The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-02-22

ever, and resolved to strike straight at
the root of the matter and settle af-
fairs at once. -.
'Mr. Di Casoli,'' she faltered, you
know you said you wouldn't be offend
ed; but-are you engaged to Hermione
Douglas? j
He looked at her curiously.
NO" said he. II have not that hon.
orr
you promised, Mr. Di Casoli!" plead.
ed poor Bessie. in agony
II promised what:''
Not to be angry
II am not angry, signorina--i mean
Miss Vane. Speak on!'
Because - "faltered Bessie Il
thought-our Tona-oh, Mr.. Di Casoh,
he loves Hermione so dearly-he has
loved her ever since they were children
together. and they were all but en-
gagged when you came here and spoil
ed it ALL
The Count Di Casoli stroked his silk
of cOuntenance.
"But-pardon-" he began-"I do not
see what have to do with the matter
Are you in love with Hermionc"
fatty demanded Bessie.
Strange as it may see. / am not.
Di Casoi answered, with the utmost
gravity.
"Nor engaged to her?'
mo, nor engaged to her.
| ''But--but--"BeSsie hes:tated.
"Yes?'
The questioning, brilliant eyes scum
ed to glow upon her like Jewels.
"Shc-said she liked Italians better
than any one else Mr.. Daley heard
hcr--at the recption-day before yes
terday!"
The count smiled.
! YES said he, "she did say so. l
also heard her The remark was made
in my presence But, llnluckily for my
self-esteem, we were speaking, not Of
individuals, but Of bees. Her father
has just received few colonies Of fife
italian bees, and it was Of them that
we were speaking. AS to the Italian
gentlemen, as compared with those
OF this country, she has not expressed
an opinion"
Bessie's whole face had grown ra-
diant.
Mr.. Di Cason," she said, will yo.,
promise me not to fall IN love with
HermiOne!I'm asking a great thing, l
know, for Hermione is so sweet and
beautiful. and don't see how any man
can be with her and not love her. But
our Tom
1T is asking a great deal" said Mr.,
Di Casoli so solemnly that Bessie start
ed back and shrank within herself like
a sensitive plant at the touch Of a pro
flaming finger. Il can only consent or
one condition"
what is that?' murmured palpitat
ing Bessie.
That I may contide in you. Signor
ina Bessie, even as you have cOnfidef
in me-" SAID Di Casoli. suiting his
voice to the confidential accent. Have
] your consent?'
Yes. Of course said Bessie, won
d6ring what was Ginning next.
81 am not in love with Miss Doug
las" confessed the count, because
am in love with somebody else.
you can use your influence with tina
fair queen Of my heart, to secure III,
happiness. will pledge myself sacred
ly never to interfere with the signor
yCnr brother"
But what can 1 do?' questioned
Bessie.
you can do e7erything!' ASSERTED
the count. THE rame of my queen i
Bessie Vane-she stands before me a
this instant. If she will take charg
of my heart, it is safe forever. Car
) mia! Don't look at ne with those start
} led eyes. Just put your hand in mine
and say: Marco, I 1--we your
And in faltering accents B assie rt
peated the lesson. Low as her vote
: was. however, it satisfied Marco Z
CaSoli
f "That WIS the way it happened,
said proud Mrs. Vane. 1T seems tn
= count had been in love with eBssie eve
: since he first saw her. And Herlnion
i says she would have accepted rrol
< long ago if he had but plucked u
a courage and asked her. Is he going t
8 Canada? OF course not. now-wl,y q
8 earth should he go to Canada? But q
a for little blue-eyed Bess becoming
: ccLhtess-I declare to gracious it doe
not seem possible.
q Nothing is too good for Bess,' sal
:. Cur Tom. who was fully aware OF "a
:. the benefits he had gained from III
:, sisters brave intercession.