New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-20


mond ring. please; these you may put away"
You viii not wear it--cr these7" she asked
as I slipped the ring into my pocket Intense
contempt was I'm voice and eyes Clearly dis
Eusted her
You think my hair. my throat, my arms
need ornaments, Jue?"
1T is as Madame pleases." she said. suIlenly
Madame is. OF course very proud OF her
beauty 1t is natural after Monsieur's devotion
the blind worship he shows II is to be sup
posed Madame would consider her shoulders
more beautiful without adornmenti The less
covered-the more seen-the better ma foil
Therefore. they remain bare-Iike marble and
as cold! Perhaps the old satin. as loose as Ill
hitting as that Madame wore a child for her
fencing. her exercises. is now worn TO show che
IS superior to la toilette! All. ciel! Madame's
mother. she would have ROBBED herself in the
new dress Of lace. the veil the diamonds. trou-
bling not from whom they came or
Hush
Julie shrank back. BY nature hard and inso-
leat. she Yet seemed afraid.
Never dare take that name upon your lips
again. said. quietly. almost under my breath.
My mother is a saint in heaven. and you-you
travel toward hell"
left the room and went downstairs II was
haf-past six. ! had no wish TO wait until
Philip came for me. I was quite ready to meet
him and my fate. I crossed the hall TO the
library ] heard voices there. The door stood
half open. ] Philip and Randall standing
together. before the desk. Neither noticed my
approach. Philips back was toward me- Ran
dal absorbed in watching him AS paused for
second Randall said
Yes, he's quiet enough IN appearance, l
grant: but he's not the sort you imagine II
ne knew half ;he truth he'd have your lifer
A hooking laugh low musical. was the only
reply. A deep flush swept over Randars pale
face
He would-if he hung for fl" he said.
sharply.
'Messeurs. BID you good evening"
At The sound or my voice both men started
violently Randall thrust something hastily into
his breast pocket
The pieces Of silver" asked "or have I
brought you gold?"
Before had finished speaking the man who
called himself my husband had taken my hand
IN his and kissed II.
You have come to me OF yourself my dar-
ling, God bless you for your sweet trustfuI-
ness" Then. lifting my left hand. Where is
your hetrothal ring"
1T did not please me-" I said. calmly. Il
wish one 81 a different kind"
Philip stared at me- puzzled anxious
You shall choose for yourself sweetheart
Whatever you wish you shall have. And now"
he said, humbly. may I slip on this slender
finger the golden circlet that means my
Heaven
'Not NOW. please. Philip
de looked disappointed. hut sr1iIsng said that
he would wait my pleasure. and led me 10 q
chair
Something in my appearance or manner
seemed to have cast a spell over Randall. He
a-e.r1 81 IL
and when ] sat down be took chair opposite.
moving as though in dream. and continued
staring at me as before. I wondered what his
thoughts were. Might L at the eleventh hour
ind a champion? He should have a chance 10
patch up his shattered honor.
You wear TO Jewels Athena" said Philip
Have they failed. like the ring. TO suit your
taste? They can easily be altered"
You would have liked me better In the dia-
moDds:" I asked. looking not at him. but at
Randall Il do not please you-as I ann"
Please me- What question from a bride 20
her bridegroom, From you 10 me-
He flung himself his knees at my feet and
Selling my cold hands devoured them with
kisses. Not caring for Randals presence-per-
haps forgetful Of 1.-THE made no effort 10 dis
guise his mad passion. looked across his bent
head and saw the pale face OF the man opposite
turn paler. saw him half rise from his chair
then sink back again with groan.
Philip" / said. gently. Il will tell you what
ring wish. Perhaps you may care 20 get It
FOR me"
lie looked AT with eyes that shone He
was intoxicated with happiness-thinking he
had conquered. Rising with the light. 1.-THE
grace % panther. ne seated himself beside me
and badc me command him.
You shall have 1t II il costs the half OF my
fortune" he cried. again possessing himself Of
my hands. My darling. my queen. my wife.
Where can find this ring. Athena? Tell me-
and Do IS yours"
The person who now wears it"-I spoke
Sorenely-'will doubtless be quite willing to part
rith 81 fora good price. He has already sold
tvo Jewels Of such inestimable value that this
mast seem q mere basatelIe'-
7 understand YOU. Athena cried Randa..
rising 10 his feet II stung into life; but I'm
damned n YOU shall succeed"
Philip turned angrily upon him. rising in his
turn
Come 20 Yourself" he said sharply Re
member where you are-and who you are, ]
permit no man 10 swear in my wife's presence
nor to call her by any name mine To you
she Is Mrs Euant- Don't forget yourself
again
Madame IS served said a colorIess voice
FRANCOIS stood on the threshold. picture Of
tl. r,erfect servant. who sees and hears nothing
Phiip and Randall ceased glariDg at each other
like angry wolves about to spring. The latter.
ae guest offered his and led me in TO
dinner i was sick with disappointment. IF
only for ten minutes longer, FRANCOIS had
stayed away.
CTo be continuedD
co,rcrTT or Tur cnNATT