New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-16

but said nothing. Ii not the fact That
Donna Adele wished him 20 pay her more atten-
ton that struck him; he wondering what
the other remarks might have been TO which
Gouache alluded. They might have been directed
against the Contcssa--or they might have been
such az TO show that Adele suspected Ghislcrl OF
an attachment for Laura Arden. since he now
went SO often 10 the house ~ Gouachc did hot
volunteer any further information however.
Ghslerl thought il wiser 10 ask 10 questions,
and he was inclined to infer that the aforesaid
observations had been directed against Maddelena
DELI Armi
Ghislcli wont away in q very bad humor. 10
long a. the gossip came from the men he had
very simple and definite course open - hin. and
he knew that III. personal influence was con-
siderable BIT when the worst things said were
said ny women there seemed to be no remedy
possible II would not be an easy matter 10 go
to Adele and tax her with lying sandcring, ard
evil speaking She would very properly be- angry.
and would Of cOurs" deny that She had ever
spoken on the matter: her friends would support
her in her denial. and he would be no further
advanced than before. He could not possibly go
to Francesca Savclli and demand Of the latter
an explanation of Donna A3cc's conduct. That
out Of the question. To let Donna Adele
know that both Laura and Arden were quite I'M
conscious of her attacks and, in their present
life of almost enforced retirement, were
likely TO remain in ignorance of them.
might sway Donpa Adele. but could do no
good. II would he positively uniind to
speak TO the Princess Of Gorano and ask her 70
her influence with her stcp1au-htcr. bnr Ihisl"r
thought he had struck possibility at last-hc
could 20 to old Gorano himself and explain mat
ters. After all, Gcrano was AdcIcs father and
had some authority OYER her still. Ghl>ler cam
rather hastily to The conclusion that thi, would
he the wscst course to follow, and acted almost
immediately upon his decision, for il clancrd that
he found the Prince at the club. and mad the OPP
portunity he needed within half an hour after
forming his plan of action
lie approached the subject coolly and diplomati.
Caly while Gcrano blandly listened ana pulled at
a cigarette Donna Adele, he said, had OF course
no intention of iniuring her stcpsiscr. but she
was too young to know the weight a careless tale
often carried with il in the world. and had no
idea of the harm she doing. No one. not even
the Prince himself was ignorant Of the fact that
Don Francesca Savclis first inclination had bcon
rather for Miss Carlyon than for Donna Adele. bat
that it had been mere young mans fancy, with
out any Importance. and that having yielded 10
parental authority, Don Francesca was per
fectly happy man. Perhaps Donna Adele had not
beauty and charm. as far as her stcpsistcr WIS
concerned. though well aware that her husband
thought no moro about Lady Herbert. Ii WAS
natural and womany in her 10 resent IT, But
that was not good reason WHY she should say
as she seemed to he saying constantly-that Indy
Herbert was very much in love with Don Fran
ccsco.
Here Ghislcri paused. AMI tho Prince opened his
eyes very wide at first. and then almo, shut them
as he scrutinizrd his companions face. He knew
the man well. however. and guessed that the mat
ter must be serious indeed since hn took the
trouble TO treat il in such earnest.
At suppose said Gcrano. that You quito
prepared to support your words if any question
arises This is a strange tale.
Yes" answered Ghslcri. am always roady.
He spoke with such gravity that the Prince was
impressed.
Pictro went on to say that Donna Adele. doubt
less ont of pur carclcsSncSS. had certainly. ny
foolish jest, suggested the story that Lori Herbert
very incorporate n story which Glliseri had
last year been obliged 10 deny IN the most formal
manner in the very room in which they were now
talking TO number Of men. The tai" hal Of
late bccn revived in form even more virulcnt
than before. and such untruthS. even when thcy
have originated in harmless hit of fun. could
damage "A mans reputation for life.
"Of course they can, and they do,' asserted the
Prince, who was becoming rather anxious
As for instance" continued Ghiscr, il is now
said that Lady Herbert Arden, your stcplaughtcr.
talks 10 Don francesca and 10 everybody
which probably means the few persons who circu-
late the myth-atout her wrctchcd married life,
and other suggestions which | VIII not repeat
added which are very insulting to her. For my
part my business is T. defend Arden, who is my
friend and who is unfortunately too i'll t. defend
himself should all this come 10 his ears do not
say that this last addition concerning Lady Her
hert's confidence comes from Donna Adele Sayclli.
But it is undoubtedly current, and proceeds direct
" from the former gossip, as lis natural consc
quencc."
Evidently" said the Prince, who kept lis ten
per admirably. in consi ciaton OF the gravity Of
the case. And now what do you expect me
to do?"
"You are Donna Adelcs father answered CHS.
cr "Shc is assuIc1ly ignorant Of the harm she
has caused 1t would seem quite natural if you
suggested to her that it is in her power to undo
what she has unntcntonallv done"
How, may ask? By an apo!ogy?' Gcrano
did not like the idea, but Ghiscr smiled.
THAT would make matters worse he said.
She could put everything right merely by saying
a few pleasant things about the hrdcns to half
dozen people of her acquaintancc-at random.
Donna Maria Boccapaduli. the Marchrsa di San
Giacnto, the Contcssa DELI Armi-evcn Donna
Faustina Gouachc. She might ask the Ardcns to
dinner"
Il observe that You do not name any men,"
observed the Irincc.
1T is not the men who have been talkinc so far
as ! know-nor if they did, would THEN gossip do
so much damage"
THAT may be- As for the rest will SAY this.
You have said some exceedingly unpleasant things
to me this afternoon, but know you we'll enough
to be sure that you are not only IN earnest, but
wish to avert trouble rather than cause it. Other
wise should not have listened to YOU As have.
am very deeply attached to my only child,
though am also very fond Of my stcpdaughtcr.
However, ! will take This question in hand and
find out the truth and do what can to mend
matters II | find yOu have been misinfOrmcd,
l. Al, of int.r