New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-16


the man who had made me his prisoner 1
kept my eyes cast down. lest they should reveal
this resentment
Instead OF sitting over his wine Philip went
with me to the library There a fire cracked on
the hearth. The shaded lamp. the drawn cur
tains. the great easy chair in the chimney
corner. gave the room a delightfully."- cosey look.
allowed my attentive jailer to ensconce me In
the easy chsir-it had evidently been placed
there for me. He seated himself opposite. a
Darby to my Joan. and began his plea.
Explanations are tresOme. Athena; and.
since you insist upon having them. III get
through quickly possible. Women are
proverbially quick witted so 1 had hoped you
might understand all 1 wished you to. without
any words on the matter. 1t seems was mis-
taken"
He sighed. changed his position. thrust both
hands deep down into his pockets. and. turning
his eyes away from mine. stared into the fire, as
If seeking help there.
Suddenly mindful Of the part had decided to
play-wisEing very much that discrimination
came more easily-I said. gently:
Pray smoke. if you wish"
Thank you. darling" Philip spoke gratefully.
IT'S sweet Of you TO remember my tastes when
you're much displeasedi I'll smoke later
pray heaven. a pipe OF peace! Now for the ex-
planatlOnS- i can't part with you. athena. L
can't live without you-you belong to me. No.
don't move: hear me out. then abuse me you
will My plans made. 1 shall not change
them. You need not ask 1t. give you till to-
morrow evening TO accustom yourself to them
1 don't wish to hurry you too much. beloved
Tomorrow evening 1 shall make you my wife;
the next morning. Saturday. set sail IN the
Charlotte for France. You shall have all I
promised. Athena-and more. far more. Not
only rest. change Of scene. but the JOY OF know
ing you are loved as never woman was loved be-
forer
Dreams. Philip. idle dreamsi I don't love
you Think OF me as friend only. I cannot be
your wife,
spoke calmly. and. I think. appeared at
ease unafraid But 1 was fighting down
great dread. Philip rose and began to pace the
floor.
NO, not dreams; realities. Athena as I shall
prove You will be happy as my wife, I feel
sure I'm not asking for your love- only telling
you to prepare to go through the marriage SER
vice with me-to resign yourself entirely TO me-
Everything is in readiness. All I ask OF you is
TO acquiesce"
sat quite still in my great armchair. II
only might pretend to what 1 did not feel
might. by appearing to yield. blind Philip-in
short. if 1 could but force myself to lie a little!
IL was so hard, so very hard! Presently his
restless walk ceased beside my chair. He knelt
took my unwilling hand. and kissed IT passion
ately.
My white dover he murmured My pearl
Of great price, II only you would come 20 me
willingly
I'm so tired" said. pettishly. drawing away
my hand. Please leave me alone. PhilipI
Please go back to your chair and be quiet for a
little! I very tired"
Poor little girl! OF course you are tired So
much fatigue and sorrowI 1 didn't think, or
should not have worried you moving about. It's
a bad habit. know. I'll break myself Of It,"
Why did you copy my handwriting. Philip?
Who filed my trunk with Madam's things7
Why are such strange liberties taken?'
He laughed good humoredly. inclined. evident
ly. to make light of my complaints. Sure OF
holding the winning cards. he was prepared TO
endure with patience my outburst Of wrath.
That he expected one was apparent. His relief
said to myself would be very great when 1t
failed TO come.
There is Arabian proverb. Athena" he
said. in answer to my questions. that you
should learn. IL might help you 10 understand
my feelings. Love is like madness-aII things
forgiven it All things. Athenai Even my
folly Of last night. when filed your trunk with
things for a woman you have a liking for! When
took a real pleasure in seeing your graceful
handwriting grow beneath my pen-when an
ecstacy throbbed through my veins as signed
your name as it shall be after tomorrow!
Love is like madness-aH things are forgiven
it" Which means. 1 take IT. not only trivial
nonsense like my last nights chlldishness, but
far more. Actions which. but for the passion
that prompts them, might SAVIOR OF crime All
things are forgiven itr-even battle, and muir
der. and sudden DEATH
A silence fell upon the room Philip was lost
In his own strange thoughts: I. fighting my
fear. striving for patience. had planned TO sit
late in the library. to luIl. by my ease OF man
ner my willingness to remain with him. all
suspicion Of my design The clock IN the hall
struck nine Instantly I rose and. as if I had
not had a dozen good reasons for behaving quite
differently. acted upon instinct, as always.
II am so tired" I complained. a half sob
iarring through my words. and you I'M
kind"'
Philip sprang from his chair looking greatly
distressed. Again kneeling beside me. he gazed
into my face bewildered. Never be-
fore had he heard my voice raised in self-be-
wsilins.
Don't speak like that. my darIingr' he cried
You break my heart What can do 70 please
you? I'll do anything everything-save let you
leave me. That you must not ask"
I'm not asking anything" I said. still al
most in tears. save to be let alone You worry
me so. You insist upon my thinking thinking.
till my head is on fire. How can 1 sleep with
my brain in this dreadful whirI? How can be-
Ifeve you care for me when you're selfsh7 |
Oh, 1 am so weary-body and soulp'
1 pushed him aside. and. going 20 the chin
neypiece. rested my arms upon It and my face
on them. | prayed for strength to carry out my /