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

Page 97 text:

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

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'

Page 98 text:

'run QUILL for 1916 No, no, Your Grace, but I have been so fright- ened. I came here early, thinking to be alone awhile, and, as I waited, two men talked on the other side of the hedge. They planned an attack, my lord, as you leave the palace tonight. I was so frightened. You will he careful, will you not, for- She paused, and, in the pale moonlight, her color slowly rose, mautling the white shoulders and throat. Why were you afraid, sweetheart? Didstfear they would discover you ? Her hands still in his, he drew her nearer. Xo! The ribbons on her breast rose and fell quickly. I was not afraid for myselflv For me, then, Phillis ? No answer. Her head dropped a little, but she did not draw away. Does silence give consent, you little coward? Art a feared to say it? Come back with me, and let us see if the lights of St. James do not revive your courage. The wind sighed for a time in the trees, then whistled away to peep in at the palace windows, where the court drank the health of the Duke of Rochester and his betrothed. Wearying of the scene, the wind was off again, howling about the heath where a lonely watcher waited for the ball to break up. '5 it 'F r is as -is an 92