Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-09-09


ing she had addressed him by his
Christian name, she turned to me and
added always call him Guido, er
famille; you know he is just like a
brother to me-
He looked at her and his eyes flashed
dangerously, but he was mute. Nina
was evidently pleased to see him in
such vexed mood; she delighted to
plque his pride, and as he steadily
g zed at her in a sort of reproachful
! wonder, she laughed joyously. Then
rising from the table, she made us a
coquettish courtesy.
| will leave you two gentlemen to
finish your wine together" she said
= know all men love to talk a little
scandal, and they must be alone to
enjoy it. Afterwards, will you Join
me in the veranda? You will find
coffee ready"
l fastened to open the door for her
as 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 silver fruit
dish that stood near him. Giacomo,
the butler, had long ago left the room;
we were entirely alone. I thought
over my plans for a moment or two:
the game was as interesting as a prob
! lem in chess. With the deliberation
of prudent player 1 made my next
move.
"A lovely woman!" | murnured,
meditatively, slipping my wine, "and
intelligent also l admire your taste,
| signori''
He started violently. "What-what
do you mean?" he demanded, half
t1ercely. l stroked my mustache and
smiled at him benevolently
/ "Ah, young blood! young blood" !
sighed, shaking my head, cit will have
its way! My good sir, why be ashamed
OF your feelings? l heartily sympa-
thize with you; if the lady does not ap-
| preciate the affection of so ardent and
gallant an admlrer, then she is foolish
indeed! 1t is not every woman who
has such a chance Of happiness
You think-you imagine that-that
-l-'
THAT you are in love with herr"
said, cOmposcdly "Ma-certamon
A"d why not? It is as it shcrId he
Even the late conte cot Id wish no
ie"eT fate for lis beautiful widow
IMAM that she should become the wife
OF his chosen friend. Permit me to
1t
loVe!" And l drained my glass as 7
hnished speaking. Unfortunate fool,
lie was completely disarmed his sus
plclons OF me melted away like mist
before the morning light. His face
cieared-he seized nv hand ard
pressed it warmly.
Forgive me, conte,' he said. With
lemorseful fervor; Il fear I have been
rude and unsociable Your Kind words
nave put me right again. You will
Chlnk me jealous mailman. but
really fancied that you were beginning
10 Ieel an attraction for her yourself
ana actually-(pardon me, | entreat of
your actually l was making I'D nv
mind toto kill yCu,"
I laughed quietly. "Veramentn,
How very amiable OF you! 1T was a
good intention, but you know what
place is paved with similar des;ensqo
An conte, it is like your generosity
TO take my confession so lightly: but
assure you, foI the last hour I have
been absolutely wretched!"
After the fashion of all lovers. r
suppose, torturing your
SELF without necessity! Well, well, 1t
IS very amusing! My young friend.
when you come to my time of lie. Won
VIII prefer the chink of gold to the
laughter and kisses of women. How
often must [ repeat to you that | am
man absolutely Indifferent to the ten
der passion? Believe it or not. it is
true"
He drank off his wine at one gulp
and spoke with some excitement.
Then | will frankly contide in Won.
| do love the contessa. Love. it is too
weak 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! All. you can
not know-you could not understand
the joy, the pain"
Calm YOURSELF I said. in a cold
tone, watching my victim as his pent-
up emotion betrayed itself "The
great thing is to keep the head cool
when the blood burns. You think she
loves your
Think! Gran D1o! She has
here he paused and his face flushed
deeply-"nay! l have no right to say
anything on that score. / know she
never cared for her husband
Il know that tool' l answered,
steadily. The most casual observe
cannot fail to notice it,
We'll, and no wonder!" he ex-
claimed, warmly. HE was such an
undemonstrative fool, What business
had such a fellow as that to marry so
exquisite creature!"
My heart leaped with a sudden i'm
pulse of fury, but l controlled my voice
and answered calmly:
"Requiescat in pace. He is dead
let him rest. Whatever his faults, his
wife OF course was true to him while
he lived; she considered him worthy of
| fidelity-is it not SOP"
He lowered his eyes as he replied in
an indistinct tone:
ooh, certainly"
And you-you were a most loyal
| and faithful friend to him, in spite of