The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1891-06-12
THE VENDETTA,
The Story of One Forgotten.
BY MARIE CORELLI.
CHAPTER xY.-CoNTINuEp.

CHAPTER xv.-CoNTINUED'
Yves Indeed, Giscomo," she said in
hard tones altogether unlike her usua al
musical voice. "You are growing SC
forgetful that 1t is positively annoying.
You know have often to tell you the
same thing several times. One COM
msnd ought to be sufficient for you"
Giacomo passed his hand over his fore
head in troubled way, sighed and was
silent Then. as If suddenly recollect-
ing his duty, he refilled my glass, and
shrinking aside resumed his former posi-
ton behind nv chair.
The conversation now turned on de-
sultory and Indifferent matters. knew
my wife was an excellent talker, but on
that particular evening / think she sur
passed herself. She had resolved to fas-
cinate me, that / saw at once, and she
spared no pains to succeed in her ambi-
ton. Graceful sallies, witty bon-mots
tipped with the pungent sparkle of sa-
tire, gay stories well and briskly told. all
came easily from her lips, SO that though
/ knew her so well, she almost surprised
me by her variety and fiuency. Yet this
gift of good conversation in a woman
is apt to mislead the Judgment OF
those who listen, for it is seldom the re-
suit of thought, and still more seldom is
il proof of intellectual capacity. A
woman talks as brook babbles; pleas
antly, but without depth. Her informa-
ton is generally of the most surface
kind,-she skins the cream off each
item of news, and serves it up to you in
her own fashion, caring little whether
it be correct or the reverse, And
the more vivaciously she talks.
the more likely she is to danger
ously insincere and cold-hcarted, for
the very sharpness of her wit is apt
to spoil the more delicate perceptions OF
her nature. Show me brilliant woman
noted for turning an epigram or pointing
a satire, and / will show you creature
whose life is masquerade, full of vanity,
sensuality, and pride The man who
marries such an one must be content to
take the second place in his household,
and play the character of the henpecked
husband with what meekness he best
may. Answer me, We loDg-sutfering
spouses of society woman" how much
would you give to win back your freedom
and self-respect? to be able to hold your
head up unabashed before your own SER
wants ? to feel that you can
actually give an order without
its being instantly countermaEded?
All, my poor friends! million will not
purchase you such joy: as long as your
fascinating fair ones are, like C8sar's
wife, above suspicion land they are gen.
orally prudent managers) so long must
you dance in their chains like the good
natured!clumsy bears that you are, only
giving vent to grOwl now and then. a
growl which at best only eXCiteS ridi-
Guile. My wife was of the true world
worldly; never had / seen her real char
acter so plainly as now, when she ex-
erted herself to entertain and charm me.
| had thought her spirituelle, ethereal,
angelica never was there less of an angel
than she! While she talked was quick
to observe the changes on Ferrari's
countenance. He became more silent
and sullen as her brightness and
cordially increased. would not APP
pear aware of the growing stiffness in
demeanour; l continued to draw him
into the conversation, forcing him to
give opinions on various subjects con-
nected with the art of which he was pro-
fessedly follower. He was very
reluctant to speak at all; and when COM
PEELED to do so, his remarks were curt
and almost snappish, so much that my
wife made laughing comment on his
behaviour.
"You are positively ill-tempered,
Guido u she exclaimed, then remember
ing she had addressed him by his chris
tian name, she turned to me and added
If always call him Guido, en- famille; you
know he is Just like brother to me-"
He looked at her and his eyes flashed
dangerously, but he was mute. Nina
was evidently pleased to see him in such
vexed mood: she delighted to pique his
pride, and as he steadily gazed at her in
a sort of reproachful wonder, she
laughed joyouSly. Then rising from the
table, she made US a coquettish cour-
tesy.
Il will leave you two gentlemen to fin
ish your wine together" she said, Il
know all men love to talk little scan
dial, and they must be alone to enjoy it.
Afterwards, will you join me in the YER
andah? You win find coffee ready"
FASTENED to open the door for her as
she passed out smiling; then, returning
20 the table, poured out more wine for
myself and Ferrari, who sat gloomily
cycling his own reflection in the broad
polished rim of silver fruit-diSh that
stood near him. Giacomo the bntler had
long ago left the room: we were entirely
alone. / thought ever my plans for
moment or two; the game was as in
teresting as a problem in chess. With
the elaboration of a prudent player ]
made my next move.
"a lovely woman!' l murmured medi-
tatively, slipping my wine, land intelli-
gent also. admire your taste, signor."
He started violently. "What-what
do you mean?" he demanded half fierce
~. / stroked my moustache and smiled
at him benevolently.
"Ah, young blood! young blood!" l
sighed, shaking my head, lit will have
its way! NV good sir, why be ashamed
of your feeling! heartily sympathize
with YOU; If the lady does not appreciate
the affection of so ardent and gallant
an admirer, then she is foolish indeed.
1t is not every woman who has such q
chance of happiness"
You think-you imagine that-that
l.
THAT yon are in love with her?' l
said composedly. MA certament! And
why not? 1t is as it should
be. Even the late Conte could
wish no fairer fate for his lovely
widow than that she should become the
wife Of his chosen friend. Permit me to
drink your health! Success TO your
lover. And l drained my glass as
finished speaking. Unfortunate fool
he was completely 0isarmed; his suspic-
ions Of me melted away like mist before
the morning light His face cleared
he seized my hand and rraSSa5 :,