The Osceola times., 1882-01-21

do l.
Now, this vas not strictly true, for
they had frequently met at the village
festivals. and L.urella had been the
recipient Of many an attention at An
tonino's hands, sometimes accepting
them graciously, and then again merci-
lcssly Ignoring them and him. 1t suited
her present mood to treat him as
though he we're her enemy. This
wounded him TO the quick. He bit his
lip, and icrked at the oars angrily, I'M
conscious OF the spray that wet him to
the skin, while she, with provoking in
difference Of his presence, leaned over
the side of the boat, bathed her face,
took down her massive black hair, re-
coiled it and replaced her kerchief.
Tnev were alone. Capri lay far behind
and Sorrento was scarcely discernlb.c in
the dim distance There was not boat
in sight. A sudden idea seized Antonino.
lie turned pale, and dropped the oars
with a determined air. involuntarily
Laurela raised her eyes to his face,
wondering but fearless.
81 must put an end TO this" he ex-
claimed. "Your coldness has almost
killed me. You do not know me you
say. Have you not seen how | have
watched for you, longing for one word,
one look, never daring TO tell You that
your image filed my heart? Though
YOU turned away, and refused to speak
to me, | loved you to distraction"
"Ill have nothing 90 say to you" she
replied curtly. Il will never marry at
ali. and DO not desire to Iaake myself
the town talk"
"Do YOU SUPPOSE | believe that, be
cause YOU discarded the artist? Bah |!
that was ayear ago. The time will come
when YOU will be glad TO n AIRY any one.
You will not always be young"
what difference can that make to
you" , :,
starting forward. Can you ask? Do
YOU suppose that will ever stand calm,
Iy by and permit any other man to lead
YOU 10 the altar? Sooner I.wonld kill you
and myself" .,
81 do not iear your threa.s. shall
do as please"
"Yoa shall not speak 80 J" he exclaim'
i. trembling in every limb. "Gou are
in my power now, and must do as
please"
"Kill me, if you dare p she returned
starting back and garing at him.
zone must not do things by halves
| The sea is wide ard deep enough for III
| both" he cried; seizing the girl in his
arms Hlan instant he relaxed his hold
for she had bitten his right hand, and
blood strpamed from the wound.
"NIust ! DO as you please, indeed!
she asked. mockiugly, as with one spring
she disappeared beneath the wave.
Autonino stood breathlessly watching
her as she rose and swan with all hel
might in the direction Of Sorrento. lie
seemed to have lost his senses. Presently
he regaiued the oars, and, in spite OF tht
wonnd, overlook the swimmer. .
"For Gods sake, come into the boat
he cried. II was a foo! an idiot. Ih'
demon cot possession Of me. ! did NO
| know What | said or did. Forgive me
L1urells and save yourself Come into
the boat
She seemed not 10 hear his appeal,
"Yeu will never be able TO reach th'
shore. Think OF your mother, Laurella
and save yourself for her sake
The girl knew that he was right, fol
her strength was given out. Wlthou
offering q reply, she turned to the boa
and dragged herself in. While wripgJa
ont her -.sl..I1s .a,at. and looked Will
= rvfarnt concern on the wound she haS
inflicted. Taking the kerchief from he
head, she stepped 10 AntOniuO's end o
tho boat, silently bound up his hand
without raising her eyes to his face, ther
possessed herself Of one oar and rowet
toward sorrento.
Antonino had been asleep severa
hours. when he was aroused hy a gentle
tapping at the door of his hut. "Whot
there2' he asked, as he raised the latch
The 'oor was pushed open, aud Lapreila
stood in the bright moonlight, smiling
at Antonino's astonishment. She entered
table. O''Ne' on the
Il have haal ,.u 80 tne mountains to
get herbs for your wounded hand" she
said, emptying the basket.
"Nou have taken too much trouble;
do not deserve it. Why do you come
here at such an hour? Somebody might
see vru"
81 DO not care" she replied, sharply;
q wanted TO see you, and to bind up
your band myself
at is not necessary he replied,
ccldly.
let me Judge for myself" she said,
decidedly, as she began to open the
bandage.
Holy motherm she exclaimed at
sight Of the swollen and discOlOred hand
at will be a weak at least before you
can row again
While she spoke she filed a basin
with cold water, hathed the hand, then
bound on the herbs with strips Of old
soft linen that she had brought. Anton
mo submitted like a child. At the close
of the operation Laurella drew silver
cross from her bosom, and, placing it
upon the table, said;
IL have brought this for YOU TO sell,
because it will be long time before you
can work, and il is all my fault. you
know. The artist gave me that cross the
last time he visited me, but | never
wanted it. Mother says it is worth at
least two pjasteTs. | will make more
money for you by extra spinning after
mother goes to bed at night"
] need nothing replied Antonino,
pushing the cross aside.
"Oh, you must take it; you have q
right toit."
Right" | have no right to anything
Of yours. Now GO and leave me TO my
self" He put the cross into the basket
and opened the door. Laurella did not
move, and large tears rolled down her
cheeks.
Good heavens! Are yor ill?" asked
the young man.
Choking with sobs, Laurella turned
suddenly and threw her arms around his
neck.
q cannot bear your coldness.' she
cried. strike me, curse me il you yill,
but do not send me from you"
Autouiuo urpesrd hpr tpnderIv to his