hated it, and some
times refused a fence for half hour before
yielding TO coaxing. Captain Kidd few over
anything and everything Philip put him at like
a bird--to my aggravation. I thought his readi-
ness added TO the mares obstinacy.
When I had ridden her for a mont she knew
and loved me we'll enough to do my bidding as
a general thing, with only occasional relapses.
one morning when one of these had occurred
and had, by determined gentIeness. gained my
point Philip asked me if never gave UP.
Very seldom"
Then why go to work quietly with the
mare" he said. Why not teach her quickly
with whip and spur"
How little you know her" exclaimed. TRY
to force her and you would gain nothing. She
would die sooner than give up. I sympa thize
with her. and she knows it''-pattiug The glossy
neck-such rich dark bay-fondly
This is the 10th" said Philip. absentIy.