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


Monsieur has returned. Mademoiselle." said
Mathilde. What robe shall put out!
II shall not change my dress.
"As Mademoiselle pleases"
With folded hands 1 sat quite still in my easy
chair-waiting.
I thought OF my father. OF his faith in what
he had been pleased to call my "unerring in
stinct" 1t had failed 1 did not know what
to do You're a strange child. Athena" he
had often said. your Instincts as marvellous
as the nose Of q good hound. You're not clever.
you know, my dear. never try for the reason
of doing anything but walt till your instinct
gives the word. go" Then up and do your best
It's like your fencing. boxing, riding, and the
rest had YOU taught the tricks of the trade.
but by Heaven it's instinct tells you when the
moments come to go in and win That's what
you've got to thank for your success-instinct.
my girl"'
The gong sounded in the lower hall did not
move
Mathilde, always slow moving. waited awhile;
then, thinking 1 had not heard. said:
Dinner is served, Mademolselle-'
Thank you I'm not hungry"
Mathilde looked sulky. She had hoped for
some hours of freedom. In few moments what
1 had expected happened-a gentle knock at the
door, Philips musical voice asking leave to en-
ter I did not answer Mathilde ushered him
in I looked at him. bowed slightly In acknowl-
edgnnent Of his presence. but neither rose nor
spoke He at once assumed an air OF almost
grovelling humility. and held out his hand to
me. I turned away my head. His manner.
coming after he had acted the jailer all day.
was too repuIsive in its pretence of innocence.
Then you are very angry. Athena? How IN
Just! Surely you won't condemn me unheard?''
You gave your servants orders TO keep me
sult?'
He stood before me- looking down at me
steadily.
What his thoughts l could not guess,
but after a moment his manner changed from
one of humility to air of tender Indulgence
for the whims OF fretful child. He smiled
kindly.
Come. my pet" he said. come down TO din
ner. You're overdone; fatigue has made you
fancifuL Don't be cross with me any longer,
or look at me with your Medusa look! 1 swear
1 don't deserve such treatment Come. sweet
heartr'
Again he held out his hand to help me rise. 1
did not move. My brain still searched for the
best plan TO pursue-stiu found nothing
What angry yet?"-with good humored re-
proach. IF you cast such accusing glances
much longer. Athena, I'll begin to believe my
self the awful ogre you seem to imagine me-.
Now. I'll make bargain with you. II you'll
come eat your dinner. like a sensible little
woman, I'll explain everything to your entire
satisfaction"
my satisfaction" said, bitterly
Yes. dear child. to your satisfaction You'll
see at once L couldn't have arranged matters
otherwise"
My trunk-my handwriting
The irony in my voice stung the color TO his
He red
Yes, can explain everything. If you really
want to quarrel with me. sweet, you'd better
strengthen yourself for battle by eating YOUR
dinner. FRANCOIS tells me you've eaten nothing
all day! really am anxious about yOu Athena
You'll do yourself a mischief by this fasting
It's unkind. 1 think when you know how II
worries me. Come, you must eat something
now"
Again he offered his hand. This time I ac-
cepted his aid. and rising. allowed him to lead
meas II were in truth the petulant child he
pretended to think me-dOwnstairs and into the
dining room. An idea had come to me at last
For lack Of better I acted upon IT,
FRANCOIS. seeing US enter hand in hand drew
out my chair with an almost absurd look Of re-
lief, and served me with attentive eagerness
Realizing that Philips advice about keeping
up my strength good. made an effort TO
eat. but beyond swallowing my soup-my throat
contracted oddly-I was unsuccessful The din
ner. 1 noticed. had been ordered expressly to
suit my taste
IF you would only drink a little wine my
pet" suggested Philip seeing me refuse every
dish. "a glass Of champagnei No? Perhaps
just drop Of Tokay-but you don't care for
sweet things. What can 1 give you to bring
back your appetizer"
My freedom"
He smiled at me across the table no shade Of
embarrassment crossing his handsome face. He
looking remarkably handsome-even for
him. The lines of care that Madam's death had
brought gone His eyes were lustrous
alight with triumphant happiness His beauty
was so Respondent all objects surrounding him
seemed colorless. dull AS looked at him the
cold, deadly, silent hate within me grew and
grew. My heart had no room for any feeling
save this alone
such a heavy fog tonight. dear. I never saw
one to equal II. inland. before. We shall need a
fire in the library. Do you mind the dampness
Athenag'
No"
Again Philip smiled at ne. but he made no
further attempt at conversation. He evidently
enjoyed his dinner. and found intense satisfac-
ton. apparently. in looking at me. His con-
templative. admirins gaze rarely wandered from
being his hahit-and gapsrally thought ntts