New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-03

~. suspicion In her bright. dark eyes \ had
thought to take advantage of Philips presence
by slipping away to hunt up my 1aggard friends
OF the servants hall. but Madam. detecting my
movement doorward called TO me.
Dent leave me. Athena" she said imperi-
ously. without thee feel ever alone Thou
and /. understand each other. as people OF
birth.and breeding. I weary OF la canaiIIe-of
thee. neverr'
Il only wished 70 see II an were well below
stairs" I said. stiIl hoping TO escape. = II
thought. with Philip to talk TO. wouldn't need
me-
Madam laughed a scornful little laugh. then
said. in a very unpleasant manner:
do you hear her. Philip This little aristo-
crat thinks you can fiji her placel She is hum
bic, nest ce pas7 or shall say ignorant7
Yes. yes better word Mile. Derohan is-igno-
rant of your true worth. Ignorant. yes. yes. yes.
ignorant truly
She laughed with the pretence OF being very
merry indeed-a disagreeable laugh. We both.
Philip and l. wished to speak OF something that
might divert her mind: OF her bad attacks
seemed imminent. But we had not time
He is a riddle. is this Philip. my Athena"
she went on, "a riddle hard for gentlewoman
like -hee to read Philip. The name was given
him because Of its suitable meaning
Never mind my name. maman," he broke
in. Athena is not interested IN It or It's mean
ing. Why so cross with me. chere petite
naman?" He stopped low over her chair. snil-
ing coaxingly down upon the Sowing face.
Thou art but just come home. and already so
cruelr'
Why then that exuItant Iook?' she cried
shriny why do thine eyes sinner Hast thou
much money, Gambler? Is II gain that
brings the look know wen, too well. grand
Dieul That evil look upon thy Wild. dark face?
Quick then. an answer-come!-
She was terribly excited. Philip had paled
under his tan
IF look glad it is that have thee beside me
once more cherie."
He spoke tenderIy. and would have kissed her
but she drew back. swept by a very storm Of
passion
before thee. I read thy face I at last read
his. and brand it-thust"
Leaning forward. she struck him across the
face with all her force
Leave us. Athenar' commanded Philip.
sternly
AS 1 oBeyed. knowing he alone could quiet
her. she screaming:
Blood upon thy hands-yes. blood. blood.
blood! Thy
I was thankful to close the door upon her
cries
I went in search Of Norah and Claude, and
was greeted by the sound of lively conversation
and gay laughter when 1 reached the basement
hall I paused a moment before entering the
kitchen. when 1 discovered not only that the
voices Of the speakers were strange 70 me. but
that the conversation was in French. AS
hesitated, surprised. a man came out Of the
kitchen Seeing me. he approached and asked
what 1 wished He was stranger. yet seemed
at home.
ct am Mademoiselle Derohan.' 1 said in
French. he having used that language.
Yes Mademoiselle." bowling respectfully.
"Mademoiselle seeks her femme de chambre.
perhaps? Mathilde is already upstairs"
He looked at me with evident but respectful
curiosity. Unwilling to ask questions. thanked
him. as though I had learned what I wished.
and went slowly up the staircase As opened
the door at its top h. re-entered the kitchen.
and heard him exclaim:
'I have seen heri Beautiful az an angel.
As
closed the door swiftly and noiselessly be
hind me From Madam's room came the sound
of singing 1 knew Philip had quieted her. since
he was lulfng her to sleep with her favorfte
song the Adelaide" and 1 sat down In the hall
10 wait for him. He must explain the absence
of Claude When he came he looked weary. al
most ha ggard but. seeing me. his face bright
ened.
Asleep" he said in answer to my questioning
glance. ASLEEP and comfortable sad home
coming for you, you tender hearted child, but
I have something in my desk that may cheer
you"
The color swept into my cheeks So letter
from Dick had come! Philip did not offer TO
fetch il. and did not like TO ask him to-.
cit is good to have you back again. Athena,
taking my hand in his and patting 1t In ratneriy
fashion II missed fair little girl more than
I can say Maman and may well hope young
Thorpe will remain away his full two months.
rose. withdrawing my hand.
EFT is time to dress for dinner"
.r e,,nnosa fl is child but FRANCOIS will beat
a warning tattoo on the gong Let us wait TOT
him No?"-as 1 did not sit down-"You won't
stay? All, it is the letter you want come u
the library. then
ne ,,nIocked his desk and gave me my letter.
Philip"
YES. Athena! 1t is the only one. Not that?
What is it you wish, child?"
..vvbo ia Francois, and where is Claude"
Francois. my dear. is the new butler. Claude
as YOU call him. has sought other wCFIos 10
conouer Why do you look so astonlshed?
near me child forgot you might expect me TO
write YOU Of the change in our household
brigade! The truth is. can't always remember
YOUR absurd notions about your duties here
Your real duty is to make others happy by
being so yourself. Are you just little Dit
happy. daughter of my friendT'
I was too much distressed by his news 70
answer his nonsense
An gone. Philip? Norah-an the others.
gomez"
YES he said. shortly. as II vexed by my
manner. "aH Not only the house servants, but
stabIemen and gardeners-an have left. made
- ..rOor. Tha,- we're Disseminated. and III