The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1905-10-27
Venus Over the
Monks Tower
BY EMMA GARRISON JONES.

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1t was just sunset, and Sir Guy
Thurston came whistling across the
grounds with brace of pheasants In
his hand.
The shooting was fine down in the
south coppice, and half dozen Lon
don friends were at The Larches to
enjoy it. Since noon of the golden
September day the crack of their rifles
had not ceased. The keeper had gone
In laden with the trophies of their
skill: the guests had followed, tired
out and anxious to dress for dinner;
but Sir Guy had fingered to bring
down that last brace of birds.
The sun went down as he reached
the park, and sudden wind came up
from the sea, bringing down the vel
low leaves in showers. Something
else fluttered and fell at Sir Guys very
feet-a folded strip of cream-colored
paper. He stopped and picked 1t up,
moved by a vague impulse of idle
curiosity. It contained the date of the
month, and a single line written in a
firm, round hand:
"Come, when Venus shines over the
Monks Tower"
Sir Guy read It thrice over.
what the deuce does 1t mean?" he
muttered, CHANGING through the larches
at the Monks Tower, rising black
and grim against the glowing sky.
There's some deviltry on foot, I'll
warrant. Some of the kitchen girls,
or perhaps my lady's maid. Fanchette.
I've caught her making eyes at Ire
lawny. There goes the first bell; I'm
late" and he crumpled the paper into
his pocket and forgot it.
At dinner my lady wore rose-pink
silk, and white lace, and pearls, and
half-blown buds in her raven braids;
and the London friends, though they
were as hungry as wolves, forgot
their appetites and the dainty dishes
in their admiration.
Dinner over. there were music and
dancing. My lady sang. and the night
ingales without grew silent that they
might hear. My lady danced, and ner
partners fancied themselves in Ely
SUM.
Sir Guy looked on, and for the first
time in his life grew Jealous, without
shadow of cause save his wife's
exceeding beauty and the admiration
1t excited.
He remembered the note he had
picked up, and his heart gave great
thump. What if it were intended for
her?
He walked straight across the wax
lit drawing room to her side.
"You are not engaged, Hildegard?"
She smiled up at him, with eyes like
stars.
There begins the waltz. and here
comes Mr.. Trelawny," she said
Sir Guy scowled savagely.
"Mr. Trelawny can wait. Come with
me, my lady"
She followed him in utter amaze
ment out to the southern terrace.
What is 1t, Guy?" she asked. her
white hand on his arm.
Nothing, only want your com
pany I've a right to it. haven't I!
want to show you the stars See how
they glitter! Venus will shine over
the Monks Tower about midnight"
My lady gave a quick start, and a
flush that was brighter than her roses
dyed her cheek
"Will it," she answered. quietly
I'm sure | never took notice"
81 fancied you knew" replied Sir
Guy, dryly. Shall we return to tie
drawing room?"
The night pissed heavily. Lady
Hildegard's charming bloom anc
spirits had both deserted her. She
made her excuses and retired to hel
own apartments at an early hour. As
for Sir Guy. he paced the terrace
which fronted the Monks Tower the
livelong night, possessed OF a very
demon of jealousy Every minute hi
looked to see his wife steal forth t.
keep her guilty appointment, but sh'
did not appear.
At breakfast the next morning he
cheeks we're pale and her eyes heavy
and she had little to say NThe da,
was stormy. and Sir Guy and hi
xuests were forced 10 remain Indoors
Just before lunch he missed his wife