The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1891-05-22

rings she wore must have ding into he1
flesh and hurt her, thought she was toe
well-bred to utter any exclamation.
had fully recovered myself, and was pre-
pared to act out my part.
'On the contrary, Madame"
said in a strong harsh
voice, "the thanks must come entirely
from me, for the honour you have con-
ferred upon me by accepting trifes so
insignifcapt-especially at a time when
the cold brilliancy of mere diamonds must
jar upon the sensitive feelings of your
recent widowhood. Believe me, SYM
pathize deeply with your bereavement,
Had your husband lived, the Jewels
would have been his gift to you, and how
much more acceptable they would then
to think you have condescended so far as
to receive them from so unworthy hand
as mine"
As | spoke her face paled,-she seemed
startled, and regarded me earnestly.
Sheltered behind my smoked spectacles,
1 met the gaze of her large dark eyes
without embarrassment. Slowly she
withdrew her slight fingers from my
clasp. ! PLACED an easy-cbair for heri
she Sank Softly into it with her old air
of indolent ease, the ease of spoilt en-
press or sultan's favourite, while she
still continued to look up at me thought
fully. Ferrari, meanwhile, busted him
self in bringing out more wine; he also
produced dish of fruit and some sweet
cakes, and while occupied in these duties
as our host he began to laugh.
"Ha, ha! you are caught" he ex-
claimed to me gaily. "YOu must know
we planned this together, Madame and
/, Just to take you by surprise. There
was no knowing when you would be per-
suaded TO visit the Contessa, and she
could not rest till she had thanked you,
so we arranged this meeting. Could
anything be better? Come, Conte, con-
fess that you are charmed!'
'0f course l am!' l answered with
slight touch of satire in my tone.
"Who would not be charmed in the
presence of such youth and beauty!
And / am also flattered-for know what
exceptional favour the Contessa Romani
extends toward me, in allowing me to
make her acquaintance at time which
must naturally be for her a secluded
season of SORROW"
AT these words my wife's face suddenly
assumed an expression of wistful sadness
and appealing gentleness.
"Ah, poor unfortunate Fabio," she
sighed. ''How terrible it seems that he
is not here to greet you! How gladly he
would have welcomed any friend of his
father's-he adored his father, poor
fellow! / cannot realize that he is dead.
md Arno ri 10
not think shall ever recover the shock
Of his loss!'
And heS eyes actually filled with tears;
though the fact did not surprise me in
the least, for many women can weep at
will. Very little practice is necessary
and we men are such fools, we never
know how it is done; we take all the
pretty feigned piteousness for real grief,
and torture ourselves to IND meth
DDS of consolation for the feminine
sorrows which have no root save in van
ity and selfshness. l glanced quickly
from my wife to Ferrari; he coughed,
and appeared embarrassed-he was not
so good an actor as she was an actress.
Studying them both, know not which
feeling gained the mastery in my mind
contempt or disgust
Console yourself, Madame" / said
coldly. thine should be quick to heal
the wounds of one so young and beauti-
full as you are. Personally speaking, !
much regret your husbands death, but !
would entreat you not to give way to
grief, which, however sincere, must I'M
happily be useless. Your life lies before
you-and may happy days and as fair
a future await you as you deserve"
She smiled, her tear-drops vanished
like morning dew disappearing in the
suns heat
Il thank you for your good wishes,
Conte," she said: "but it rests with you
TO commence my happy days by honour
ing me with visit. You will come, will
you not? My house and all that it con-
tains are at your servicel''
/ hesitated. Ferrari looked amused.
Madame is not aware Of your dislike
to the society of ladies, Conte," he said,
and there was touch of mockery in his
tone. glanced at him coldlY, and ad-
dressed my answer to nv wife. "Signor
Ferrari is perfectly right" said. bend
ing over her, and Speaking in a low tone;
81 am often ungallant enough TO avoid
the society of mere women, but, alas!
have no armor of defence against the
smile of angel"
And i bowed with deep and courtly
reverence. Her face brightened-she
adored her own loneliness, and the desire
of conquest awoke in her Immediately.
She took a glass of wine from my