Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-02-17
Continued.

swered, lightly. Make a poem of 1t,
salustri people will say you have
imp owed on the Bible!"
And | left him with a gay gesture
to join other groups, and TO take my
part in the various dances which were
now following quickly on one another.
The supper was fixed to take place at
midnight. At the first opportunity
had, looked at the time, Quarter
to eleven my heart beat quickly, the
blood rushed to my temples and
surged noisily in my ears. The hour
| had waited for SO long and so Gag
erly had GOMEZ AT last, at last!
Slowly and with a hesitating step
approached my wife. She was rest
ing after her exertions in the dance,
and reclined languidly in a low velvet
chair, chatting gayly with that very
Prince de Mapano whose honeyed
compliments had partly spoiled the
budding sweet nature of the youngest
girl in the room. Apologizing for in
tcl IuplLi6 Luc COliN cl o"tiohp io"oi W
my voice to a persuasive tenderness
as | addressed her.
Cara sposina mia! permit me to re-
mind you of your promise"
What a radiant look she gave met
Il am all impotence to fulfill it!
Tell me when-and how"
Almost Immediately. You know
the private passage through which
We entered the hotel this morning on
our return from church,"
Perfectly"
Well, meet me there in twenty
minutes. We must avoid being OBJ
served as we pass out. But" and |
touched her delicate dress, you will
wear something warmer than this?'
Il have long sable cloak that will
do" she replied, brightly I'VE are
not going far?"
NO, not far"
we shall return in time for sup
per, of course?'
| bent my head.
Naturally"
Her eyes danced mirthfully.
How romantic It seems! A moon
light stroll with you will be charm
ing, Who shall say you are not a
sentimental bridegroom? Is there a
bright moon?''
IL believe So"
"Cosa bellissima!" and she LAUGHED
sweetly. 81 look forward to the trip!
In twenty minutes then | shall be
with you at the place you name,
Cesare; in the meanwhile the Mar
cheese Gualdro claims me for this
mazureka."
And she turned with her bewitch-
ing grace of manner TO the marchese,
who at that moment advanced with
his courteous bow and fascinating
smile, and watched them as they
elided forward together in the first
figure of the elegant Polish dance, in
which all lovely women look their
loyeliest.
Then, checking the curse that rose
to my lips, hurried away. Up to
my own room [ rushed with feyerish
haste, fun OF impatienae to be rid Of
the disguise | had worn so loug.
Within a few minutes | stood before
my mirror, transformed into my old
self as nearly as it was possible to be,
/ could not alter the snowy whiteness
of my hair, but a few deft quick
strokes of the razor soon Invested me
of the beard that had given me so ell
derry an aspect, and nothing remained
but the mustaChe curling slightly up
at the corners of the lip. as | had
worn 1t I'm past days | threw aside
the dark glasses, and my eyes, densely
brilliant, and fringed with the long
ashes that had always been their dis
tinguishjng feature. shone with all
the luster of strong and vigorous
youth. / sualghtened myself up to
my full height ! doubled my fist and
(elt il hard as iron; | laughed aloud
I'm the triumphant power of my strong
manhood / thought Of the old rag
NihIiiE dRN lPA iNNlu NIL AlN NAlils :,
easily" Az so I oould!-even with
ont the aid of the straight swift steel
.of the M1qnese dagger which now
drew from It's sheath and regarded
steadiastly, while | carefully felt the
edge of the blade from hilt 10 point
Should I take IL with me- | hesttated
Yes! it might be needed. / slipped II
safely and secretly into my vest
And now the proofs the proofs
had them already to my hand. and
gathered them quickly together first
the things that had been buried with
me-the gold chain on which hung
the loeket containing the portraits OF
my wife and child, the purse and card
case which Nina herself had given me-
she cruciHx the monk had laid on my
breast in the coffin The thought OF
that coffin moved me % q stern smile
Tint splintered, damp, and molder-
a.. met sv...,l- F5.- ste.ff 1r- 4