Wichita eagle., 1888-09-27

mIS. "eDSCef udu Idilen IN love WILL tLc
lace, as Amy had predicted, and at the land
lords suggestion had promised to pay $50
francs for the piece on her departure,
month later. In the meantime it might re-
main upon exhibition behind the glass doors
of the padrones cabinet of curiosities. 1t
made one feel young and happy again to see
the bliss of Crociissa and Reno. The latter
was presented to us, and the good fellow
seemed ready to risk his life to serve us.
Amy might ride on the fruit donkey at any
hour of the day or night she chose, and twas
borne in upon me that particularly glazing
pair of magenta stockings in process Of con-
struction by Crocifssa was for me.
The fortune of the betrothed couple being
now secured, negotiations were entered upon
for the desired outfit of clothes and the neces-
sary furniture. A charming pair Of rooms,
in Crociflssas eyes, were bespoken, at the
back of the carpenters house, and the wed
ding day was set early in October. All was
going merry as the anticipated marriage
bells, when the day arrived for Crocifssa to
go to San Marcello and receive her money
On her first visit she had seen only the
padrone and was about to be given the price
of her lace and dismissed at once by him,
when, on second thought, he decided to de-
tain her.
lyon had better go and thank the lady for
her kindness, YOURSELF he said; sit look
more civil"
Crocifssa was shown into Mrs Webster's
room, marvel of ornamentation from all
parts of the globe, and of various centuries
more or less authentic. Mrs. Webster had,
as Amy had maintained, an idolatrous fond
ness for all things antique; a hideous jug
mill ri cir
was lovelier in her eyes than the most skill
! fully worked vase of modern times. She
willingly paid fabulous prices for rubbish of
/ bygone day, but was implacable if she dis
covered fraud in the dates Of apparently an
/ tique treasures.
/ In very bad Italian, she addressed Corci-
/ fissa, who, not understanding, replied in a
/ few words which the elder lady also failed to
catch. The interview being rather a trying
one for both parties, Mrs. Webster was about
to end it by Diminishing Crocifssa, when the
girls next words, understood this time, alas!
I all too plainly, riveted her attention.
"What did you sayf' she exclaimed, a
spark of something like anger glowing in her
eyes.
''If the signora would like some narrow
lace of the same pattern, would try to make
it. My eyes are better now than when did
that wide piece" repeated Crocifissa.
''Do you mean to say that you made this
piece of laces" said Mrs. Webster, with sup
pressed rage.
Eyes, signora; why not!"
Crocifssa regarded the now Infatuated lady
with blank amazement; she had expected
praise for her handiwork, instead of these
flaming eyes bent angrily upon her.
Mrs. Webster rang the bell with sharp VIC
lence. and demanded the instant presence of
the padrone. Glow dare you,n she cried, as
he appeared, ''try to cheat me SO outrage
ouslyg"
The padrone, mystified as was Crocifissa
at the lady's excitement, stared at her in
helpless silence. Presently he found voice
enough to falter, 81 do not understand; will
the signora please to explainl"
"You finished rascal, you know very well
what l mean, You showed me this lace,
letting me believe it was old, and now this
girl-she is innocent enough-confesses that
she made it herself. What have you to say
! for yourself, sirF
"Dio Mol Why-I thought-butit is old,
signora-behold, it is quite dirty. [ feared
the signora would desire fresher piece, and
my heart was light when she seemed to wish
to have it old. The signora cid not mention
how old it must be, hence this misunder-
standing, which regret deeply
If occasionally tempted into falsehood, like
the most of his kind, the padrone on this oc-
casion spoke the truth. He was a simple fell
low, ignorant of the craze of the elegant
world for antiquities; he had not troubled
himself to inquire the history Of Crociissa's
lace, but had satisfied his conscience by ask
ing its value Of an Old woman Of the village,
an authority in such matters 80
But the irate Mrs Webster was not to be
appeased. The padrone had tried to cheat
her as egregiously as any hardened rogue In
the lowest of junk shops. Here" to Croci
fissa, ''take your lace; have changed my
mind and will not have itr' and she tossed
the dainty work into O besSet on the girl's
arm
'But, signora!" cried the poor child, burst.
ing into tears, and extending both hands in2
ploringly
Leave the room at once, both Of you
said Mrs. Webster, callously. II cannot have
a scene here. The way of the transgressor is
hard, you know, and you must take the con-
sequences of your evil deeds.n
Poor CrocifisSal how she retraced her tired
steps to Piatico, empty handed, with the un-
lucky lace in her basket, she never knew.
The situation was really deplorable-all the
neceSsaries for their humble housekeeping
almost in their possession, the rooms en-.
gagged, and not franc to pay for anything.
The little community was loud in its expires
sions of rage at the inhuman woman who
had so deceived Crociissa, but this nlended
matters not at all
4 day or two later Reno sought US out
despair on his handsome face Crocifissa was
i'll, of grief only, but SO low and miserable
that Reno feared the worst. The poor Cir
was really in a pitiable state, and after ouI
visit to the howell where she lived Amy and
declared we would not see another sunset be
fore we had tried to set on foot some project
that might benefit the unhappy child.
' There were crowds of strangers at the hote
at Abetone; why should they not know Of the
sad little romance at Piaticol With the as
sistance Of our kind hostess the affair was
made public, and we arranged lottery by
which to dispose of Crocifissa's lace.
To our great delight tickets to the value OF
nearly 800 francs were sold, the money, o;
course, being poured into the Tap of the be
wildered CrocifiSsa, well nigh beside herself
with these sudden transitions from despair tc
joy twice repeated.
Tho modest trousseau and furniture were
paid for. and there was little sum left ovel
for rainy day. Amy and I delayed GU
stay to be present at the wedding in October
and a very merry affair it was, thanks to tbs
change in public opinion, which now regard
ed Reno and Crocifissa as the hero and hero
inc of the village.
The old hostler at our inn won the lace. A;
he had not chick nor child to give it TO, an6
one or two old sins on his conscience, he CAV,
| his WINNING ~ the gshIrr-rh