New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-02
PIETRO GHISLERI.
BY F. MARION CRAWFORD.
Author Of "Saracinc sca'' 1.-THE Three Fates,' etc.
Copuright 1892 by Macmillan e. Co.

BY F.. MARION CEAWFOhD.
Author Of "Saracinc seas "The Three Facs," ETC.
Copyright. 1892, BY Macmillan Co.
CHAPTER III.
Il is perhaps useless TO attempt to trace and
recapituate the causes which had led Laura Carl
yon to the state of mind in which she had found
courage to tell Arden that she loved him. 1here
might be harder moments in store for her. but this
had been the hardest she had known hitherto.
Nothing short of q real and great love. she De-
loved. could have carried her through 1t. and she
had been conscious for some days that II the OPP
portunity came she meant TO do what she had
done. In other words, she had been quite sure that
Arden loved her and that she loved him. This
being granted. it was in accordance with her
character to take the initiative With far less
sympathy than shc felt in all her thoughts, she
would have understood that man Of his instincts
would never speak of his love to her unless almost
directly hidden TO do so. Laura was slow to make
up her mind. sure of her decision when reached
and determined to act upon it without consulting
any one Many people said later that she haa
sacrificed herself for Lord Herberts expected Tor
tune or for his position. A few said that she was
q very good woman. and that, finding herself ne
elected she had decided to devote her life to the
happiness Of o very unhappy man for whom she
felt sincere friendship That was at least the
more charitable view. But neither was at all the
right one. She honestly and really belleveo that
che loved the man she saw beyond douot that
he loved her. and she took the shortest and moso
direct way Of ending all doubts on the subject
On that same night when Arden had 4uite re-
covered and had gone home with Ghisler she
snok. N her mother and told her exactly what
had happened.
The Princess of GeranO opened her lIict brown
eyes very wide when she heard the news She
was handsome still at five and forty. little stout
perhaps but we'll proportional. Her light Drown
hair was turning gray at the temples. put there
were few lines in her smooth, calm face. ana her
complexion was still almost youthful, though WIN
little colorinc. She looked what she was, woman
Of the world, very far from worldly. not con-
scious of half the evil that went on around her,
and much given to inward contemplation OF re.
lieious kind when not actively engaged III soclai
duty She had seen Laura's growing apprecia.
ton of Arden, and had noticed the frequency OF
the latters visits to the house. But she had her
self learned to like him very much during the last
month and it never suggested itself to her that
he could wish to marry Laura nor that Laura
could care for him. considering that he was undc-
niablv a cripple. It was wonder that sne was
surprised.
Dear child" she said, Il do not know what
10 say. OF course have found out what really
good man he is, though he Is 50 fond OF that villa
Ghisler-they are always together. hive great
admiration for Lord Herbert. As far as position
ooes there is nothing better, and suppose ne Is
rich enough to support you. though do not Know
You see darling, you have nothing but inc ai''ie
I can give you. But never mind that-there Is
only that one other thing-I wish he were mol
She checked herself, far too delicate TO hurt her
daughter by too direct a reference to Ardens phy-
steal shortcomings. But Laura, strange 10 say
was not sensitive on that point
1T know. mother" she said. he is deformed
II is Of no use denying it, as he says himself But
If do not mimi that-if do not think OF 1t az
all when l am with him, why should every one
else care? After all, if marry him. it is to please
myself, and not the people who will ask us TO
dinner"
The young girl laughed happily as she thought
OF the new life before her, and OF how she wouid
make everything easy for poor Arden, and make
him quite forget that he could hardly walk Her
mother looked at her with quiet wonder.
Think we'll before you act, DEAR she SAID
marriage is a very serious thing There is no
drawing back sfterward, and if you were to be
Mt all uukind after you are married.
40 mother how can you think that Of me =
"No-at least you would never mean it. You
are too good for that But it would break the
poor mans heart. He is very sensitive. 1t Is no.
every man who fsints when he finds out that
young girl loves tim-fortunately, not every man,
she added with smile
sIf every one loved 40 we do, the world would
be much happier" said Laura. kissing her mother
do not be afraid. / will not break his heart
God grant you may not break your own, dear
The Princess spoke in a lower voice, and turned
.wsv her face to hide the tears that stood in her
eyes,
Mime mother" Laura bent over her as she
ia II
asked anxiously, as she saw that her mothers
cheek wet.
"You are very dear to me, child murmnred
the Princess, drawing the young head down to her
bre sst and kissing the thick black hair.
So tho matter was settled and Laura lad her
way II IL not easy to say how most mothers
would have behaved under the circumstances
There are worldly ones enough who would have
received the news far more gladly than the Prin-
cess of Gesano did; and there are doubtless many
who would refuse u cripple for a son-in-law on any
condition whatever. Laura's mother did what she
thouxht riaht, which is more than most of us can
cay Of our actions.
The Prince was almost much surprised as his
wife when lie learned the news but he was con-
WINGED thae Inc had nothing to say in the matter.
Laura was quite free to do she pleased and, more
over, it was u good thing that she should marry
man Of her own faith, and ultimately live among
her own people, since nothing could make either
= Catholic or Roman Of her. But he was not
altogether pleased with her choice. lie had an
Italians exaggerated horror Of deformty, and
though he liked Lord Herbert, he could never
quite overcome his repulsion for his outward de-
feots There was nothing to be done, however,
and on the whole the marriage had much in its
favor in his eyes,
Tho engagement was accordingly announced with
duo formality, and tho wedding day was fixed for
the Saturday after Easter, which fell early in that
year. Not until the day before the Princess told
the nows to every one did Arden communicate it
to Ghisleri He had perfect confidence in his
friends discretion. but having said that he would
not speak Of the engagement to any one until the
Princess did, he kept his word to the letter. lie
asked Pietro TO drive with him. far out upon the
campagna. When they had passed the last houses
and ,r,ra In thu oman country he smoke.