The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-01-02
D sr.lng Star and Catholic Messenger.
MaW ORLEANS. SUNDAY, JANUARY o 1875

one OK tnem sitting astride the low wall bi
folded on bis breast. The dress, the bearing
and what the curate could distinguish of the
countenspce of these men, left no doubt as tc
= green network. which, falling on the left
shoulder, ended in a large tRssel. from under
which appeared upon the forehead an enor.
NOUS lock of hair. Their mustaches were long
and curled at the extremities the margin OF
their doublets confined by q belt of polished
leather, from which were suspended by hooks
two pistols; q little powder horn hung like q
lockot on the breast on the right hand side
Of the wide aud aAaple bFeeches was q pocket
ont of whIoh projected the handle of q knife
and on the other side they bore n long sword.
of which the great hollow hIit was formed Of
bright plates of brass, combined into u cypher.
1t appeared evident to Don Abbondo that
tho two men above mentioned were waIang for
aome one, and he was alarmed at the convic-
tion that it was for himself; for on his ap-
pearaEce, they exchanged look, as if te say,
'tis he.' Rising from the wall, they both ad-
open before him, as though he were employed
in reading it; but, nevertheless, cast q glance
upward IN order to espy their movements.
wss beset by a thousand different thoughts.
he considered, in baste, whether bet tween the
bravoes and himself there were any outlet
from the road, and be rene nbered there WAS
none. He took rapid survey of his con6ust,
to discover If he bad given offence to any
powerful or revengeful man but in this mat
ter, he was somewhat reassured by the conso-
ling testimony OF his conscience. The bravaes
drew near, and kept their eyes upon him. He
raised his hand to his collar, as If adjusting it,
and at the same time turned his head round,
tosee II any one were coming; he could dis
cover no one. He cast glance across the low
stone wall upon the fields; no one! another on
tho road that lay before him; no one, except
the bravoes! What ia to bs done Flight
was impossible. Unable to avoid the danger,
he hastened to encounter it, and to put an end
to the torments of uncertainty. He quickened
ms pace, recited staDza in u louder tone, did
ma anI IL oh. rf,9
countenance and finding himself in front of
the two gallants, stopped short. "Signor
Cnrate." said one Of them, fixing his eyes upon
him.
Your pleasure, sir" suddenly raising his
eyes from his book, which he continued to
hold open before him.
"YoU intend" pursued the other, with the
threatening and angry mein of one who has
detected an inferior IN an attempt to commit
some yillany, "you intend to morrow to unite
IN IN marriage Renzo Tramaglino and Lucy
''rhat is." said Don Abbondio with falter.
ing voice, shat 10 to say-you gentlemen being
moi mon of the world, are very weii aware how
these things are managed the poor curate
neither NEEDLES nor makes-they settle their
affairs amongst themselves, aud then,-then,
they come to US, as If to redeem pledge
mark now" said the bravo in q low voice,
but in tone of command, this marriage is
not to take place, neither to morrow, nor ut
any other time"
But, my good sirs," replied Don Abbordio,
with the mild and gentle tone of one who
would persuade an impatient listener, but,
my good siTs, deiEn to pnt yourselves in my
situation. If the thing depended my solf-
You see plainly, that 1t does not iu the least
concern"
Hold there" said the bravo, interrupting
him, this matter is not to be settled by pra.
ting. We neither know nor care to know any
more about it. man once waIned-you un-
derstand us,
But. fair srs. you are too just, too reasona-
ble-r
But" interrup pied the other comrade, who
had not before spoken, "but this marriage is
not to he performed, or (with an oath) he
who performs it will not repent of it, because
he'll not have time" with another oath).
Hush, hush" resumed the first orator, "the
Signor Cnrate knows the world, and we
gentlemen who have no wish to harm him if
no conduSts himself with Judgment. Signor
Curate, the most illustrious Siguor Don Rode
rick, our patron, offers you his kind regards"
As in the height of a midnight stoSm u vivid
fash casts q momentary dazzling glare around
and renders every object more fearful so did
this name increase the terror of Don Albion
dio as if by instinct, he bowed his head sub.
niasivOiy, and said
!'1f it could but be suggested to me-"
"Oh suggested to you, who understand
Latin y exclaimed the bravo, laughing; 'it is
for you 70 manage the matter. But, above ALL
DO careful not to say word concerning the
hint that has been given you for your good
for If you do, chem You understandable
conse9uences would be the same as if you per.
formed the marriage ceremony. But say, what
answer arc We to carry in your name to the
most illnstrons siGnoF Don Roderckf"
"My respects-"
"Speak more clearly, siguor Curater
That am disposed, ever disposed, TO obe-
dienoe." And AS he spoke the words he was
not very certain himself whether he gave
promise or only uttered an ordinary c0mpli-
mont. The bravoes took, appeared to take
them, in the moro serious sense.
TITS very we'll ; good night, Siguor Curate,"
said one of them as he retired, together with
his companion. Don Abbondio, who y few
minutes before would have given one of his
eyes to avoid the ruffiaus, was desirous to
prolong the conversation.
"Gentlemen--" he began, as he shut his
book. Without again noticing him, however,
they passed on. singing a loose song. Poor Don
Abbondio remained for moment, as if spell.
bound, and then with heavy and tagging
steps took the path which led towards his
home. The reader will better understand the
state of his mind, when he shall have learned
more of his disposition, aud of the
condition of the times in which it WAS his lot
- live
Don Abboudio was not Gas the reader NAV
have perceived) endowed with tho courage Of
3 lion. But from his earliest years he had