Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-10-31


of his fathers. 1 have been away for
many years, and had great wish
to meet the young Romasi whom I
last saw as q child. Are there any re-
lations of his living? Was he mar
ried?'
The waiter, whose cOuntenance had
assumed q fitting righteousness in &C
cordance with what he imagined were
my feelings, frightened up immedi-
ately as he replied eagerly:
''Oh, 81, signor! The Countessa RO-
mania lives up at the 1illa, though l
believe she receives no more since her
husbands death. She is young and
beautiful as an angel. There is lit
tie child, too"
A haSty movement on the part of
Ferrari caused me to turn my eyes, or
rather my spectacles in his direction.
He leaned forward, and, raising his
hat with the old courteous grace
knew so well, said politely.
Pardon me, SignOr, for my inter-
rupting you. I knew the late young
Count Romani well: perhaps better
than my man in Naples. l shall be
delighted to afford you any informa-
ton you may seek concerning him."
Oh, the old mellow music of his
voice! how it struck on my heart and
pierced it like the refrain of familiar
song loved in the days of our youth.
For an instant l could not speak;
wrath and sorrow choked my utter
ance. Fortunately this feeling was
but momentary; slowly raised my
hat in response to his salutation, and
answered stifly:
Il am your servant, signOr. You
will oblige me indeed if you can place
me in communication with the rela-
tives of this unfortunate young noble
man. The elder Count Romani was
dearer to me than brother; men have
such attachments occasionally. Per
NIT me to introduce myself" and
handed him my visiting card with
slight and formal bow. He accepted
mingled with pleased surprise.
1.-The Conte Cesare Olivav' he ex-
claimed. II esteem myself most fort
unate to have met you. Your arrival
has already notified to us by the avant-
courier Of the fashionable intelligence,
so that we are well aware" here
laughing tightly, ttof the distinctive
right you have to q hearty welcome in
Naples. 1 am only sorry that any dis
tressing news should have darkened
the occasion of your return here after
so long an absence. Permit me to ex-
press the hope that it may at least be
the only cloud for you on our southern
sunshine"
And he extended his hand with that
ready frankness and bonhomie which
are always part of the Italian tenn
permanent, and were especially so of
his. A cold shudder ran through my
veins. God! could I take his hand In
mine? I must, if would act my part
thoroughly, for should refuse he
would think it strange, even rude; l
should lose the game by one false
move. With forced smile l hest
tatingly held out my hand also; it was
gloved. yet as he clasped it heartily
in his own warm pressure burnt
through the glove like fire. could
have cried out in agony, so excruci-
ating was the mental tortue which
endured at that moment. But it pass
ed. the ordeal was over, and knew
that from henceforth should be able
to shake hands with him as often and
as indiferently as with any other
man. 1t was only the first time that
it CALLED me to the quick. Ferrari
noticed nothing of my emotion; he
was in excellent spirits, and, turning
to the waiter who had fingered to
watch us make each others acquaint-
ance, he exclaimed:
"More coffee, garcon, and a couple
Of giorias." Then looking toward me,
you do not object to gloria, Conte2
No. That is well. And here is my
card" taking one from his pocket and
laying 1t on the table. "Guido Fer.
rari, at your service, an artist and .
very poor one. We shall celebrate our
meeting by drinking each others
health
l bowed. The waiter vanished to
execute his orders and Ferrari drew
his chair closer to mine.
II see you smoke" he said gaily.
"Can offer you one of my cigars?
They are unusually choice. Permit
me-" and he preferred Inc richly en-
bossed and emblaZoned silver cigar
case. with the Romani arms and coro-
net and my own initials engraven
thereon. 1t was mine, of course. l
took it with a sensation of grim
amusement; [ had not seen it since
the day I died."
"A fine antique" l remarked care
lessly turning it over in my hand,
Spurious and valuable. A gift or an
heirloom"'
1T belonged to my late friend Count
Fabio," he answered, putting light
cloud Of smoke in the air as he drew
his cigar from his lips to speak. sit
was found in his pocket by the priest
who saw him die. That and other
triaes which he wore on his person
were delivered to his wife, and"
"She naturally gave you the cigar
case as memento of your friendY'
said, interrupting him.
"Just so. You have guessed it cx-
actly. Tanks" and he took the case
from me as returned 1t to him. With
frank smile.
Ills the Countess Romani young?"
i iced myself to inquire
Young and beautiful as a mid-sur,.
lu"r nlorning! replied Fernri Will
81 illuslnsnl. II doubt II sunlight ever
Tell Oi, u more enchanting woman! VI
..ll We're u young man, cOnte. | should
ln silent regarding her charms: hut
your white hairs inspire one with con
jiilence, ] assure you s0lennly. al
though Pablo was my friend. and III
excellent fellow In his way ile wal