The Iola register., 1891-07-24

her two little hands roMnd my arm.
with your permission" she returned
softly, 81 will go to the Convent where
l was educated. 1t is some eight or ten
miles distant from here, and I think"
(here she counterfeited the most wonder.
full expression Of ingenious sweetness
and piety)-"I think should like to
make q 'retreat'-that Is, devote some
time solely to the duties of religion be.
fore I enter upon q second marriage. Tie
dear nuns would be go glad to see me-
and am sure you will not obiect2 II
will be good preparation for my fu-
ture." -
seized her csressing hands and held
them hard, while I looked upon her
kneeling there like the white-robed fig
ure of a praying saint.
"It will indeed!'' l said in harsh
voice. "The best of all pos
sible preparations! We none Of
us know what may happen-we
cannot tell whether life or death
awaits us--it Is wise to prepare for
either by words Of penitence and devo-
tion! Iadnire this beautiful spirit in
you. carina! Go to the Convent by all
means! / shall find you there and will
visit you when the wrath and bitterness
OF our friend Ferrari have been
smoothed into silence and resignation.
Yes, 60 to the convent, among the good
and pious nuns, and when you pray for
Yourself, pray for the peace Of your dead
husbands soul-and-for me! Such
prayers, unselfsh and earnest, uttered
by pure lips like yours, fly swiftly to
heaven! And as for young Guido-have
no fear; promise you he shall offend
you no more
"Ah, you do not know him!" she
murmured, lightly kissing my hands
that still held hers. II fear he will
give you a great deal of trouble"
81 shall, at any rate, know how to 81.
lence him." said, releasing her as |
spoke, and watching her as she rose
from her kneeling position and stood be-
fore me. supple and delicate as a white
iris swaying in the wind. "You never
gave him reason to hope, therefore he
has no cause of complaint"
.'True!" she replied readily, with an
untroubled smile. "But 1 am such a
nervous creature! am always imagin-
ing evils that never happen! And now,
Cesare, when do you wish me to go to
the Convent"
I shrugged my shoulders with an air Of
indifference.
"Your submission to my will, mia
BELLE" 1 said coldly, sis altogether
charming, and fatters me much, but I
am not your master-not yet! Pray
choose your own time, and suit your de-
parture to your own pleasure"
"Then," she replied with an air OF de-
cision, 81 will go today. The sooner the
better-for some instinct tells me that
Guido will play US trick and return be-
fore we expect him. Yes-1 will go
today"
rose TO take my leave. "Then you
will require leisure to make your prep
arstions," / said with ceremonious DO.
liteness. 81 assure you approve your
resolve. II you inform the superioress
OF the convent that am your. .betrothed
husband, ! suppose l shall be permitted
to see you when call?"
''Oh, certainly" she replied. "The
dear nuns will do anything for me. |
Their Order is one of Perpetual Adora-
ton, and their rules are very strict, but
they do not apply them to their old pu.
pills, and l am one Of their great favour
ties"
Naturally" I observed. "And will
you also join in the service Of Perpetual
"Oh yesl'
sit needs an untainted soul like |
yours,"I 1 said with a satirical smile
which she did not see, ito pray before
the unveiled Host without being con-
l envy you your priv
ilege. could not do it-but you are
probably nearer to the angels than we
know. And so you will pray for me?"
She raised her eyes with devout gen.
tleness. 81 will indeedr'
81 thank your'-and | choked back
the bitter contempt and disgust l had
Tor her hypocrisy as spoke,-"I thank
you heartily-most heartily! Addio!'
She came or rather ioated to my side,
her white demonstrating about her
Ind the gold of her hair glittering in the
mingled glow OF the freight and the
zintry sunbeams that shone through the
window. She looked up-a witch-like
anguor lay in her eyes-her red lips
,outed.
mot one kiss before you go?" she
aid.
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