The Washington times., 1895-01-27

Tommas no.
Because there is presage upon me-" an
swered Antonio, THAT it will he long before
pass through that gate again. Were there
hope OF persuadingyou, Tommasino, / would
bid you go back and leave meto go alone on
this errand."
keep your breath against when you have
to run, laughed Tommasino, pricking his
horse and tossing his hair dark as Antonio's
was fair, back from his neck.
Across the bridge they rode and through
the gates, and having traversed the great
square, came to the door OF Lucas house,
where it rose fronting the dukes palace.
Here Antonio dismounted, giving his bride
into Tommasino's hand and bade the serv-
ants carry his name to Lady Lucia. stir
arose among them, and much whispering.
till an old man, head of the serving men,
came forward, saying;
Pardon. my lord, but we are commanded
not to admit you to the Lady Lucia" and he
waved his hand toward the inner part of the
porch where Antona saw dozen or more
pikemen OF the dukes guard drawn across
the passage TO the house. and their pixies
flashed in the rays of the setting sun as they
leveled them in front OF their rank.
Some of the townsmen and apprentice lads,
stout fellows, each with a staff, had gathered
now around Antonio, whom they loved for
his feats of strength and his liberal gifts
to the poor, and, understanding what was
alo0t. one came 10 MIN, saying:
"There are some, sir, who would enter with
you il you are set on entering" and the fell
lows eyes sparkled, for there was great en-
nifty in the town against the pikemen and
lusty youth with a stick in his hand is never
loath 10 find use for it.
For moment Count Antonio hesitated,
for they focked closer to him, and Tom
masino threw him glance of appeal and
touched the hilt Of his sword. But he would
not that the blood Of men who were them
selves loved bv mothers, wives, and maids
should be shed in his quarrel. and he raised
his hand, bidding them be still.
81 have no quarrel with the pikemen,"
said he. land we must not fight against his
highness' servants
The faces Of the toWnsmen grew long in
disappointment. Tommasino alone laughed
low, recognizing in Antonio's gentleness the
lull that heralds storm. The count was
never more dangerous than when he praised
submission.
But" continued Antonio. 81 would fain
see the Lady Lucia" And with this he
stepped inside the porch. signing to Tom
masino to stay where he was; but the lad
would not. and, leaping down, ran to his
kinsman and stood shoulder to shoulder with
him.
Thus they stood facing the line of pike
men, when suddenly the opposing rank
opened and Robert de Beauregard himself
came through. Starting slightly at sight of
Antonio. he yet bowed courteously, barring
his head. and Antonio, with Tommasino, did
the like
"What is your desire, my lord?" asked
Robert.
Il have naught to ask of you" answered
Antonio, and he took step forward. Roberts
hand few to his sword, and in moment
they had fought. But now another figure
came forward, with uplifted hand. 1t was
the duke himself, and be looked on Antonio
with his dark smile. ard Antonio flushed red.
You seek me, Antonio?" asked the duke.
81 seek not your highness, but my plighted
wife, - said Antonio
Duke Valentine smiled still. and. coming to
Antonio, passed his arm through his, and
said in most friendly fashion: Come with
me TO my house, and we will talk of this
and Antonio. caught fast 10 the choice be-
tween obedience and open revolt, went
frowning across the square, the dukes arm
through his, Robert on the other side, and
behind Tommasino with the horses But as
they went sudden cry came from the house
they left, and girls face showed for an in
slant, tear-stained and pallid. at an open
window. A shiyer ran through Antonio, but
the duke, pressing his arm, he went still in
silence.
At the door of the palace lackey took the
horse from Tommasino, and-the four passed
through the great hall AMI through the
dukes cabinet beyond and into the garden;
and the duke sat down under the wall of the
garden near by the flshpond, and. turning
suddenly Antonio. spoke 20 him ferceIy.
"Men have died at my hands for less,
said he.
Then for each OF such shall you answer to
God" retorted Antonio, not less hotiy.
''Yol scout my commands in the face OF all
the city, said the duke, in low, stern tones.
Now, by heaven. il you seek to see the girl
again | viii hang you from the tower of the
gaze. So be warned d-now-once; there shall
be no second warning
He ceased, and sat with angry eyes on An
tonic, and Robert who stood by his MASTER
glared as fierce. But Antonio was silent for
awhile. and rested his arm on Tommasino's
shoulder.
MY fathers have served and fought for
your fathers said he at last. "What has
this gentleman done for the duchy?"
Then Robert SPOKE suddenly and scornfully
''This he is ready to do, TO punish an inso-
lent knave that braves his highness' will.
Antonio seemed not to hear him, for he did
not move but stood with eyes bent on the
dukes face, looking whether his appeal
should reach Its mark. But Tommasino
heard. Yet never word spoke Tommasino
either; but he drew off the heavy riding
glove from his left hand. and it hung dam
Cling in the fingers OF his right, and he
looked at the glove and at Robert, and at the
glove again.
81 would his highness were not here,'' said
Tommasino TO Robert, with smile.
''Hol1 your peace. boy" said Robert, ''or
the duke viii have you whipped"
Youth loves not to be taunted with its
blessed state.
81 have no more TO say" cried Tom
masino; and without more, caring naught
now for the presence of the duke, he flung
his heavy glove full in Roberts face, and
starting back pace drew his sword. Then
Antonio knew that the die was cast. for Tom
masino would gain no mercy. having insulted
the dukes favorite and drawn his sword in
the dukes palace; and he also drew out his
sword, and the pair stood facing the duke
and Robert de Beauregard. 1t was but for
an instant that they stood thus; then Robert,
who lacked not courage to resent blow un-
sheathed and rushed at the boy. Antonio
lett his cousin to defend himself, and bowing
low to the duke set his sword at the dukes
breast be ore the duke could so much as rise
from his seat.
81 would not touch your highness,'
said he. "but these gentlemen must not be
interrupted"
You take me at disadvantage cried the
duke.
'.If Won will swear not to summon your