Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1894-02-23

dor Tom Oh, can't understand it
al air."
Just before She reached the pretty
grounds OF the Dougla. place, Bessie
cane upon the Count Di Casoli, leis-
NJ seated ON an old fallen tree, in
tently watching the pranks OF group
Of gray squirrels. He sprang to his
feet in an instant.
Miss Vanel" he cried, with bright
ening eyes Glow fortunate am to
meet you thus! May have the hap
pincs' Of cscorting you up to the
house?"
No, answered Bessie summoning
ali he courage to the front. 81 was
not going to visit Hermlone today. l
~ came especially to see you, Mr. Di
GaoH."
10 see me?" His eyes sparkled,
his cheeks deepened in its ruddy brown
ca as he looked down into her
aTerted face. Bessie felt as if she
could sunk through the very ground
at,bis feet.
Il wanted to speak to you" she
aided, hurriedly.
Fam at your service, Miss Vane.
Would you think me very imper-
trent if-if | were to ask you some
qFstions?" she faltered, secretly
u hing herself anywhere else in the
7..i than under the light of those
t,lRnt, searching eyes,
4 cannot think of any circum-
A IN the world under which I
~ Possibly think you impertinent,
Ef vane."
/ 1t this Bessie blushed hotter than
eE and resolved to strike straight at
ke ,oot of the matter and settle affairs
Il once.
Mr.. Di Casoli, she falter ed, "you
know you said you wouldn't be Of
Iepled; but-are you engaged 30 Her
hbne DougIass?"
He looked at her curiousiv.
"No," said he; 81 have not that
honor.
You promised, Mr. Di Casoli =
headed poor Bessie, in agony.
Il promised what?"
"Not to be angry
81 am not angry, signorina linear
Miss Va2e. Speak ont"
Because" faltered Bessie
thought-our Tom oh, Mr.. Di Casol
De loves Hermione so dearly-he ha
loved her ever since they were child
ben together, and they were all bu
Engaged when-when you came her
and spoiled it all.
The Count Di Casoli stroked hi
siken mustache, with puzzled ex
preston of countenance.
"But-pardon-" he began-"I d
not see what | have to do with tn
matter.
Are you not in love with Hel
mione?" fatty demanded Bessie
Strangely as it may seem | Al
not, " Di Casoli answered, with the ut
most gravity.
Nor engaged to her?'
mo, nor engaged to her"
"But-but-' Bessie hesitated.
''Yes?"
The questioning, brilliant eye
seemed to glow upon her like jewels
"She-said she liked Italians bette
than any one else. Mr.. Daily hear
her-at the reception-day before We,
terdayr"
The count smiled.
Yes, said he, "she did say so.
also heard her. The remark was mad
IN my presence. But, unluckily fC
my self-esteem, we were talking, not
individuals, but of bees. Her fatht
mas Just received few colonies of fin
Italian bees, and it was of them tn,
We were speaking. As to the Italia
gentlemen, as compared with those
this country, she has not yet expresse
an opinion.
Bessie's whole face had grown n
diant.
"oh, Mr.. Di Casoi, she said. "wi
You promise me not to fall in love wit
hermione? I'm asking a weak thine
Know, for Hermione is so sweet al
beautiful, and | don't see how any mo
can be with her and not love her BI
our Tom"
1T is asking a great deal, - said NJ
u Casol, so solemnly that Bess
started back and shrank within herse
IKE a sensitive plant at the touch of
proianing finger. Il can only co.
sent on one condition"
What is that?" murmured palr
tating Bessie.
That l may confde in you. sign
fina Bessie. even as you have confid,
IN me- said Di Casoli, suiting