The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-02-20
CHAPTER LII.

When Luigi saw the Last OF Annunzinta,
on that spring morning, he determine
that he would think about her us little Us
possible throughout the summer, that he
would expect 10 hear nothing OF her, and
that he would devote all his time and en-
ergy 10 the saving OF money and betterng
OF disposition. lie knew that there was
no probability OF tho return of the Wnn-
derer before the autumn; and indeed It
was TO the storms aud rams of that season
that he principally trusted to bring about
the fulhlment of his wishes. Even in the
South. autumn is often dreary time ;
north of the Alps, Luigi supposed thut the
snow and the wind began then, and only
ceased with the return of spring.
But notwithstanding all his resolutions,
he found that he could in no wise succeed
III banishlng the image of his absent love
from his mind. Whether he WAS iShlng or
mending his nets, eating or drinking, sleep
ing or walking-in every hour of the long
blazing days, ana throughout the sultry
nights, the same sweet, kind face was al.
ways before him; aud MS the re1iecLIDus
that arose thcrefrom could scarcely be Of
cheerful nature, Luigi became silent and
mOrose, and sometimes even, us his COM
pauions remarked with surprlse-fOr TINT
had never been usual with nina tribe
quarrelsome.
Nor could he keep himself from going
every now and then 10 get what news he
could from old Marta Nannini, who did
not receive his visits with much cordially.
Martha had begun to dream ambitious
dreams with regard to her niece's future
and was disposed 10 look upon the young
fisherman rs decided nuisance. she told
hun, however, pretty nearly all that she
heard, not being able to refrain from I'M
parting such good news TO all who cared
To listen. Annunzata was in Parls-then
in l.undon-then III Paris again; she was
studying hard, and getting on admirably.
Her voice lad been heard in several of
the great private houses-the mtOrdt Ing
Il Il
she had sung before the Princess A., the
Due do b., and many others. Her appear
unce in public had been postponed,
not from any incapacity on her
part, but because Signor sass had wished
TO reserve for her more brilliant triumph
by Withholding her from the public I'LL
the next London season, when she was to
make her debut ut the principal Opera OF
that great city.
All this Luigi heard, and went away with
a heavy heart. lie greatly feared that the
society OF dukes ana princes would turn
the head of the simple peasant girl and in
none of her letters, so lar as he knew, had
she given any hint OF return to her home
III the South.
But with November and the arrival Of
the cool season came great news. Luigi,
on entering Marta's cottage on his usual
errand, one evening, was as astonlshed rs
he was delighted 10 DO met with the intel
ligence that Annunziuta was expected
on visit to her aunt, ana that she would
actually made her appearance on the fol-
lowing day. Luigi hardly slept wink that
night. lie rose early III the morning,
scrubbed himself carefully from head TO
tOOU-au operation which L am afraid II
must be acknowledged that he did not go
through every day-alrayeu hlmsclf III his
best clothes aud then sat indoors doing
nothing, till the hour which Marta had
named rs the probable time of her nelce'
arrival was past. With II great effort OF
Will, he succeeded in keeping within his
own house for hall an hour longer--for he
thought il would not perhaps be quite the
thing to pay Il lady visit immediately on
her reaching the end OF Il long journey
Then he set out on the familiar road, and
| found, to ms surprise, That his heart was
| beating Iast, and his hands were damp and
| cold. =" never knew / WAS Il coward be-
| FORE thought poor Luigi ruetully.
When lac entered the well known room
| there was such Il buzling in his cars, and
such mist before his eyes that he scarcely
| knew whore he was or what he was doing
| nor did he, for moment or two, recognize
| in the elegantly dressed young lady who
was seated by the window the bareioolec
companion Of his childhood. The young
lady, however, recognized HIM, and us SHIT
| had no reason to feel embarrassed, was not
| slow in her greeting. She ran up to him
| holding out both her hands, with TIT
| bright smile that he remembered SO well
You dear, good Luigl!" she exclaimed
al knew you would come rs soon us You
heard l was here And how are YOU
And what have you bean doing all thest
long, weary months? Has the fishing been
| good2 Why have put on you" Sunday
| clothes, you foolish boy! l like you Des
| in your everyday dress, Do you think |
| have become suoh Inc lazy thai my OWL