Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-07-24
CHAPTER NIL.

THE COUNTESS REFUSES THE ORDEAL
The aiirav. though 50 quickly endea.
of necessity alarmed the household
The stamping of feet and the combat
ants struggling together; the fierce
oaths of Brayadura. and the clash of
steel rs Claud o. sword came in con-
tact with the bravo's huge knife all
combined TO make great uproar.
The sound of approaching footstep,
and the ringing ut a bell warned
CLAUDIO TO ilv. /, vas about Chamber
mo from the sam window by which
he had cutcrc' ".l Francesca ran
into the room, followed by several do
me>tic> carrying lights.
Claudio knew that he was recog-
niZcd. so he gave up the idea of escape
and stood before her, not knowing
what 10 say or do.
Claudio she said, you here
and at this time. What means it-and
this uproar?'
lie hc,itated what 10 say; but pres
entity, regaining his sclf-posscssion, he
replied. calmly:
Nothing, my dear Francesca moth
Ing; have only been cNpelling an
intruder
"ENpeling an intruder? How? what
mean Won? who was the intruder?"
a ruilian who proposed to carry
YOU of by force. dearest, and who has
paid for his audacity with his life. "
"To carry me OF by force. Thi, is
very incompreheusibIc She cXclaim-
ed "And YOU what do YOU here
yourself? You say YOU have been ex-
polling an intruder-what means your
presence? How came YOU here? not bv
the gate. for that is closed
CLAUDIO colored up with confusion
and shame, and knew not what TO re-
ply
"Francesca's eye, glancing around
the room, fell upon the rope ladder
fastened to the sill.
Hal she exclaimed; "a light be-
gins to dawn upon me. You entered
like thief in the night-you. Ciaudio;
with what object is best known To your
self 1t is YOU who dared to in
trude--'
Francesca. said Claudio, humbly.
send all away and | will explain.
With a motion of the hand the young
girl dismissed the attendants who were
crowdug the room; aud Is soon as
they were alone, Claudio fell on one
knee before her
Lady Francesca, dear Francesca,
my grca, love must be the excuse for
my presumption. | will own the truth,
and sue for pardon at your feet. Driv-
en- frantic by my despair at the
thought of losing YOU, my hearts idol.
dared to think that, should end all
difficulties bv carrying YOU off and
placing you safe from those who would
part us. your generous heart would
plead in my fal or, and that you would
consent to give me your hand, and for
give the stratcgem by which became
possessed of you Francesca, have
spoken the truth. PITY and forgive me- -
a burning flush of wounded modesty
and just ind gnaton sulused the maid
ems neck, face and bosom.
Count Claudio. rise. thought YOU
worthier. and little dreamed that YOU
would ever dare presume so far. You
have grossly insulted me. forgive
you. Now rise; henccforth we are
strangers.
Her vo.cc faltered as she spoke ,his
sentence; but nevertheless there was
an air of dccjs on about her which
caused the baillcd Counts heart to sink
within him.
"lIayc YOU no pity, Francesca, for
my grea, lovc?'
IL have no pity for such love as
yours for that must be but "A hollow
mockery of love which would use force
and wrest by violence what should be
only freely granted Rise, Count
Claudio, have spoken
LAY, rise, Count Claudio; my daugh-
ter speaks we'll
He started To his feet. for there be-
fore him stood the Countess Donati.
who had but Just returned.
Almost at the same instant there fell
on his ears the sonOr0us tones of an
other voice.
"Ay. rise, Count Claudio;my daugh-
ter has spoken well.
A slight scream broke from Fran
cesca; while the Countess Donat gave