The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-10-11


had driven the herd for they used to
change places to relieve each. other.
Next morning when went, as | had
promised, to ask him to 60 with me.
found him yet in bed When called
he did not answer, and on going nearer
found him dead, with a gaping wound
in his neck and bloody Knife on the
floor. Horritied, L hurried to seek
Giulia, and found her busy changing
her clothes, but as I discovered blood
on her hands, was frightened, and
FASTENED to have her arrested. have
nothing more to tell. but l will swear
that Giulia is the murderer of my un-
fortunate brother" ...
His testimony did not seem to make
the least impression upon Giulia, for
she preserved her marble quiet, q re-
pose in fearful contrast to her soft child
ish features. Her brown hands, which
were clasped, appeared so dainty and
small that | could not imagine how she
could WELD Il murderous weapon.
Still other witnesses testified. Bloody
clothing was recognized us belonging TO
Giulia, and the knife with which the
murder was committed, us Giovanni S
| property. There could be no more
| doubt Giula had killed her husband.
| | could have sworn to that. But why
had she done it? 1t was impossible not
to pity the beautiful young creature,
and / could not believe her TO be the
criminal. unless some dreadful disgrace
| had befallen her.
| The Judge now turned to the accused:
| ..Giuiia, Saviera's wife, before the
sentence is pronounced you have the
right to excuse yourself, or, through n
frank and sincere confession, mitigate
the decree. What have you to say?'
Nothing" came clearly and dis
! tinctly from the proud lips.
''Do you acknowledge yourself gull
ty of this murder?"
| Yes"
.'Do you feel no -remorse over your
shocking actP3' .,.ts..; ..,. ....I
For the first time she raised her
glance, and showed two eyes in which
% consuming fire burned. l's
,"Do ,you not wish the decd undone? :
that you had your husband alive again?
and that you were not guilty of his
death?" --..7-i.. --''' -.''- -.
mo! If he still lived l would do the
!
| passionate tone., quite unlike her for
mer quiet. She was terrible, but un-
speakably beautiful to look upon.
..Will you tell US what proyocation
YOU had for the murder, and why you
did it? Perhaps Giovanni tormented
| you with his jealousy" i.s u q. ..s',
! "Giovanni jeaIousT and, shaking her
head, she laughed bitterly.
Have you nothing to say that ear
soften your sentence?" i...-
II do not wish any mitigation t
s'Will you not say when the thought
of murder first came to you?" s'tf
.'Only two days ago. 4 J. 1.E. .
sAnd until that time You loved Clio
vannip''. ~ I. .-, ''l;-, ~ &
A flaming red spread over her face
and it seemed to me that tears SHIN.
| mered in her eyes. She is not SO hard
told myself; but a moment later She
was icy cold.
..The sentence can be passed somC
days hence, the judge continued
"Father Rinaldo shall talk with you
perhaps he can move you to greater
candor, and bring something to ligh
which may mitigate the decree"
Il have said all | have to say" wal
| the cold answer.
The Judge sighed, and sorrowfully
shook his gray head.
LEAD the prisoner back to her cell, ;
he said tosan official. ''She has &C
knowledged her guilt, the last hearing
has taken place, the sentence can bt
passed. .4.t4 t@rsfF
AS Giulia moved toward the door
with more the bearing of q queen thai
criminal, her despairing mothe1
rushed to her. threw herself at her feet
and embracing her knees. cried: |
30. Giulia, Giulia, my only child
my sunshine, say but one word of con
ISOLATION before you go; say that you re
pent, and heaven will pardon your ter
rible act. Only tell something which
can be an excuse for you, which Cal
lessen your guilt and my trouble, and
will press you to my heart, for you ar,
still my beloved child. You must have
been crazy, beside yourself-you die
not know what you did! Oh, when yol
were still small and rested in my arms
when you, rosy girl, went with me tt
my work; when you stood radian
bride-how could then foresee what
should live to see you? But whateve
| you have done, l will pray for you. Oh
if you would only ease my anguish ant
| show us that you are not 50 hard ant
cruel. Tell rs, Giulia, tell US, why di,
yon do it?'' Nv. ..-...'.... -. ,.....,..
During the mothers entreatics Giuli;
softened, her bosom heaTed- .:or eyelid
rose and sank again. and t.er lips trcm
bled. She drn'< aer niother close. |.
her, clasped her arms around her neck
and whispered the words that we alone
) could hear: r.t-.se9- H ~
Mother, he sold me-" "-51.i. .-.'a-
Then she fell swooning to the tloor.-
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