New-York tribune., 1912-02-25
] !

81 find myself little unwell GcncvGve. We have
decided that, after all, it's better that sleep here to-
night and leave in the morning.
For Gcncvicvc, though she's dear old thing,
was not person to be taken into my confidence No,
our beautiful plans should remain a secret between my
well beloved and me, for few sweet hours yet.
"Givc me pcignoir, Gcncvicvc, and take down my
hair
Ten minutes later, as | was lying the sofa, and
Gencvicvc was bathing my forehead with Lily Of the
Valley water, heard a light tap at my door. Was It
Mrs. Stuart; Or was 1t Mrs Cobb, forcing herself past
IIcnryS explanations, coming to demand me with al
her natural violence? But-oh, | not her stupid
boy Victor, to be bucd she chose! had Henry on
my side, had the law my side and was not afraid
to stand up for my rights!
Meanwhile, Gcncvcvc was opening the door; and to
my surprise not form but two sailed ln IN lilac,
the other in pale gray. But above their immaculate
dinner toilets Mrs. Suarts face gowcd dsfgurlng
crimson, Mrs. Cobbs showed odd and livid white.
Suddenly my heart Swcllcd with JOY and courage so
mmcasurabc Shrank as it seemed to the size Of pin
point. heard Mrs. Cobb speaking, in a voice whose
sweetness contrastcd oddly with her drawn and excited
look
"NIrs Stuart, thank you more than | can tell for
your kindness toward this dear child for that
Of goodness which fears the effect Of her seeing me;
but can assure YOU, your fears grOundlcSS. Lib,
my dear little daughter, how are you feeling now?'
With the afcctonatc air in the world, she came
and knct down by my sofa but the face She bent over
me was so terrible that | closed my eyes.
Better, | murmurcd, quite well now.
"Ny poor darling All this excitement th, fatigue,
has been too much for her. Mrs Stuart think per-
haps you right and the strain OF seeing more than
one person at a time may be too much for her. his
poor little girl Of minc Yes, think Mrs. Stuart that
YOU were entirely right
At this turning against her Of her own guns, could
see Mrs Stuart blanch and bristlc; but what could
creature gentle and sweet as She DO against IN embodied
force ike the woman who knct over me, "Ch, stayl
stav" wanted TO cry out loud. But Mrs. Cobb eyes
were on me- through my closed lids felt thcm and |
dared no, speak.
"Vcry well then, for five minutes" I heard Mrs:
Stuart say in an irrcsou,c tone. The next minute |
heard the door close softly.
CENEVIEVE. are Madcmoscllcs trunks rcady,'
~ The manner Of this question, this Contcmptuous
passing over Of me and my possible wishes reused my
spirit Throwing of my old nurse hand and the per-
fumc soaked Co,h | sat bolt upright with wide open
go dear Mrs. cobb. Ihavc decided not to go home
tonight after al. You see, Ars. Stuart has been 90
kind as to-
~Gcncvicvc. YOU may leave the room
Though Mr. CobbN French accent might leave some
room for doubt her gesture could not. The next mo-
mcnr wc were alone. And Mr. cobb, having with
cautious motion, opened all the doors and pccrcd with
out came back 90 the sofa again y for me- rcmcn-
bcrrd the Toulouse in The garden and hrccd myself 70
Gph, for my right, This iu,umrablc woman should
see. q, last that She had met her match.
But when She spoke It was IN quiet suppressed s"rt
Of voice.
Lii, / can see that you're expecting 10 make a
sccnc-iust Mrs Stuart expected when an instant
ago, with rather misplaced oihcl"u,nc.S she u'd -
prevent me from entering Your room. m not gong -
make a scene my dear child; don't cIcnch your lists
and roll Your big black eyes I'm not going To- remind
YOU Of the position in which, by your dcscron oi us IN
the eleventh hour, you place my son and me- We dis,
rl,-cd that fully this afternoon. You know well as
DO the ruin that you're making we'll leave that topic
alone have merely 10 ask You, Is II true, tins
story that hear from Henry Stuart who tells me
that he acts your attorney,
Before her violence how easily had defended my
self But this tragic gcntcncss cut the ground from be-
meath my feet and my heart quiycrcd 70 perceive the
sudden aging Of her appearance. At the dinner table
Il mil r1r..-nrNnl l.LrnllIY