New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-20

XII
was UP betimes the next morning. bright
fair morning after the storm. The river, blue
and gay in the early morning sunshine. danced
merrily. The tree tops rustled fresh and green.
1t was as If the storm of the night with its at
tendant horrors, had been but a dream. I en-
joyed the feeling of homely ease and comfort
that the day brought.
On my table lay the last volume borrowed
from the Hbrary-a richly but gravely bound
little book: Locks Essay on the Conduct Of
the Understanding" This, I had hoped might
benefit my understanding, together with the
Essays by Francis Bacon-Baron Verularn Wis
count St. Alban, and Lord High Chancellor of
England-which We're in the same book The
two wise men, Locke and Bacon. hunting in
couples. as it were! It occurred to me that Mr.
Erranti might object to my reading his books.
This thought worried me. and picking up the
little book-so light to carry, so heavy to read
l ran down stairs and into the library never
dreaming I should find it occupied. 7 was the
one early riser in Highgrove Hall. In the win
dow stood its owner and Claude.
Claude was talking earnestly. He had the air
Of a person engaged in the performance OF q
solemn duty. His very apron seemed to say.
1T is our duty. and we will" He emphasized
his remarks with the large feather buster. which
he always carried in the morning
1
you" said the duster. but hear it you shall"
Mr.. Erranti. handsoner than ever in his suit
Of spouess white duck, stood listening with an
air Of patient submission Claude was, when
once embarked on the food Of his own elo-
quence, not to be stopped easily; but when I
entered he ceased abruptly, looking so caught
and conscious that I knew was the subject Of
his discourse. On the stage Claude would have
made an excellent conspirator; the youngest
dulest boy in the most distant part Of the house
would have known from the expression that he
was conspiring.
Mr.. Erranu, an amused smile lurking about
the corners of his mouth, came forward TO meet
me. The guilty Claude beat a hasty retreat
Il hope you feel none the worse for the ia
tigue of last night Miss Dean" said my en-
poyer, kindly MOP I am very glad. You
don't look tired, but like the morning itself-so
fresh and bright and fair!'
explained my errand to the library
"Ah"-taking the book from my hand and
glancing at the title-''you like these Essays?"
No said. simply. II find them wearisone"
''Then-if I may ask-why read them
1 thought the question absurd. ITO improve
my mind"
You are fond of reading. Miss Dean?"
No" and I sighed ashamed that I had to
give such answer.
Only Of novels, perhaps?"
I shook my head. u like to listen to reading
and remembering my duties as companion 4
don't mind reading aloud"
Mr.. Erranti looked at me curiousy.
When you do feel inclined TO improve your
mind, as you are pleased to call i'll doubt very
much if there is any room for improvement my
SELF q bowed)-"pray remember that my small
collection is quite at your disposal"
thanked him and turned 10 go, but begging
me to remain for a moment, he placed a chair
for me and seated himself opposite For an in
slant thought / was TO be scolded. then I saw
that the dark face wore very friendly express
sion. II was a very remarkably handsome face,
in spite Of the two fun lips. as Randall had said;
with something odd and foreign looking about it
and the man. Mr. Erranti used a few gest-
ures when talking. and his face was-alrnost
always-as eXpressionless as a mask. yet 7 knew
instinctively that il he let himself go both face
and hands would tell his thoughts plainly TO all
the world. His a cultivated composure. and
/ because I really cold, slow thinking and
calm. recognized IT as such
Il wish to apologize 10 you. Miss Dean" he
began, for the burden laid upon you last night.
When learned from Raffarty that all care and
responsibility had been thrown upon you. I was
very angry. It is jules business 10 look after
Madame Erranti when she is suffering. have
duties again"
she badly frightened by the storm"
said. gently She lost her head, poor thing"
And you. Miss Dean. you were not fright
ened?"