Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1876-07-19
A C0rsican Love Sketch.

A COrSICan Love SkotCn.
''Soire, it is beautiful prospect you
have from this tower, and as you are an
artist, of course you fully appreciate
it,"
Nolan Gordon closed his sketch-book
hastily, and turned from the picturesque
landscape to meet the gaze of the speak
er. He was a young, handsome,
wealthy American, who was spending a
season in the lovely island of Corsica,
and indulging his artistic tastes in
sketching the many quaint and inter-
esting scenes of that romantic island.
As we introduce him to the reader, he
is sitting in the tower of Arceni, one of
those numerous deserted structures
which are to be found in all parts of the
island, and which forms romantic cpl
sodes in the history of Corsica.
The face which met his gaze was that
of Corsican girl Of much loveliness,
her dark, brilliant eyes scintillating
W I'LL AL iiSft NaooSea
him lose his self-possession almost en-
tirely for the moment The picturesque
costume, the exquisite face, the graceful
figure and musical tones of the girl sent
an electric thrill through the whole
being of the young man. His embar-
rassment was but momentary, however,
and he replied:
''You surprised mc,-fair lady! You
speak truly in regard TO the view from
this tower. Beautiful scenery abounds
in every part of your lovely island. Who
wonders that Napoleon thought Corsica
unsurpassed by paradise? would be
content to live, love and die here"'
He spoke enthusiastically, and the dus-
XIV eyes of the maiden fell before his ar
dent glance.
You are an American, yet you are ap-
preciative of the beauties of lands for
eign to your own," the girl returned
half questioningly, half positively.
eyes, am an American, and though
am sufficiently patriotic, L must say
that there is as beautiful scenery and
thrice beautiful women in Corsica, if
you are sample of the latter. Pray,
pardon me-may 1 ask your name?-
mine Is Nolan Gordon!"
81 am Vannina Pineelli, and dwell
in wonder mansion, half concealed by
those olive groves and rowan trees. l
did not know that this tower was oc-
cupied, or 1 should not have come
hither."
81 am glad you were ignorant of my
presence, if you otherwise would have
been deferred from coming here. If l
was only more of an artist, l should
wish to paint your likeness. But l
could not do it justice if l should try.
Those mandiles set off the beauty of
YOU Corsicans to a wonderful degree.
L wish American women would adopt
the style in preference to their present
awkward head-dresses ~
Vannina's countenance flushed at the
compliments of the handsome Ameri-
can.
"You may paint my likeness, if you so
desire, store. 1t would be very pleasant
for me to look upon it, and think of him
who painted it.'' she said, her eyes
glowing.
al will do my best. Come to see me
tomorrow at this hour, and l will be-
gin the pleasant task" Nolan Gordon
returned. The girl gazed moment
upon the dome of distant tower in si-
lence, and then said, with her usual vi
yacious abruptncss: 81 will come as you
wish, must go, for am all alone now,
except for the servants. My father
died only few short months ago, and
cannot bear alone. You come and
visit me, siore?"
Nolan gazed upon the beautiful Cor
sican in surprise. Naught but simplic-
ity and purity were visible upon her
fair features and he answered:
'T will accept your invitation"
"She turned to 60, but he seized her
tiny white hand and raised it to his lips.
She turned quickly, and in a moment
was gone.
As she walked briskly toward her
dwelling she muttered softly to herself !:
"He is very handsome, and thinks l
am also. And he kissed my hand, and
is going to paint my likeness, and-and
Il love him.
As she descended from the tower she
did not observe crouching figure of a
young, dark-faced man who had been
listening to her conversation with the
young American, nor did she see him
arise and dog her footsteps as she ap-
preached her dwelling. AS she entered
a grove Of olive trees near the latter he
hastened ahead of her, and stepped into
her path with menacing abruptness.
"vittorio Paoli whence did you come
so suddenly ?" she asked stepping invol-
UNFAIRLY backward.
The Corsican frowned darkly, and
said:
"I should think you would ask that |!
Where have yea beenF"
81 have been to the tower of Arceni.
But what matter is that to yous" Van
nina reforted.