The Iola register., 1891-02-13
"You are not residing in Nsplesq" he

"You are not residing in Naples?" he
asked.
gave him my name, which he knew
by repute, and described the position OF
my villa.
"Up on that height we enjoy perfect
health" added. 81 can not understand
the panic that prevails in the city. The
plague is fostered by such cowardice."
'-Of courser' he answered calmly.
'But what will you? The people here
love pleasure. Their hearts are set
solely on this life. When death, COM
mon to all, enters their midst, they are
like babes scared by dark shadow, Re-
lIgion itself'-herc he sighed deeply
"bas no hold upon them"
But you, my father" l began, and
stopped abruptly, conscious of a sharp
thrObbing pain in my temples.
a." he answered gravely, ''am the
servant of Christ. As such, the plague
has no terrorS for me. Unworthy as |
am. for my Master sake | am ready
face all death"
lie spoke firmly, yet without arro-
gauce. | looked at him in n certain ad-
miratiOn, and was about to speak, when
4 curious dizziness ovcrcamc me, and i
caught at his arm to save myself from
| falling. The street rocked like a ship al
sea. and the skies whirlcd round me in
circles of blue fire. The feeling slowly
passed-and [ heard the monks voice,
as though it were a long way off, asking
me anXiouSly what was the matter, j
forced smile.
at is the heat. think" | said, in
feeble tones like those of q very aged
man. Il am faint-giddy. You had
best leave me hcre-see to the boy. Oh,
my GOdr
This last exclamation was wrung out
of me by sheer anguish. My limbs re-
fused to support me, and pang, cold
and bitter as though naked steel had
been thrust through my body, caused
me to sink down upon the pavement in
a kind of convulsion. The tall and
sinewy monk, without q moments hes
itation, dragged me up and half carried.
half led me into a kind of aubCrge, or
restaurant for the poorer classes. Here
he placed me in recumbcnt position on
one of the wooden benches, and called
up the proprietor of the place, man to
whom he seemed to be well known.
Though suffering acutely | was con-
sciOus, and could hear and see every
thing that passed.
ATTEND to him well, Pietro-it is the
rich Count Fabio Romani Thou wilt
not lose by thy pains. | will return
within an hour"
"The Count Romani, SantisSma Ma
donna! He has caught the plague!'
Thou fOoll' exclaimed the monk.
iercely. "How canst thou tell? a
stroke of the sun is not the plague, thou
coward! See to him, or by St. Peter and
the keys there shall be no place for thee
in Heaven!'
The trembling ipnkeeper looked ter
rifed at this menace, and submissively
approached me with pillows, which he
placed under my head. The monk.
meanwhile, held glass to my lips con-
tanning some medicinal mixture, which
| swallowed mechanically.
REST here, my son." he said, address,
ing me in soothing tones. s"These peo-
pie are good-natured. | will but hasten
to the boy for whom you sought assist
ance-in less than an hour | will be
with you again"
Stay" murmured feebly, "let me
know the worst Is this the plague?"
81 hope not" he replied compassion
ately. But what if it be? You are
young and strong enough to fight against
it without fear"
II have no fear" said But, father,
promise me one thing-Send no word of
my illness to my wife-swear it! Even il
am unconSciouS-dead- that
shall not be taken to the villa. Swear
it! cannot rest till have your word"
Il swear it most willingly, my son."
he answered Solemnly. by all l hold
sacred. ! will respect your wishes"
was infinitely relieved-the safety of
those loved was aSSured-and | thanked
him by a mute gesture. was too weak
TO say more. lie disappeared, ana my
Drain wandered into n chaos of strange
fancies. Let me try to resolve these de-
lusionS. | plainly see the interior of the
common room where | lie. There is the
timid innkecper-he poliSheS his glasses
and bottles, casting ever and anon a
scared glance iE my direction, Groups of
men look in at the door, and, seeing me,
hurry away. observe all this
i know where / am-yet l am also
climbing the steep passes of an Alpine
gorge-the cold snow is at my feet
hear the rush and roar of thousand
torrents. A crimson cloud floats above
the summit of a white glacier-it parts
aSunder gradually, and in its bright CEN
ter face smiles forth, Nina! my love,
my wife, nv soul!" cry aloud. stretch
out nv armS-I clasp her!-bah! it is
this good rogue of an innheeper who
holds me in his muSty embrace! | Strug-
gle with him tiercely-pantingly.
"FoolI' shrek in his ear. Let me
go to her-her lips pout for kiSSeS-let
mo rO's,l