New-York tribune., 1903-08-25


I could muster courage to pop the question this
very minute"
Nonsense" cried Madam. vehemently.
You're not good enough for my Athena. and
far too young-sower Of Wild OATS
How about Erranti?'-a wicked look in his
blue eyes. He must be old enough, It's time
he settled down-to reap what he's sown! Won't
he do"'
Madam pushed her chair back from the table.
She looked frightened
Il want 10 cut my cake" she whimpered.
Philip push me into the hall, quick
He obeyed Instantly. and placing her in the
chair on the platform had the servants sum
moned Randall and I following. found that
during cur absence at dinner the hall had been
lighted by dozens Of Chinese lanterns. hung
very artistically among the vine dcaped pillars.
CHANGING through the front door which stood
wide, I saw their gayly colored lights outlining
the avenue far the stables.
The musicians now struck up a lively march,
and the servants entered. headed by Claude,
who carried the cake on a silver salver. Solemn
" he deposited his precious burden upon a little
table in front of Madam and Joined his fel-
lows. drawn up in two rows either side.
They all wore fancy costumes. Philips surprise
for his mother. He had shown skill in his Sc
lection. Julie was a vivandiere her stealthy hus-
band, bandit; the meek Dolan. the shepherd
Chocolatiere.
1t was pretty scene the gay figures grouped
against the background Of greenery. Madam
was as happy as a child. But one anxiety
marred the joy of the moment The fear lest
her favorites might not secure the prizes hid
den in the cake! This last a masterpiece
II had occupied NOrahs thoughts for days past
II was a gigantic pink heart, the depression
at the top graced with large bow in pink
candy. l saw at once that Claude's pocket
pincushion-probably Norah's gift-had been
taken for d model. Compliments were show
cred upon the happy cook, who beamed with
triumphant satisfaction
No candles burned around the cake For
some reason Madam would not have them.
| She said she feared them. Philip and Randall
lifted the salver. and, stepping UP the plat
form held it across Nadann's lap. while holding
the knife with difficulty in her crippled hands.
she made a slight incision. Il want Athena to
divide it." she said. Cut it, dear child and give
it to my people"
As 1 obeyed. Randall stepped forward
My friends he began Il hope you admire
as much as do the great good sense Madam
has shown in her selection of the ittest to
divide this cake, Pray observe the skill and
dexterity exhibited by Miss Dean in making
lasting impression upon the large heart
| PROSTATE before her only long practice in
| the cutting UP and Iacerating of hearts could
give her such deftness and precision Of touchI
My own organ''-clasping both hands on his
silken waistCoat-"which Miss Dean has al
! ready made mincemeat of. aches in sympathy
with the one she is calmly slicing." The bash
full DOlan here gave vent to a loud guffaw, to
his own and his companions distress L have
a sweet vengeance in prospect" continued Ran
| daL elated by this applause-he had drunk far
! too much champagne. Tonight that cruel
/ young lady viii repose in new bed. the posts
of which, after the fashion of girls. she will
/ name, and the name of which she dreams viii
be that Of the happy man. But to every post
/ I'll hang my card, SOL
| Mr.. Erranti pushed him gently aside
MY mother wishes you 10 know that in the
cake there are three prizes-a gold ring q gold
| horseshoe and a gold piece"
| The latter worth ten dollars struck in the
! irrepressible RandaI Going. going. going!
| Ladies and gentlemen Love good luck and
! the promise of wealth, Who will have a try?
| Whoever finds the ring Will shortly be united
| to the beloved of his-or her-heartI The horse
! shoe as we all know brings good luck AS for
| the ten-doIar gold piece-weH, I guess all
have a use for such a fnd."-a litter of delighted
! amusement from the servants-'I mean to have
! three pieces SOS to he sure 10 get something.
! Miss Dean says I may have hers
| NO. no. cried Madam. much disturbed. You
| can't have more than your share. Randall
! want Athena TO keep her own"
He's only joking. mamau,r said Philip,
soothtngly.
I don't know" grumbled Madam; he seems
( a greedy fellow
To prevent further discussion. I told Claude
I 10 distribute plates. while I followed with the
/ cake. I was careful that after every one had
/ a slice none should be left. and had cut it TO
that end. Like Madam, found I was devoured
by anxiety lest the prizes should 20 wrong. 1t
was with sharp pang Of regret that I saw
Ellen. the sly housemaid draw the gold piece
from her slice. Next I feared that I might be
unlucky enough 10 get something; but Claude
found the horseshoe, which he gaIantly pre-
sented to Norah, and Dolan. d notorious woman
( hater, got the ring, Loud was the laughter and
many the jests when this happened Randall at
/ once offered 10 propose for him. III case he had
not courage. The ring must be used. While
/ this nonsense was going on Madam begged me
/ to grant her one more favor Julie. she said
had told her could dance the minuet- Would
I dance it for her this. her birthnight,
Philip will be thy partner
! I could not plead forgetfUlness although I
had not danced since I was thirteen. 7 have
a retentive memory I did not like to refuse
her. So the servants ranged themselves on
either side of the spacious hail. the musicians
played the oldttrne measure. and Philip and
went through with the stately dance Philip
was grace itself. His splendid costume set or
his dark beauty to the greatest advantage
Never had belle a more gallant cavalier.
could not wonder at the hum OF admiration
that came from the little group Of spectators
when. the dance over. he led me before his
mothers dais and bowed low But Madam.
strangely enough, had only praise for me.