The times., 1898-01-30
III

SfgnoI galombO, aS he entered, was seen
pDe Il shocu, plump, swarunS man Oh forty,
with GignIea strut that Struggled 10
make up Tor ms want of statute. ne had
Suldll, uark. Ctalty eyes, Will timex, black
eyebrows, anu lea ri W hich Was Goa rse
auu graceful as tina of wild goat. After
exchanging the usual compliments OF the
day, the perIumeu iittIe egVusp asked:
what think you of our defeat in the
CounciI?''
al was 50 near a victory, SlgnoT Pa
lvmpO, we must try again.
''Heaten boy two yoIes-only two
''Is II not apityZ. Here is our happyfes I'll
val coming, tine one uay OF the year when
all Sh Juid Dc Joy ousanu gay. Ana yet, byan
ancient despous decree, our gondolas must
stIn remain as ga rkaud gloomy as a ielons
shrOud.''
~ lille the Doge and his pampered am
ps ssauors show us our meaner rank 10y
pdrading in their gally- painted craft"
-'Ay. 10y the grave OF st. Mark, we vene-
tisns are craven slaves to SUBMIT!
I'll one but dared break the decree to
learn the. penalty
Tie penalty Is death. Did You not hear
the Doge's warning? He saIdln the chamber
at our last meeting, the first who broke the
decree should forfeit his head, as did the
traitors OF Old
1T may be only an idle threat. Now, If
we coulu but find some Jealous youth who
would rather be q dead mart yr than a living
nobody, we might test the Doge's power"
Il grasp your meaning. The populace,
you think, aDhor TINS decree; once II was
broken, they would never allow the darling
patriots execution
such, Slgnor MatranZa, is my reason
ing
--0h, that we could find such man! For
my heart is set on repeating this unrepub-
lican distinction
I'VE may yet vote il in the council
we may, we may; but this plan would
hasten matters. But enough of this for
time. SignoT Palombo, / know you came
10 speak of my daughter"
Il did, Signor MatranZa, hoping for your
confirmation to my suit
How has she received your addresses
But cOldly of late; but that take to be
her coquetry at my irnpetuous ardor.''
Know YOU of any rival'''
None Signur Malranza. None that own
ia Venice and the rotund little peacock
smiled contemptuously at the bare sugges-
tion, aud stroked his beard compIacently.
Il fear you have one, Signor Palombo."
"Surely you Jest, good friend"
Would that i did; but L must speak of
what know though IL pains NE TO wound
80 old friend 10y the telling
Then Signor MatranZa related what he
had gleaned from his daughters words as to
her fondenss for Lord WfIfred, and con
cluded by saying.
1t is but a girlish fancy, after all; we
need not take 1t seriously"
But the vain Palombo's brow had sud
denly darkened; he did take it seriously
Gradually q sinister smile overspread his
ollie features: then he asked:
Does this tawny lord come here today?''
Il expect him every moment"
Does he know of my accepted position"
Il think not
Were you about to deny him?''
Il was, for i have pledged my word TO
you
Then grant his suite favor me-"
Pray, Signor PaIombo, do not take Of
fense. l know your worth; no senator in
Venice stands higher in my esteem."
You mistake ine, signor. Grant his suit
oa one condition that he prove himself as
worthy of your daughter as l."
THAT is impossible
The compliment may not deserve. But
ii he is denied he becomes a hero in nnita's
eyes. Therefore, If YOU set him some cour-
ageous but impossible feat, and he fall, he
is no longer hero to her maiden fancy
SO do / accept a rival to dispose of him.
Il see the wisdom OF your scheme But
what Impossible feat can denla nd?''
Signor Palomb0' Is eyes sparkled with fiend-
fsh satisfaction, as he replied:
AN exploit, by which, il lie succeed in
carrying through he win lose his head, and
I q presuHIptuous would-be rival
An attendant entered at this juncture,
saying the young Englishman was below
awaiting an audience.
Il will speak with him presently" said
Signor Matranza, and the serva mt retired.
Eagerly and hastily the crafty Palombo
explained his plan. When he had hca rd ii,
Signor Matranza observed:
Nothing could be better. ButI fear this
hly-faced swain has not the courag &c to at
tempt it."
Palombo retired 10 an adjoining room,
and the young Englishman was usberedinto
the senator's presence.