New-York tribune., 1903-08-25

there were lullables French Italian German:
then old ballads. at the last love songs When
these ended the singer fell into long fits OF mus
Ing. accompanying his thoughts with light
touches on the strings. humming softly TO him
self II was then I became conscious that he
was not composed as usual. but evidently Ia
boring under some strong excitement which hs
strove to suppress.
Athena" he said. breaking the long silence
with the air Of ore who has come TO a decision.
do you remember what Randall said at dinner
to-night?'
He said so many things"
knew at once the remark TO which he re-
ferred.
He spoke about my having sown my Wild
oats'-Ieaning forward and looking up into my
face Ny expression evidently Disappointing
him. he continued:
No. of course YOU don't remember-why
should you? As Randall says you are as calm.
serene-eyed passionless the goddess whose
name you bear"
Hush, what was that \ distant shrek
pierced the air
The whistle Of a locomotive The train rum
bled past some time ago
Another long silence The moon slippsd away.
behind the treetops, the music in the distance
rose and fell on the night breze. Philip swayed
toward me. his hand on the arm OF my chair.
Athena. little Athena. viii you
Husn." whispered. there is some one Iurk-
ing IN the wOodpath."
Before the words had more than crossed my
lips Philip running lightly across the inter
ventnS stretch OF grass 10 the little opening in
the trees heard an exclamation OF surprise. a
friendly greeting Then Philip and man walked
slowly past in the shadow Of the trees Don.
reused from his heavy sIeep-heavy only be-
cause OF Philips protecting presence-got up.
rfD h.
and wake Madam. I rose and caught him by
the collar Ny mantle slipped from my shouI-
ders; the night air was refreshing. but. rensm-
oering Madam's diamonds. I hastily mufhed my
self again The two men. who had stopped to
chat in the entrance 70 the avenue. moved on
around the corner Of the house I had a mere
glimpse of the stranger. a tall broad shouldered
man. OF graceful carriage. but was haunted BY
the fancy that ! had seen him before Don
Topped down at my feet. seeing all was well.
and resumed his nan. I sank into my chair az
sleepy as he. It was long past my bedtime
When Philip returned the hsu clock was CHIN
ing twelve.
well. Queen OF the Night you have added
to the number Of your slaves he said push
ing Don aside and taking his place at my feet
Il thought I'd never get rid of the chap: ne was
too much fascinated by your beauty to move
He laughed, II trtumphant-exultant even
l had 10 forgive his having startled you.
Athena, his admiration was so whole-souIsd
You are the most beautiful OF women always.
but tonight you outshfne yourself When. Just
now. you stood. glorious in the moonlight. your
white splendOr was almost unearthly Hair,
gown and jewels cleaning. a fitting setting
for the gemlike purity of your perfect facsl
This great beast, charmed by your IOveliness.
| crouching at your feet. God, What a picture
you were-and arer'
I did not interrupt this highfaIutin speech
There never any use in trying to stop
| Philip He only began all over again directly.
When he had exhausted his adjectIves asked
the name Of his friend.
"Randars cousin. Dick Thorpe"
| At this I experienced an odd panE in nv
| heart. a strange sensation. and unpleasant
was ashamed that the name OF man who had
been rude to me could so affect me assured
myself that it was pang OF mortified vanity
nothing more
| 1T is half-past twelve said. Sunday morn
ing They seem to be dancing at the stables
| yet"
Randall has set the clock back. He can't
| get enough. tie young idiot Are you tired
Athena Yes, see you are. but give me on
moment Let me ask the question Dick Thor -
| cut in two-a short question. but one that
means'-- He broke or with an odd laugh
my fair child'-speaking very Eravely-"vll you
4 be-
! A piercing Shrek rang out upon the tranquil
| night. followed by Nadam's awful cry for help
i The dogs, The dogs, Philip. Philip. save
| mer'
! For an instant Philip was as II turned to stone
| the words he would have spoken frozen on HIS
/ lips; the next he was in Nsdam's room. and had
| caught her in his arms.
! Don't shoot she screamed. catching az hts
I hands: remember he is But Philip pressed
| her face against his breast smothering her out
| cry
/ Go to your room. Athena" he commanded;
! go. and close the door behind you"
/ As I obeyed I saw the dancers returning from
! their reveIs. The place had suddenly all grown
sad. The ferns and flowers which decked ths
/ great hall so bravely were unwithered. yet Il
looked desoIate forlorn. Nadam's btpthnight
/ fste-was over.
CTo be continuedJ