New-York tribune., 1885-03-15

course. for Lucia supplied his shop with vegetables
aud had done for yesrs He had Known I'D ri' now
that she was woman, and beautiful woman INTO
the bargain il had more than once crossed NO une
that If he could afford to marry there was III ks 40
in the whole neighbOrhOod whom he shouid ko so ~
we'll to call his wife as Lucia Ceprano wen 80 . no
knew her. however. he was far too sny anu @ r"s an
humble to hint at such an idea Tor Lncia we how
heiress great helress for thpse parts. ana he-now
could he have the face to ask her to marry poof ~
man like hmslf. when she might have the toug
all the young men for miles roundl sun; roSe Il
he drove the thought away as often ns IL rose Il Il
only returned again, and each time. s0menV3m' ,c ~
looked more fascinating than before IL ony ,om "U
were better off, if on he eoa sce sss and ask Lucia
to 60 with him. ho felt as if he could do ahy.dhg
even give up his sporting tastes. and scttie oS
steadily But wqT ri 81, 81 no ober were
posed of, what right had he TO suppose that snc
cared straw about him. except as good cuss',t M nnt
for her garden produce No. the idea must ne o Pao
away and to assist him in getting rid Oh l. .i"g 10"
Frnano went ont for two or three days snoG'.nn,
and when he came back he was poorer ana M ns "G Gt
thought which entered his mind, rs he crossed tnc
threshold. was How different 1t would DO II Lu0''
were here to see after things" ,,.,o,.
Altogether. therefore. the poor Dons expeutlJInss >
were not very successful. and this particular f
morning he was feeling little detected IN spite c
his cheerf fnl looks. But the mule stopper a, en
shop, and rs Lucia sprang lightly down, NC VIZ WI.
forward with smiling greeting to help her uhi"''o"
the heavy baskets. ,Y;
looking mp at him with her deep brown eyes; nIH, I
As the giant blushed and turned away TO hi''o Is @
confusion she added quickly, for she pitied nun ~
his shyness: Here are the onions you wa'''ea, uss
beautiful large ones aren't they but can you uso
so many r. g, .,.d
Don Ernano had apparently not quite recovered 81
his composure for he pulled his ear for moment oT
two without speaking and then SAID Slowly
could use them all, cera any but-wcll-tho Iac. ,''
signorina, haven't much rcidy money last now.
"Ah. know" said Lucia calmly, Doh E'h""o
has been ont shooting agaiu."
aThc sirnorina knowsr sad Don ErnanO, look
ing at the beautiful girl in amazcment. -
that you don't get reh," pursued LUCIA, witn1nt =
trace of coquetrv In her manner You are slsver ',
and handy Won don't gamble and you don drihR )
why, You might bc the foremost man in the town,
and yot you don't get a step further; have come
TO the conclusion that it is the shooting which 10 at
Don Ernano sazed more aud n ore earnestly at the
girl as she spoke. aud tine sympathy which ne rcaa
in her face went 70 his very, heart. Bnt nc only
- The slgnorina may he right but II IS the .hiy
pleasure have in tho world. What am TO az y,
Is so dreary at home. and sometimes l get bored
aAh you ought to marry. Don Ernano" SAID Inca
SIMPLY. still busyng herself with the onions. /,
you had wife You would have real home anu
ayes" returned the light haircd giant. marry IL
Is easy to say, but who would have me. penniicss
foreigneri l have thought about 1t now and thcn /;
hut Il Is n hard matter for a man like me TO get u
should not think that said Lucia rciioctively.
looking at him again she spoke; for they were
old acquaIntances. these two. and on intimate
terms 81 should not think that. You see: ! have
known You ever since was little girl aud know
you are good and clever. l daresay the truth Is
You like yOnr liberty 81,
aMaybe.' returned Don Ernano. and thcn with
sudden gravity hs added. but maybe. also. tho
right one has not yet come my way.
All, then Won fastidlous; j understand:
Now Don Ernano. what sort Of wife do you want
wondcrf | am quite curious to know"
"What sort ~ repeated the Don again pnlling at
his ear; and then adding in low tone SWELL one
like yourself. sgnorna.' -.
aMe you are loking~ returned Lucia with an
attempt nj q laugh; why. | am only small
farmers daughter.' .,
ANY father was less than n small farmer. He
was an iron worker, aud emigrated 6r't 10 Austria
and then to Italy y0n see you are above me.
even if wer, not as poor ~ rat. And as you arc
so far above me- there IL harm IN my say ing that
a wife ike YOU is Just What would suit mo. eh Y
I" Don Ernano. can YOU make any use 0f tho
onionsr interrupted Lucia. In n frightened tone,
without vcnturn9 to raise her eyes IRON the ground
"Ccrtainly, sIgnorina II you don't mind leaving
them and letting mo settle with you at the cnd OF
the month"
"Tll trust you" replied Lucia. hurricdly emptying
the baskets: and with a hasty "gsodby.' she
rcscated herself tho mule aud trotted on again 10
Paienclia. leaving Don Ernan0 half afraid that he
had mana god to offend her.