Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-12-30

Still, suppose your daughter welded a
man who would bc to you as a son,
and who would not part her from you?
for instance, let us say Vincen2o?"
Signora Monu smiled through her
tears.
, "Vincenzo! He is a good lad, very
good lad, and | love him; but he does
not think of Lilla-he is devoted to the
eccellenza"
Il am aware of his DEVOTION" l an
swered. Still | believe you will find
out soon that he loves your Lila. At
present he says nothing he fears to
offend you and alarm her; but his eyes
speak-so do hers. You are a good
woman, good mother; watch them
both, you will soon tell whether love
is between them or no. And see, here
/ handed her sealed envelope, Tin this
you will find notes to the amount of
four thousand francs" She uttered a
little cry Of amazement. ut Is Lilla's
doWry, whoever she marries, though
think she Will marry Vincenzo Nay
no thanks, money is of no value to
me; and this is the one pleasure |
have had for many weary months
Think we'll of Nincenzo-he is an ex-
cellent fellow. And all l ask OF you
is, that you keep this little dowry a
secret till the day of your fair child's
espousals"
Before | could prevent her the en-
thusiastic woman had seized my hand
and kissed it. Then she lifted her heaa
with the proud free born dignity of
Roman matron; her broad bosom
heaven, and her strong voice quivered
Win suppressed emotion.
| thank you, signor," she said. sim
ply, for Lilla's sake! Not that my
little one needs more than her mothers
Lands have toiled for, thanks be to
the blessed saints who have had US
both in their keeping! But this is a
special blessing OF God sent through
your hands, and | should be unworthy
of all prosperity were | not grateful
Eccellenza, pardon me, but my eyes
are quick to see chat you have suffered
sorrow. Good actions tighten grief!
We will pray for your happiness, Lila
ard |, till the last breath leaves our
llps. Believe 1.-THE name of our
benefactor shall be lifted to the saints
night and morning, ana who knows
but good may come OF it,
smiled family
Good will come of it. my excellent
signora, though I am all unworthy OF
your prayers Rather pray" and
sighed heavily, ''for the dead, that
they may be loosed from their sins. "
The good woman looked at me with
a sort of kindly pity mingled with awe,
then murmuring once more her thanks
/, ana blessings, she left the room. A
few minutes afterward Vincenzo en-
/, tered. l addressed him cheerfully.
Absence is the best test of love
Vincenzo; prepare all for our depart
ure! We shall leave Avellino the DAY
, after tomorrow"
And so we did Lila looked slightly
A., downcast, but Vincenzo seemed salts
neo, and | augured from their faces
, and from the mysterious smile Of Sig
nora Mont, that all was gong we'll |
, left the beautiful mountain town with
, regret, knowing / should see it no
, more. | touched Lilas fair cheek
lightly at parting, and TOOK what
knew was my last look into the sweet
, candid young face. Yet the conscious
ness that | had done some little good
gave my tired heart a sense of salts
. faction and repose-a feeling | had not
experienced since l died and rose again
from the dead.
On the last day of January I re
, turned to Naples, after an absence OF
more than month and was welcomed
back by all my numerous acquaintance
with enthusiasm. The Marquis D'Ayen.
court had informed me rightly-the
. affair of the duel was thing of the
past-an almost forgotten circum
stance The carnival was In full riot
the streets were scenes OF fantastic
mirth and revelry; there was music
ana song, dancing and masqueradins
and feasting. But | withdrew from
the tumult Of merriment, and absorbed
myself in the necessary preparation
for-my marriage.