Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-08
CHAPTER xxx.
THE BLIND CAT.


Orno, and several matches have been
run through in the local sports; but one
of more than common interest is still
to come off. A handsome prize is to
be the reward of the winner; silk
sash with gold fringing at the ends.
1t is not so much the value OF the artl-
Gle that makes this match more attract
i've than those which have preceded It,
but the estimation in which the giver
is held-a lady liked by all, and who Is
no other than Lucetta Torreani, their
Sindico's daughter. And the goal to
which the competitors are to grope their
way is the Sindico's house, he who first
presents himself at its porch to have
the sash tied round his waist by the
signorina's own hands. Lucetta is not
alone. In the balcony beside her is
young girl, little over her own age,
somewhat taller. and of frame more
fully developed. She is simply, though
becomingly, attired in the dress OF
cittadina. though something in her air,
as in the rich brown complexion, tanned
by the sun. speaks of the peasant; and
but that she is standing beside the Sim
dico's daughter, evidently as a compan-
ion. and not in the capacity of servant,
one might take her for contadina Nor
in doing so would there be any mistake
made For such she is-her name Cam
lila Buonofanti.
How she comes to be in cittadina
dress, and under the roof of Francesca
Torreani, needs but few words to tell.
Directed by a letter from Luigi she fed
thither from the prosecutions OF Count
Guardiola, after that ch1se through the
Ghetto. She was received with open
arms by the Sindico and his daughter
the one grateful to her for having
saved a beloved son; the other alike
thankful for service done to a dear
brother: and, with woman's sympa-
thetic intuition, believing that she VINO
did this service may some day be her
sister, more than mere shelter, more
than refuse has the Neapolitan peasant
girl found in the house of the Roman
gentleman. For Francesca Torreani,
though a "signore" by right of title,
is the reverse of an aristocrat. and
fears not for his son to mingle blood
with a child of the people-if it so
please him.
While the two girls-both beautiful,
though of different style-stand rest
ing their hands on the baluster. with
heads leaning over to get better view
of the street. third parsonage ap-
pears in the balcony behind them. 1t
is Beppa, the chattering, gossiping Bep-
pa. curious as they to witness the spec
tacle, and possibly with equal interest
in the result; for the maid has an adj
mirer also who is among those intend
ing to compete for the prize. What a
triumph to her if he should be the first
to find his way to the Sindicos porch.
She thinks he will; says so to her mis-
tress, who tells her he may be in dan
ger Of striking his head against it, and
thereby damaging his brains-a bit OF
irony at which Camille. who knows
him to be one of the thickest-skulled
louis in the place, immoderately laughs.
While the three are thus merrily con-
ssersing some excitement down the
street summons their attention. Look
ing in that direction. they see man
in the garb of shepherd coming along
from the Campagna side. and in great
haste, as he goes giving out cries OF
alarm.
Soon he is opposite to Sindico's house,
when Beppa. stepping to the front OF
the balcony. calls down to him:
What's the matter. my good man?
Have your sheep taken the rot, or the
wolves carried off your lamhs?"
"Ah. wolves." he mechanically ans
gers, looking up; that's just what
hey are. And for lambs, you're the
ry sort they'd be apt to carry off
ybeAutiful young girls as you are"
He means Lucetta and Camilla, but
3eppa. taking part of the compliment
to herself, saucily rejoins:
"Tit-tat, man. / for one am not
afraid of your wolves. Let them come
on. TIL we have look at them!"
mo, signorina," protests the alarm
list. addressing himself to the Sindico's
daughter, whom he now recognizes; Il
pray you not to be imprudent Take
my advice, and go back into the house
anywhere out Of sight. till they've
passed"
It'll who have passed?" questions
Lueetta impatiently.
The ban OH" he exclaims. with
the word unfinished. "yonder they
come. They'll be into the town before
] can warn the peoplei"
And with that he hastens on, leaying
those on the balcony in state of be-
wildered apprehension.
Whatever he meant to make known
IS soon communicated to the people in