Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-11-11

n silent fury. HIS face had grown
pale as death. He wrenched himself
from the grasp of D'Avencourt and De
Hamal.
Fools. let me go!" he said, saw
agely. None of you are on my side
see that" He stepped to the table,
cured out glass Of water and drank
off. He then turned and faced me
/ his head thrown back, his eyes blaz-
Hg with wrath and pain
"Liar!" he cried again, double
aced, accursed liar! You have stolen
her-you have fooled me-but, by
Cd, you shall pay for it with your
lifeI"
"Willinglyi" l said, with a mocking
smile, restraining by a gesture the
hasty exclamations Of those around
ne who resented this fresh attack
most willingly, caro- signorI But ex-
use me if | fail to see wherein YOU
onsider yourself wronged. The lady
who is now my finance has not the
slightest affection for you-she told
me so herself. Had she entertained
any such feelings l might have with
drawn my propOsals-but as matters
stand, what harm have l done your"
| A chorus of indignant voices inter-
rrpted me. Shame on you, Ferrari!''
cried Gualdro. The count speaks
| like a gentleman and man of honor.
Were l in his place you should have
had no word of explanation whatever.
| [ would not lave coIdescended to par
ley with you-by Heaven 1 would
not!'
Nor T." said the duke, stiffly.
Nor IT, said Mancini
Surely said Luciano salustri.
''Ferrari will make the amende honor
able"
There was a pause. Each man looked
at Ferrari with some anxiety. The
suddenness of the quarrel had sobered
the whole party more effectually than
cold douche. Ferraris face grew
more and more livid till his very lips
turned CHASTITY blue-he laughed
aloud in bitter scorn. Then, walk
Ing steadily up to me, with his eyes
full of bafIled vindictiveness. he said
in low, clear tone:
You say tbat-you say she never
cared for me-you! and l am to apollo
glze to you! Thief, coward, traitor
take that for my apology" And he
struck me across the mouth with his
bare hand so fiercely that the diamond
ring he wore (my diamond ring) cut
my flesh ard slightly drew blood, A
shout OF anger broke from all present.
L turned to the Marquis D'Avencourt.
There can be but one answer to
this, | said, with Indifferent GOODNESS.
Slgnor Ferrai has brought it on him
self. Marquis, will you do me the
honor to arrange the AFFAIR.""
The marquis bowed. q shall he most
happy"
terrai glared about him for a mo-
ment and then said, "Freccta. you will
second me?"
captain Freccia shrugged his should
ers. you must positively excuse me ,,
Ne SAID. My conscience will not per-
nit me to take up such a remarkably
wrong cause as yours, care MIC! |
shall be pleased to act with D'Ayen-
court for the count, if he will permit
me-. The marquis received him with
cordially, and the two engaged in
earnest conversation Ferrai next
proHered his request to his quondam
Trend DE Hamal, who also declined
TO second him, as did every one among
the company. He bit his Inns in NOR
tltlcation and wounded vanity. and !
seemed hesitating what to do next. |
When the marquis approached him
With fr1gid courtesy and appeared to |
offer him some suggestions in a low ,
tone OF voice-for after a few minutes !
converse, Ferrari suddenly turned On
his heel and abruptly left the room
without another word or look At the |
same instant [ touched Vincenzo, who,
obedlent to his orders, had remained |
an impressive but evidently astonished !
spectator of all that passed. and |
hispered-"Followt that man and do
not let him see you" He obeyed so
SO instantly that the door had scarcely |
closed upon Ferrai when Vincenzo had |
also disappeared. The Marquis D'Aven-
court now came up to me.
Your opponent has gone to find two !
seconds" he said. LAS you perceive |
no one here would Or could support |
him. Il IS 4 most unfortunate affair" !
Most unfortunate" chorused De !
Hamal, who, though not in it, appeared |
thoroughly to enjoy 1t.
For my part" said the Duke di |
Marina, Il wonder how our noble |
friend could be so lenient with such a !
young puppy. His conceit is lnsuffer- |
able,''
Others around me made similar re-
marks, and were evidently anxious to !
show how entirely they were on my |
side. | however remained silent, lest |
they should see how gratifiei | was
at the success Of my scheme. The |
marquis &C dressed me again:
While awaiting the other seconds, |
who are to find us here" he said. with
a glance at his watch, "Freccia and l
have arranged a few preliminaries. 1t
is now nearly midnight. We propose
that the affair should come off in the
morning at six precisely, Will that
suit your"
| bowed.
AS the insulted party you have the
choice of weapons. Shall we say"