Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-06-13

and, holding it honorable to consult
you first, have done So"
Signor Matranza felt a twinge Of
conscience at playing false with such
an upright nature, but nevertheless
he replied:
Lord Wilfred, I will be frank
with you. You have a rival; between
you twain I must decide"
"A rival. And who is he?" asked
Wilfred.
"a Venetian of good fortune. The
balance is thus even betwixt you.
Therefore to the bravest man 1 will
give my daughters hand, for I hold
bravery next to honesty
What will he do to win your IA
vor?"
He has told me what he will do,
but I exact something more; so, if
! your courage is equal to your ardor,
you may succeed"
eff it is possible, will undertake
| it,
''It is an exploit fraught with some
danger"
6 Name it, that may judge, Signor
Matranza'
1T is this; week from today the
Doge gives his daughter in marriage
to Count Palatza. In the evening
there will be grand fete to celebrate
the event. On that occasion I require
you to appear in 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
I and many of the senators wish to
abolish this absurd custom, and be-
lieve that once the decree is broken,
it will be forever repealed
II see no great danger in the feat.
There is nothing to fear, but the
displeasure of the DOge."
What penalty can he infiict?'
"That rests with him. Banishment
it may be at the worst.
81 welcome Punishment with such
a sweet companion. am inclined to
undertake it. But, Signor Matranza,
grant me until tomorrow, when I 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
Doge had threatened, and, suspecting
treachery, he had decided to act
cautiously
"Signor Matranza," he said, II will
accept the exploit"
"Ah! I admire your determination. .
81 ask but one condition"
ooh! a condition." with disappoint-
ment
'That I may freely confer with
| your daughter until the night of the
fete.''
"Do you doubt her affection fol-
your"
''No; but such sweet communion
will keep me from faltering; for, as
you know many of us are only valor-
GUS when inspired by love-"
Signor Matranza smiled, considered
a moment, and thought to himself
Palombo need not know of this" and
then assented. cit shall be as you
wish The compact between us is
that you shall twice parade in a
white gondola before the Doge and
| 1,so o& h0 faf0
on Ascension Day"
"Day or night, which ever I may
find most discreet" said Wilfred.
eff the night it must be done be-
fore the Doge departs"
"And achieving this, l may wed
your daughter?" asked Wilfred.
eff you succeed"
ct will succeed But, Signor Ma
tranza, let it 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"
'.It is a compact" And they shook
hands gravely.
''May I now speak with your daugh-
ter?"
ct 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
Wi1fred 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 admirer, and after some
hesitation modestly said:
my father says you would speak
with me-"
eff my tongue were not paralyzed
by your beauty, fair Annita, would.
| Feminine love delights in the shall