Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-03-16
g gleasant Story.
HOW ROMANCE CAME.

INV iVOuhA4NO6 NAuLLs
When Grandfather Ackland died,
stood by his bedside. Cousin Rudolph
was on the other We were quite alone,
for the nurse had been sent away, VIC
were very sad, for we loved our grand.
farther dearly. We were Whiting to hear
something he had desired to say to us /;
and at last he spoke
Rudolph. he said. you have not
formed any matrimonial engagements
without my knowledge. | suppose
mo sir" answered Rudolph.
"Nor you, Felicia ?" asked my grand
farther.
ooh, no. said |
al am glad of that. said he. Now,
Rudolph, | know you admire your cousin.
and that she respects you. II would re-
joice me greatly il you would both think
over proposition which now make to
you. should like to see you engaged
to each other before die. have left
the property between you, and that would
rcunite it. Still, I would not make that
my motive. believe you we'll suited TO
each other; well contrasted in physical
appearance, with the qualities TO satisfy
each other, | should know that Felicia
had protector on whom could rely,
and you wife TO make you happy.
Think il ever, and answer me to-mor-
row."
Neither Of US said anything. Soon
we were sent away; but that evening
Rudolph came to me.
"Felicia," he said, do you think
you could put up with me?'
Rudolph ! answered, "even to
please grandpa, cant marry hus-
band who don't love me.
"But do said Rudolph -" dearly.
Nobody could help IT,
"And ! suppose romance is chiefly
found in plays and novels said /
Real love and friendship are what peo-
pie actually have in happy married life. 4"
"Oh, as to that, let us be romantic,
too" said Rudolph. "You see, being
cousins, we've never thought Of IL; but
l should be glad if you could make up
your mind, my dear
SO the next morning. was sixteen
aud Rudolph eighteen, rcmembcr--wc
promised our grandfather TO do Us he
wished We we're not to marry until
was twenty aud Rudolph twenty-five.
Meanwhile | was TO be under the pro-
lection Of an old friend, since had no
living relative; and we we're both to
take a tour through Europe, and TO pro-
coed with our education. We made our
grandfather very happy, and VIC wcpt
in cpch others arms when he died.
However, my feelings did not alter to
Rudolph. ] had always loved him
dearly, and no special romance con
nected itself with him Only | think
woman always feels pleased to know that
a handsome, admirable young man is
her very own for live.
Thus matters we're arranged when We
started on our European tour in tho same
steamer, under proper chaperonagc -
We did the cities We saw nature as
seen by other tourists. We looked at
the pictures heard the music; visited
tho libraries, We were by no means
always together, aud ii cbanced that in
Rome rwas introduced to a gentleman,
a young friend Of my chapcron's, who
was very courteous to, me, aud offered
US his escort whenever it was needed
He was a young sculptor, rich, and
italian by birth, by name Giovanni
Monaldini, but very, very handsome.
When had known him little while
Rome began to have q wondrous charm
for me. Places cared nothing for at
first were invested with a glamour Of
romance, spent days in the galleries
with him. my cbapcron asleep in chair
near by.
Rudolph declared himself sick Of high
art. He spent most Of bis time at the
house Of the father of school friend OF
his whom he bad met BY chance. IA fell
low who always had good cigar and
plenty Of music. Music was Rndolph's
fancy just then.
How easily we slip into places We
would never enter willingly One morn
ing ! awoke 10 my little Roman bed,
under painted ceiling, and with the
light falling upon me through stained
glass window, and suddenly recognized
the truth
The romance that had not come to
me with my engagement to my cousin
had come with my acquaintance with
Giovanni. I loved my cousin bat
was 10 love with the sculptor, and he
with NE.
Oh, the bitter shame ! felt the
deep contrition | could only say TO
myself, 81 Gould not help !" and then
cry, weak. wicked creature, how dare
you say thatT' And then ! knelt down
and prayed for help, aud il seemed to
mo that ] might pray better in the dim
old cathedral 80 near US aud dressing
myself hastily, | glidcd out at the door,
telling no one where was going. There
werc few 10 tho church at that carly
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