Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-09-09

was there less of an angel than she,
While she talked, | was quick to OBJ
serve the changes on Ferrari's counte-
nance. He became more silent and
sullen as her brightness and cordially
increased. | would not appear aware
OF the growing stiffness in his de-
meanor; | continued to draw him into
the conversation, forcing him to give
opinions on various subjects connected
with the art of which he was profess
eddy a follower. He was very reluct-
ant to speak at all; and when com
lpelled to do so, his remarks were curt
and almost snappish, so much so that
my wife made a laughing comment on
his behavior.
You are positively ill-tempered,
Guido.' she exclaimed, then remember
ing she had addressed him by his
tIr1stian name, she turned to me and
added always call him Guido, en-
famille; you know he is just like a
brother to me-"
He looked at her and his eyes flashed
q Vigorously, but he was mute. Nina
was evidently pleased to see him in
such a vexed mood; she delighted to
p,que his pride, and as he steadily
q zed at her in a sort of r~eproachful
wonder, she laughed joyously. Then
Using from the table, she made US a
coquettish courtesy.
will lava Won tutn nnnt1op,nn 90
finish your wine together" she said.
know all men love to talk a little
scandal, and they must be alone to
joy it. Afterwards. will you join
ne in the veranda? You will find
coffee ready"
! fastened to open the door for hcf
az she passed out smiling; then, re-
turning to the table, | poured out more
wine for myself and Ferrari, who sat
gloomily eying his own reflection in
the broad polished rim of a silver fruit.
dish that stood near him. Giacomo,
the butler, had long ago left the room;
we were entirely alone. | thought
ever my plans for a moment or two;
the game was as interesting as a prob
lem in chess. With the elaboration
Of prudent player | made my next
move.
"A lovely woman!" | murmured,
meditatively, slipping my wine, "aDd
intelligent also | admire your taste,
signor!"
He started violently. "What-what
do you mean?" he demanded, half
hercely. l stroked my mustache and
smiled at him b%enevolently.
"Ah, young blood young blood" ]
sighed, shaking my head, lit will havd
its way! My good sir, why be ashamed
of your feelings? | heartily sympa-
thize with you; if the lady does not APP
preciate the affection of SO ardent and
gallant an admirer, then she is foolish
indeed! 1t is not every woman who
has such a chance of happiness"
You think-you imagine that-that
i
That you are in love with herr" |
said, ~composcdly. "Ma-certamenta!
MN WY iOt' IL 10 dS II ElClIu Dt,
Even the late conte COZ Id wish nc
fairer fate for his beautiful widow
than that she should become the wife
of his chosen friend. Permit me &c
drink your health! Success to you1
loye!" And | drained my glass as
finished speaking, Unfortunate fool!
He was completely disarmed; his sus-
picions of me melted away like mist
before the morning light. His face
c!eared-he seized my hand and
pressed it warmly.
Forgive me, %conte," he said, with
lemorseful f%eryor; Il fear | have been
rude and unsociable. Your Find words
have put me right again. You will
think me a jealous mailman, but |
really fancied that you were beginning
to feel an attraction for her yourself,
and actually-(pardon me, / entreat OF
YOU'D actually / was making up my
mind to- TO kill ycu,"
81 laughed quietly. "Veramente,
How very amiable OF YOU 1t was a
eC'N AhANAtiphf buI gOu hliDN What
place is paved with similar designs?"
"Ah, conte, it is like your generosity
to take my confession SO lightly; but
| assure you, foI the last hour | have
been absolutely wretched!"
After the fashion of all lovers,
suppose" / MISUNDERSTANDING your
self without necessity! Wei, well, 1t
IS very amusing! My young friend,
when you come to my time of lire, you
Will prefer the chink OF gold to the
laughter and kisses of women. How
often must | repeat to you that ! am
a man absolutely indifferent to the ten
der passion? Believe il or not, it is
true"
He drank off his wine at one gulp
and spoke with some excitement.
Then ] will frankly contide in you.
do love the contessa. Love! 1t is too
weak d word TO describe what | feel.
The touch Of her hand thrills me, her
very voice seems to shake my soul, her
eyes burn through me- An you can
not know-you could not understand
the Joy. the pain