San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-17


there was something imperial, as of a
sovereign who receives subject. l pre-
presented the flowers l had brought,
with few words of studied and formal
compliment, utteZed for the benefit of
the servant who fingered in the room,
then added in lower tone
81 have news of importance-can 1
speak to you priyatelyPs
She smiled assent, and motioning me
by graceful gesture of her hand to
take seat, she at once dismissed her
maid. AS soon as the door had closed
behind the girl, spoke at once and to
the point, scarcely waiting till my wife
resumed her easy-chair before the fire."
II have had letter from Signor
Ferrari."
She started slightly hut said nothing,
she merely bowed her head and raised
her delicately-arched eyebrown with
look of inquiry as of one who should
say, Indeed! in what way does this
concern me?" l watched her narrowly,
and then continued. HE is coming
back in two or three days-he says he is
sure" and here | smiled, that you will
be delighted to see him."
This time she half rose from her seat,
her lips moved as though she would
speak, but she remained silent, and sink
ing back again among her violet velvet
cushions, she grew very pale.
"If," went on, you have any rea-
son to think that this young man may
make himself disagreeable to you when
he knows of your engagement to me, out
of disappointed ambition, conceit, or
self-interest for of course you never
encouraged him), should advise you to
| go on visit to some friends for few
days, till his irritation shall have some
what passed. What say you to such a
plan?"
She appeared to mediate for few
moments, then raising her lovely eyes
with wistful and submissive look, she
replied,
1T shall be as you wish, Cesare! Sig
nor Ferrari is certainly rash and hot
tempered, he might be presumptuous
enough to but you do not
think of yourself in the matter! Surely
you also are in danger of being insulted
by him when he knows alp"
81 shall be on my guard!" said quick
| ly. Besides, L can easily pardon any
Outburst OF temper on his part-it will
be perfectly natural, l think! To lose all
hope of ever winning, such love as
| yours must needs be a sore trial to one
of his hot blood and fiery impulses.
! Poor fellow!' and l sighed and shook
my head with benevolent gentleness.
by the way, he tells he has had letters
from you?"
put this question carelessly, but it
| took her by surprise. She caught her
breath hard and looked at me sharply,
with an alarmed expression. Seeing
that my face was perfectly impassive,
she recovered her CompoSure instantly,
and answered.
''Oh yes! have been )mpelled to write
to him once or twice on matters of
business connected with my late hus-
| bands affairs. Most unfortunately,
| Fabio made him one of the trustees Of
his fortune in case of his death-it is eX-
ceedingly awkward for me that he
that he should occupy that position-it
appears to give him some authority over
my actions. In reality he has none. He
has no doubt exaggerated the number of
times | have written to him? it would be
like his impertinenCe to do so"
Though this last remark was ad
dressed to me almost as a question, | let
it pass without response. [ reverted to
my original theme.
"What think you, then?" l said.
'Will You remain here or will you alb
sent yourself for few days?"
She rose from her chair and approach
me, ku"lt down at my side, clasping
ner two little haudS round my arm.
with your permission" she returned
softly, 81 will go to the Convent where
| was educated. 1t Is some eight or ten
miles distant from here, and l think"
(here she counterfeted the most wonder
full expression of ingenious sweetness
and piety)-'I think should like to
make a 'retreat'-that is, devote some
time solely to the duties of religion be-
fore enter upon second marriage. The
dear nuns would be so glad to see me-
and / am sure you will not object? 1t
will be good preparation for my fu-
ture.'
/ seized her careSsing hands and held
them hard, while / looked upon her
smelling there like the white-robed fig
ure of praying saint.
at will indeedp' / said in harsh
:--::c@. "Tke best of all pos
siDle 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-
ton! Iadmire this beautiful spirit in
you, carina! Go to the Convent by all
means! l 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, go 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, unselfish and earnest, uttered
nv nura lins like yours hy swiftly tn