Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-04-17
A STORY OF THE PLAGUE.

Joco1ua sat on her balcony and look
ed down the golden slope, across the
steep, white stretch, to the sea- The Ian
guild life OF Malta was starting to meet
the breeze, which rose as the heat of the
day declined. Lateen sails of various
colors tapped by the quay and grew
resplendent in the level, yellow track of
the sunset. Fisherman came down the
hill and put of to net their suppers.
Idlers strolled to the waters edge, where
the crowd gathered and pulled at their
cigarettes as the p. and O. steamer dis
embarked crate or two of freight and a
mbtley group passengers. The blue of
5he air and the water frightened and
grew more and more alike. Even Alter
anto, careless OF these things, noticed the
beauty of the evening as he raised the
latch of the garden gate and came
straight up the narrow path through the
fig trees. As he opened the gate a rag
ged fellow had slouched up the hill on
: ..aeppposite side of the way.
Joconda gave slight start and rose
to her feet as her eyes rested for NOM
emit on that haggard face. Then the
Marquis came in sight and distracted
her gaze and when she looked into the
street again the fellow was gone, She
sat down as Alteranto approached and
reclined on the low marble steps at her
feet. She was evidently accustomed to
seeing him there.
eThere's more than usual color in your
cheeks, Princessa. May hope the sight
of your devoted servitor inspired t."
There, Marquis, kiss my hand and be
content. I'm too well used to have you
steal through my garden gate to be in
spired at your appearance. The servants
adore You because you never require
them to announce you. am not sure
that shall not reclaim the latch key,
however, for fear you may wear it out.
After all, why should the Marquis AL
!. franto be allowed so signal privilege,
even if he is my cousin and an Original
Noble?' Plenty of mobiles and better too
who knows knock at the front door,
"You are pleased to be severe, fair
cousin. I had hoped the N6e Of /y0l1r
caprice blunted long since II my ~
tion and the cruelties you haSl pracEcdd
On Others. There's not a nli - yopr
grounds but has caught hp( an4 wAis.
pered to the night wind thS sig elms
disappointed lover You ark Gn6@H -
the coolest of the Chianti. TIE nos
morseless of the Dammit, til haugh1
of the ladies of Malta. Perl ps 7 ia n
these reasons you decline to marry 6st
you perpetuate this fateful combinatson. 7"
"Altranto, as you opened the gate l
Thought I saw Rimano-scowl if you
likeNcreep up the white street behind
YOU from the wharf, with the rabble from
The steamer. He looked this way for a
moment and hurried away, perhaps at
1ight of you. I couldn't help shudder-
inc. although already I loathe myself for
q So be comforted, proud signor. in
sad Of turning pale at the mere sug-
eestion of a miserable outcasts's rivalry.
Trebly outcast, from love, home, and
honor. There, look; he was just such
another as that wretch-unkempt, reek-
ing perhaps from the company OF cut
throats heaven, it is himself !! Dc
You not recognize him? Here, look be-
Tween these vines. l believe he recog'
nizes Won. As for me, he will never for
4 get me-"
..If that be the once gallant Rimano
: prime favorite of your highness, the
Princess of Coquettes and First Lord Of
j the Garden Latch Key, then indeed have
8 the mighty fallen. I would not swear to
him. however. And if it is Rimano, how
can he even reconcile himself to such
company"
! "One might think of the leader OF
mack of thieves, who had been to spy out
! lodgings for them. There, he looks here
again. am sure he saw us that time
Quick, call Giuseppe"
$40 you really mean it?" said Al.
trs 20.
4sxYes, quick. 1t happens to suit my
q Measure to know more of his movements
Giuseppe, you see that tall, ragged
Young man Just ahead of the crowd pass
inc the garden gate. Follow him dis
cretely. find ont where he goes, what he
does. You may recognize him"
lsCan it be possible" said Aitranto
44hat the sight Of that man raised tne
color / saw in your cheeks when l came
He Is not even now Indifferent to you
Fool To believe that had made you te
7 forget him."
HAnd vet after the infamies you have
hsaped on him, he can only hate you.