New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-23

summer morning long ago.
Tomorrow is my birthday, Randalr'-she
spoke with childish glee-"and all the world will
do my bidding! have asked much of Philip
and to all he said yes. yes, yes"' She clapped
her hands
"Of course" said Randall who wouldn't? /
always obey you because I'm so awfuliy fond of
you. dear Madam" smiling sweetIy as he spoke
Go away, Athena, for moment would
speak alone with Randall"
You see.' said Randall. as I turned to obey,
Il have cut you out, Miss Deanr'
/ walked to the end of the veranda Some
thing was coming up the avenue-a large fur
niture van l hurried back to Madam: the
sound of wheels on the avenue always alarmed
her. To my surprise she still gay.
What is coming. belle? A carriage with
boxes a truck with furniture?" She broke
into little mischievoUs laugh at the surprise
in my face. You too must promise, like Ran
dal here, to do as I wish tomorrow. Win YOU
my Athena?
With all my heart. dear Madame" / said
quickly, but rather sadly; IF only had some
thing besides my obedience to ofTer!"
She stretched out both hands to me- and
drawing me to her, kissed me fondly
Dear child" she murmured: dear lovely
child! Thou hast already given much Thy
sweet, ungrudging service. thy gentle compan-
ionship. I want nothing more. Only remain
ever with me, Athena"
She spoke in French. Randall watched US
curiously. Madam. releasing me, saw mis- ex-
preston.
Philip says. Randall that he feels as If
Athena were some lovely young niece. or cousin,
come 10 brighten quiet home He thinks we
should do our best TO make her happy and con-
tented" Folding her hands IN her lap she
leaned back, with childish air of Importance
d. 1ol
with eyes cast down. "Oh. very right indeed"
Athena, go with Julie to my room, and
member, you have promised obedence No, no.
the other way"-I had turned toward the front
Of the house-"through the door which leads
into my room past jules from the veranda.
Misunderstanding graciously-"win you take
charge of me? Won't you. Randall"
Gladly" was the ready answer; but Mr. st.
John looked seriously alarmed as he watched US
depart
In Madam's room q strange woman was open
/ ing two large paper boxes and spreading their
contents upon the bed.
Here is Mademoselle,' announced Julie, as
entered; then, turning to me. THE person sent
| to try the new evening gown, Mademaiselle."
! I bowed. and asked explanation, Julie
| GROSSLY snapped out few i'll humored words
about Madame's Jour de fete' toilette extraor
dinairew "sortie du BAL" until I stopped her.
none the wiser, but not caring to hear more.
This is the dress ordered" said the woman.
| taking up of exquisite white brocade and
holding it for to admire.
It was indeed very beaut3fui-spfefldfd efso5lssi
for a princess-far too magnificent for me.
Through the fabric a wonderful pattern Of
lilies, each flower delicatey outlined by thread
Of silver that, catching the light added to the
simmer of the stuff. The silk was so soft, a
fold could be gathered and crushed into a ball
without wrinkling, yet rich 1t could stand
alone. The gown was fashioned simply as the
material required. fall of rich lace trimmed
the low corsage and served apology for
sleeves. jules i'll humor melted away she
dressed me. Fine clothes to her were rapture
"Ah, heaven" she cried, in ecstasy, but that is
beautiful
1 stood before one of Madam's long mirrors
and looked at myself earnestly. I had never
worn ball gown, and myself for the first
time with arms and shoulders bare. I thought
of my mother, and my eyes filed with a sudden
rush of tears. Had she lived, what might not
this gay attire have meant to happy
home, my mothers tender prde-while now! 1
turned from the mirror, sick at heart. What to
me was the costly hnery worn to crafty the
within Of kind but strange old lady?
'AIademoiselIe is not pleased?' broke in the
anxious voice Of 1.-THE dressmaker. But the fit
is perfect! Perhaps the brocade does not suit"
Yes" said Julie, authoritativey, 1.-The fit is
perfect 1 saw myself to the measurements
sent The material suits Mademoiselle mer-
veille!"
Monsieur Erranti' went the other French
woman was indeed particular The pattern
must be of lilies he would have no other. And
no time given us-a few days only! To speak
truth. we were allowed to set price
one must pay well to be served so quickly. 1
hope MademoiseIe is pleased
"A great success" I said, sorry for the
ans distress.
"One moment" she cried, beaming with salts
faction "the evening wrap-behold it,! And she
sIipped over my shoulders mantle of the same
brocade, fringed with silver.
This. too, I praised. rejecting that if I was
uncomfortable there was reason others
sbould he The woman then measured me, say
ing she would hope for further orders. l did
not tell her that this must never be. but went
AT once in search of Madam. who had, Julie
said mounted to the second story. Owing to her
unoatisn Madam never went upstairs, and
wondered what could have taken her there. l
found her seated on a divan in the upper hall.
Randall lounging beside her. Scattered about
the floor was a quantity of Irvine and paper
showing that unpacking had been going on.
From behind the closed door Of the Blue Room
came the sound as of many people at work.
and against the opposite wall was pushed the
furniture of that room. Madam watched my
evident surprise with pleasure, Ranoal Win d
curiosity he strove vainly to hide.
9Th bien tres chere," cried Madam, you find
rs busv yes? We are making changes, great
changes in our new home-and all for you,
mignonne! Sit down beside me"-pattins the
divan with her poor. swollen hand-"and Ran
dal and will tell you what is doing TO please