Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-10-08
CHAPTER XIX.
POISON IN THE FLOWER.

POISON IN THE FLOWER
 Let us now enter that same chamber where we have seen the Duke of Arcos forget all etiquette, as we'll as his own dignity as a grandee of Spain, in his excitement against Senor Badajoz y Suerry Nevada y Fualdes, and especially against his daughter Isabella, at the moment the revolt was threatening him at the gates of the Vicaria and on the market place.
 Fernandez was standing up, leaning against the wall, while the duke was hastily pacing up and down, stamping impatiently on the bright colored carpet under his feet.
 Most certainly his grace the Duke of Arcos had lost a great deal of his dignity and his marvellous calmness.
 1.-Two days more," said he, 1.-two days more, during which must master my anger, and veil, with continued smile, the rage which is gnawing at my heart"
 But, then, your grace, you will revenge yourself like kingl' replied Fernandez ''Yet, after all, will it be less true that this fisherman-this boor-has been for three days betrothed to Isabella; that he has spoken to her of his love before every one; and that, with his lazarone hand-a serf's hand!-he has pressed that of the noble daughter of the house of ArcosF' "Your grace is q devoted subject of the king, our master, and you were resolved, even at the most fearful sacrifice, to pre- serve intact the sacred pledge of power | which you had received"
 With gesture of rage, the duke tore his | ruff1es of Brussels lace. "What will his most Catholic majesty say of this revolt? He will be irritated against me, and host of cowardly enemies will seize this opportunity of running me. Ohl l Masaniello, Masanielloi accursed lazarone! can it be true that have degraded myself l so far as to hate your
 "The miserable wretch will pay dearly the l honor your grace does him., said Fernandez. "You have seen the court perfumer7" 1 "Yes, this evening we shall have the flow CTS I ordered"
 "Have you written to Corcelli?"
 "Your grace must excuse my not having done that; I never commit such an act of imprudence A person on whom can de pend, and of tried fidelity, has made an ap- pointment with him for tomorrow even. ing"
 But supposing that our projects are not successful"-
 "They will be successful, mi senorw
 "Have we not another revolt to fear from this peoplel'
 ''Masaniello," replied Fernandez, with 6 gloomy smile, 'has, for the last two days shared with you the supreme authority Yesterday the Neapolitans still adored him today they look on him with indifference tomorrow they will desert him. Such i always the course of popular favor, m senorl"
 "You have not yet been able to persuade him to assume court dressa"
 "Not yet; but when he has beheld tn, splendid entertainment that you are prepar ing for this evening, the rich toilets and tn brilliant uniforms, in the midst of which hi wretched hSherman's costume will look lk black spot; when alone in the recess of window, feeling himself ridiculous, and no daring to go near Isabella he has seen hi betrothed, light and joyful, following tn excited rhythm of the boleros and sarabandes when we have rendered him intoxicate with jealousy, and still more intoxicate with the perfume of the flowers have des tined for him-oh, then, never fear, he vii put on his noble's dress. I know Masaniello.
 ''Goodl In this dress we will take him.
 "In state carriage, mi senor, that all eye may see him."
 "The very thing We will show the Nes politans the head of the people transforme into a courtier."
 "And your grace can then celebrate tn marriage of your daughter Isabella," adde \ Don Fernandez, with his sinister smile. They left the apartment together. The hour fixed for the fete given by th viceroy on the occasion of the approachin i marriage of his daughter was now arrived Twenty chandeliers illuminated the princips saloon-twenty chandeliers covered wit crystal drops which glstened like a myria of stars, and were reflected by the show diamonds around.
 All the court were assembled Hardly ha } the Duke of Arcos, accompanied by the gres officers of his household, traversed the VI rious apartments in which the guests we,