New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-13

where she IS be empIog ed.
From the time I was little child my beauty
had been constantly talked Of To my mother
good looks were of vital Importance. She re-
joiced daily over mine The gay people among
whom she lived discussed my points though
l had been a valuable colt. unable to under
stand. Later. my beauty was an added distress
to my father. who felt it needed rich setting
During childhood my good looks were my most
tiresome possession, and as put my bonnet
for my journey feared they might prove
unfortunate one. Because of them had failed
10 please the Spuytens. Mrs ETranti might
share their prejudices.
The day was depressing with drizzIing rain
and heavy mist. Gregson. who went with me 10
the station. bought my ticket and put me on
the train in low spirits With many apol-
ogies for the liberty, she gave me some good
advice as to the management of servants. Then,
handing me a letter and saying:
For YOU read when started-and may
Heaven bless you and keep you, my dear young
lady, and bring you to your again. she
ran away, and I knew she was crying.
had odd, breathless sensation when Greg
son left me- 1 suppose it was caused by fright.
L felt exactly as one does when swung too high.
l looked about me at my fellow passengers and
then at the note in my hand. and in a few mo-
ments recovered my breath and my composure.
An apparently unending succession Of tunnels
and startling flashes of daylight now and again
prevented my reading Mrs. Spuytens letter.
and even when we were once more in the open
put off breaking the seal The contents were
sure to be unpleasant.
1t was disappointment that rain and mist
blotted out the view. I had heard much Of the
majestic beauty of the Hudson. All 1 saw from
the car window was a stretch of gray water lap
ping muddy shore.
opened the letter. 1t ran thus:
My Dear Athena: After sincere prayers for
guidance, decide to overlook your obstinate
ingratitude Without thought of self l do my
duty as a true Christian. 1 have written to Mrs.
Erranti that Miss Augusta Dean will arrive at
Droneton at 10 this morning. The girls helped
in the selection of your future name 1t will
save changing the marking of your clothes
Gregson informs me that yours have richly
embroidered initials! We know no Deans. so
awkwardness will be avoided
Strive TO do your duty in the position to
which Providence has called you. with the voice
of His humblest instrument. Strive to overcome
your besetting SIM sullen pride. Strive to forget
the Ubiquitous years spent among gamblers and
reprobates. Under Mrs Errantis sober guild
ance, in a remote country house. you will
have time for meditation and prayer.
do not answer this. I have done all that is
possible to help you. Heaven helps those who
help themselves'-so spare me begging letters
Il send no messages to your employer
have not the pleasure Of her acquaintance, nor
do wish for it, under present circumstances
Your sincere we'll wisher.
'CORNELIA DE ROHAN SPUYTEN"
Friday morning"
I glanced at the envelope. II was addressed
TO Miss Augusta Dean"
Rigid with displeasure I reread the letter
hoping I had made a mistake; but no. I was
indeed introduced under this hateful name to
Mrs Erranti. In the first flush Of indignation
determined to explain Mrs Spuytens motive.
TO enter into full particulars. to tell my employer
the truth. A half hour of sober reflection taught
me this could not be done. Mrs. Spuyten
vouched tor me Augusta Dean, A stranger
might look upon me as an impostor If I called
myself by my own name. Then, without money,
what should I do? How obtain another situa-
ton? I decided to remain quiet to work very
hard TO pay Mrs. spuyten what I owed her.
After that-the deluge!
The car was disagreed bly, close. Because OF
the rain the windows couls not be opened;
only cinders seemed to filter through the venti-
lators. My long veil tugged at my bonnet
throat and shoulders The heat was intense.
A tired baby began to wall From it's various
disconforts the short journey grew tntermina-
ble but at last the brakeman shouted. 'Drone-
toni" Again feeling very breathless I drew my
veil across my face and. as Augusta Dean. left
the car.
A cOachman. in a heavy raincoat. stood on the
steps of the long station scanning each passen-
ger who left the train. A neat young woman
preceded me. The coachman stepped forward.
Miss Dean?" he asked, touching his hat.
mo, amt" replied the young woman. She
tossed her head and scurried away. The man
looked disappointed.
You are from Mrs. Erranti?" I said. stopping
beside him.
Yes. ma'am."
Sent to meet-Aiss Dean"
The name fairly stuck in my throat An alias
was too new. too unaccustomed a garment 1t
fitted me i'll.
Yes, ma'am-"
gave him my check and went TO the waiting
room, where he came for me almost immedi-
ately. Oppressed by the heat, I had thrown
back my veil, and. as I followed my guide TO a
shabby, covered wagon. he began TO apologize.
I'm sorry. miss'-wrenching open the
tanned door-'that didn't fetch the brougham.
The master he's away to-day, and 7 got my
ders from madam's maid. She said I could
well bring you up in the market wagon, but
she's a French woman. and them furriners
don't be KNOWN much. I'm thinEin'i The seats