Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-10-21
Continued.

and sinking back again among he
violet velvet cushions, she grew yer,
pale.
If" | went on, "you have any
reason to think that he may make him
self disagreeable to you when he
knows of your engagemnt to me, on
of disappointed ambition, cOnceit, Oh
self-interst (for of course you never
encouraged him), / should advise you
to go on visit to some friends for
few days till his irritation shall
have somewhat passed. What say
you to such plan?
She appeared to mediate for a few
moments-then raising her lovely eyes
with a wistful and submissive look,
she replied:
1T shall be as you wish, Cesare
Signor Ferrari is certainly rash and
hot-tempered, he might be presumpt-
uous enough to-But you do not think
OF yourself in the matter! Surely you
also are in danger of being insulted
by him when he knows all?"
Il shall be on my guard | said,
quietly. Besides, | can easily pardon
any outburst of temper on his part-it
will be perfectly natural, I think! To
lose all hope of ever winning such a
love as yours must needs be a sore
trial to one of his hot blood and fiery
impulses. Poor fellowi" and I sighed
and shook my head with benevolent
gentleness. by the way, he tells me
no. yat+
| put this question carelessly, but it
took her by surprise. She caught her
breath hard and looked at me sharply,
with an alarmed expression. Seeing
that my face was perfectly impressive,
she recovered her composure instantly,
and answered:
'fOh, yes! l have been compelled to
tiers of business connected with my
late husbands affairs Most unfortu-
nately Fabio made him his trustees
of his fortune in case of his death
it is very awkward for n e that he
should occupy that position-it ap-
pears to give him some authority
over my actions. In reality he has
times | have written to him? it would
be like his impertinence to do So"
Though this last remark was ad-
dressed to me almost as a question, |
lie, it pass without response | reverted
to my original theme.
What think you, then?" l said
will you remain here or will you
cIIg frT
She rose from her chair and ap-
preaching me, ],nelt down at my side,
clasping her two little hands round my
arm With your permission" she re
turned, softly, Il will go to the con-
vent where ! was educated. It is some
eight or ten miles distant from here;
anG | think (here she cOunterfeited
the most won4e Jul expression of in
genuouS sweetness and piety)-i
think | should like to make a retreat
that is, devote some time solely to
the duties of religion before | enter
upon a second marriage. The dear
nuns would be so glad to see me-and
/ am sure you will not object? 1t will
be a good preparation for my future. >
/ seized her lcaressing hands and
held them hard, while l looked upUm
her kneeling there like the white-rObed
figure of praying saint.
1T will indeed!' l said, in a harsh
voice. The best of all possible prep
arationst We none of us know what
may happen-we cannot tell whether
life or death awaits us-it is wise to
prepare for either by words OF peni-
tence and deNotioni | admire this
beautiful spirit in you, carina, Go TO
the convent by all means. 1 shall find
you there and Will visit you when the
wrath and bitterness of oCr friend
Ferrari have been smoothed into 81
lence and resignation. Yes-go TO the
convent, among the good and piouz
nuns-and when you pray for yourself
pray for the peace of your dead hus
bands soul-and-for me! Such
prayers. unselfish and earnest, uttered
by pure lips like yours, fly swiftly to
heaven, And as for young Guido
have no fear-I promise you he shall
offend you no mOre!"
'Ah, you do not know him!" sne
murmured, lightly kissing my hand!
that still held hers; Il fear he viii
give you a great deal of trouble
Il shall at any rate know how II
silence him. | said, releasing her "a
| spoke, and watching her as she ros'
from her kneeling position and stood
before me, supply and delicate as
white iris swaying in the wind. "Yol
never gave him reason to hope
therefore he has no cause of com
plant"
''True!" she replied, readily, with
an untroubled smile. But | am such
nervous creature! | am always i'm
agining evils that never happen An,
now, Cesare, when do you wish me t
go to the convent"
l shrugged my shoulders with al
air of Indifference.
Your submission to my will, ma
BELLA" | said, coldly, lis altogethe
charming, and f1atters me much, bu
| am not your master-not yet! Pra
choose your own time, and suit you
departure to your own pleasure
Then" she replied, with an al
of decision, Il will go today TIL
sooner the better-for some instinc
tells me that Guido will play US a trio
and return before we expect him Ye
i will go today
| rose to take my leave. Then 20