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

was. in truth. reliable friend My gratitude
for his steady kindness began to melt away,
Lord Ebbrides's insinuations to find a resting
place in my mind.
That mOuntebank a friend OF Charles Dero-
han'sw
1 hated myself for allowing suspicion to creep
into my heart. I caught myself wondering If
Julie and Cray had taken the emsralds I be-
gan TO speculate about the nicked gem in the
stietto's haft-then called halt: but one thing
was OF real importance after all. I had prom
ised Madam TO remain with her till the end
and she must be kept in ignorance OF Philips
feelings toward me. Disagreeable as was the
task, must seek an interview with him.
The night had come. and I knew should find
him in the library. 1 went there at once de-
termined to get it over. He was standing on
the hearthrug, his back to the fire, and if one
might judge from his expression indulginr in
as disagreeable thoughts as l. But when
entered his face frightened. He came eagerly
to me, both hands outstretched
"Oh. my darling" he said, tenderly, I've been
so unhappy about you, I feared I had sinned
past forgiveness. Let me hook at the poor hand -
Like child. put my hands behind my back
IF you consent 10 listen-quietly-to what I've
come to say I said. severely. II shall be much
obliged. If you persist in talking nonsense 7
shall go away"
An expression of deep melancholy clouded his
handsome face. He placed chair for me with
out a word, and, going to the chimneypiece.
leaned against IT, waiting for me to speak
Il have promised your mother to stay with her
until-untn the end" began in a low voice
which ! tried hard to keep steady.
You have, Athena"
1T remains with you to make my stay peace
full or inexpressiblv pafnful''-
Athena he cried I held up my hand to in
sure silence. and went on.
IF you treat me with the same kindness. the
chivalrous courtesy. that you have shown me
during these last sad months I can preserve
my tranquility and be a good nurse TO your
mother. But If you insist upon making me live
through such another scene as
Hush Athena. Hush my childr' cried
Philip. imploringly. You drive daggers through
my heart. have repented-in sackcloth and
ashes for my violence of this morning 7 swear
to you by all that hold most sacred never TO
offend again. I did not dream YOU could he so
unforgiving-you. with your angels face
lie paced the floor with long. quick strides
sighed deeply. wondering why l. who loved peace
and the commonplace should he forced into such
companionship. I had no sympathy with his
turbulent passions. but sat and watched him
with the same sensations as those with which
when child. had watched the restless pacing
Of a panther in its cage at the ZOO.
IF you will control YOURSELF know you can
when you wish shall be glad to live here as
before" He stopped his walk to listen. If
you persist in talking as you did this morning
and but now I shall avoid you much as
POSSIBLE
Which means" said Philip. slowly, that
you will live entirely in your own room and
Maman'so'
Yes"
Why do you deny me the right Of saying
that ] love YOU
looked At him. but made no answer
Because Of Dick Thorpe YOU would say. but
he is gone You were not his wife. why mourn
him his widow No don't GO. Athena I'll
speak this once. then il you insist keep silence.
for-I can wait. Your feeling toward Thorpe
but calm affection. You don't know what
real love-passionate love-me ms II is such
feel viii teach you to return IT."
I rose. saving. fciy.
TT is useless to talk to YOU 1 have no re-
quest to make. Spare Madam all knowledge Of
this. II coulG oGiy pain her.
"Oue MON mt Athena II shan be you
wish. snail not allude TO my feelings again.
or course Maman must hear nothing that
might excite her. II we agree on this subject
II swear we shall Iater-then-- Pray resume
your usual mode OF life You shaH ma ne the
same Philip to whom you have been kind so
long MAY I finish the story began last
night
Certainly. Philip
I spoke quietly. struggling against the feeling
Of cold dislike that was taking possession OF
me. / knew what effort he was making. and
pride forbade my seeking refuge in fight.
fetched my work and embroidered while he
read until nearly II, when, the tale coming TO
ar end. I was able at last 10 say Good night"
Good night. Athena opening the door for
me pass out Don't fear my breaking my
promise Ny silence shall be a proof Of my
love. and. as l said before-I waltz
lTo be continuedg