The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-01-17

him, blue and radiant Beyond was the
white fringe of the myriad of houses which
bind the Bay of Naples like snowy marge
of sand. And over the houses swelled
Vesuvius, clear and enhancing on this
bright day, methodically putting its smoke
towards the purple shadow of the island of
Capri-a light sketch on the horizon.
Closer at hand was to be seen the conven-
tional furniture of a busy port; maize of
masts, with here and there red or black
funnel in their midst, and a multitude of
men and boys lounging against walls and
ratings, and the stout columns of granite
sunk in the piers as covenient tether for
the harbor craft. There was uproar
enough, in all conscience. All ports are
noisy, but the tumult of the port of Naples
may be called transcendent.
A hundred yards or so from the gate of
the port there was little white marble
seat under a tree. The seat commanded
a view of low building, of temporary
kind, erected between it and the bay. In
the doorway of this building an orchestral
organ was to be seen-and from the col
ored posters outside it was evident that
here was show of kind to be found
alike in the cities of Europe and Timbuctoo.
1t was in fact, a circus From the organ
loud harmonies proceeded forth upon the
charmed air. and voluble We're the rapturous
comments of the Neapolitans who enjoyed
this gratuitous diversion. The organ was
not automatic A long handle was turned
with untiring energy by a woman fit to
eXtOrt admiration from traveller to whom
no type of beauty is unknown. Such
symmetry, lissomeness, and grace of move
ment Long black hair, large unblinking
eyes, worthy of the land they looked
upon. The most bewitching complexion
in the world. Teeth, mouth, nose, brow
and chin all conceived by nature as if she
had worked by the light of the Book of
Beauty.
James Pink sat on the ma rble seat and
contemplated this lovely creature Middle
aged man that he was, bis heart beat as if
it were disordered. You would have said
he had touch of palsy if you could have
seen the twitching of his mouth and fingers.
And he winked again and again, as if the
sun were in his eyes instead of held at a
distance by the tree above him. After a
time our hero rose reluctantly, sighed,
wiped his face with his silk pockethand-
kerchief, and departed. He knew better
than to shatter or risk the shatterment of
his ideal by an interview until he was well
prepared for the consequences: might they
be ever so disastrous. But he was not,
therefore, the less liberal in his praise.
He lauded her loyeiiness and her figure
until he was again at the portal of the
Hotel Vesuve.
1t was really absurd to mark Miss Pink's
conduct towards her brother during the
remainder of that day. She was super
cilious, deferential, tender and commanding,
each in succession. But all her goods
were powerless to affect her brother. He
was as little moved by them as if he had
been rock. His voice was strong and
decided when he replied to her questions.
And, moreover Miss Pink was exasperated
to find that he was sufficiently changed to
be able to treat her with certain amount
of condescension. In effect, her brother
behaved towards her as political minister
might behave to a small suitOr who pes
tered him with demands in the midst of his
business, but who had certain claim upon
him for civil treatment which he might not
repudiate.
~ can bear this no longer, James" said
Maria, in the evening after dinner. She
felt some terror lest her brother should 90
off again with a cigarette in his mouth.
Had he repeated this inquiry she was re-
solved to cause a scene, in public or private,
it did not matter which. But no. With
an air of philosophic abstraction that pro-
claimed his peace of mind he had followed
cOntentedly at her heels when she had left
the table to retire to their private sitting
room. She had thus the less cause for
complaint. Yet she was too aggrieved TO
perceive this.
'What cannot you bear, Maria Is not
; the service of the hotel good enough for
you?"
'The service of the fddlestick You
know that | am concerned about very
different matter 1t is your own welfare,
James, that is at stake, and Heaven knows
| have not watched over you from the time
you were helpless little babe-I mean, OF
course, when we were babes together
say I have not been for twenty years in the
position Of guardian towards you without
acquiring a strict and conscientious estimate
of my responsibility.
"Yes, yes observed James Pink, as if
he were, from sense of duty, encouraging
difident client to unbosom himself of his
troubles.
abe silent, James-with your yes,
yeses y exclaimed Miss Pink. II will
]
not be interrupted Who is she, l say ?
Tell me at once where l may find the
creature, and put an end to the tragedy;
for it is tragic, indeed, in its effect upon
your heart, james, which l had come to
regard as soft, tender, and humane"
"Maria, said james Pink, benignly
when his sister paused, 'I do not admit