New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-05
XVII.

lHdI last Ody IN OCTOBER was fTlQdS-d lONeIy
day; not cold but with just enough frost in the
air to give il crispness. The morning ride had
been heightened out until Philip nearly lost HIS
train. yet it had been all too short for
Its pity you must pass this perfect day IN
town. said he lifted me from my saddle.
II may be able to finish work in a couple of
hours. child. If So I shall return al once. The
question now is, Shall 1 catch this train?'' and,
laughing. he hurried away
Madam too much absorbed in the finish
ing of a gown for me to care about the
glory outside. Julie and Mathilde. harried by
their taskmistress, worked with such will that
at noon they drew out the last basting thread,
with loud signs of relief.
'Vite, ma BELIEF cried Madam. Il die with
anxiety to see thee in it. Julie Mathilde. assist
Madamoiselel vite, wife. viter'
1t was pretty gown of white serge trimmed
about throat and waist with swan's-down. The
cut was severe and a long cloak OF the same
serge-wth a great hood like nun's-was made
to go with IT, The moment put It on Madam
vowed she would go for an airing. and I must
walk beside her in my apparel. When we
returned to the house she went TO her room,
while I, my morning duties over, sat down on
the veranda steps to enjoy the sunshine had
hardly done before saw some one running
toward me up the avenue. 1t proved to be
nephew of surly Pats. a hobble-de-hoy of if-
teen. who filled the old mans place at the lodge
on the rare occasions Of his absence. He came
up at a steady trot. and jerking the brim Of
his cap in salutation, said:
- lady and gentleman at the gate to see you,
miss. They SEE will you hurry. please"
Without waiting for an answer he turned and
skurried away rapidly as he had come
Wondering who my visitors could be, walked
Nrrc Govrxv I'M
possible. Since acknowledging my last check
she had made no sign. Suddenly thought of
nv Long Island friends the welborns. Had
they come up to town for few days sightseeing
and remembered me? This pleasant idea turned
my walk into a run, and bitter indeed was my
disappointment when. upon passing through the
gates into the high road. was confronted by
Mr.. Won sc9lange.
His hashy turnout. high buggy drawn by
two SLOWLY harnessed bays. was drawn up
across the wide curve made by the gates with
their thanking walls and pillars. Surly Pats
nephew stood by the horses heads. In the
buggy the top of which was thrown back sat a
little fair-haired woman, in the gayest OF cos
tunes. Altogether this group. which met my
eyes as I emerged from between the great pill
lars of the gateway. astonished ne as much as
might a cage of wild beasts introduced
ornament IN MaOdIHS IOOii StoiCNs "ANLA'NN
remembering to bow. for full minute; then
bent my head slowly and coldly in acknowledge
ment of their unwelcome presence. and stood
waiting to learn their errand.
The little person in the wagon was very
pretty and might have been still more so had
her silks and velvets and immense cart wheel
hat-a style much in vogue that year-been Of a
less aggressive shade of blue. Her cheeks were
very pink her hair very yellow-a gay little fig
ure in the brilliant sunshine of high noon, She
returned my perhaps too steady gaze defiantly.
yet seemed i'll at ease biting her lips or screw
ing them into different shapes I saw that she
was not a gentlewoman- Won Schlange stood
dividing his glances between his companion and
me- watching us with undisguised amusement.
but giving no sign of having sent purposely for
me wearying Of my strange position. said
icily:
Il see there has been mistake in the deliver
ing of your message to me. Mr.. Won Schlange.
II was probably intended for Mr. Erranti- l
will let him know that you were here
bowed including the woman in my salute.
and turned to re-enter the gate but Mr.. Won
Schlange had found his tongue
"One moment"-his tones were silky-"no mis-
take has been made. II was you. and you only,
beautiful Naturalization I wished 10 see.
had longing to bring about meeting between
the Past-and Present. Both charning-yet how
different in face figure snd-manner! My sole
wonder is that man who has taste enough TO
admire both styles
"Oh. do he quiet, Won Schlange." the little
woman cried out, sharply. Il half believe
you've fooled me. after all"
That 1 might and hear better. pushed
back the heavy cowl that hung about my face
1t slipped off my braids. falling around my