The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-09-05
thought you would drink it with pleas

81 am very much obliged to YOU" he
said, but without tasting it, in spite of
the timid insistence of the two women.
Did anything fail to be ready in season,
OF was something or other forgotten (and
certainly the poor creatures seldom for
got anything; but he had now terrible
eye for such things, he curled his lips
bitterly and muttered:
"l understand. Household affairsr'
His birthday was approaching.
What should they do for the family
dinner? By the advice of the mother
Aunt Maria talked to Teresa on the sub
ject.
But then arose another complication:
the young woman declared that she
would not be present at dinner from
which her husband was excluded.
Yet the fete could not come off without
Teresa. Even though her father should
receive her coldly, she owed the old man
this mark of Difference. But her hus-
band!
Despite the arguments and prayers of
the poor old ladies Teresa did not swerve.
She and her husband; otherwise neither.
Then, at last, the mother decided.
Monteforte was invited to the Saint
Augustine dinner. But they thought
that he would have the good sense to
refuse.
Not at ALL he accepted without word
of objection.
Vainly did they tell him that the
father might receive him ill. The birth
day had come; his children must offer
their good wishes. Don Agostino was
still angry with him. But what of it?
Was it not now an accomplished fact?
1t had killed nobody. And as for them
selves, they We're infinitely happier.
When the two ladies. their arguments
exhausted, appealed for patience and
resignation at least, whatever might be
the fathers huinor, Monteforte smiled
at their fears. He even added:
''What? Don Agostino will not be in
good humor? Oh! as if! And then he
will not eat me-
"Only the Madonna can tell how this
will end!'' sighed the poor mother, with
sadness unmingled with resignation.
May 5, Saint Augustine's day.
On waking the father found beside his
bed little package carefully tied with
pink ribbon, containing a pair of EN-.
broidered suspenders, with a letter dec.
GRATED with a sprig of fern. 1t was
Teres<'s good wish.
"Dear Father:
81 wish you hundred of these fine
days with the Madonna's blessing, and /
embrace you respectfully and tenderly.
"TEREsA."
Donna Bettina was watching him; he
did not frown.
His wife in turn presented her good
wishes, giving him dozen handker-
chiefs embroidered with a monogram
somewhat difficult and complicated.
Then, much agitated, she embraced him.
ga hundred of these fine days, very
dear husband of mine."
"a thousand thanks, Bettina," he an
swered with dignity and without effu-
sion.
1t was Mariuccia's turn.
ga hundred of these fine days, dear
brother of mine," said she, embracing
him as his wife had done and handing
him Il beautiful silk purse.
He was still icy.
Oh. if he had only said: elbow pretty
these suspenders are!' they would have
caught at the word; one of them, ready
in advance, would have gone after Teresa.
And then they would have made ready
for Orlando's coming.
The birthday appeared under very dis
agreeable auspices. For what dinner
were they getting ready!
While preparing the intricate birthday
dishes which u good Neapolitan house
wife should always make with her own
hand, Donna Bettina and Maria sighed
heavily and frequently, and from time
to time they wiped away furtive tear
as they followed with anxious glances
the progress of the clock hands.
Don Agostino was the first to return to
the house, even more lugubrious than
usual.
He did not turn his head, but simply
glanced around him out of the corners of
his eyes. Then, Strengthening up, he went
out upon the balcony.
The bell rang.
He did not bulge.
Teresa arrived, alone!
She put her arms around her fathers
neck.
ga hundred of these fine days, very
dear father of miner
''Thank you, Teresa" said he, kissing
her on the forehead.
Growing more nervous, he looked at
the door, then he gave sigh.
Of relief, without any doubt, and per-
haps of anger.
Another ring of the bell was heard.
There! that was Orlando! His wife
had come first; he followed, having been
detained by MaZuccio, whom he had met
Donna Bettina dropped upon a chair
Supporting herself against the table.
Donna Mariuccia, who had just seen her
brother give Il start, clasped her hands
in fervent prayer. AS for Teresa, she
maintained an aggressive attitude, ready
to leave at once if any one should offend
her husband.
That lasted two minutes-long enough
for the servant to go to the door and
open it.
The two wild animals were about to
meet.
Orlando's strong and joyous voice rang
out in the silence, full of terror and
solemnity:
"A hundred of these fine days, Don
AGostinor'
Thanks from my heart, Orlando" re-
sponded the father, feebly.
And the mother, the aunt and the