New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-07
PIETRO GHISLERI.
BY r. MARION CRAWFORD.
Author Of "Sa,ocfnesca.- ''Thc Three Fates," ETC.
Copvrioht 1892. by Macmillan & 60
CHAPTER NH.

Copyright. 1892. bv Macmillan q 90
CHAPTER NH.
P;etro nj once realized the situation ana the
meaning of the look he saw. Something was
passing in his old encmy's mind when ma pass'o
through his own while he was looking NJ 'he
picture for Campodonico and Ghislcri were ooth
thinking of the extraordinary resemblance between
Moor blanca Corieone and the Tamara OF Iichy
nainting That resemblance, striking IN mgh
derree was the reason why Ghiseri liked IT, ana
had photograph of it at his lodging lie re-
pretted now that he should have been 80 tactless
&c 70 stand long before il when Campodonico
was in the room. 1t was too late, however, ana
tbarc was nothing TO be done but to meet the
mans angry look quietly, and go away. IL was
unfortunate that there should have been any
discussion between them at dinner, too. for
Campodonico, as his wife said, was hot-tempercd
IN the extreme, and Ghsleri, though outwardiy
calm. had always been liable TO outbreaks OF
dangerous anger There was, indeed, III the
present inst,hcc, very solemn promise gwen
70 a diving woman beloved of both. to Keep theh
from ouarrelirg, and both really meant to respect
il % they had done in past years. But 10 see
Ghisleri calmly contemplating a picture whicn
seemed intended to represent Blanca Coreone laii-
ing into the arms of demon lover was aiihos'
too much for the equanimity Of Gianfofte' winch
was by no means at any time very staole' MORE
ovor h. not only hated Ghisleri with his whole
bear, ne much as ever but he desped him QUIT"
as much as Pietro despsed himself, and probably
n little more lie would never have forgiven
him AZ the best but he might have respected
him il Ghisleri had honOred Bancas memory by
leading different life. 1t made ms
blood sting TO think that man WHO
had been loved TO the latest breath by such
at the feet of Maddalena deli Armi-not to men,
tion any Of the Others for whom Pietro had felt
an enhcmeral passion during the last six years and
more And Petro, on his side, knew that
Campodonico was right in judging him as he
Judged himself, harshly aud without mercy. IN
fortunately. Pietro's judgments on himself gene
rally came TOO late when the evil he hated had
already been DONE and self-copdemnation was oil
very tse use. He had great temptations. too
far greater than most men, ard was 1atah! at
tracted by difficulty in any shape
On the present occasion he really desired to
avoid doing the least thing which could irritatc
Campodonico and if the latter had not done
what he did Pietro woild certainly have gone
Quietly away lie could not help being little
surprised at the persister. stare OF his OIL ad-
versary considering that for years they h&d met
and acted with perfectly civil indifference toward
one another Nevertheless. he relit his cigarette,
which had gone out. and made step toward
the other side of the room. To Campodonico, the
calm expression of his face seemed like scorn,
and he became exasperated in moment. He
called the other back. They were at some distance
from the other guests, and out of hearing if they
spoke in low tones
.Ghisleri!n Campodonco pronounced the name
he detested with an almost cOntemptuous accent.
Petro knew that an exchange Of unfriendly words
was inevitable He turned instantly and came
close TO Gianforte, standing before him ana
looking down into his fierce eyes, for he was Dy
far the taller man.
"What is il p" he asked, controlling his voice
wonderfully.
DO YOU think there are circumstances under
which one is justified in breaking solemn pro-
mse?" asked Campodonico
NO. do not"
II do"
Il am very sorry. suppose you mean to say
that YOU wish TO quarrel with me again Is that
it?"
"Yes"
"You will find it hard. ! shall do my very
best 10 be patient whatever you do or say. In
the first place. l begin by telling you that l
sincerely regret having irritated you twice, as /
Have done this evening; the second time, as l
know, very seriously
Il did not ask you for an apology, said
Gianforte with contempt.
"Iut have offered you one which you will fina
il hard not to accept"
.you were not formerly so ready with excuses
I dare say YOU have grown cautious with age
tbouch YOU are not much older than l"
.perhaps / have" Ghsleri grew slowly pale,
a. he bore ere insult after the other Tor the oeao
woman's sake.
I'm other words, you are coward, said Oahl-
uodonico lowering his voice still more.
p,otro oneped his lips and shut them without
.,o.L;nc Ira glanced at the passionate white iace
Of ,be woman in the picture before he answered
II do not think so, he said; but make no
rrc.c,ce of bravery. Have you done?
No You make pretence of other things IL
mn, of COURAGE. You pretend that you VIII not
ouorrel now because OF the promise you gave
1T is true"
Il do not believe YOU"
~ am sorry for it, answered pietro.
sAra do vou mean to tell me that the promise
binds us9 II YOU had acted as man should
20 Won had led life that showed the slightest
respect for that memory, it might De oin"i's VI"
me still" ,,;.h
Il thirk it is" Ghslcri was trembling WIN u,
anger from head to foot, but his voice ""' sum
steady .,,,,,v
Il do not" answered Olahior'e,
III she were here TO judge us, II enc co"iu w.
that the man who was loved 10 'he Ids.
Blanca Corleone--God give her rest !-""","
live down 10 such level, would i've "
throw himself at the feet of Maddaieia oe',
Armi-ah have touched YOU now she |"puid-
Ghis,eri's face was livid.
"She whose name you are not more worthy 10
sneak than never meant that should not DE-
fend a good and helpless woman because the iia'
who accuses her chances to be called Gian'or"
campodonico'
And the one who defends her. Petro Ghiserl'
o.or,ed (iianforte "Where can my friends ma
yours?"
AT my lodging, IL that suits them
Perfectly"
Csmpodonico turned his heel and slowly