The Washington times., 1895-03-24

to the Church OF st. Prsian at Rilano, and
I there inferred with fitting ceremony.
"Yet / do not like this ride OF ours
grumk'ed Bena.
Nay, like 1t not myself" said Antonio.
smiling. But for the good OF my cousin
and All OF our company, we must go
I forward" And he stopped for a moment
! and added: swear TO me, Bena, by st.
I Prsian, to obey all bid you in the city to-
day. and not draw your sword unless draw
mine
do / not always obey you, my lord?''
asked Bena.
"Blt swear to me-"
''Well, then, Iswear," p" said Bena. though
| in truth my lord, your word is fun as strong
I TO me as any oath, whether by Prisian or
another" For this man whom they called
| Bcna was a goddess man. and one that held
holy things in light esteem. But he was a
/ fine fighter and a loyal servant, and Gods
mercy is infinite. il may be his heart as
turned at last, though, indeed, have found
| no record OF il,
My lord, viii you see my Lady Lucia in
the city?" asked Bena.
Il trust to see at the least her face at the
! window" answered Antonio.
''Will you have speech with her, my
lord?"
III his Highness will grant me that
favor, Bena.''
'Ah, l know now why you smiled. my
! lord, as you rode just now. For il will
be bright day for you" And Bena
laughed.
Indeed said Antonio. II trust that the
J day may be bright for me. Yes, bright
as the light of heaven
There is no light brighter than the eyes
OF the girl man loves" aid Bena.
Yes, there is one said Antonio. But
Bena did not underst and his meaning.
Thus they rode until il wanted only two
| hours of noon, and then they were " ithin five
miles of the city, and Bena. looking, beheld
the great gIbbet rising above the walls
of the city, and standing forth grim and
black in front of the marble face of the
| cathedral.
what is that, my lord" he cried,
(which towers above the walls of the city?'
lis il not enough to know when we come
there?" answered Antonio.
Then Bena sighed and said to Antonio:
Il find IT in my heart, my lord, to be
half sorry that the Duke pardOns MS for we
lived a fine, merry life IN the hills. Yet
il VIII be pleasant to live at ease, and We
have adventures enough TO tell our sweet
hearts. aye. and our children, too, when
we grow old and they come round us and
ask us for stories of our youth. i hope
my boys VIII be good at fight, my lord,
and serve your sons as have served you
1T may be Gods win that leave no sons
TO bear my name, Bena."
Il do not think that said Bena, with
| a laugh.
They were now passing the hill on which
stood the blackened walls of Antonio 8
house. which Duke Valentine had burned
Bena cried out at the sight:
''You VIII need to spend much in rebuild
ing it, said he.
Perhaps his highness has provided an
other dwelling for me-" said Antonio.
Tonight he viii surely lodge yon, my
lord. in his own palace, or, maybe, with my
Lord Lorenzo"
wherever il may be 1 shall sleep
soundly," said Antonio.
Now they were come near to the city. and
they saw body OF pikemen coming out to
meet them, the lieutenant OF the guard at the
head. And when they met the Lieutenant
| bowed TO Antonio, who greeted him most
courteously, and the pikemen spread them
selves in front and behind and on both sides
of Antonio and Bena, and thus they went
on toward the bridge and the city gate.
But Bena eyed the pllemen with no love,
and moved restlessly in his saddle.
These fellows" said he to Antonio,
"hem us in, my lord. Shall make my
horse threaten their toes little, so that
they may give us more room?"
Let them be- said Antonio 'sIt is
not for long, Bena."
At the entrance Of the gate stood Lo-
renzo, awaiting the count, and there they
dismounted, and Antonio passed through
tie gate with Lorenzo, Bena being close