Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-08-21
THE WOMAN IN RED
A Chilling Italian StOIyOf the
last Century.
GEORGE W. NJ. REYNOLDS
HAPPIER Xxx.

NI-Nt f.ltENt I--A NEW FACE.
Late ia Il afternoon of the third
day the same superb horse which had
borne the messenger of Count Claudio,
some da.s previously, dashed sudden
~ down the road. and passed the outer
gate Halt ne beyond the hdcicHtd of
Donati. vino sat on the piazza himself,
and saw every movement of the trav-
eler, the rider took from his breast a
paper, which he examined. and thea
turning his steed. he came slowly
back.
Having ridden up to the terrace
steps, he inquired, in q low and mod
est tone of voice. II one Count Donati
dwelt there. Upon receiving an an
swer in the affirmative, he alighted.
handed the reins TO the slave in wait
ing and approached the lordly pro.
pretor who rec eived him with marked
and chilling GOODNESS. As the selfish
Count Donati turned towards him,
however. the color fled from the Ital-
ian's face, and he had no words for ut
terance.
Have l the pleasure of speaking to
the proprietor of this fair residence?'
ask ed the traveller. advancing to the
ola count SIDE.
S'death'' exclaimed Donati. "Am
1 deceivedY'
Il think not responded the stran-
ger calmly,
You are from Rodolpho ?"
Il am Count Claud!o,' continued
the traveller, in the same modest and
quiet tone; "a gentleman you were
formerly acquainted with, | think.
Yes, yes, said Count Donati,
quickly rising; Il see yes; come in
come in-thi- way, Count.
Now, Donat had not the most re-
mote suspicion that Rodolpho would
first call upon him in person. He up
posed that his messenger would come,
when he hoped 10 make out ease of
evasion. and compromise the matter
So. when he beheld Count laudio be
fore him, his thoughts turned to the
bedroom interview, and he wa not
prepared TO speak with Rodolpho II m
self Forgetting what he was doing,
therefore, in his excitement, he ad-
vanced at once to the reception-room.
instead of prcCed NJ his visitor. as he
intended to do. TO his private parlor;
and ere he could recover from the mis-
ldkts llt lOulu Illll-tll III inc pIt>tnct
of his ward, the lovely Francesca.
The far lady arose, and curtsied
with grace, a. Count Donati bung-
linely "a d. My friend. Signor Ro-
dolpho > gnor, my ward. "
That was happy circumstance for
at least one heart. The visitor at once
entered into easy conversation; and his
particularly agreeable manners had
the effect of restoring the disturbed
nerves of the Count. in measure. who
soon afterwards asked France ca TO
excuse him-and with his guest he re-
/ tired TO transact some pressing mat
tiers of business in his library.
a. the stranger rose to 90, he took
the hand of Francesca in his own, and
said: Goodnight, LADY, only-when
thrill shot through her frame, on the
instant, and she staggered back, near
/ ly fanting, TO the couch as they de-
/ parted. This incident was unobserved
by Count Donati; but the effect was not
lost sight Of by his friend, Signor Ro-
dolpho. who said nothing, however,
but followed his former leader into his
private apartment.
Now. Rodolpho."
"Now. Bernardo" quickly respond
cd his guest.
''Donati here" suggested the old
Count. coldly.
"Donati. then, or Bernardo, or what
ever YOU will, so that | am not de-
tanned here for want of the gold you
promised. -
But YOU said you would send a
messenger
81 thought better of il and came my
self. -
II have thought better of my prom
Use.
"And what do you decide uponP"
THAT ! cannot submit to your de-
mands"
what If increase the amount"