New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-06
The House on the Hudson.
Continued from first page.

that FRANCOIS had the key. When 1 rang for
him and asked for 1t. he vowed he had mlslaiu
&, Pretending despair over his carelessness, he
ov-arvhelrnad himself with bitter denunciations'
"A mig, An imbeciler he cried. hinging out
his arms Il detest myself for my stupidity!
Wait dear Mademoisele. Till Monsieur returns
Monsieur has duplicate keys of everything, as
Mademoiselle knows. See. it is already D
o'clock At Monsieur returns. But one little
hour waltz
Since FRANCOIS refused me knew there would
be the same result If l applied to surly Fat
"one little hourt" as Francois had said After a
month of waiting surely 1 might endure that
long But at there came only a telegram
Philip would return at 8. bringing a party OF
friends I schooled myself to wait quietly until
then. endeavoring to follow the routine OF Nv
ing as usual After all. ! might only he mag
lining Giants OF Despair. Philip might have good
news for meat last.
The dinner does not please MademoiseiieE
l was at table, but could not eat.
IAN excellent dinner. FRANCOIS"
a spoonful OF soup! morsel Of bread! And
Mademoisene says the dinner peases! But that
is impossible" He flung out both hands in
gesture Of disapproval and despair.
Il am not hungry, FRANCOIS"
Ard Monsieur? What shall / say when he
inquiries Every evening IL Il. Did Mile. Dero-
han eat a good luncheon. FRANCOIS" OF late 1t
is always. No. Monsieur that must sag.
Monsieur then grows angry. He swears am
fool a pig OF a Frenchman! That | viii do we'll
TO select menu more to Mademoiselles taste
else. he viii do HARM
Il will tell Monsieur that the fault is with my
lack of appetite. FRANCOIS.
He shook his head, unappeased.
An angry mammals, que voulez-vous? He is
enraged. /. FRANCOIS, am near VOLTA tout"'
At o'clock 1 heard come stamping the
snow from his boots the veranda steps. Look
ing from MaGam's private door / saw FRANCOIS
admit RanGal St John. Madam babe
terrain him until Philip cane home. She
tired and wished go to bed. I would gladly
! have avoided seeing him. but Madam not
10 be disobeyed. / went TO meet him along the
veranda. through whose glass wall / could see
the whitened avenue and the swirl Of descend
ing snowiskes. Randall was covered with snow.
and l approached nearer. stepping softly on
the thick rugs under the palm trees. 1 thought
his face rivaled it in whiteness. Francoiss
| shifty eyes saw me first As he helped Randall
| remove his coat he whispered something eau
| tiously Randall started. looked up hastily.
| Our eyes met. The expression in his startled
me. Was it-fear: Then he smiled advancing
20 greet me with outstretched hand, but his eyes
| avoided mine.
MAY 1 speak 10 you alone Miss Derohan?
| have come on purpose through all this storm
Without a word / led him toward the library,
| but stoppins me with gesture Of dissent We
turned into the drawing room. This room. with
| its rouge ct noir' table. was in readiness for
| Philip and his guests. fire glowed in the
| CRATE. and many lamps were lighted. 1 mo-
toned Randall 20 be seated. had no words at
my command. His expression told me the nat
| ure Of his errand. He did sit down, and l.
| standing by the green table. laid my hand on it
| for support. What cruel turn was Fortune about
10 play me in the awful game OF chance called
Life?
a long silence fell between It seemed i'm
possible for the pale young man standing facing
ne to speak He moistened his dry lips in vain.
In the midst OF my own agony felt pity for
| him. made a great effort, and broke the silence
myself.
Il am sorry you must go through this for me.
You bring bad news of-your oousin?'
Yes"
His face was s.hen his lips twitched. his
| eyes wandered everywhere. avoiding mine
waited. A long moment dragged slowly past
| l could endure longer. I begged him to tell
| all
Don't keep me in suspense" l pleaded II am
strong-I bear anything save that. He is
III? He is-dead? Oh. for GODS sake. speak,
There has been an accident Again ne
moistened his lips. He spoke hoarsely, as II
| his throat too. were dry Il guessed long ego
Miss Derohan. how things between-be-
/ tween my-my cousin and you. I thought YOU
| ought be told. Erranti refused-said must
| do IT, / only knew two weeks ago-only became
| sure then. mean A cable announced II early
in the month. Good God. Don't look at me like
| that
| He covered his eyes with his hand.
l Don't torture ne-he Is desd?'