The herald., 1894-06-23

lively ONCI Ol1O Nt1OlC E5lOAhh hLNlO ~
could be carried by man and a wom-
an of good society who meet for the first
time. They talked Of literature, art, So
cicty, and discovered that they had sew
eral mutual friends &c Rome, Milan and
Naples
The marchesa, pleased with the af
fair, which was, moreover, very harm
less, und treasured by the fact that her
husband would return the very next day,
permitted herself some phrases, enough
to lead on any man.
"Ah, I wish they would send me
every day an officer to entertain, she
concluded, offering to Terbiani her slen-
der little hand. II have been so well
amused this evening""
In saying these words she was per-
fectly sincere.
AS to the lieutenant, no was in the
fifth heaven.
Really this is absolutely what is
wanted for mo" be thought as he sank
between the fine linen sheets, perfumed
with orris, that had been prepared for
him. Pretty, elegant, witty, certain
ly of good family and with money.
What a nose, like a hunting dog, / have
had, Oh? Now it is question Of ma
neuvering we'll. Tomorrow / will de-
velop my plans"
And he went to sleep, dreaming Of
his good fortune.
On awaking he found an invitation
from the Baron Corati di Givioso for
breakfast, followed by a fox hunt.
'I'm going ahead under full sail, !"
exclaimed the young man, rubbing his
hands. "This breakfast and this hunt
today are what is wanted for my ma
neuters--of love, not war"
No sooner said than done So far as
depended upon himself, Terbiani profted
as muck as possible by the situation, to
the great amusement Of the Corati fam
lily and the pretty Marchesa Gamberti.
When, after a day passed mostly in
the open air, amid noise, but in more
than one place worthy to elicit senti-
mentality, the marchesa found herself
again before the fire, in the drawing
room Of the previous evening, she was
acquainted with Terbiani as few other
women had been, for he had related to
her during those hours the life, death
and miracles Of himself, wishing-re-
peated the worthy fellow-that she
should have in regard to him neither
illusions nor decisions
Then he dilated, with melancholy re-
flections upon the WEAKNESS and empti-
ness Of bachelor existence.
The marchesa of course listened with
patience and good will, full of encour-
agement, to these propositions, rather
verbose, but of an irreproaohable moral
ity.
"And I suppose that the conclusion
Of all this is that you are thinking Of
marriage?" She said, looking at the
clock on the mantelpiece The train
that brought home her husband was
just then entering the station, and that
phrase seemed to her suited to hasten
the denouement of the comedy.
Precisely, marchesa. The difficulty
is, however, that am very exacting
in this matter without any right to be
So"
II am not of your opinion, lieuten-
ant, as to your right" said the lady,
with perfdious candor. "And should
undertake willingly to discover some
perfection of little girl who would
call herself happy to become Signora
Terbiani.
'Do you believe it possible?" asked
the young man, with southern ardor,
and he added, hesitating little, "This
encouragement, marchioness, offers me
the opportunity to ask you-to ask you
since you say"-
Steps were heard in the anteroom.
She interrupted him:
"Ah, I see that my sister Lucia has
greatly pleased you.
ooh, certainly, certainly. The Sinor-
ina Lucia is one Of the most charming
ladies. That can be seen. But as l have
only seen her beside sister-yourself.
'Her sister has been married for 10
years, my dear lieutenant. She is al
ready an old wife and an old mother,
the marchesa said, laWhing.
At that point the door opened, and
there appeared a handsome man, tall
and powerful Of person, followed by two
boys, with fresh, rosy faces, in travel
ing costume. All three flung themselves
upon the neck of the marchesa without
even perceiving the presence of the poor
lieutenant, stupcfied, turned to stone,
more immovable and mute than statue
''The Marchese Gamberti, my hus-
band" the lady presented him after
having returned the family effasions.
Lieutenant Terbiani, an officer we
have the good fortune to entertain. -
II am rejoiced TO make your acquaint-
ance, lieutenant" declared, with high
bred courtesy, the Marchese Gamberti
"Now," said the pretty lady, with an
Undesirable smile. which she was I'M
able to repgess, smile that curled
slightly the corners of her mouth
''now, come, lieutenant, let me present
you to the marchesa, Widow Gamberti,
mistress of the house and my mother
in-law."
So saying, she went toward an old
gentlewoman, all wrapped up in hood
ed cloak of silk and lace, who followed
the marchese and the boys.
The word widow had been slightly
emphasized on purpose, but Terbiani,
who had not yet regained the use of
speech, bowed profoundly without even
appearing to comprehend the scene
And neither the bost wines of the dow
ayers cellar nor the hospitable kindness
of the marchese awaited to give him
back his presence of mind and his good
humor