The Washington times., 1895-01-27

a youthful cousin of his, whom he loved
greatly. and whom by reason of his small
stature and Of a boyish gayety he had, men
called Tommasino. came IRON his own house
Oh the hill that fronts the great gate OF the city
TO the palace OF the Duke, with intent to ask
his highLess' sanction for his marriage with
the Lady Lucia.
This lady, 4en seventeen years Of age,
loved Antonio, and he her. and troth had
been priyily piighted between them for many
months Such was the strength aud power
OF the love that they bore the one to the other
that even TO this day the old mock at young
lovers who show themselves over fond by cry
ing, - Tis Lucia and Antonior' But since
the Lady Lucia was an orphan Antonio came
now to the duke, who enjoyed wardship over
her, and setting out his passion and how that
his estate was sufficient and his family such
as the duke knew, prayed leave Of his high
ness to wed her.
But the duke, a crafty and subtle prince,
knowing AntonIo's temper and the favor in
which he was held by the people, counted not
TO augment his state and revenues by the gift
of a bride so richly lowered. but chose rather
10 give her 10 q fayoritc OF Lis, man in
whose devotion he could surely trust and
whose disposition was to serve his master in
all things fair and foul. open or secret. Such
one the duke found in the Lord Robert de
Beauregard, gentleman of Provence who
Srawn into some tumult there. aud having
Szken service with the duke had risen to q
great place in his esteem and confidence.
Therefore. when Antonio preferred his re-
quest the duke, with many courteous. re-
gretiul phrase, made him aware that the lady
stood promised TO Robert by the irreyocable
sanctiiy OF his princely pledge.
80, forget. / pray you. my good cousin An
tonic, said he, forget. as young men lightly
can. this desire Of yours, and it shall be my
charge to find you bride full as fair as the
Lady Lucia.
But Antonio's face went red from brow to
chin. as he answered:
my gracious lord. I love the lady and she
me. and neither can wed another. As for my
Lord Robert, your highness knows well that
she loves him not.
"A girls love- smiled the duke. "a girls
love. 1t rains and shines. and shines aud rains,
Antonio"
at has shone on me since she knew a man
when she looked on him., said Antonio.
And Tommasino, who stood by, recknig as
little of the duke as of the dukes deerhound,
which he was patting the while, broke in,
saying carelessly:
And this Robert. my lord. is not the man
for pretty girl TO love. He is sour fell
low"
Il thank you for your counsel. my Lord
Iommasino." smiled the duke, yet / love
him" Whereat Tommasino lifted his eyes
and patted the hound again. 1T is enough, -
added the duke, Il have promised, Antonio.
1t is enough"
ayes. it is enough. said Antonio. and he
and Yommasino, having bowed low, with
drew from the presence Of the duke But
when he got clear outside Of the dukes cabi-
net Antonio laid his hand Oh Tommasino's
shoulder, saying:
''It is not well that Robert have her.
Il mia enid
And then they walked in silence to the city
gate, and in silence still climbed the rugged
hill where Antonio's house stood. But the
duke sent Tor Robert de Beauregard into his
chamber and said TO him:
IF YOU be wise. friend Robert. little grass
SHALL grow under your feet this side of your
marriage. This Antonio says not much, but
/ have known him outrun his tongue with
deeds''
ii the lady were as eager as I the matter
would not halt" said Robert, with laugh.
But she weeps and spits fire at me and
cries for Antonio''
''She will be cured after the wedding - said
the duke. '.But see that she be well
guarded, Robert. Let company OF your
men watch her. / have known the bride 10
be missing on a marriage day ere noW''
IF he can touch her he may wed her, .
cried Robert. "Ihe pikemen are close about
her house. and she can neither go In nor come
ont without their knoYledge"
''lt is well, said the duke. "Yet delay
NOT. They are stubborn men. these counts OF
Monte Yelluto.''
Now, had the Lady Lucia been of a spirit
as stubborn as her lovers. ii may be that she
would have refused TO wed Robert de Beaure-
gard But she was afraid. When Antonio
was with her she had clung to him, and he
a>EAd her The more for her timidity. With