Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-08-07
THE WOMAN IN RED.
A Thrilling Italian Story of the
Last Century.
Il GEORGE W. NJ. REYNOIDS
CHAPTER XVI.

FRANCESCA DoNArI-THE MAGICIAN.
We have spoken of pair OF spark
ling eyes which gliStcned through an
opening in one of the drawing room
latticcS when the stranger reached the
piazza of Count Donati's house. They
sit beneath the brow of the renowned
beauty of Genoa. Francesca Donati
a finer form none knew. a more cap
tivating blonde and swcetpr girl than
the lovely and beloved Francesca
found not her home m the neighbour
hood OF Genoa. She was sharp -wtted,
too, and as Joyous as a Young fawn:
happy, contented, companionable, and
friendly with all and TO all around
her; and in the pride OF glorious wo-
manhood.
But Francesca was romantic, as well
as sprightly and happy, and beautiful.
She saw the stranger through the
drawn blinds; and though his attire
was none of the best. and his person
covered with dust. she conceived a
strong desire TO know more about him,
and woman-like she listened To what
he said before entering the house. For
despite his disguise. The heart of Fran
cesca told her she had seen him be-
fore.
And who was this strange but
naughty traveller? and what was the
secret he possessed. which had so ex-
traordinaIy an effect upon the uniform
ly imperturbable and stoical old
Count? These were the questions
which AT once suggested themselves 10
the nervous and eNcitable girl; and she
resolved TO obtain some satisfactory
answers to them. Nevertheless, Count
Donati had no disposition TO unravel
any Of this apparent mystery. On the
contrary. he Instantly made up his
mind that Francesca should know
nothing of the matter; and he re-
solved also 10 get rid of his visitor at
the earliest possible moment
First of all. young man" said
Count Donati. when they had become
seated " the sidc-rOom TO which they
ha" retired FIRST of all. since YOU
CONF with authority from Rodolpho,
as You. say you do, what is your
name?h
That matters very little. Count.
surely. since my visit here is purely
upon business, and my stay must of
necessity be limited. | am the agent
of Rodolpho. and YOU have seen my
badge of authority which YOU do not
question, of course?'
by what righ; can Rodolpho
thus attempt 10 fitch me, and of such
an enormous sum-
II did not ask him that. His orders
were, Go and seek Bernardo. now
styled Count Donati. who dwellS near
Genoa. He is gentleman of great
wealth and lives at ease. | have be-
friendcd him in times past. and he
knows me. Tell him | am need OF
twenty thousand ducats at once. and
must have so much. lhclped to make
him The fortune he now enjoys. and
he knows it, he will not refuse YOU
i am only oheying his orders
And what if do rcfuse?'
Then Rodolpho will come in person
20 see YOU.
LET him come, then
What. Count do understand --"
That | will not submit to such
demand.
Ill is but loan
II shall decline; cannot do it,"
Can, but will rot, Count.
"ConStruc it rs YOU will. | am not
disposed to embark in any such enter
prise.
1T is well count. | have finished
my GRAND, and will at once retire, il
il please you TO order my horse. There
is a long ride 10 accomplish between
me and Rodolpho; but know the ma
turc of his necessities just now. and he
will await my return with anxiety.
Since you refuse to respond TO his re-
quest, too. shall be the more in
haste
And with these words the traveller
rose TO depart His steed was imme-
diatcly ordered; but when the animal
reached the carriagc-post near the
terrace, no one bat the party well &C
quainted with the form and mettle of
the beast would have suspected it TO
have been the same dust-cOvercd ami
NAL which but an hour previously stood
before the outer gates OF the Counts
mansion.
She was magnificent Flemish mare.
with dash of Normandy blood in her
veins; all muscle. compactness.
strength, and beauty. She had cen
well cared for and carefully during the
time she halted for her masters pleas
ure; and when she was handed round