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

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

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 99 text:

THE Q,UILL for 1916 Court was in session and all the London fair chose to attend the meeting. A most shocking attempt had been made to murder the Duke of Rochester and the man was even now daring to combat his fate. At times, the long discussions had grown a little weari- some, but since Mistress Phillis Alison had get the fashion, they must follow. Today was the end of the trial, and there was a breathless pause, as the judge rose to announce the sentence. To be sure everyone knew the King's will, but there was an intense silence throughout the gallery, where fashion sat enthroned. Gallant beau and simpering beauty forgot for the moment their part in the play, and sat breathless with eyes fixed on the prisoner. The judge's droning voice ceased at last with the customary question: Have you anything you 'wish to say before you die ? To the surprise of all present, the prisoner rose. T Yes, your honor. Turning with a low bow toward the balcony he fixed his eyes on the face he had once loved. You willpardon, I trust, an addi- tion to an old proverb. This, however, is my expe- rience. 'Put not your trust in princes-or women '. Something cracked in the stillness, and the ivory sticks of Phillis' fan fell to the floor, crushed. Then. with a gay laugh, she turned to face her friends The prisoner chooses to be facetiousj' she said. as she gave her hand to her fiance. Margaret Naramore. 93