New-York tribune., 1903-08-24

Erect and naughty at the head Of the table I
sat silent ignoring both speech and man. Some
thing in his manner grated upon me far more
than foolish compliments warranted. These,
born of his Italian blood meant nothing; but his
way of looking at me. In vain [ strove to
understand my resentment. but it remained. I
rose from the table. thankful the meal was
over
Come into the library and let me make peace
with you, Athena" said Philip, holding out his
hand "I can't be happy when you are dis
pleased"
Because of Madam I kept silence and so grew
the more angry.
Even If you are vexed Athena, you naughty
child"-laying his slender brown hand upon my
arm-"you won't refuse to let me discharge my
debt toward you, SURELY
There lurked amusement in the wouldbe
humble tones; his touch caress. My
flowing sleeve left my arm bare and the re-
membrance of Madam vanished when her son
forgot himself I looked at him 7 felt. I did
not speak. There need.
Il beg your pardon he said and he released
me. as angry as l.
a long silence followed, which was at last
broken by Philip. He again asked me into the
library but his voice was coldly businesslike I
went without word. satisfied by his change of
manner and took the chair he offered me be-
side his desk. When he drew out his check
book I spoke, begging him to make the check
out payable to Mrs. Cornela de Rohan Spuyten
-$40-and asked for the remainder in ready
money. He nodded stifiy. wrote the check and.
taking a thick roll of bills from his pocket. Sc
lected one laid it the slip Of paper. and
pushed it toward me. Then l realized as T
cOolly picked up the money. that 7 had dreaded
the payment Of my salary. Anger had chased
oil iSb
Philip watched me with air of sullen gloom.
until. remembering my manners. thanked him
when his expression changed to one of great
kindness.
My dear" he said, leaning across his desk.
you make me feel ashamed You are wretched-
" underpaid for your really tnestIna bic services
No. don't speak until ] have confessed Do
YOU housekeeping into the softest whisper
II haven't the faintest idea what you ought
10 receive, Have you?"
shook nv head No" I said 7 know
nothing about such positions mine, only
am sure you give me more than have really
earned, Mr.. Errantt"
Nonsense, arrant nonsense Athena, don't
know how we managed to live at all before you
came. I wanted q housekeepeT. but when
maman asked for a companion. I thought it
but one OF her uomentary whirls. I told Julie
to attend 70 the matter, and gave it no fur
ther thought till coming home, | tound-you!
I wonder your friends and relations didn't
make better arrangements for you
MY few friends" I said. sadly, are simple
folk. as ignorant of money matters as I. have
no near relations, only one cousin. not an agree
able person. She. also. dislikes me
Then YOU are quite alone in the world -
Philips voice sounded as II ne hoped might be.
I looked ar him in astonishmert but his hand
some face was masklike, expressing nothing.
Quite alone" I said.
Well you shall have all the money you want,
at anv rate God knows I don't lick that. II
other good things are denied me, Here, child"
and nv strange employer tossed the fat roll
of bills into my Iap-"put IL in your pocket. and
when YOU want more come 70 me l ask no
greater happiness than to he your banker-the
more YOU ask at my hands the better pleased
shall be- if onlv you viii be-kind Athena"
I was at my wits end Mechanically I re-
placed the money the desk Madam had
satd that Philip was always kind. but some
times-odd, Did odd mean daft? Had he. as
the Scotch say a bee in his bonnet? His be-
havior pointed that way. Or. since Madam had
said that he looked upon me as a niece. did he