New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-10

when die shall be buried on the knoll. not
under that dark grove Of lrs-no, no, not there
but Just in front, where the sunshine falls al
ways. Not in the black shadow Of those trees
all my life has been passed in great shadow!
It has gloon1ed over me. about me. around met
Ny grave shall be in the sunshine, Athena?
1t was Madam who spoke. She was lying
propped up by pillows. in a great lounging chair
by the south window Of her room. which was
opened wide to admit the soft May air. the
warm May sunshine From her chair she could
look far down the long vista Of the avenue
leafy tunnel Of tender green. All the world
around her, with its creatures, was awake TO
the 10y of renewed life and vigor. but her
thoughts were of death She had just escaped
from the valley Of shadows. the landscape still
seemed dark. She had been i'll many. many
weeks.
NV embroidery. white lilies on a flowing gar
ment of soft white silk. was OF more interest to
her than the spring blossoms. Her eyes were
more often upon my busy fingers than upon the
flowers Of Natures handiwork outside her case
ment.
''I shall be buried at midnight by moonlight,
Athena, or by the light of torcaes. And you,
my darling. will not let strangers touch these
poor old limbs. You have promised. and your
word is as the word OF God-unchanging. ever
lasting Philip shall read the burial service.
rest" she repeated. Ito rest, You say so. but
am not sure. have that on my soul Why
are we never alone? There's some reason for
it. These women have become spies.
NO no." 1 said. soothingly. They mean
well. They nursed you faithfully"
Madam smiled. She had spoken IN English.
for Mathilde, whom she disIiked, was present;
and although we had discovered that she I'M
derstood English. we had also learned that when
we spoke rapidly she could not follow our
meaning.
1T is you who have saved my life. Athena.
not these French devils. 1 heard the doctor say
so. You nursed me day and night-for love. and
not for money"
Look at Don. dear Madam asleep in the sun
shine. He is growing very fat. Too fat. for so
young a dog"
You grow thin. Athena, Too thin for so
young a girl"
I'm not young" I said. smiling. You for
get that had a birthday last month
Twenty years DID," she said. and sighed
"Ah. mel l. too felt old at twenty You had
vile birthday. nursing old wornan' Philip
complains that refused his gifts
Dear Madam! A rope OF pearls Mt for a
queen! accepted his flowers and the books"
He is a fool-an men are fools. or knaves.
Philip is both--yes, both
Here he comes" I said. horseunan ap-
peared far down the avenue. Philip. on Captain
Kidd.
You never ride now, Athena Philip says
you won't-but I'm not sure that he wishes It"
/ stared at her in wonder. One might never
guess what Madam saw. or did not see. had
thought Philip relieved when I refused to re-
commence my morning rides Not but that he
had kept his promise in regard 10 keeping ST.
lence on one subject. He had behaved almost
invariably as the kind friend I had believed
him TO be before Lord Ebbrides's visit His de-
votton to Madam during her long Illness had
compelled my admiration. and could but feel
grateful for the way in which he had spared
me all care and responsibility whenever that
was possible Still. never felt at my ease with
him unless Madam was present Before her he
would say nothing felt SURE
Philip too. has grown thin" said Madam.
watching him as he rode up "He looks the
better for it, He is very handsome. and looks
far younger than he is. He looks not more than
thirty! How can he how can he keep so younsi
II is only his body-not his heart That Is old
old. od!'
He entered as she ceased speaking.
81 may come In, maman?
She stretched out her hand 70 him. smiling
kindly Rarely was she so kind
7 was just speaking Of you. Philip"
He seated himself close beside her-I giving
place-and kissed both the crippled hands gen
rlv.