New-York tribune., 1903-08-09
THE HOUSTON THE HUDSON
Continued from nrst pnEe.

Percy, soberly. which is vulgar expression
and you mustn't use 1t. Athena"
1 said I would not and fell to thinking OF
Lord Ebbrides-of the kindness he showed me
in public of the small torments he inflicted
when no one was near. Often dreaded going
from my nursery to the drawing room. know
ing he might be lurking behind some half open
door, or crouching in some dark corner, ready
TO pounce upon as passed
Now. then. little Minerva he would wis
per as he caught me. how many kisses am l
to have? Not one? Oh, but I'll help myself.
Where's your owl. wise goddess? What, no
helmet? No spear to hurl! Why don't you
arm yourself or cry out for help? l know why.
Because you love me, though you pretend YOU
don't"
This last taunt ranl,led. and he knew ii. as
he also knew that would not tell or cry for
aid. while well aware OF my skill with my
fists. he held my arms close clasped at my
sides avoiding punishment
He is a scoundreI," I said to myself Then
our horses broke into a run and I forgot Lord
Ebbrides.
My father was waiting to lift me from the
saddle when we got home. He bade me run up
stairs and be dressed quickly, I was wanted
in the drawing room. Storm signals were so
plainly visible in the nursery that 1 did not ask
questions, but hurried down TO the drawing
room as 1 had been bidden. There all our
guests were assembled. As 1 entered the con-
versation stopped abruptly, and my mother
slipped from the room. My father came 10
meet me- lie patted my cheek fondIy as he
said:
II told You to be quick. Athena. because
beautiful present has come for you" And he
led a small table, placed in the middle
of the room. I looked and looked again. I
could hardly believe my eyes. There, close be-
fore me. lay the most exquisite doll had ever
seen, and my father said it was for me!
y doll with haxen hair and blue eyes-in a
frock of white lace over a blue silk slip! Be
side her stood her trunk, wide open, disclosing
her dainty wardrobe. And this angel was for
me! Wide-eyed and solemn, gazed in rapture
at my treasure. forgetting that was not alone.
The sound of Lord Ebbridess voice reused me.
Glancing up. him standing opposite
at the other side of the table
See, little athena" he smiled as he spoke
I did not like his smile-'here is a doll from
Paris-a gay little lady. Will you accept her
from me?"
The Viscount Ebbrides was considered hand
some. because of his black eyes and hair and
his wonderful complexion. which did much to
relieve the coarseness Of his features. He was
Of medium height broad shouldered and very
strong. His love of sport recommended him to
my father, whose intimate friend he was. AS
looked at him across the table I thought him
the ugliest man in the world and. thinking
forgot to answer his question l turned to seek
my father. He had vanished. Percy Stuart
was nowhere to be seen. 1 suddenly felt very
much alone. The silence Of the people crowded
about me weighed my spirits down.
Look. See all the pretty things dolly has to
wear!" Lord Ebbrides again speaking.
"All for you. my beautiful little playmate"
Thank you
spoke with chill civility. I did not offer to
touch the doll Very lately I had read Of the
deceitful mirage of the desert. The doll, I
thought sadly, was a mirage-nothing more.
DO you really want a doll. Athena"
More than anything in the world. Lord
Ebbrides."
Then take this one"-he took her up and
tried TO place her in my arms-"and give me a
kiss in return
AS ne advanced retreated.
why do you wish to give me doll when you
don't like me?' asked.