New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-18

Philip carried me along the veranda-around the
corner OF the hOuse-tO the library window Il
was open. but the curtain drawn close TO con-
ceaI the IampHght- Still holding me he shut
and bolted the window after US. then. touching
my hair and shoulders. exclaimed:
LAS I supposed-wst through You must be
got to bed at once. Gomez
He spoke sternly. and half led half carried
me through the room and across the dimly
lighted hail. where the marble pilla-s-rows OF
shadowy ghOsts-seemed all staining tiptoe
to see the runaway pass.
had made no effort 70 escaPe-neither strug-
gled. cried for air. nor begged to be released
My mind. exhausted by unwouted effort. was
nearing collapse: but enough sense remained TO
tell me that. for the present. I-Ust submit.
Only the deadly fear OF losing cO-.sCtOL sness-
for odd stupOr was stealing upon me-pre-
vented my doing so. At the foot Of the stair
case when, grasping the balustrade. strOve 70
mount unaided. this sensation OF faintness be-
came intense that I reeled and must, hut for
Philip, have fallen. Again lifting me in his arms
he carried me up the stair. murmuring. as he
pressed me tenderly to him;
Foolish child. when viii you cease struggling
against your fate? Do you know what torture
you have inflicted upon me tonight? 1 swear 1t
shall never happen again-never. never
The sensual face Of the Venus above the land
ing seemed to CLEAN with smile OF triumph
as 1 was carried past Her heavy-hdded eyes
stared down upon me cOntemptuously. Fierce
hatred struck through my stupor like sword
I knew that my pallor, my stained garments.
my hair heavy with fog gave her vindictive
pIeasure-as 1 also knew suddenly that my
hatred Of this white Venus was old hatred.
an instinct born in me- a strange inheritance
Carrying me into my room Philip placed me in
an easy-chair close to the hearth. and kneeling
before me rekindIed the dying fire. Then turn
ing his attention to Mathiide. who still slept
heavily he took the carafe OF water from my
table and deliberately poured its contents full
on her face. With a cry Of terror she started
up staring about her with frightened. sleep
dulled eyes.
Don't you see that your mistress is wet you
fooI?'' shouted Philip. Get her dry things
bestir yourself"
obeyed: and her master. taking what she brought
from her fercely himself hung the things before
the fire
Dress your mistress while rouse Julie he
commanded She must take your place-youre
not TO be trusted"
/ Awake AT last MathiIde hurried me out OF my
bedraggled dressing gown into the lace-trinmed
teagown. and replaced my wet stockings with
dry cnes. Hardly had she accomplished This
when Philip was back again. entering without
the ceremony Of knocking. circumstance that.
penetrating 10 my almost torpid brain. restored
a fraction OF my will power. Striving 70 rouse
myself 1 fixed my eyes upon him as. leaning
his elbow on the chimney piece, he steadily re-
turned my. gaze. His expression was unpleasant
cold composed determined. his eyes alight
with cruel enjoyment Of his power, Of my fall
ure and his success. Unable to sustain his
glance my lids dropped-I looked AZ the nre
rather than at him He laughed
Leave the roorn." he said to Mathilde. who
was trying TO open the door Of my dressing room.
That door is bolted on the inside, you fool! II
can be opened later. Go downstairs: so % bed!
You're not wanted longer-go"'
I made an effort to rise and follow as she left
/ the room
| "Sit still. you silly child"
Laying his hand on my shoulder. he pushed me
back into my chair. AS he did so one Of my
braids slid against his fingers
Still damp" he exclaimed. impatiently
/ That woman IS too incompetent"
He went 20 the chinoniere rummaged through
/ It's drawers until he found my handkerchiefs.
and. putting them IN my lap for his better con-
venience. drew UP a chair and began 20 unbraid
my hair. preparatory 10 drying H.
mo. no" demonstrated, frOwnins. trying TO
/ draw the long braid from his grasp. don't
/ touch ne! I wish 70 be alone"
you'll take cold" said Philip. coolIy. Your
/ hair Is still wet from the fog. II you insist
upon INDUCING IN mad escapades you must take
the consequences"
IA he tried TO continue the self-inpOsed task
I caught his hand
Il was 20 have until tomorrow evening"
/ have YOUR prouise-I was TO be-to be unuo-
| lested-to be given time
7 spoke with difficulty. breathlessly.
/ Philip smiled
/ Because Of my promise am TO let you take
cold?'
/ Julie viii attend TO mel have your word.
/ Philip"
Yes. have treated you tenderly. Athena, ard
+ you have taken advantage OF this TO throw
dust in my eyes Women are all alike From
Eve 10 Athena Derohan. the very same" He
spoke scornfully. look OF thinly yelled con-
tempt in his eyes. Until little over an hour
I ago I was idiot enough TO imagine that you
/ were different. To believe you unlike other
women in your inability to act a lie. as in your
/ marvellous beauty Annoyed by the trumpet
I Ike shores OF MathIde. / came IN to guard the
slumber OF my angel from disturbance-and
s found her nest empty" He laughed. then said.
sneeringly. Found that my Pearl among women
! was as deceitful as her sisters-a pleasant dis
| covery. truly"
| Forgetting my hair. holding my hand firmly
( In both his he stared at with the severity
| OF Judge Iecturfng a culprit- HIS point OF
view. strange unaccountable- left me dumb.
How reason with such unreasOnr
..r,sa- -, IirrIa fool that I should