The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-24
MY STRANGE ADVENTURE IN TURIN.


=
am writing l, a tourist, had put up at a
small inn IN Turin, a city that had long
been anxious to visit. having heard and
read so much about its wonderful museums
and grand works Of art. had arrived there
On foot, not because l might not have
Travelled in the softest and most luxurious
ofequipages. but because all rich men, they
say, have their hobbies, and mine was 70
go through Italy on the mares God had
given me, namely, shanks mares.
As l have already said, l arrived at the
inn, jaded aud worn from my long, long
tramp, and, entering the barrOOm ordered a
glass Of beer from the rosy, black-eyed bar
maid; whereupon buxom woman standing
in the door came forward, aud dropping a
courtesy asked: IF the seignOr intended
putting up for the night at her housep
Seeing me nod my head in the affirma-
tive, she disappeared in order 20 get my
room in readiness, and appearing a few
minutes later, beckoned me to follow her
which did with surprlsing Rlacrity, as my
eyelids, on account Of the fatigue l had en-
dured, were dropping heavily over my
eyes, and felt that as soon as nv head
should have touched the pillow l would be
ia a deep, dreamlsss sleep.
follow my hostess through a dark cor
ridor, aud thence into room that seems to
me veritable paradise" so cool it is, with
spotless curtains Tapping softly at the long
windows, and then the bed--the counter,
pane Is thrown back, revealing tbs snowy
whiteness OF the sheets bsneath.
Good woman" say, looking mt her
with smile of satisfaction overspreading
my face, your bed is fit enough for a
prince"
With a smirk and courtesy she thanks me
for the money | have pressed in her hand,
aud goes out closing the door softly behind
her. Undressing jump quickly into bed,
and know nothing more until awake to
find the sun shining brightly ia my face,
and know it isithe beginning of my first day
il Turin.
On rising find a delightful bath pre-.
pared for me by my bedside, and plunging
In | emerge feeling thetlife has never held
for me happier day than this, first one
spent in the city Of my heart. After my
toilet descend to the dining room of the
inn, and here again the extreme thought
fulness Of my landlady asserts itself; hear
ing me moving about uD upstairs, she had
ordered the breakfast TO be served immedi-
ately or my putting in All appearance, there
fore have not to wait a moment before the
tempting. smoking dishes are placed before
me. First there is boiled macaroni and
cheese, then q macsroni pie, the like of
which | had never before tasted, then a
charmingly prepared anchovie, while the
wheat bread literally melted in ones mouth.
After my meal put on my hat and strolled
into the streets, little rocking of the advent
ure that was to befall me before | reached
the inn again.
went leisurely aloGg, stopping OCCASION
ally &c lock IL the shop windows, made gay
With hundreds Of bright, attractive articles,
when all of a sudden my attention was
arrested by cries for help coming from tho
midst of a crowd OF street gamins. Walks
ing quickly TO where they were standing, |
saw to my great indignation that they were
pelting bent, gray-haired old man, who,
crouehing at their feet, was giving vent to
the pitiful cries had heard.
Strid1ng up to the boy nearest me, /
grasped him by the collar of his fltny,
ragged coat, and doubling up my fist gave
him box on the ear. which am confident
will make the aforesaid ear ache for many a
day to come. Upon this the youngster,
wrenching himself from my grasp, took to
his heels, and his comrades, after a look into
my angry. excited face, quickly followed
his example. Then | was left alone on the
streets OF Turin with the pitlful object of
their ire.
''Have the rascals hurt you very badly,
old mani'
Looking round and seoing that his tor
mentors had indeed gone, and that he was
0AOhS WAId bu0 bbA AukbE huO uhu T0SCueQ
him, tears coursed down the Italians
wrinkled cheeks.
Milford" he said, coming forward and
bending his white head low before me, Il
thank you for your kindly interference on
my behalf. | am your debtor, sir, and old
Lorenzo does not soon forget a kindness"
To my surprise the old mans voice was
both soft and refined, aud his language thai
Of highly educated person.
'AilNDE rOAntiOn n old FallOyr -
cheerfully. II am glad l was able to render
you any assistance, Good morning. aud
turned on my heel to depart.
"Wait Que moment. Milford, Z" the old man
said, touching me lightly on the arm, ~
want you to 60 home with me. If mis-
take not you have lately como to Turin.
Am l rightW
answered in the affirmative. telling him
why had come.
just as l supposed" he said. gravely
nodding his head, but if you will honor me
by visiting my home ! will show you
greater wonders than any You will see in
the museums or galleries Of the city"
Thinking there might be something in the
old fellows words l determined to accept
his hospitable offer, so l turned and walked
beside him. On and on we went until we
had left the city far behind us, and were
now in a dark forest comprised chiefly Of
gigantic chestnut trees.
"here we are," the seignor said, and,
coming quickly to halt, this is what |
saw: Small and curiously constructed gray
stone building, with more the appearance
of chapel than a residence, and on the left
side Of it long, narrow emboukment, COW
cred with flowers and grasses.
"YOu have chosen very beautiful but
lonely spot for your domicile seignor," l
said wonderingly.
well, yes, it is quiet" he admitted, "but
IL MILFORD has but little patience be will
soon find out why that is Do You know
what they call me in Turlnl But OF course
you do not. Well, | am known there as
'Lorenzo the hermit For twenty years no
footstep save mine has crossed the thresh-
old of my door. Twenty years ago l lost
all faith In the honor and nobleness OF nv
fellow man, and it was left for you. by
your charitable act Of to-day, to restore at
least part of my faith. Enter my hum
bic dwelling, and may Gad Whose existence
l have until to-day ignored) bless youn-
saying which he threw open the door and |
entered, expecting to find bare, cold room.
suoh as hermit would most likely have.
To my astonishment | found myself In
one of the most beautiful rooms | have ever
entered. The interior of the house was of
polished gray marble, interpreted with al
coves of massive shining oak. The fl loring
was also or marble, with costly seal-skin
rug thrown here and there. In the alcoye
priceless gems in art hung. A book case
filed with volumes worth their weight in
gold stood In one corner of this snnarh