Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-01-20
Continued.


are exceptional cases in which one
fairs to trust even to bank Gems
.gch as those / have to offer you are
almost priceless, and it would be un-
wise almost cruel, TO place such
tsmptfng toys within the reach OF
even an honest man. AT any rate. If
have been something of miser, it
< for your sake; Tor your sake |
have personally guarded the treasure
that is to be your bridal gift. You
cannot blame me for this?"
In answer she threw her fair arms
round my neck and kissed me Strive
against it as | would, | always shud-
dpred at the touch of her lips-a
mingled sensation of loathing ard
longing possessed me that sickeued
while it stung my soul.
Amor mio" she murmured. LAS
if | could blame you You have 70
faults in my estimation of you. You
are good, brave, and generous-ihe
best Of men; there is only one thing
[ wish sometimes Here she
PAUSED, and her brow knitted itself
frowningly while a puzzled, panied
expression came into her eyes
And that one thing ISL" | in
CURED.
That you did not remind me so
often of Fabio,' she said abruptly
and half angrily. Not when you
speak of him, l do not mean tbat.
What mean is, that you have ways
like his. OF course | know there is
no actual resemblance, and 1T"
She paused again, and AGAIN looked
troubled
Really, earina mia" | remarked,
lightly and jestingly, you einharrass
me profoundly! This fancy OF yours
is a most awkward one for ne. At
the convent where l visited you, you
became quite III at the contemplation
Of my hand, which you declared was
like the hand Of your deceased hus-
band, and now-this same foolish idea
is returning, when | hoped it had
gone, with other morbid notions of an
oversensitiye brain, forever Perhaps
you think | am your late husband?"
And laughed aloud. She trembled
a iitde, but soon laughed also.
Il know | am very absurd" she
said, perhaps | am little nervous
ana unstrung; | have had too much
excitement lately. Tell me more about
The jewels. When will you take me
TO see them?"
Tomorrow night" l answered,
while the ball is going on, you and
[ will slip away together-we shall
return again before any of our friends
can miss us. You will come with
me?"
of course | will" she replied,
readily. only we must not be long
absent, because my maid will have to
pack my wedding-dress, and then
shere will be the jewels also to put in
my strong box. Let me see! We stay
the night at the hotel, and leave for
Rome and Paris the first thing in the
morning, do we not?"
That is the arrangement, GER
tainly," ! said, with cold smile.
The little place where you have
hidden your jewels, you droll Cesare,
rs quite near, them" she asked
quite near" ! assented, watching
her closely.
She laughed and clapped her hands.
oh, | must have them" she ex-
"A 4 m. l.n ,-il icttlC n
to Paris without them. But why
will You not get them yourself, Cesare,
and bring them here to me?"
There are so many" l returned,
quietly, and | do not know which you
would prefer Some are more yalu-
able than others. And it will give
Eue special satisfaction-one that |
nave long waited for-to see you max
x your own choice"
She smiled half shyly half cum
Lugly.
Perhaps | will make no choice"
she whispered perhaps | will take
them ALL Cealre What will you say
zhen?"
That you are Perfectly " leone TO
chem replied
She looked slightly surprised.
fou are really too good to me,
caro- MIC, she said; you spoil me"
Can you be spoiled?" l asked, half
}9-uugly Good women are like
Zine brilliants-th the more richly they
are set the more they shine.
She stroked my hand caressingly.
No one ever made such pretty
speeches to me as you dol" she muir
INJURED.
Not even Guido FerTari?" ! sug-
gested, ironically.
Sne drew herself up with an in
.n.tAbly well-acted gesture Of lofty
15dain.
Guido Ferrari!" she exclaimed.
He dared not address me save with
sAe greatest respect! wes as a
zen % him. 1t was only lately that