San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-29

I looked around at the rest of the assem-
bled company with smile at their trou-
bled faces.
Gentlemen" | said, ''our feast has
broken up in a rather disagreeable man
ner, and am sorry for it, the more es-
pecially as it compels me to part from
you. Receive my thanks for your COM
pany. and for the friendship you have
displayed toward me! do not believe
that this is the last time l shall have the
honor of entertaining you,-but if it
should be so, l shall at any rate carry a
pleasant remembrance of you into the
next world! If on the contrary should
survive the combat of the morning, |
hope to see you all again on my marriage
day, when nothing shall occur to mar our
merriment. In the meantime-good
nightr'
They closed round me, pressing my
hands warmly and assuring me of their
entire sympathy with me in the quarrel
that had occurred. The Duke was es-
pecially cordial, giving me to understand
that had the others failed in their SER
vices, he himself, in spite of his dignity,
and peace-loving disposition, would have
volunteered as my second. | escaped
from them all at last and reached the
quiet of my own apartments. There l
sat alone for more than an hour waiting
for the return of VincenZO, whom had
sent to track Ferrari. l heard the de-
parting footsteps of my guests as they
left the hotel by twos and threes-I
heard the equable voices of the Marquis
and Captain Freccia ordering hot coffee
to be served to them in private room
where they were to wait for the other
SeConds-now and then | caught a few
words of the excited language of the
walters who were volubly discussing the
affair as they cleared away the remains
of the superb feast at which, though
none knew it save myself, death had
been seated. Thirteen at table! One
was traitor and one must die. l knew
which one. No presentiment lurked in
my mind as to the doubtful result of the
coming combat. II was not my lot to
fall-my time had not come yeti felt
certain of that! No! All the fateful
forces of the universe would help to keep
me alive till my vengeance was fulfilled.
Oh what bitter shafts of agony Ferrari
carried in his heart at that moment, l
thought How he had looked when l
said she never cared for himl Poor
wretch! pitied him even while / re-
joiced at his torture. He suffered now
as | had sutfered-he was duped as had
been duped-and each culver of his con-
vulsed face and tOrmented frame had
been fraught with satisfaction to me!
Each moment of his life was now pang
to him. Well! it would soon be over
thus far at least | was merciful. | drew
out pens and paper and commenced to
write few last instructions, in case the
result of the fight should be fatal to me.
| made them very concise and
brief-I knew while writing that they
would not be needed Still for the sake
of form | wrote, and sealing the docu-
ment directed it to the Duke di Marina.
looked at my watCh-it was past one
o'clock and VinCenZO had not yet return
ed. / went to the window and
drawing back the curtains, surveyed
the eXquisitely peaceful scene that lay
before me. The moon was still high
and bright-and her reflection made
the waters of the bay appear like a
warriors coat of mail woven from
thousand glittering links of polished
steel. Here and there from the masts OF
anchored brigs and fishing boats,
cleaned few red and green lights burn
ing dimly like fallen and expiring stars.
There was a heavy unnatural silence
everywhcrc-it oppressed me, and
threw the window wide open for air.
Then came the sound of bells Ginning
so!tly. People passed to and fro with
quiet footSteps-sOme paused to'exchange
friendly greetings. l remembered the
dav with a sort of pang at my heart.
The night was over though as yet there
was no sign of dawn-and-it was Christ
mas morning!
CHAPTER XIV