New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-31

BY FRANCES POWELL.
copyright. 1903. by cnarle. scriDuer.. sou.3

Il won't tell Uncle Beverley. II you really pre-
fer not"
And said. hastily. we can decide other
matters later-next Sunday. Dick
To this he agreed. though not with good
grace and at once began nay choice OF a
betrothal ring. / wanted Nemesis-or nothing.
He was not pleased. objected strongly. vet would
give me no reason for his dislike Of the idea.
We both knew RandaTs retaining possession OF
the ring was but question of time. till the
news OF his gambling should reach Mr.. Beverley.
We also felt Mr.. Beverley would wish me
to have Nemesis, since she had been my
mothers. So. it seemed to me. Dick had no real
reason for Directing When I pressed him too
hard he bluntly said his reason was an excellent
one. but should never know it. His manner
was stern. and let the matter drop. only say
ing TO other ring would suit me.
You may given me some other trinket. II you
wish, in token OF our engagement" I added.
something that all the time"
This pleased him.
We had been too much absorbed in each other
to notice any change in the weather or 10 see
that the gloom about US was deepening every
moment. The trees shut US in on all sides. their
interlacing bOughs making even the heavens
invisible Sc did not see the great black
cloud that climbed suIkily out OF the west. eat
ing up, as it grew and grew. blue sky. sunshine.
and finally the big. bright sun itself. A fercs
glare OF lightning followed by clap OF thunder
was our first warning OF the storm
Madam 1 cried. starting to my feet She
will be frightened. and I so far away! How
could forget her! I must hurry"
Wen make a dash for IT." said Dick.
Putting his arm around me he rushed mo
through the woods
Don't hurry So" he cried at last I few
along the path You'll hurt yourself. Athenat
1 didn't know any girl could run so fastr'
Before reached the house I ran stu faster.
The sound OF Madam's voice reached me- and
her wild scream stung like a whip. Without
a word Of farewell to Dick I hurried to her room.
She was half mad with terror AS she chung to
me. hiding her blanched face in my bosom.
could not forgive myself. In my selfish happi-
ness had forgotten my duty
The storm lasted some time. bursting out with
renewed violence when I thought it past. BY
evening the sky cleared. When Dick came IL
was as peaceful and radiant as IL there had been
storm. Madam babe me sit near her veranda
door, that she might hear our voices. though not
what We said The sound soothed her.
Mr.. Errand was the river with friends
when the storm broke" I remarked. They
came for him In a big yacht Just after luncheon.
Most seem to like him. Dick. go with
him. at any rate You never accept his invita-
tons to dinner-or to do anything"
Il detest him''-Dick lowered his voice-'I
won't eat his salt"
My father liked him. Don't you think YOU
little prejudiced. Dick?"
Dick, who had been Iouuging in an armchair.
now sat up very straight and stared at me
When did your father know him. pray. and
whereP'
In town, IN Wall Street No. don't think
that! I did: now am ashamed Philip loved
him-tried his best to prevent his speculatins-
Who told YOU all this Athena?'
Philip"
Indeed! I wonder If it's true"
Yes" I spoke with decision. What he has
said Of my father-and his ways-prove it TO be
true Why should he wish 10 deceive me? What
motive could poor Philip have for doing so un-
kind. unmanly thing?"
quite a biggish motive. Athena. The mans
in love with you. I do wish YOU wouldn't cal
him Philip I don't like it
Il have promised I'm sorry. since it dis
pleases you. He was good TO my father Try
to judge him fairly Dick"
I've been so jealous of him yet. Bad
habits are hard to break"
Jealous Of Philip I was incredulOus Yet
you think him not a gentleman. oh, Dick
MY dear Athena, can't you understand? His
being not quite up to the mark wouldn't count
with ninety-nine girls out OF a hundred! He's
COMPOUNDED handsome sings-with that wonder
full barytone Of his-as I didn't suppose any
man off the stage could sing. I say nothing OF
his millions. Athena-they wouldn't tempt you.
know But he's fascinating. in his disagree
able wayr'
laughed This last was too absurd
Not 10 me-" I said. soothingly. seeing Dick
was uncomfortable; and his feeling for me is
over Now I'm just the daughter OF an old
friend to him"
Stuff and nonsense said Dick. Grossly
AS he spoke detected the sound of some one
moving stealthily in the room behind us-mOv-
ing almost noiseIessly. but am said 20 hear the
grass grow. Rising swiftly. / looked in. Madam
lay asleep. Julie dozed in her chair 1t was
Cray who prowled within earshOt- He bowed
respectfully ne caught my eye, and whispered
hat he had come in search of Julie, but would
not disturb her. She had walked however. and
went with her husband into the little entry.
where they talked softly together
/ went back 10 the veTanda- Had Cray been
an eavesdropper?. Had he overheard dis
cussion Of Philip I hoped 7 had entered in
time TO prevent this but I could not be sure.
ITO be continuedD