Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-06-16


with you. You have a rival; between
you twain must decide"
"A rival. And who is hep" asked
Wilfred
"A Venetian of good fortune. The
balance is thus even betwixt you
Therefore to the brayest man I will
give my daughters hand, for hold
bravery next to honesty"
What will he do to win your ia
vor?"
He has told me what he will do,
but ! exact something more; so, IL
your courage is equal to your ardor,
you may succeed"
"If 1t is possible, I will undertake
it,"
at is an exploit fraught with some
danger"
" Name it, that I may Judge, Signor
Matranza.
1t is this; a week from today the
Doge gives his daughter in marriage
to Count Palatza. In the evening
there will be a grand fete to celebrate
the event. On that occasion | require
you to appear in a white gondola
gayly decorated with flowers, and pass
before the Doge and his retinue."
But wherein lies the danger?"
For two centuries Venice has been
cursed with an obnoxious decree
which provides that all gondolas shall
be painted black, except those of the
Doge and foreign ambassadors. Now
| and many of the senator's wish to
abolish this absurd custom, and be-
lieve that once the decree Is broken,
1t will be forever repealed"
Il see no great danger in the feat"
There is nothing to fear, but the
displeasure Of the Doge.'
What penalty can he inflict?'
THAT rests with him. Punishment
it may be at the worst"
Il welcome Punishment with such
a sweet companion. am inclined to
undertake it. But, Signor Matranza,
grant me until tomorrow, when / will
give you my final answer"
SO young Wilfred took his depar-
ture, and the schemers were delighted
at the success Of their despicable plot.
The next day he returned, having
learned in the meantime what the
treachery. he had decided to act
cautiously.
"signor Matranza," he said, II will
accept the exploit"
"Ah! | admire your determination"
II ask but one condition"
ooh! a condition." with dlsappoint-
ment,
THAT | may freely confer with
your daughter until the night of the
fete."
DO you doubt her affection for
your"
NO but such sweet communion
will keep me from falterng; for, as
you know many of us are only valor
GUS when inspired by love"
Slgnor Matranza smiled, considered
a moment. and thought to himself,
Palombo need not know Of this" and
then assented. ut shall be as you
wish. The compact between us is
that you shall twice parade in
white gondola before the Doge and
his retinue-at the wedding fete and
on Ascension Day"
DAY or night, which ever I may
find most discreet" said Wilfred.
III the night 1t must be done be-
fore the Doge departs"
"And achieving this, may wed
your daughter" asked Wilfred.
"If you succeed"
~ will succeed. But. Signor Ma
tranza, let 1t be further agreed be-
tween us that no one shall know OF
our purpose but ourselves"
THAT you need not fear, for the
cause OF equality is dear to my
heart"
Then it is a compact.
1T is a compact" And they shook
hands gravely.
May now speak with your daugh-
teri"
~ will send her to you. Adieu for
time
Saying this the senator left him
him with growing admiration for the
young sailors courage. Now, Lord
Wilfred had only conversed with An
nita on two occasions, such as passing
on the Grand Canal with mutual
friends and while walking on the
Piazzetta.
Presently Annita entered, glanced
shuly at her admrer, and after some
hesitation modestly saidi
my father says you would speak
with me-"
"If my tongue were not paralyzed
by your beauty, fair Annita, would
Feminine love delights In the shall
low artiflce OF banter. hoping to con-
ceal by levity the true. tender passion,
! for fear lover should think her too
easily Won Annita now fell back on
this transparent subterfuge.
How long has your tongue been
thus afflicted. Lord Wilfred'" she