New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-27
XVIII.

I found Madam under the birch trees by the
pool. On benches drawn either side sat
Philip and Randall The old lady looked tired
| and sad. and Sunday afternoon atmosphere
of quiet boredom seemed to envelop the group
At sight of Madam's face cleared.
Athena she cried. Il have been weary
| without youi All, daisies! The pretty things
Come sit by me. close, close, and will tell your
fortune with one
The sprang to their feet offering me
| choice of seats. I chose Philips bench Ran
/ dars vanity was too easily fed.
How cool and radiant you are dear child"
said Madam, looking wistfuly at me as 1 gave
her daisy. You have had happy afternoon
all alone, n'est-ce pas?"
I said I had been happy. I did not tell her OF
my lack of loneliness. With Randall at my ell
bow did not feel expansive He did, however.
Don't she look sweet?" he drawed, staring
innocently. But there's use in my telling
her so! She don't care for my compliments.
Please, dear Madam. name that daisy Athena
and try if she likes me little"
Madam pursed up her lips. glancing doubt
fully at me.
please do urged Randall. land then YOU
try Errantfs luck. We're both in the same
boat. you know
1T will take three daisies TO try fairly" said
Madam who evidently had faith in the test.
She had become very solemn. Can You spare
so many. Athena?"
She can spare ALL" said Randall What
does she want with common field flowers?
Come, my fortune, Madam"
I tucked a fe wdaisies into my belt, yielding
the rest to Fate.
Pm fearfully sgitated," cried Randall. pre-
tending to SILVER.
"Un peu. beaucoup, passionnement. pas du
tout" cried Madam, monotonously. and with
each sentiment a leaf fell.
Translate. somebody. quick Randall whis
pered, hoarsely. 81 don't understand. and my
nerves are in awful state."
Madam, really excited, paid no heed. Her
preston told me that if the daisy showed favor
two leaves at once to do so.
TN peu. beaucoup. passionnement pas du
tout''-Philip's rich. sweet voice chimed in with
his Notwithstanding. a little. much. passion
ately. not at ali'
"A little WHAT" asked Randall pretending to
be stupid
"A little love-" said Philip looking at me in
stead of at his friend. Not so good as much.
but far better than not at ALL And who dare
hope for-'passionately' -
Pas du tout?" cried out Madam. her sing
song stopping suddenly. Pas du TOUT
She clapped her hands. laughing with delight
Then. fearing she had been rude. hung her head
like child, glancing sideways at Randall, to
note if he were angry.
He was dispIeased. He could not endure be-
ing relegated TO the background, though for
he cared nothing
One more triaI-uo. two more, Madam! 1t
must be two out of three to win lose" he
cried.
Another daisy stripped of its petals, with
the same result as the first. The old lady's de-
light increased. and angry light CLEANED in
Randals eyes.
Now for Errantis turn" he said irritably.
He looks very calm and satisfied. but l bet you
the daisy'n knock the conquering hero out of
him.
No, no." said Madam quickly Philip does
not believe I'm nonsense. I will try for Athena.
She shall name her daisy softly. very softly, so
that none may hear. Later I may know his
name n'est-ce pas petite?"
I took the flower, to do she wished, when
Philip laid his hand lightly on my arm.
7 name the daisy" he said, quietly. Pray
begin maman."
about to demonstrate when Randall
laughed softly, as if in pleased anticipation of
this remonstrance. and I kept silence.
''Passionnementr' said Madam, finishing her
task. Philip placed another daisy in her hand.
Once more. maman."
The same NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Philip
leaned back, smiling.
I protest." said Randall GROSSLY. ITS not