Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-06-26
THE WOMAN In RED.
A Thrilling Italian Story Of the
Last Century.
by GEORGE w. vi. REYNOLDS
CHAPTER II.
FRANCESCA AND COUNT CLAUDIO.


Some of the crowd dispersed, among
whom were Bravadura and Spada, but
Fiaramonte remained.
"He will surely pass this way pres
ently,n he said, " nor will she be long
behind him. know this is their trySt-
ing-place. Count Claudio little thinks
that the father OF Francesca Donati,
instead OF being the wealthy noble he
is thought, is utterly ruined. Twas
a singular chance by which | gained
the information; | will use it. The
young Count has shown me kindness;
and bad though ! be. gratitude is not
yet dead in my breast. He has served
me; / will now serve him.
While he was thus thinking, Count
Claudio approached; and hating in the
square, looked around as though eX-
pecting some one.
Count Claudio. word with you"
said Fiaramo,lte going up to him.
What now, fellow?' said the Count,
haughtily. What would you with
me?h
You do not know me. Count; no
NATTER know you. You once did
me kindness; | can now return it. "
"Ha! speak on
You are waiting here for the Lady
Francesca Donati, daughter of the
Count and Countess OF that name. Am
not right?'
How knew you my private affairs?
This is an impertinence.
at is not so meant. What have to
say concerns the Count Donati.
"Speak on.
HE is reputed wcalthy-is it not
SOP
1T is.
''IIe is bcggar'
Impossible! He is immensely rich?'
$50 people think; but they are
wrong. Listen to my words. Count
Claudio. This morning. the Countess
Donati received letter from Venice.
where the Count is, and this letter con-
tanned the news that he is utterly
ruined and that his only hope was that
she might borrow a hundred and fifty
thousand ducats, and remit to him at
once. She mas endeayorcd TO do so in
several places, and failed.
"A hundred and fifty thousand du-
catsl The Count utterly ruined! 1t
seems impossible How know you
this. my good fellow?'
cannot give my authority, but what
say you may rely upon.
This is mostm aryelous," said Count
Claudio TO himself. "Can it. indeed. be
true? If so. it is most desperately unfor-
tunate. | love Francesca; but | am
deeply in debt. and to wed her without
the promised dowry would be madness.
l dare not; and yet how can relin-
quish her?-so lovely and so loving;
her gentle heart would break"
Neither Count Claudio nor Fiara-
monte observed the door of Rudiga' 5
house open. and hersclfupon the TIRES
/ hold. But the people who still re-
manned noticed her, and shrank back
awe-stricken at the terrible looks of the
supposed sorceress. She heard all the
conversation relating TO the ruin OF
| Count Donati. and more which after
ward passed between Claudio and the
other Then, apparently satisfied, she
/ drew back and closed the door
While the young Count and Fiara-
monte were yet conversing another
parsonage appeared on the scene. This
was lady dressed in black and closely
yelled. She advanced to group stand
ing some distance from the house and
asked:
"Can you direct me 60 the abode OF
one Rudiga, a fortune-teller!'
The Women in Red!-the sorce-
ressr' cried several. Yes, madam
il is there
The lady hesitated, as II uncertain
whether TO advance or not.
"Thus thickly yelled. she muttered
10 herself, mo one would recognize
the Countess Constanza Donau.
must adventure it. IT'S our last hope.
This woman-this sorceress-they say
possesses fabulous wealth. / will bring
my diamonds, my jewels, and Offer
them as security for the money | re-
ouire. 1t is fortunate idea, and SO,
in il the means of our salvation.
will hasten for them and return.
No sooner had she gone than Fiara
monte, who had been intently watch
ing her, and who seemed struck by he
voice and appearance. said to Coun
Claudio:
Count, know you the purpose o
that woman's visit hereg"
mot L. was the careless reply
.oarbaoa Ia have her fortune told