New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-18

turned and looked at him, and his eyes
met mine, he dropped the braid he held as If it
were a snake. 1 resumed my former rapid pace.
yet she came TO meet mer' in plaintive So
liloquy. following closely at my heels; and now
I venture merely to touch one of the rays of
sunshine hanging down her graceful back and
she turns into a Medusa I'm very hot. and I'm
not at all strong, yet I have to walk if the
thermometer were below Zero and circulation
had to be promoted at any cost Miss Dean
sweet Miss Dean-gentle spirit-stayr'
We had arrived at the house. Madame was
not in her room. 1 went on to the garden.
Randall walking beside me.
Are you mad yet?" he inquired smiling at
me overwhelmingly.
NO" said. calmly; 81 suppose,you can't help
your nature"
His innocent blue eyes had an odd expression
as they scanned my face.
Madame sent me for you." continued. "She
is not very well to-day"
And am to soothe her troubled mind sup
pose. To please you will try"
L made no answer. but entered the garden
This was large and exquisitey neat. a charming
place. set in a frame OF greenery. Above it's
walls waved the trees of the encrcling wood
land. and the walls themselves were hidden be-
meath the vines and fruit trees that they upheld
In its centre giant basin of stone circled by
white trunked birch trees. was filled to the brim
with bubbling spring of limpid water, in whose
cool shadows goldfish darted gayly. Under the
birch trees were rustic benches a pleasant loung-
ing place in hot weather. and here we found
Madame in her wheeled chair
You have been gone very long time" she
cried as we drew near. "a very long time in
deed! Well. sir" to Randall who lifted her
hand to his lips as he greeted her. well, sir.
w a haXr
you inger on the road, mauvais sujet?"
1T was cool in the woods dear Madame, "a
swift side glance at me; I'VE could not hurry
back into the heat. How sweet you look with
that rose in your hair! May have it by and
by to keep a souvenir
1T is not in my hair but in my cap" said
Madame. peevishly, land If you stayed long in
the woods you stayed alone. You had best
speak the truth to me. People try to deceive me
IN vain Miss Dean never tries. that is why
love her. love her dearly"
80 do l." murmured Randall; you and al
ways agreed, dear Madame"
Julie was standing behind her mistress, her
hands on the pushing bar of the chair At this
moment she jerked 1t suddenly by accident I
supposed. Not so thought Madame. but turned
fercely upon her maid. her eyes bright with
anger
shrieked; 'go to the servants hall and scratch
your equals. What. you stand listening behind
backs TO discover secrets! Eavesdropper
Jealous fool. begoneP'
Julie. her usually impassive face distorted
with anger, darted away and vanished through
the gate.
I'm tired OF it here Randall" said Madame:
call Dolan. and go with me down the avenue"
Dolan. sad faced young Irishman. came
hastily at the summons and we were soon in
the cool shade OF the avenue. less melancholy
on sunny summer mornings than at other tunes.
Athena is quiet" complained the older
lady; "she never talks at all"
she is a sphinx-and a Medusa." said Ran
DIAL. smiling across Madam's head at me.
she is very beautiful girl, but old Pat
doesn't like her. hate old Pat. but he keeps
the gate locked tight and FAST so they can't get
in, even II they try"
who can't get in?" asked Randall. curiously.
You are a rude. inqusitive young man." was
the reply; send him home. Athena. I'm tired Of
him."
"Oh, you're not" said Randall. gently:
I'm going to be very attractive and entertain
ing. I want to see old Pat"
When we arrived at the gatehouse we saw its
custodian cutting grass his tiny lawn; but
pretending not to see US. ne fastened around
the COlhSI Oh the rouge ana disappeared.
do you hear wheels?'' asked Madam. She
looked scared. Ne all listened. There was
nothing to be heard.
"Patr' shouted Randall will you come and
see Madam. or must come and fetch your
Dolan chuckled as old Pat slowly limped into
sight. and. grufiy saluting his mistress. stood
awaiting orders. He was a surly sour-faced
man; a very Cerberus.
Yes" said Madam. speaking to herself, and
quite unaware that she was overheard he is
a dreadful old man! A gatekeeper for the devilI
I am sure he will go to hell by and by The
devil will find him useful! Then. very gra-
ciously. and as If speaking for the first time,
How do you do. good Patrick? You look faith
full and true. Keep the gate carefully. good
Patrick and will come again to see you.
Home. Dolan home! Goodby. good old man."
again TO herself IAN evil old ruflan I hate
the sight of him! Hurry. Dolan hurry" turn
ing to the man, II want to get home"
The subject of this strange speech scowled
angrily after Randall and Dolan had, during
the interview. been at pains to conceal their
thus adding to Pats discontinue
was sorry for him; but in my sympathy
stood alone.
We had reached the stables on our way home
when Madam suddenly called halt.
"Dolan." she said. II must go back. 1 forgot
to give old Pat orders 10 admit no one"
Sure you told him that same when we was
there" demonstrated Dolan. unwilling to re-
trace his steps
II want to say to him." continued the old
lady, as If Dolan had not spoken, Patrick. In
ease ladies come to call. say to them very re-
spectfully. Madam Erranti regrets that the deli
cate state OF her health prevents her receiving
visitors Hurry back. Dolan. People may come
before can tell him. Hurry. I say"
But Dolan obdurate Best go home
he said. comfortably, "it's getting tow