The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1891-06-19

nv soul. Much as I wished is I could
never get her to talk about her mistress
lit was the one subject on which she
was invariably silent. On one occasion
when j spoke With apparent enthusiasm
of the beauty and accomplishments Of
the young Countess, she glanced
at me with sadden and earn
est scrunity-sighed-bu said nothing.
was glad to see how thoroughly
devoted she was to Stella,
and the child returned her affection with
iDterest-and though as the November
days came on apace, my little one looked
far from strong. She paled and grew
thin, her eyes looked preternaturally
large and solemn, and she was very
easily wearied. / called Assunta's atten-
tfon to these signs of i'll health; she re-
pli9d that she mad spoken to the Countess
but that MADAME" had taken no notice
Of the child's weakly condition. After
wards l mentioned the matter myself to
NN::ha, who merely smiled gratefully In
my face and Answered, sSr>-
Really, my dear C6nte, you are too
good! There is nothing the matter with
stella, her health is excellent; she eats
too many bonbons perhaps, and is grow
ing rather fast, that is ALL How kind
you are to think of her. But, / assure
Yop, she Is quite well, nasszs"~"--'"-'--
did not feel SO sure of this-yet l
was obliged to conceal my anxiety, as
over-much concern about the child
would not have been in keeping with mY
assumed character.
1t was little past the middle Of No
vember, when circumstance occurred
that gave impetus to my plan, and hur-
ried them to full fruition. The days were
growing chilly and sad even in Naples
yachting excursions were over. and |
was beginning to organize few dinners
and balls for the approaching winter
season, when one afternoon Ferrari en-
tered my room unannounced and threw
himself into the nearest chair with an
impatient exclamation, and vexed ex-
preston of countenance.
"What is the matter?" l asked care
lessly, as 1 caught furtive glance of
his eyes. Anything financial? Pray
draw upon me! / will be a most accom-
modating bankerl"
He smiled uneaSily though gratefully.
Thanks, Conte-but it is nothing of
that sort, 1t is-gran Diol what an I'M
lucky wretch amp
81 hope" and here / put on an ex
preston of the deepest anxiety, 81 hope
the pretty Contessa has not played you
false? she has refused to marry You?'
He laughed with disdainful triumph
in his laughter.
''Oh, as far as that goes there is no
dangerl She dares not play me false"
''Dares not! That is rather a strong
expression, my friendr' And stroked
my beard and looked at him steadily. He
himself seemed to think he had spoken |
too openly and hastilyzfor he Redeemed !
as he said with little embarrassment: |
"Well, did not mean that exactly
of course she is perfectly free to DO as |
she likes-but she cannot, think, re- |
fuse me after showing me so much en-
-zs.- ~
l waved my hand with an airy gesture !
Of amicable agreement.
Certainly not" said, "unless she be |
an arrant cOquette and therefore a
woman; and you, who know
so well her intrinsic goodness and purity,
have no reason to fear. But, if not love
Or money, what is it that troubles you?
1t must be serious, to judge from your
'ace."
He played absently with a ring l had
given him, turning it round and round
upon his finger many times before reply
ng.
"Well, the fact is he said at last, 81
I'm compelled to go away-to leave Ma
pies for time"
Of |
Going away!-leaving Ma
Dles!-turning away from the field of
oattle and allowing me to gain the vic
DRY! Fortune surely favoured me. But
answered with feigned concern.
''Going awayi Surely you cannot
mean it. Why2-what for? and where?''
- uncle of mine is dying in Rene"
lie answered GROSSLY. HE has mace me
lis heir, and am bound for the sake of
lecency TO attend his last moments.
iather protracted last moments they
threaten to be too, but the lawyers Say
lad better be present, as the old man
nay take it into his head to disinherit
ne at the final gasp. Isuppose l shall
lot be absent long-a fortnight at most
and in the MEANWHILE
Here he hesitated and looked at me
nxiously.
Continue, caro- milo, continuer' said
nth som6 impatience. ''1f l can dc
nything in your absence, you have only
0 command me-" 1
He rose from his chair, and approach {
ng the window where ] sat in half {
eclining position, he drew small ChaiI
pposite mine, and sitting down, laid one
nd rnp fliuuly on NV UriCi
no BE CoNfNUEp.j