The Washington times., 1895-03-31

she could not understand the words
which his highness used to her, and she
looked round, seeking some one who
might tell her what they meant; but none
moved from his place or came near to
her: and at last sine found voice enough
10 say IN soft tones: Antonio, my lord,
the Count Antonio!'
Ave, ] know that you loved him, ~
said the Duke. But since then he has
done great crimes. and he must die. Yet
speak not Of him now, but come here to
me, Margharita."
Then W Ith waveringstepssheca came toward
him, mounting the first Of the steps. and
she said: u know not what you would,
my lord, nor why you call me by the name
of Margharita. / am Lucia, and come
to ask Antonio's life"
Lucia, Lucia" said he, and his face
grew doubtful. NAY, but you are my
Edargharita," he said.
No, my lord she answered, as with
Eavering, uncertain steps she mounted
tin she stood but one step below where
his couch was placed, and then fell on her
knees on the highest step and clasped her
hands. crying: Have mercy, my lord,
has mercyi Think, my Gear lord, how
love him. For if ne dies, must die also.
my lord. All, my lord, you have known
love. You loved our sweet Lady Marghar-
ita; was not her name now on your lips?
II
my lord, Christ Jesus teaches pityr'
And she buried her face in her hands and
sDbaed.
Then the Duke, his physician, and now the
master Of the household also snpportinC
him, stretched himself over the edge of his
couch, and, putting out his hand with
feveTlsh strength, plucked the Lady Lucia's
hands away from her face and gazed at it,
And when he had Eazed a moment, he gave
a cry, An. God" and flung his arms up
above his head, and fell back into the arms
of his physician, who laid him down on his
couch, where ile lay motionless, his eyes
shut, and his chin resting on his breast.
And all looked at the physician, and he
answered. Nay, he as not dead vet"
''Why tarries the signaf?" asked Antonio
OF Lorenzo on the sceffeld.
- IL must b. that the Lady Lucia beSeeches
him for your life, my Lord ans wered Lo-
renzo. INDEED, wish the Duke would
hearken To her prayer"
s'He VIII not turn for her. !" said Antonio
Bni presently the report OF what had
passed spread from those round the Duke
10 the .pilzenlen. and they, loving a marvel
as maSt rsen do. must Deeds tell it to the
people. aud a marnur Of wonder arose, and
reports reached the guards at the scaffold,
who came and told Lorenzo in the hearing
'of Antonio efrtile strange delusion that had
come apon the Duke.
IL alA4isA ~ eS4Ch 10 AtdIIs sEdlA
Lorenzo.
'.I.prry not" said Count Antonio. For
though DE is "a stern man, yet he is an able
and jBst prince, and this fancy of his
8s very Bitifnl'
DO you spare pity for hinl?" asked
I.OrenZa.
shall not pity ail who have lest their
lives? answered Antonio with a smile,
and his eyes rested on the form of the
Lady lacia kneeling by the Dukes couch.
For hard GA half an hour the Duke lay as
he han Fallen, bot at last, his physician
having used all his skill to rouse him, he
opened ms eyes and he cIu tched his
physicians hand and pointed TO Lucia,
asking:
''Who is .Slle?''
1t Is tie Lady Lucia, my lord" an
swered the physician.
And there was none else?" asked the
Duke ia low, tremalous whisper