Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-10-07

mine and mine only, TO nave you alb
solutely in my possession, and to feel
that no one can come between us, or
Interfere with my wishes concerning
you"
She laughed gayly. "A la bonnie
heure! You are a lover without know
ing IT, Your dignity will not allow
YOU to believe that you are actually in
love with me, but in spite of yourself
YOU are-you know you are!"
stood before ner in almost somber
silence At last | said; If you say so,
cGntessa, then 1t must be SO. ! have
had no experience in affairs OF the
heart. as they are called, and | find it
difficult TO give a name TO the feelings
u hich possess me; | am only conscious
of a very strong wish to become the
| absolute n aster of your destiny" And
uvoluntarily / clinched my hand as J
spoke. She did uot observe the action,
hut she answered the words with a
graceful bend Of the head and a smile,
II could not have a better fortune,
she said. "for | am sure my destiny
win be al brightness and beauty with
YOU to control and guide IT."
ut will be what you desire" half
muttered: then with an abrupt change
OF manner / said: Il will wish you
| goodnight. contessa. 1t grows late,
and my state of health compels me to
retire 10 rest early
She rose from her seat and gave me
a cor passiCnate look.
You are really a great sufferer
them" she inquired tenderly. 81 am
sorry! But perhaps careful nursing
viii cutie restore you. ! shall be so
proud If / can help you to secure bet
ter health
Rest and happiness will no doubt
do much for me- ! answered, still ]
warn you, cara mia, that in accepting
me as your husband you take a broken
down man. one whose whims are
legion and whose chronic state of IN
yalidism may in time prove to be a
burden on your young life. Are you
sure your decision is a wise e
quite sure." she replied firmly. DO
not love you, And you viii not al
ways be ailing-you look so strong
Il am strong to a certain extent !
said. unconsciously strengthening my
self as / stood. 81 have plenty of mus
Gle as far as that goes. but my nervous
system is completely ~disorganized. +
why. what is the matter? Are you
Hl?"
For she had turned deathly pale, and
her eyes looked tied and terrified
Thinking she would faint, extended
nv arms to save her from falling, but
she put them aside with an alarmed
yet appealing gesture.
ut is nothing she murmured fee
blv. "a sudden g%iddiness-I thought
no matter what! Tell me, are you not
related to the Romani family? When
YOU drew yourself up just now you
were so like-like Fabio! | fancied,
and she s|huddered. that | saw his
ghostl'
supported her to a chair near the
window. which | threw open for ar
though the evening was cold,
you are %fatigued and ov%erexcited'
| said, calmly, your nature is too
imaginative. No; | am not related TO
the Romans, though possibly ! may
have some of their mannerisms. Many
men are alike in these things. But
YOU must not give way to such fancies.
Rest perfectly quiet, you will soon re-
cover"
And pouring out a glass Of water |
handed it to her, She slipped 1t slowly,
leaning back in the fauteuil where |
had placed her, and in silence we both
looked out on the November night.
There was a moon, but she was velied
NV driving clouds. which ever and
anon swept asunder to show her gleam-
ing pallidly white, like the restless
spirit of a deceived and murdered
lady. A rising wind moaned dismally
among the fading ereepers and rustled
the heavy branches of a giant cypress
that stood on the lawn like a huge
srectral mourner draped in black, APP
parently waiting for a forest funeral.
Now and Their a few big drops of rain
allsudden tears wruug as though by
lOICe from the DldNN hShA VI 'HN ~
NV Wife shivered.
"Shut the window" she said. Slanc-
ing back at me where ! stood behind
her chair. 81 am much better now. /
was very silly. ] do not know what
came over me, but for the moment
r,It afraid -horribly afraid'-of youl'
"That was not complimentary 20
your future husband l remarked,
quietly. as j closed and fastened the
window in obedience to her request
should / not insist upon an apology p
She laughed ueryously, and played
with her ring OF rose-hrilliants.
ut is not yet too late l resumed,
III on second thoughts YOU would
rather not marry me, you have only TO
say So. shall accept my fate with
ccuanimity and shall not blame you
Al this she seemed quite alarmed.
end rising. laid her hand pleadingly on
my arm.