Ossining School for Girls - Quill Yearbook (Ossining, NY)

Page 96 text:

THE QUILL for 1916 Oh, yes! 'Tis so good to be with you again, Jack. Father swears that if his grace asks my hand I must obey. It is terrible! All London is talking. Hush! Hush! Think not of it. You shan't marry him, if I have to kill twenty Dukes to free you. Kill the Duke! Her voice grew lower, more intense. Kill the Duke! Oh John, 'twould be such a relief'. I never told you, but, just at first, I was so flattered by his attentions to me-a simple maid just up from Surrey-that-that I wrote him some letters. He holds them over me now, and swears that unless I wed him, he'l1 shame me before all the court. I have forgot what I did write, but-- A The fellow shall pay for this with his life. I'l1 challenge- Not that! You must not challenge him, John. He would publish the news over the whole of England. Besides, he is a monstrous fine swordsman, and I would not have you hurt. VVhat then, sweetheart? Truly you would not let the man have his way. Quick suspicion made his voice harsh. . No, nog of course not, silly, but there are more quiet ways to silence him. Anyone but a lover might have detected a hint of anxiety in her tone. Meet hun any night, as he returns to his rooms. He always goes alone. 'Twould be easy enough, and thieves would bear the blamef' 90'

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THE QUILL for 1916 But Phillis hath too hard a heart, Alas that she should have it. It yields no mercy to desert Nor grace to those that crave it. -Lodge. HE gardens and park adjoining St. James were often used for rendezvous. Sometimes a great lady, weary of the lights and gaiety of the palace, chose to walk with her lover among rosebushes and the fountains. Sometimes, a dispute, heated over the card tables and wine, grew into a quarrel, and the principals met in the park to terminate the disagreement as gentlemen of honor. The guards had grown accustomed to this order o-f the times, and were too wise to disturb either lonely couple or groups in the shadows. That was the reason why the single watcher was allowed to remain unnoticed. Wrapped in a heavy horseman's cloak, he seemed to have no desire other than to keep the freedom of the park, alone. Once, he lifted his dark lantern, and slid back the shade turning the light on the watch in his hand. The yellow glow at the same time lit up his face. Heavy eyebrows, sullen dark eyes, a well-formed nose, thin lips, and a heaxy chin, were for an instant illumined. A strong face, and yet--- The so-ft rustle of silk, a light step on the grass, and, with a low laugh, a girl brushed his shoulder with her hand. Dreaming, John? Or have the witches turned you to stone that you did not hear me coming? I vow I made such a clatter that I expected captain and guard would all be at my heelsf' Phillis! Both little hands were pressed to hiS lips. You have come at last. For a time, I feared that you could not get away. Your father has changed so since you came to town. Has he made you GDB' more trouble ?,' 89

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THE QUILL for! 1916 Phillis, sternly, you do not counsel anything dishonorabl-e, surely. To attack an unsuspecting man savors of treachery. But for me, John! She pressed close to him, troubled dark eyes on his, red lips pursed in 3 half pout. cult will mean so much to me to be free from his persecutions-for me, dear. You have only to ask-that you know full well, but, in truth, I would rather fight fairly, not play the coward. She had won, and with a little sigh of relief sub- mitted herself to his caresses. After a brief planning, he left her. Phillis' face darkened as she watched the light from his lantern flickering through the trees, farther and farther away. 'Tis not all my faultj, she muttered. The fool played, right into my hands. I could not help it. The Duke should be here soon and I must warn him or- after all I am almost moved to let John win, and be plain Mistress John Carstone. Bah! what folly I am talking. I have taken the first step and must go on. 'Twould not beso hard, did not the fool really love me. Ah!,' I She turned swiftly to face another man. Very different from her late companion was the Kings favorite, in white satin and jewels, his fair hair curl- ing about his face. So you are here, my pretty Phillis, and have not tricked me againj, he cried gaily, as he bowed over her extended hands. But you are cold, ma chore. you tremble! Are you afraid of the darkness ? 91