New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-08

them, however. Tney were TOO sharp for me
They took them. and. afraid to keep them. put
them back The nicked emerald, the clew need
ed. was not to be found 1 sent them packing
more 1 couldn't do. They went to Australia.
believe"
Had become the confederate OF criminals
felt so. because OF my promise given Julie.
AS for the emerald In Philips stietto. that must
be but a chance resemblance-one Of the odd
doubles of which the world is full
Because the brooch IS gone you look de-
pressed as IL I'd lost the whole collection.
Athena, Come. my dear. there plenty left
for you to shine in! The Ebbrides diamonds
being reset for you. too. I attended 10 that be-
fore sailed. Now. upstairs and pack your
things. i expect shall grow very fond OF you
in time-run along and get ready"
May I ask" said icy voice behind him.
If Mr.. Percy has done well to leave his bed?
1t is taking a great risk in this cold weather
for III man.
1t Philip. He had entered unseen. How
much OF the foregoing conversation he had
heard I could not know. but enough To rouse
his anger. Even his lips were ashen. and the
steely glitter In his eyes augured Ill for Lord
Ebbrides To my surprise he angry. ap-
parently. Philip. The two men faced each
other like furious wild beasts about spring
at each others threats. I stepped quickly for
self between them.
What lovely lilies Philip" He held a sheaf
OF caIlas one arm. You got them in Drone-
TONI
He gave them to me without a word. Lord
Ebbrides had his entire attention
Go upstairs. Athena. and get ready" said
Lord Eb5rides. turning to II will explain
to Mr.. Erranti all that Is necessary he should
know. Go. my dear"
Philip. his face set like iron. moved between
me and the door. 1 was annoyed that Lord Eb-
brides persisted In misunderstanding me. that
he forced me to speak my mind before Philip.
Yet 1t had to he.
Lord Ebbrides-" l began.
"Ah, Lord Ebbrides," interrupted Philip. Il
understood it was Mr.. Percy whom had the
honor to entertain beneath my poor roof He
laughed contenptuously. as in disdain OF the
deceit practiced.
You quite right" said his guest codly.
1T Is honor have done you. have paid we'll
for my entertainment. you call it. paid to
the tune OF a thousand pounds"
"oh hush prayI' L entreated- of what use
to quarrel? The money is gone. Lord Eb-
brides"
Eyes. into his pocket" muttered the noble
man.
Remember. Philip continued. you are in
your own heuser'
II begin to doubt it, he said fercely.
Pray let me speak" 1 begged. There has
been a mistake. l sure. Lord Ebbrides,
must say goodbyi 1 thank you for all you have
wished to do for me. Please leave here at once.
and forget Athena Derohan." L held out my
hand-I felt I must be civil enough to shake
hands with him-and said to Philip. Please
order trap to take Lord Ebbrides to his train
A flush OF pleasure swept the pallor from Phil
~,
brides. but his voice quite gentle he
said:
You hear Miss Derohan's decision. SIR. She
remains with me-"
she shall do no such thing said Lord Eb-
brides. holly. DO you know what this man is.
Athena. under whose roof you are mad enough
to wish to stay? A common adventurer. the
keeper of a gambling hell
You IieT cried Philip. iercely- Don't listen
to him. Athena
IT am your fathers chosen friend-I his
closest friend. 1 claim the right. such. to re-
move you from this mans influence" said Lord
Ebbrdes.
He spoke loudly. his face purple with fury
his fists clenched. He was unaccustomed to be-
ing thwarted. His words stung me to wrath.
How dared he aIlude to his past friendship
past disloyalty. rather-for my father? 1 felt
I had endured his hated presence. his insulting
overtures too long. Holding the flowers of
peace. the white lilies close to my angry heart.
I looked from under frowning brows straight
into his eyes and declared war.
Were so base" said sternly. as to forget
the past and take favors from your hand. every
good man and woman would have the right to
shun me-"
Lord Ebbrides, putting out shaking hand.
clutched the back OF the chair "a II in need Of
support. while the purple tint Of anger fading
slowly from his face left it livid and hasgard.
The effect OF my words startled me. but would
not spare him.
Mr. Erranti," I went on, was really my
fathers friend loving him in his poverty. not.
like you. deserving him because OF it
strange look Of relief came over Lord
Ebbrides's face. The color crept back When
I finished speaking he laughed contemptuously.
If a little shakily and said. pointing unsteady
finger at Philip:
That mountebank friend OF Charles De- |
rohan's? What damned rubbish A trumped +,
up tale to fool you with, \ pack OF lies to rouse
your gratitude to the pitch Of marrying him! |
You always a dullard-have you become a !
fool? I suppose with bitter irony-"you don't /
see that the mans IN love with you? En-? Per |
haps that unpleasantly plain fact remains Sc
cret to your blind eyes perhaps
Philip rang the bell sharply
Enough of thisr' he cried. Il shall not allow 1
Miss Derohan to be annoyed further. At noon /
a train leaves for New-Yorb You'll be kind /
enough to take it, Lord Ebbrides. As for your /
money. which you insinuate l have stolen. It /
shall be returned to yOu-by check-when you |
leave" Francois appearing Philip broke or to |
give him his orders. then continued: Had
been so insulted by any other man should take
III, -.