The Winslow mail., 1900-04-26

there until you are better, or as long as
you like. The air is pure, in the hills there
is the boqueton for you to hunt; the life
is good. Will you do this?" +"
He lifted his head, and looked at me.
Then, rising, he placed one hand on each
Of my shoulders, thin hands they were, with
long bony fingers that held like claws.
"Signore," he said, with emotion, "Donati
or Savelli-whceeef you are-you are a
good man. thank you, but it cannot be.
Good-by~ And, lifting up his book, he
turned and strobe out of the room, leaving
me little chilled.
After that | waited for my meeting with
D'Amboise saw to the packing of a
valse, went down and looked at the horses,
closely inspected the arms and mounts Of
my men, who looked capable cf anything,
and, in one way and another, managed to
get through the time, until about the sixth
hour, when his eminence supped. Ipresent-
ed myself punctually, and was ushered into
an inner apartment which l had not hith-
erto seen, and where the supper was eti-
IDENTIFY to be held, for the table was set out
there. ] WAS alone at first, and, seating my
Belf on lounge, looked about me. The
room was small, but beautifully fitted up,
and had all the appearance of being the
cardinals private study By my side was
1arins ris erossea Inarzed on it in red ctaaiil
the chalk itself lying the map, where
j bO] poo" '0Uel0s'lr o. ] 2 -
,.".-- -'-'.- :e"9 on ONO mGpl uHCI0
me was an altar, surmounted by silver
cruciflx, bearing an exquisitely-carved
Christ. Near it, in corner, leaned a long
straight sword, from whose cross handle
hung pair of fine steel gauntlets. Rest
ing on cushion, placed on stand, was
the cardinals hat, and behind the stand
l could see the brown outline of pair of
riding boots and the glitter of FURNISHED
spurs In a corner of the room was
large table, set out with writing materials
and covered with papers. Running my eyes
over these idly, | finally let them rest on
the supper table, which was arranged with
lavish profusion. The curtains of the win
dows were drawn, and the light from eight
tall candles, in jeweled holders, fell on the
rose and amber of the wine in the quaint
TASKS, on the cheerful brown crusts of the
pasties, on the gay enameling Of the COM
futures, and on the red gold of the plate. /
noticed, too, that the table was set for
three only 1t was evidently private sup
per, where things were to be discussed, and
| became glad, for l felt already step on
wards towards winning back my name; and
i seemed to see in the mirror on the wall
to my left, vision of a woman with dark
hair, and dark eyes.
soYour eminence!'' fairly started up. 1
had not observed the entrance of DAM
boise until he stood beside me and touched
me lightly on the shoulder.
"Dreaming, cavaliere! ] did not think
you were SO given. I am afraid that, late as
am, l must still keep you from your sup
per, for l expect another guest. Ha! there
he isl"
Indeed, as he spoke, the door swung open
noiselessly, and Machiavelli entered. He
was plainly and simply dressed, and wore
no sword, merely dagger at his side.
thought, however, [ caught the CLEAN of a
steel corselet under his vest, as he greeted
the cardinal, and D'Amboise's own sap.
phire was not more brilliant than the single
opal which blazed in the secretary's hand.
This is the Cavaliere Donati, your excel
lency," said the cardinal, "but think you
know each other"
Machavelli extended his hand to me with
his inscrutable smile; but as l met his eyes