The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1862-02-05
The Fatal Mistake.
CONCLUSION. |


displayed thy generous feelings but one day earIier2
The distracted Blanca was but too glad when Della
Scala quilted her presence-she was humbled, even to
the dust by consciousness Of her criminal hypocrisy
penerated-wih keen sense of the wrong and misery
she about to udict on one who at her hands de-
served happier fate.
1t Fscontis letter which while prey to remorse
after Lorenzo quilted her. rekiuded the shattered soul
reawoke the lamp Of ieaud affection That handwrit-
ing the sight of which, in days gone by gave such in
delight renewed old and irresistible assoca-
tions He should linger he said through the evening
lowering the paazzo with the hope that She would
grant even buta moments interview but if cruel pr,i-
dence TOrbade then let her remember that on the even
ing of the morrow, Della Scala had deparled
and sharp watch should be kept on the counts exit
he would repair to the little balcony close the door
leading the domestic Offices and ring Lhp bell signal
for Francesca toapper above On receiving assurance
that obstacle nterposed delay his intention was to
retire Immediately to the shrine of Santa Groce-a way
arers ruined chapel beyond the walls of the city-where
horses and two faithful domescs would be in waiting
1t might excite suspicion, he said, ifhe joined the
tess Immediately she quilted the palZzo But should
any obstacle occuras Della Scala through sickness or
jealous feeling staying at home or remaining on the
watehthcn let nOt francesca await his Appearance be-
meath the balcony but forewarn him by signal at the
post whence beiatended watch the counts departure
mpfessng these precautionary measures on Blanca the
epstle rei8rsed into the lovers strain.
Francesca beholdng her mistress resolute not to see
Fisconti that night and toreseeing the danger Of
much pressing which might occasion relapse fayor;
Die Lorenzo's happiness She Immediately undertook
to pacify Alberto with the assurance that all matters
should be ordered as advised. Night closed upon the
paazzo Della Scala but peace aud calm repose were
bauished in its wallis
Lorenzo, on leaving Lis countess, Quilted her with
mind i'll at ease, He was vexed that he had not sue
ceeded better with Biauca-here was mystery in her
conduct which he could not unrave Twas plain his
sE. S+7.I1
mistake, bad moved her-had caused distress Of mind
to cover which she pleaded sickness But yet-yet-
there effort made to soothe hm-to carry hope
10 his heart! How delighted would he have been with
the bare intimatou that she must strive regain health
to accompany him on the morrow night Butno-ou ben
ded knee she pleads fatigue and Graves til tomorrow
Ito Join in bis pUrsuits-share his happiness? aus no
-codly thank her lord for all lie had done to make
her happy.
Restless with these sad reflections lie sought lot
chamber study, but srayel ont in the cool air Of
evening Occasional solitude had become habtual.
Whilst general Of numerous and well disciplined army
many time had he stroed at night alone through the
camp reviewing past enterprise maturing the steps Of
future achievements. Now in Neroaa's streets was
brought to mind how oft in the hush Of the tented field
hadhe thoughtof home, OF the happiness that mightbe
euiOvcd there.
But who is 5hat dauze tripping by so frtivcIy2 The
air and step familiar to tie count. Is it Francesca!
Whittier says She? Her appearance ia the street. at
that hour when evening is fading into night bodies no
good. Ue watches cUsely-fol0ws her steps, hidden
by the shade of lofty walls-she is accosted by cava-
ler-they confer awhilehe hands letter, which She
places away carefully and then returns in the direction
Of the palazzo. The cavalier departs III opposite
direction Lorenzo hangs on his outsteps-tracks from
street street-t the stranger haS the portal Of
the dwelling in which sgnor Fsconti has resided since
his return from Spain.
"Thy hour, Viscout, has not yet come" muttered
Lorenzo as he turned on his heel hut IL apDrOaChes