Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-09-05

PLAUDISG AND ENCOURAGING HIS
EFFORTS.
ccnzo hard at work. his shirt sleeves
rolled up to the shoulder. splitting some
Coodly logs OF wood, while Lila stood
beside him, merrily applauding and en-
couraging his efforts. He seemed quite
in his element, and welded his axe with
q regularity and vigour should scarcely
have expected from man whom l was
accustomed to see performing the some
what effeminate duties OF valet dc
chambre. / watched him and the fair
girl beside him for few moments, my
self unpreceived.
II this little budding romance were
left alone It would ripen into flower,
and Vincenzo would be Q happier man
than his master. He was true Tuscan,
from the very way he handled his wood
axe: | could see that he loved the lie OF
the hills and felds-the life OF o simple
farmer and fruit grower, full
of innocent enjoyments, as sweet
as the ripe apples In his orchard.
1 could foresee his future with
Lila beside him. He would have days
of unwearying contentment. rendered
beautiful by re free fresh air and the
fragrance OF lowers, his evenings would
slip softly L.. the tinkle Of the mando-
line, and H.. uund Of his wife and chill
dren's sing ;.
What far fate could man desire?-
what life ~ .'e certain to keep health In
the body a., 1 peace In the mind? Could
not help him to his happiness, won
dered? /, who had grown stern with
long brooding upon my vengeance
could not aid in bringing joy to others?
II could, my mind would be somewhat
lightened of its burden-a burden
grown heavier since Guides death, for
from his blood had sprung forth new
group Of Furies, that lashed me on to
my task with scorpion whips OF re-
doubled wrath and passionate ferocity.
Yet II / could do one good action
now-would it not be as star shining
in the midst Of my souls storm and
darkness! Just then Lila laughed--how
sweetly!--the laugh OF very young
child. What amused her now? looked,
and saw that she had taken the axe
from Vincenzo, and lifting 1t In her
little hands was endeavouring bravely 10
initiate his strong and telling stroke; ne
meanwhile stood aside with an air OF
smiling superiority, mingled with good
deal of admiration for. the slight active
figure arrayed in the blue kirtle and
scarlet bodice, on which the warm rays
Of the late sun fell with SO much
amourous tenderness. Poor little Lila!
A penknife would have made as much
impression as her valorous blows pro-
duced on the lnfexible, gnarled, knotty
old stump she essayed 70 split In
twain. Flushed and breathless with her
efforts, she looked prettier than ever,
and at last, baffled, she resigned the axe
to Vincenzo, laughing gaily at her in
capacity for wood cutting, and daintily
shaking her apron free from the chips
and dust, till call from her mother
caused her to run swiftly into the house,
leaving Vincenzo working away as ardn-
ously as ever. went up to him; he saw
me approaching, and paused In his
labours with an air Of slight embarrass-
ment
"You like this sort Of work, amlcoP" !
said gently.
IAN old habit, EccellenZa-nothing
more. II reminds me OF the days OF my
youth. when worked for my mother.
All! q pleasant place 1t was-the old
home lust above FiesOle." His eyes
grew pensive and sad. at is all gone
now-fnished. That was before / be-
came q soldier. But one thinks OF IL
sometimes"
81 understand. And no doubt you
would be glad to return to the lie Of
your boyhood?"
He looked little startled.
''Not to leave you, Eccellenzal"
I smiled rather sadly. mot to leave
me? Not II you welded Lila MONTH"
His olive cheek flushed, but he shook
his head.
''ImpossibleI She would not listen to
me. She Is child"
''She will soon be woman, believe
me. A little more Of your company Will
make her so. But there is plenty
of time. She Is beautiful, as
Won said; and something better
than that, she is innocent-think OF that
Vincenzol Do you know how rare o
thing innocence is-in Q woman? Re
spect Il rs You respect God; let her young
life be sacred 70 you"
BE glanced upwards reverendlV.
'sEccellanzA / would IS soon tear the
Madonna from her affairs as vex or
brighten Lillal"
/ smiled and said no more, but turned
into the house From that moment
resolved 70 let this little love-idyll have
a fair chance Of guccesa Therefore
remained ct Ayellino- much longer