Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-09-30

ness, so that felt sure that had made
no small headway in enlisting her vir-
gin affections. l was almost minded
to tell her at once that was Prince
Timoteo, the enemy Of her house. and
thus to put myself entirely in the
power Of this enchantress, who already
had my heart so completely In her
keeping. | thought Of the story of Ro-
meo and Juliet. and their case seemed
so to resemble our own that concluded
to tell Ippolita the story and at the end
of it to reveal my identity and to show
her how it was altogether reasonable
that, she being daughter Of the Albizzi
and l being the son Of their enemies,
the Pazzi, we should think every whit
as much Of each other as did the son OF
the Montagues and the daughter Of the
Capulets.
"Didst ever hear" said l. "the story
of Romeo and Giulietta Capuetti|
The effect upon her Of this question
was most surprising to me. She COL
ored to the temples, turned away her
head, pulled at the ribbons of her neck
gear and seemed to be in veritable
confusion. Finally she turned to me,
with a tear of despite In the corner OF
each big lustrous eye.
But, sweet my lord" said she, think
not that thou canst in this wise es-
cape the question which l put to thee.
Tell me, then. prithee, thy name
without further dallying."
| might as well out with the truth
first as last and trust myself to her
gracious clemency.
know. then. Lady lppolita degli AL
bizzi." said |. that am the greatest
enemy of thine house"
"Oh. 90 to-" exclaimed she. with a
drawing uffectation of incredulity
Upon my honor" said |. with my
hand upon my heart. Il am none other
than Prince Timoteo. the last of the
Pazzi, and until this night the tiercest.
most vindictiye and dangerous enemy
Of thy noble sire"
"Santiddior calculated the countess
ufter regarding me for Il moment with
looks of wonder. admiration and inter
est. This Is too delightful, exciting
and romantic for anything. | had heard
that our enemy the prince was an in
valid. Thou hast, then. but just re-
covered from thy long malady. How
interesting! And did / understand thee
to say, good Timoteo. that thou bear
est no longer resentment against my
| house|
ut is what ! said, sweet lady, and !
now repeat it. After once gazing on
thy fatal beauty could work no harm
to thee or thine. Never shall this my
good right arm again be raised against
thine august pere. Thy bright eyes
have conquered, and henceforth he Is
safe from the vengeance Of the injured
Pazzi."
"Thou art. in sooth, too good and
kind and generous" exclaimed 1ppo-
lita. with undisguised looks OF affec-
ton and admiration.
"The fact is, dearest Ippolita," said
/, again taking possession Of her hand,
"that love thee. love thee deeply, des-
perately and eternally, and that is all
there Is Of It"
Again she blushed, and again she
cast down her glorious eyes, turning
half away from me as she did so. She
had habit Of blushing, which might.
lily became her. and whenever she
blushed, not forgetting at the same
time to turn half away, the which set
OF more picturesquely the classic liz
someness of her shape.
without this" continued l, "a team
of horses could not in this house hav
drawn from me the confession OF m,
personality. I have put myself com
pletely at thy discretion. Breathe bu
my name to thy people, and my Oh
sequies will be appointed for the moi
row."
"Peradventure, fair prince" said she
"and were to acquaint the duke M
father with thy presence and with tn
gracious substance of thy present dis
position toward him he would forge
the past and give thee warm and mos
glad welcome"
"Aye, fair countess, 30 1t may seer
TO thee, but like not the idea Of tina