Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-24
and began somewhat irrelevantly to

Inok how the UoOf VI UtuNtu
IA thick inlaid with patlnes Of pure gold
then paused, but presently, under
cover of Lucia's, 'Centina's, and Car
los CHATTER, went on softly to repeat
Romeo's
Arise. fair sun. and Kill the enyious moon
as far as
Itismy lady; oh, II is my love;
oh that she knew she were
And there abruptly stopped, and IN
quite different tone began to reproye
his coachman for his bad driving;
while had felt little convulsive Hut
ter in Pia's hand that lay on mine,
which had given me sharp prick OF
conscience, for began to ask myself
anxiously, Is evil to come to my pretty
Pia from all this ? Instead Of the poor,
gray. colorless life | had rebelled
against for her, but which she had been
ready to accept with serenity, had
helped to prepare long years of sadness
and beartache for one who was made
to be happy and bestOw happiness:
Oh, mea culpa med marina cutPd ii
it should be so.
Signor yillaspina was going to give
a party. 1t was to answer the double
purpose of a house-warming and to
put his neighbours in a good humor
with him and themselves. But there
was to be a sort Of full-dress rehearsal,
and we, from the Villa Magnolia, with
our now inseparable companions, the
Ruspinis, were to dine with him the
evening before, to inspect what i'm
provements he had already effected
and offer any suggestions that might
strike us. We were quite aston
ished at the transformation OF
the bare and dreary Palazzo we had
last visited into comfortable and luxu-
rious abode. The Ruspinis were dumb
founded at the splendor SignOrina Mo-
desta yoluble and enthusiastic; the
Doctor philosophical and severely re-
publican 'Centina almost envious
while my poor PA became every mo-
ment more silent and depressed.
After dinner we had some music.
DR.. Carlo had charming voice, and
gave some Of those graceful little popu-
lar songs Of which one never tires
'Centina stood by the piano, very proud
and appreciatiye, and during the last
sad, doleful ditty the tears fairly rolled
down her plump cheeks.
By-and-by Signora Ruspini played an
old-fashioned waltz, and Of course the
"promesSi Sposi" took advantage of it
TO take a turn on the well-poliShed
floor. Meanwhile | had found my way to
balcony running all the length of the
largest the reception-rooms. The night
was so warm and fine The moon was
Just disappearing behind black peak,
and | awaited for it to emerge on the
other side. and with it long trail of
silyery light on the dark waters of the
little lake.
You are thoughtful, Signora." said
my host, as he approached and leant
on the store baluStrade beside me.
81 was rejecting that you want one
or two things more to make all this
perfect"
" And they arc" he asked.
Firstly" | replied, these Italian
gardens never look complete to me
without peacock or two on the mar
bic terraces. ~
"Oh peacocks they are easily
found. / half thought the Signora was
going to suggest something Delightfully."-,
unreasonably unattainable.'
a wife, for instance" | suggested,
"to prevent things going to SKIES and
seyens while you are porting over your
learned book"
All" he sighed-the hypocrite =
lit is pity ] am such confirmed old
bachelor. | am thirty-fye, and am
getting bald. should have married at
twenty-five like DR.. Carlo
He is twenty-eight," ! said I" it is
never too late to do a wise thing Sisnor
Cesare."
Won't it be too late next year; y
he asked. with all the innocence OF the
dove. because shall not have time
before then to go back to Florence and
look for a rich WIFE
And why rich ?" cried indignant
ly. "Are you not rich enough al
ready"
." have enough" he said slyly,
"but, YOU know, it is the custom Of our
country that those who marry should
be nearly equal in fortune"
cit is a detestable CUSTOM" | an
swered Grossly, land | am surprised
that, after all your travels and studies,
YOU are not able to throw oil such
miserable trammels y And turned
my back on him, and marched back to
the company in dignifed displeasure, as
usual dropping my fan, flowers, and
gloves en- route.
Signor Cesare followed me, restored
me my belongings, and remarked with
Imperturbable good humOr, 81 will
think seriously Of the advice you have
so graciously given me, madame. -
"You mistake" said rather frigld-
ly, 81 have given none"
"Oh these diplomates : never will
| nave anything 10 say w OHc AGAIN a
long as | live" thought. " lie only
wants to show me that he sees perfectly
through all my little manUuyres. -
And | grew hot and uncomfortable in
my new character Of matchmaker, and
fearful lest | should have acted in any
way unworthy Of Pas maidenly dig
nifty.
The end of May was fast approach
ing. Innocentina and the young doc
tor were formally betrothed, and we
sincerely regretted that we could not
remain till August, when the wedding
was to come Oft, but we promised them
many future visit to the Lago Mag
gore and the Villa Magnolia. The
friendship we felt for these good, sim
J ple-hearted people moved them deeply
; and am sure it was warmly reclpro.
Gated. My mother had made 'Centins
, very proud and happy by presenting
/ her with a great piece of Irish linen to-
, ward her trosSedu, and had added
some yards of Indian silks and cash
meres and a Rampore Chuddah shawl