Smyrna times., 1861-05-16


would he mend it Tho padre, her master,
would be angry at her carelesness.
The very moment the smith saw her spark
ling face, and marked her graceful step, half
tImld and half eager, his heart was gone. She
must give drections-must stay, really, to see
the work done. Possibly he might not other
wise please her. Then, as she hesltated, he
began mountain story, so overlooking with
arch merrment that it was impossible 10 60.
tie called her Vloletta, (VIoleO and afterwards
was Perpetually inventing some innocent lit
tie article TO draw her to his side. 1t was
truly wonderful how he always happened to
have such surplus of pretty tokens, which she
must except simply to help him get rid of them.
Now 1t was a cluster of fine cherries which
they ate together, of which he was careful not
TO take too many; then it was dish of choice
hgs. the first of the season. More substantial,
but still simple gifts followed, ending with a
d 'g from the ChIlti cabin. In time the inter.
views must have become more confidential, for
after one of them Violelta burst into del Fiero's
studio, exclaiming:
" Dear father, will you believe that have
had an offer Z"
"Ot tart, or of bunch of grapes, sup
pose"
"No, indeed, father it was an offer of mar
rage, just such as grown ladies have"
May be permitted to enquire the gentle
mans name?''
Antonio Solarie. the handsome smith BY
the Capuan gate. You know him, father"
And may ask what was your reply I"
al said that you would not give me any but
painter; and he replied that he would then
De painter himself-Ihat he was already half
of one"
"And what then I"
"I1e asked me how long | could wait for
m and | answered ten years; we were young
and could well do so And that is all, only
he is coming 10 ask for me an hour before yes
pers.'
' Ela hh ha !" laughed del Fi0re "Well,
child. go TO your NURSE
=" But what shall you say to Antonio, dear
father I"
"Oh, shall say yes, of course; you will
forget him in two months"
And del Flero turned 10 his easel and thoug ht
no more Of his daughters sultor until he stood
before him.
"Signor del Fie roe." said the smith, 81 have
ccme to ask The hand Of your daughter"
" But you are not painter SoarIo."
May | marry her if at the end of ten years
can prove myself one and will you promise
that during my probation she shall not be in
Certuiny. She shall do as she chooses
entirely as she chooses"
Then may bid her farewell before leave
Naples!"
" But are you not making too much of this
affair, SolarI,! Violetla is young, and youth
both changes and forgets."
al do not think so sigaOr. At least, let me
hope"
Del Fiero Withdrew. and in a few minutes
Vloletta appeared.
"My own darling bride," whispered Anto-
Mo .: must bid you goodbye. Your father
would not, Tor many reasons, desire me to re-
main with lin as a pupil, and | could not see
you daily yet wait so long to marry. Dear
VIoletta do not forget me, and do not doubt
my faith. for we of the Abruzzi love once and
forever"
But where are you going 90 asked Violet.
ia, sadly.
ITO LPpp Dalmasio, at Bologna and you
shall yet bG proud of me, my sweet little
wife,
IL am proud of you now. Oh, Antonio, do
not, do not go!''
al must, TIoIetta but shall return If Ma.
donna p'eases, and we shall be very happy to-
gether."
Then sealing his betrothal with a kiss, An
NV HuT IeU away.
The TaillGry of which Violetta became the
object was Certainly il judicious, if il were In
tended 10 detsch her from Antonio. She be
lIeved herself martyr, and bore it bravery -
IL also kHp! him IN mind, and words and in o
ma s, on which she would not otbe' st
have b, slowed a second thought, REQUIRED Io
her with all their tender meaning. Each Gs
maDt for her hand was compared by her with
her betroIhed. as he had appeared to her il
the rose light OF her young fancy and however
| gay, wise or accomplished, she invariably
found him hard aud cold beside the picture o
memory.
In time Antonio began to be mentioned
among the prominent pupils of his master. HI
was becoming known; he was studying thu
works of VIvarinl in Venice; of Bcci in Flo
renee; of GalassO in Ferrara of PisaneIlo ant
Fabrlano in Rome.
The nine years went By, and del Fore stoot
one lovely morning in rapt admiration befor
some charming paintings which had just beei
hung in his studio. Good perspective for th
period, naturally arranged drapery, and head
full of expression, fixed bis delighted gazs.-
he was aroused by the pressure OF it'll
hand which softly clasped bis own, and be
held kneeIing before him, Yioletta and Anto
NO.
eyes, yes, my children" he said, Eyes, yet
know what you would have. Yes, marry j
welcome, anG the sooner the better. Really
love does wonders-that is, - he added, thought
E tully' "when it has anything TO work upon. "
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