Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-01-20
Continued.

wise, almost cruel, to place such
tempting toys within the reach of
even an honest man. At any rate, if
1 have been something of miser, it
is for your sake; for 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 l would, l always shud-
dered at the touch of her ips-a
mingled sensation of loathing ard
longing possessed me that sickened
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
paused, and her brow knitted itself
frowningly, while a puzzled, panied
expression came into her eyes.
And that one thing js?" I in
CURED
THAT you did not remind me so
often of Fabio," she said, abruptly
and half angrily. mot when you
speak of him, 1 do not mean that.
What mean is, that you have ways
like his. Of course l know there is
no actual resemblance, and ;-t--"
She paused again, and again looked
troubled
Really, carina mia," l remarked,
lightly and jestingly, you einharrass
me profoundly! This fancy Of ;ours
is a most awkward one for ne. At
the convent where 1 visited you, you
became quite ill 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 l hoped it had
gone, with other morbid notions of an
| oversensitive brain, forever. Perhaps
you think I am your late husband?"
And laughed aloud She trembled
a little, but soon laughed also.
Il know l am very absurd" she
L
and unstrung; l have had too much
excitement lately. Tell me more about
the jewels. When will you take me
to see them?"
Tomorrow night" / answered,
while the ball is going on, you and
I will slip away together-we shall
return again before any OF our friends
can miss us. You will come with
me?''
"Of course 1 WILL" she replied,
readily, ''only we must not be long
absent, because my maid will have to
pack my wedding-dress, and then
there 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.
1.-THE little place where you have
hidden your jewels, you droll Cesare,
is quite near, then?' she asked.
"Quite near" I assented, watching
her closely.
She laughed and clapped her hands.
"Oh, I must have Them" she ex-
claimed. "It would be ridiculous to go
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,
r !, io[,
would prefer. Some are more valu-
able than others. And it will give
me special satisfaction-one that |
have long waited for-to see you max
ing your own choice"
She smiled half shyly, half cum
nangly.
Perhaps 1 will make no choice"
she whispered, perhaps | will take
them all, Cesare What will you say
them"
THAT you are perfectly welcome to
them,'' I replied
She looked slightly surprised.
You are really too good to me,
caro- MO-" she said; you spoil me-"
Can you be spoiled?" asked, half
jestingly. Good women are like
fine brilliants-the more richly they
are set, the more they shine"
She stroked my hand caressingly.
mo one ever made such pretty
speeches to me as you dol" she muir
INJURED.
Not even Guido Ferrari?" I sug-
gested, ironically.
she drew herself up with an in
imitably well-acted gesture of lofty
disdain.
Guido Ferrari.'' she exclaimed.
He dared not address me save with
the greatest respect [ was as
queen to him! 1t was only lately that
he began to presume on the trust
left him by my husband, and then he
became too familiar-a mistake on his
part, for which you punished him-as
he deserved"
l rose from my seat beside her. l
could not answer for my own COM
posture while sitting SO close to the
actual murderess of my friend and
her lover. Had she forgotten her
own familiar treatment of the dead
mAan-the thousand nameless wiles
and witcheries and tricks Of her trade,
by which she lad beguiled his soul
and ruined his honor?
L am glad you are satisfied with my
action in that affair." / said, coldly