Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-15

having Stunned it, as her companion,
she, too, retires, leaving the rude Off
Ger to ride on.
His chagrin is now augmented, but
lasts only a little while, for through the
lattice he sees muslin in motion, and
makes out female figure advancing
into the loggia. One of the two has
got over her shyness, and is deter
mined to crafty her curiosity while dis
playing her charms.
81 thought 'twould be that way" he
says to himself. 81 never knew it end
otherwise"
But it does end otherwise Quite a
different way from either his deductions
or anticipations; for the figure that
now presents itself in the balcony is
as unlike either of those lately occu-
plying it as thorn bush to a palm
tree. A thick-set, stoutish woman Of
middle age, with face rubicund where
it should be white, and white where the
red color would be more becoming
with pair of eyes in it set wide apart
either one of which is equal to giving
the Gardiner captain glance for glance
even staring him out Of countenanee,
were its owner angrily inclined. She
does not, however, show any such dis
position, but on the contrary, showers
upon him soft simpering smiles, which
seem to say: my pretty gentleman, if
they won't look at you l WILL and you
may admire me as much as you please"
"Corpo di Porco!" mutters the de-
luded officer, as he digs the spur deep
into his chargers TANKS and gallops
on for the Piazza, his men following,
surprised at the pace.
Inside the Sindico's house is scene Of
excitement, unusual in that peaceful
abode. Camilla Buonofanti rushing to
and fro, her eyes full Of fear, while
Lucetta follows, endeavoring to tran
quilise her, though ignorant of the
cause of her trouble, for as yet the
contadina has spoken only the two
words: "'Tis hel"
"Who?" mechanically asks the COM
forter.
"The officer at their head; he's the
same who prosecuted me in the citta
Count Guardiola."
Indeed" says Lucetta, now compre-
bending all. How very unfortunate.
And what a strange thing his CHANGING
to come here"
"Ah!" despairingly exclaims the pea
SAINT girl, sit cannot be chance. 1t
seems I am fated never to get out of
his reach. Oh, signorina, you'll pro-
tect me, will you not?"
With my life, Camilla. But don't
have any fear. No one here, except
father and myself, knows who you are,
not even Beppa. Besides, the officer
couldn't have recognized you; he was
too far off when you ran in. I'm sure
he didn't, or he wouldn't have acted as
he has. Instead of going on past, he'd
have stopped and demanded admit
lance. So make your mind easy, amy
ca! He has no suspicion of your be-
ing here, and I'll take care he don't
have. Should the soldiers stay any
time, which / hope they won't, you
can keep within doors-hide in the
cellar, the garrett anywhere-and l
promise you shan't be lonely in your
hiding place. if my company can hind
er it,"
"Grazzie grazzie!" cries Camilla, af-
fected to tears Il shall never forget
your kindness"
Calm yourself" returns the lady,
land let US think Of what's best to be
done. We must take steps. First let
me call Beppu. 1t is necessary she
should be cautioned-she's such chat
terer."
"Beppal'
This to the maidservant who is still
airing herself in the balcony outside,
her gaze fixed on the rear files of the
squadron just entering the piazza.
Coming, mistress!" she calls out in
return, reluctantly taking her eyes off
the grand glittering fellows. whose
backs even are beautiful
What is it. signorina?" she asks as
soon as inside the room.
"Beppa, we've a little secret wish
you to keep. Camilla, here, has hor-
ror of soldiers, because her father was
one. and got killed in a battle, leav-
ing her an orphan She intends keep
ing out of sight while they stay; even
if she have to hide in some corner or
cupboard. For, my father being Sind
leo. it's very likely some OF the off,
GERS will call upon him on business.
They're pretty sure; and if they do,
You mustn't say word about anyone
else in the house, except myself. More
over, if the townspeople talk about Ca
milla being here. you're to tell them she
isn't any longer. DO you comprehend
me, Beppa?"
Il do, signorina."
Clearly"
"Clear as the sound of church bells