New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-11

was III at ease. The little comedy I had
enacted IN answer 10 the command OF Madam's
eyes worried me. Why had I obeyed my Instinct
quickly? I had been dominated by her viii.
I told myself. Had I done wrong? Then my.
thoughts reverted 70 Philips wish for forgive
ness Should I have told Madam Of his remorse7
Conscience now limited that had feared her
agitation less than 7 had assured myself. and
asked II IL had not been over easy 20 shun the
topic detested. Staring with troubled eyes at
the frescoed ceiling knew had left undone
those things which ought TO have done"
The clock on the chimney piece chimed the half
hour-ha1f-past ten.
Athena. you awake"
MAIDEN spoke in the gentlest whisper. an
swered as softly.
Yes"
She laid her hand on my shoulder and opened
her eyes cautiously. as Il fearing detection
Julie sleeps soundly7 Yes? Her back is
turned can't be sure-she breathes heavily
LISTEN
held my breath From the corner came the
sound Of deep breathing.
Rise quietly and make sure" said Madam
Place your hand her SHOULDER she may
wake"
"If she should -
Say she was snoring-gor'
slipped noiselessly from my place 20 Julie 7
laid my hand her shoulder-she lid not STIR
I returned 20 Madam and whispered,
''She sleeps soundy as though Grugged
Madam smiled strangely.
Go like cat to the door. open II silently. Sec
what there Is to see-use your ears. also.
obeyed- The little corridor empty. Tho
doors leading to the hall and 20 jules room
were closed Through the latter came the sound
Of snoring. This I told Madam. She sighed as
II relieved then in low tones. babe me- lie down
again beside her
Take yourself well in hand my child No
matter what say. no EXPLANATIONS. no spring.
ing up in haste. Keep your eyes on the door
II It moves an inch. warn me- I see and can
watch Julie. II she wakes must feign Sleep
But I've little fear Of Julie her sister spy for
several hours I drugged their Bsnedictine.~
She drew the little bottle from beneath her
pillow. 1t empty.
mo favoritisrn was showni decided fairly.
Each spy got half Eli the bottle half full with
water Athena Be careful. be exact. II was
Just half full"
I stared in horror. What had she done?
Don't be foolish, ehIldi The mixture Is mild.
II can do no harm"
Rejecting that she was right and that tho
women could not be injured by so light dose.
I did as she babe She slipped the bottle
underneath her pillow again
II have much TO say she whispered as re-
sumed my place at her side. "and 1 dread IL so!
Keep your eyes on the door. mignonne. don't
look at me. Now. what was IN Philips letter.
Her voice had a new intonatiOn. her eyes the
same expression OF intelligence. Of Will power
that had earlier startled She saw my as
constituent
You look not at the door. but at me- This
will not do. We may be disturbed at any mo-
ment. Come to our watch. and will say what
must be said
Dominated anew 1 obeyed turning my eyes
/ upon the door, yet was al variance with myself
/ for being impressed by what must be, could be.
/ but new whim.
! Philip loves you" said the low. firm voice.
/ this know. T began TO suspect IL before the
! odd feeling in my head stopped; but my mind
would never work. and my thoughts rarnbled
far away when I tried TO seize them. To-day.
when the mist cleared suddenly. understood
his feelings-and knew I had got my death
rant. Lie still. poor child I started. terror
! stricken. don't interrupt mel For your sake
must speak-for yours and Philips"
All what was comingt Must be tortured. at
this last moment. BY her pleadings for her son?
When the buzzing wheels in my head stopped
short 1 saw your look OF fear-yOUr paIlOr II
was when he proposed this voyage. when made
you sit beside him. Then I feigned sleep and
I saw more. You hate him. AthenaT'
Yes"
God, And Philip? He IS content 70 work for
Athena Derohan? He asks no more? He dare
not Tell the truth: he asks more?''
He wishes me to become his WIFE" T said.
family.
"She thinks she viii never consent" muttersd
Madam to herself but she may Only a child
in the ways OF the world while he-Athenat
Swear, swear by your BELIEF in God-but no.
what use? why do try 70 escape2 win be
brave-I viii, 7 will I might make him take
his Oath-but no. He spoke roughly to-day
the new love swallows up the old What use.
what use?''
He begs forgiveness" I made haste 70 say.
He regrets his harsh words. His letter was 20
beg TO tell you so"
The strange smile fickered again across her
worn face.
Il dare say" There was quiet scorn IN the
low voice. He is clever. He knows 1 am his
trump card. when IN his hand. But he has
shufled badly. and I in yours. Has he ever
spoken OF hts pastor OF mine?''
Yes. once"
What did he say? Speak. child-havs no
fear"
He told me- OF your girIhood." I ALTERED. IN
willingly
"Of my marriager'
Yes"
"Of the ruin Of nv 1fe2'
Yes"
How much. I wonder? He spoke OF the plan.
tation-of my life there?'
Yes"
He told 81 nv husbands brutalityr'
Yes"
Fetch me some cordial Athena, Go softly
one spoonful only-but place IL near. No. no.
don't thwart me: GO on Did he tell of-of my