The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-04-21
Slmona was deeply impressed by his

Simona I was deeply impressed by his
venerable aspect His years then num-
bered as many as mine 90 now, which
is to say seyenty-one. but he appeared
much older. his vitality being sapped
by his intense application to affairs OF
commerce. in early manhood and mid
die age and by stress Of recent sorrow,
to say nothing of the natural rayages
Of time Nevertheless he exhibited
traces OF n nobility OF features and
stature which an atteEuated face and
bowed back failed to Obliterate. The
moment OF my introduction to him
was painful one. for he had just re-
turned from celebrating the obseQuies
Of his son. and his only remaining
child. the young and beautiful Anita.
was administering to her father such
comfort as was possible in the circum-
stances. 1 had entered the presence
OF the old man and presented my let
ters before I was acquainted with his
unhappy condition. but so soon as I
was informed of it l sought TO with
draw until 4 more fitting occasion
should offer. The fai: Anita. perceiv-
ing that my business might divert her
fathers thoughts from the object Of
his grief. would not willingly suffer me
to depart: so l Welded to her solicita-
ton and remained. My host was
man OF extraordinary intelligence. de-
liChtfully frank ard communicative,
Notwithstanding quiet dignity which
usually accompanies combination Of
wealth and intellectual power. OF his
grief he Spake not. but l observed all
too many evidences Of it. After some
conversation with him OH general mat
terS it was easy for NE TO understand
how this man had from humble be-
ginningS risen 10 be the most Opulent
shipowner in Venice. When l asked
his advice in respect of house where
in to live during my sOjourn in Venice
the old man regarded me with mild
surprise. Il know OF no other than
this" he said: who comes from Eng
land with credentials such as yours
must be my guest" These words af-
forded me great content. and in Sicnor
Simona's house accordingly took up
my abode.
November Is. - \ thorough mastery
of the Latin and French tongues
helped me greatly in acquiring the
Italian speech: sans such equipment
l doubt not l should have failed, for
my method of learning differed greatly
from what isprescribed by the schools.
Sicnorina Anita Simona was my in
structress. and her lessons occupied
nearly the whole of every day. She
tod me the names OF things. and cor
rected my errors of pronunciation. hut
OF grammatical rules She Spake not:
fear she had bur scant knowledge OF
them herself Though no Catholic.
went with her each morning to mass.
which pleased her greatly. for she had
a superstitious horror of Protestant
ism. And here l may remark upon
the convenience OF conforming TO the
religious prejudices OF the people
among whom one may be cast; 1t Is
both easy and polite. and may be
done by most travellers without strain.
My days in Venice passed with great
swiftness, as days Of pleasure always
do. Signor Simona was merchant
prince, and his marble palace was
storehouse OF works Of art brought by
his captains from all the countries of
the world. His kindness TO me was
very marked, and that OF his daughter
vet more so. After many weeks OK
daily expeditions TO examine the Won
ders Of Venice. in all OF which was
accompanied by the daughter Of my
host, the beautiful Anita showed in
many ways that she had fallen in love
with me: and this circumstance occa-
stoned me much disquiet. If l but
talked with any other woman, or ven
tured to express admiration Of cos
tune worn by one of the Dogaressa'S
maids her pearly teeth would clench
and her dark eyes fash. 1t was
great difficulty. and FASTENED my de-
parture from Venice, with strange con-
sequences disastrous 10 herself.
would not love her in dishonorable
fashion for the sake of her father. my
host: nor would marry her, for had
previously resolved 10 measure the
faith of all women by the pertidy of
yet Unabated.
To be continued.