Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-06-06
!, THE VENDETTA,
-
Oh
The Story of One Forgotten
BY MARIE CORELLI
CHAPTER xv1.-coNTINuED'

so beAutlIul ana careless! lou can
guard her-your age, your rank and po-
sition, the fact Of your being an old
friend of the family-all these things
warrant your censorship and vigilance
over her, and you can prevent any other
man from intruding himself upon her
notice."
III he Does" / exclaimed, starting up
from my seat with mock tragic air, II
will not rest till his body serves my
sword as SHEATH"
And laughed loudly, clapping him on
the shoulder as l spoke. The words
were the very same he had
himself uttered when ! had wit
messed his interview with my wife In
the avenue. He seemed to find some
thing familiar in the phrase, for he
looked confused and puzzled. Seeing
this, / FASTENED to turn the current Of
his reflections. Stopping abruptly in
my myth, l assumed serious gravity OF
demeanour and said,
NAY, nay! ] see the subject Is too
sacred to be TESTED with-pardon my
levlty! / assure you, my good Ferrari,
will watch over the lady with the jealous
700, and therefore one more likely to be
q model of propricty. Though frankly
admit IL is task am not specially fit
ted for, and one that is rather distaste-
full to me, still, / would do much TO
please you, and enable you to leave Ma
pies with an easy mind. promise you"
here | took his hand and shook it
warmly-"that l will be worthy Of
your trust and true TO it, with
exactly the same fine loyalty
and fidelity you yourself so
nobly showed to your dead friend Fabio!
History cannot furnish me with better
example"
He started as II he had been stung,
and every drop Of blood receded from his
face, leaving it almost livid. He turned
his eyes in kind Of wondering doubt
upon me, but counterfeited an air of
such good faith and frankness, that he
checked some hasty utterance that rose
TO his lips, and mastering himself by
strong effort said briefly.
81 thank you'll know / can rely
upon your honour"
"You CAM" / answered decisively-
las positively as you rely upon your
own" Again he WINGED, as though
whipped smartly by an invisible lash.
Releasing his hand l asked in tone OF
Affected regret,
"And when must you leave US,
carino?"
"Most unhappily, at once" he an
swered. II start by the early train TO-
morrow morning"
"Well, / am glad knew OF this In
time" said, glancing at my writing
table, which was strewn with unsent
invitation cards and estimates Tor
decorators and ball furnishcrs. 81 shall
not think of starting any more gaietles
till your return"
He looked gratefully at me. 'Really?
1t is very kind Of you, but l should DC
sorry TO interfere with any OF your
plans. :"
Say no more about it, amico," In
terrupted him lightly. 'Everything can
wait till YOU come back. Besides l am
sure you will prefer to think OF Madame
as living in some sort OF seclusion dur
ing your enforced absence. :"
II should not like her to be dullr' he
eagerly exclaimed.
''Oh, moi" / said, with q slight smile at
his folly, as If she-Nina!-would permit
herself to be dull II will take
care Of that Little distractions, such
as drive now and then-or a very quiet
select musical evening. / understand
leAve 1t all to me! But the dances, din
ners and other diversions shall wait till
your return"
A delighted look flashed into his eyes.
He was greatly flattered and pleased.
"You are uncommonly good to me,
Conte!" he said earnestly. 81 can never
thank you sufficiently"
81 shall demand proof Of your graft
tude some day." answered. And now,
had you not better be packing your port
manteau? Tomorrow will soon be here.
/ will come and see you of in the morn
ing"
Receiving this assurance as another
testimony of my friendship, he left me.
/ saw him no more that day; 1t was easy
to guess where he was! With my wife,
Of coursel-no doubt binding her,
by all the most sacred VOWS
he could think Of or invent, to be
true to him,-as true as she had
been false to me. In fancy / could see
him elasping her in his arms, and kiss
ing her many times in his passionate
fervQur, implOring her to think OF him
faithfully, night and day, till he should
again return TO the joy Of her caresses!
smiled coldly as this glowing picture
came before my imagination. Ay,
Guidol kiss her and fondle her now to
your hearts content-it is for the last
tImel Never again will that witching
glance be turned to you in either fear or
favour-never again will that fair body
nestle in your jealous embrace-Rever
again will your kisses burn on that
curved sweet mouth! never, never
againl Your day Is done-the last brief
moment Of your SINS enjoyment kAFe
come--make the most Of theml-no
one shall interfere. Drink the last drop
Of sweet wine-my hand shall not dash
the cup from your lips on this, the nnal
night OF your amour. Traitor, liar and
hypocrItel make haste 30 be happy Tor
the short time that yet remains to you;