The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-07-17
KING GIAC0MO'S BRIDE.

of the most notable palaces in all Venice,
listlessly stood sad faced shabby young
man, while just overhead little girl of
some dozen years leaned across the gayly
trimmed balcony. both watching the
gondolas as they piled up and down the
beautiful streets of the city.
1t was the day of Saint Marks. one OF
the gayest holidays in Venice. The girl
had but just emerged from the convent
walls at Padua, and, like bird let loose.
was in her merriest mood. Amused at
the unusual solemnity of the brown
faced youth. who seemed to be solitary
and alone in the midst of such festive
cheer, and seeing him the butt of some
disagreeable, teasing boys, she threw him
a shower of bonbons, asking her brother.
who stood by, how he thought the lads
could so torment a stranger.
"Boys were very ill mannered," no
said; "but see, sister, he is able to de-
fend himself for he gives taunt for
taunt; so don't distress yourself. He is
of age, and is fully capable of parrying
attacks"
They little thought, as they talked,
sentative of lordly house, young
prince, and no beggar, who had been
banished from his fathers court at
Cyprus-not only that, but prosecuted
by cruel mother, and without money
or friends. and in deep dependency had
wandered to Venice, very poor place
for one who knew nothing of work even
in prosperous days, and especially so for
a royal prince who would not work
Goaded to vengeance. after standing
ut bay for awhile, and maddened by the
restless throng of boys, the young man
fourished stiletto over his head, and at
length it became fighting in real earnest.
In the very heat of the strife the door
of the palace opened, and q sweet faced
girl peered ont defiantly, much surpris-
ing his tormentors.
boys of Venice, shame on you to treat
a stranger SO! The very fisher lads could
show you better manners!"
Taken aback by these sharp words from
the daughter of one SO august and of
such wealth as Marco Conaro, they
quickly scattered, perhaps more quickly
as they saw coming up the Grand Canal
a gorgeous gondola filled with young men
who had charge of all this brilliant dis.
play.
Prince Giacomo-for this was the name
of the young man-as the piazza was
speedily cleared, raised his hat to the
girl, as if to offer his thanks, seeing for
the first time the interest in her face, as
well as the sweetness of it, and followed
the multitude.
Time went on. 1t was but two wears
before the mother and the old king were
gathered to their fathers, and the beg.
carly prince became king of Cyprus, then
a must desirable possession, and one that
Venice courted. Many Venetians owned
land there, among them Marco Conaro,
the father of the young girl, Catarina.
Her uncle, Andrea, went to inspect her
fathers land often in his stead, his DOS
sessions being so large, and became in
his frequent visits very friendly with the
new king. Glorying in Venice and her
charms, he talked much about them and
OF Catarina, his pet.
You should see her She's the lowell.
est girl in all Venice, he said. Il can
show you her picture, but it doesn't do
her justice. Can you realize that she is
but ZAP"
AS the king took it in hand he started
back in surprise.
"Why is the face so familiar?r he
asked. "Ah, have it! know her-I
know that young girl"
He had fallen desperately in love with
the picture even before that discovery
was made.
"You know her, sire? I think not"
answered Andrea, astonished.
Il do-by my honor, l do" said the
king. "She is the brave maiden who, in
my poverty and loneliness, when, like an
imbecile, was crushed by disaster, de-
Tended me on the Grand Canal at Venice.
for which owe her lasting gratitude"
bowling and smiling at the picture as he
spoke, as if he were really addressing the
living Catarina.
Pleased with the recital. Andrea as
sured Giacomo of her great worth and
clevsrness.
"But there are many fair daughters in
Venice, and Catarina is very young
maidens, sire, he said, seeing the inter-
est the king evinced.
But he did not hear the inward resolve
which was something like this: : 81 am
my own master. l must see Catarina
and perchance shall make her queen.
Full of this matrimonial project, an
ambassador was dispatched to Venice,
soliciting an alliance with the great re-
public, and asking the hand of some high
born maiden for King Giacomo. But
secret instructions, you may be sure,
We're given him whom to choose.
SO the courier came to Venice, and it
was decided that on a certain day one of
the fairest daughters from each of the
patrician families of the city should meet
in the ducal palace, in order that the
ambassador might select wife fitting
for his royal master.
The day came, and the great council