The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-09-05

"Go, husband Of mine; begin this eve,,-
ing"
In the beginning the mother alone
came to see the young couple; Aunt
Maria stayed away.
But on a certain rainy Monday, as
Monteforte was smoking and Teresa was
arranging his brushes, Aunt Mariuccia
suddenly entered without ringing the
bell.
She kissed her niece and coldly saluted
her nephew. Then she ordered Raffaela
to bring In the packages.
The old maid unfolled first large
knit quilt with yellow and brown stripes
that produced q pretty effect; it was
made of warm and flexible wool, and
intended for the brass bedstead with its
damask draperies.
"There" said she, in dry tone. "The
stripes are united, NJ. Monteforte not
liking ornaments"
Then there was light blue necker-
chief for Teresa.
Finally, the third article was simple
brown skull cap, copied from an English
model.
"This," said she, tremendously, sis to
prevent NJ. Monteforte from taking cold
on the roof when he smokes in the even
ing"
And this phrase finished, Aunt Mari
uccia made ready to go with the same
ceremony that attended her arrival.
This is not amiable, Aunt Mariuc-
cia," said Orlando, gayly. Then you
are going away like that, without kiss
ing me?"
The poor old maid stopped, in aston
ishment. No, this man had no con-
science at all.
In the first place, she had never kissed
him in her life, never!
She assumed grand air of scandal
lied severity. Then, bursting into tears,
she threw herself into his arms.
Thenceforth the ice between them was
broken.
But from that day also Maria discov-
cred within herself, besides her love for
Teresa. another affection as powerful as
it was unexpected. She had treasure
of indulgent tenderness, mingled with
admiration, for the husband of her niece.
When the arrangement of his studio
had been completed, Monteforte, after
the evening meal, kissed Teresa, and took
his hat to go to the Cafe d'Europe.
Ills wifes face heightened.
what! you mean to go out and leave
me all alone? said She
The artist stopped short.
This nvapiuU'S rou,,iop u-oc tba onlx
bond that united them all and gave them
a chance to talk of questions in which
they had common interest
Must he still struggle, discuss one after
another all the acts of his life, be sus.
pected by his jealous wife whenever he
should go out, and be watched by her in
company with servant, as of old?
Nine. Monteforte, seeing that he did
not stir, thought that he was hesitating,
and tried by u word to bend his indecision
in the direction of her own desire.
DO not so out tonight, beg of you,
husband of mine. l should be so lonesome
here! Formerly had papa, mamma, my
aunt. Do not go out, please"
With gesture of impatience the artist
began in Il severe tone:
''lf y0H form such habits"-
But he stopped. The poor child had
shown herself very courageous in the
recent difficult circumstances.
He reflected.
Was it not better to try to convince
her, and at one stroke lay the foundations
of a future free from storms?
He placed his hat on the table, sat
down, and drew her upon his knees.
Listen to me carefully, Teresa" said
he.
"You will stay?" she asked, joyfully.
And, sure of having won her cause
with so little trouble, she passed her arms
around her husbands neck.
But the latter. gently detached her en-
laced hands. The poor little woman was
frightened.
He said:
MY girl, if you wish me to love you,
If you desire our house to be happy and
our life peaceable, you must make up
your mind to allow me the independence
oh! 1T is limited-which an artist
needs"
The little Nine. Monteforte felt her
heart beat cruelty.
"You say: If you wish me to love
you! So. husband of mine, you do not
love me, then?"
He tried to smile, but the memory OF
past years paralyzed this amiable at
tempt, and his expression became serious
again.
II love you, and you know it well. ]
love you the more, my dear child, be-
cause have found you valiant when il
was necessary to prove your affection
for me-"
"Well," said she, discouraged, "why
do you talk to me like that? If you wish
to make me understand something ex'