Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-08-29

them, you can see me again, observed
gently. ~ wear them for a special pur-
pose. Here in Avellino the purpose
does not hold. Thus far confide In
you. But beware how you betray my
confidence"
''Eccellenza !" cried Vincenzo In truly
panied accents, and with grieved look.
"There! / was wrong-forgive me.
You are honest; you have served your
country well enough TO know the value
Of fidelity and duty. But when you say
! have not lost my youth, you are wrong,
Vincenzo! / have lost tit has been
killed within me by great sorrow. The
strength, the suppleness OF limb, tho
brightness OF eye these are mere out
ward things; but In the heart and soul
are the chill and drear bitterness OF
deserted age. Nay, do not smile; am
In truth very old-so old that tire OF
my length OF days; yet l. ain, not too
old to appreciate your affection, AMIGO,
and" here l forced faint smile.
''when see the maiden l. "a, will tell
you frankly what think ~ her"
Vinccnzo stopped his he'll, caught my
hand within his own, and .;isscd IL, then
left the room abruptly, t. hide the tears
that my words had broug.t to his eyes.
He was sorry for me, could see, and j
Judged him rightly whem thought that
the very mystery surrounding me In
creased his attachment. On the whole
l was glad he had seen me undisguised.
as IL was relief to me 4 be without my
smoked glasses for tim, aud during all
the rest Of my stay ut Avcllino l never
wore them once.
One day saw Lila. / had strollcd
up TO u quaint church situated on u
rugged hill and surrounded by fine old
chestnut trees, where there was q pic
ture OF the Scourging OF Christ, said to
have been the work Of Fra Angelica.
The little sanctuary was quite deserted
when entered it, and paused on the
threshold, touched by the simplicity OF
the place, and soothcd by the intense ST.
lence. walked on tiptoe up to the cor
ner where hung the picture l had
come TO see, and us did so girl passed
me with light step, carrying basket
OF fragrant winter narcissi and maiden
hair fern. Something In her graceful,
noiseless movements caused me TO look
after her: but she had turned her back
to me and was kneelinR ut the shrine
consecrated TO the Virgin. having placed
her flowers on the lowest step OF tho
altar She was dressed in peasant cas-
tume-a simple short blue skirt and scar
let bodice, relieved by the white kerr
chief that was knotted about her
shoulders: and round her small we'll
shaped head the rich chestnut hair was
cOiled in thick shining braids.
felt that must see her face, and for
that reason cnt back to the church
door and W. IA till she should pass out.
Very soon IN. came towards me, with
the same liz: timid step that had be-
fore noticed. I'D her fair young features
were turn,. fully upon me. What
was there in those clear, candid
eyes that made me involuntarlly bow
my head in reverential salutaton as
she passed? know not 1t was not
beauty-for though the child was lovely,
had seen lovelier; it was something
inexplicable and rare-something OF
maidenly composure and sweet dignity
that / had never beheld on any womans
face before, Her cheeks flushed softly
as she modestly returned my salute. and
when she was once outside the church
door she paused, her small white fingers
still clasping the carven brown beads of
her rosary. She hesitated moment,
and then spoke shyly yet brightly
IF the Eccellenza will walk yet
little further up the hill he will see n
finer view OF the montains."
Something familiar in her look-a sort
OF reflection OF her mothers likeness