The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-19


shine pouring in at my open win
dow and the songs of many birds
sounding a lively chorus
After a simple toilet sprang
through q low window to the ground
and wandered away among the flowers
and shfubbery. 1t was in my thoughts
70 revisit the scene Of my first meeting
with Lesba but I had no hope of find
ms her abroad at that hour until I
caught glimpse Of her white gown
through small arbor. The vision en-
chlnted me, and after paUging a mo-
ment 70 feast my eyes upon her love-
Illness, I hastily approached to ind her
cutting roses for the breakfast table.
She greeted me in her shy manner, but
ia a way that made me feel I was not
intrudihg. After a few conventional
remarks she asked, abruptly:
How do you like Dom Miguel 90
VERY much. said I smiling at her
eaeerness. HE seems eminently Wor-
thy Of the confidence reposed in him
by his compatriots."
Tie is born leader Of men, she re-
joined, brightly. sfand not q rebel OF US
all would hesitate to die Tor him. How
do you ike my brother2"
was sorry she asked the question,
for Its abruptness nearly took my
breath away, and I did not wish to
grieve her. To gain time, u laughed,
ana was answered with a froWn that
served to warn me.
Really, donzella,' I made haste to
say, 'if must be quite frank your
brother puzzles me. But think shall
like him when I understand him bet
ter"
She shook her head as if disap-
pointed.
''1Vo one ever understands Francisco
but me" she returned. regretfully
Does he understand himself?"
foolishly asked.
The girl looked at me with a CLEAN
Of contempt
fe5{t- NV f,-r,ft7 awe e,e7..ysf7- or ,.e~4.,er
niaed throughout all Brazil Even Fon-
seco respects his talents and the sus-
ptcious PieZoto trusts him implicitly.
Francisco's intimate friends positively
adore hint All, senior, 1t is not nee
essary for his sister to sing his
praises"
7 bowed gravely.
let me hope, donzella, that your
brother viii sooh count me among his
futimates." 1t was the least I could
say in answer to the pleading look in
her eyes, and to my surprise it seemed
to satisfy her, for she blushed with
pleasure.
81 am sure he likes you already, Is
she announced; FOR he told me so as
he bade me goodbye this morning"
your brother has gone aWay2''
'EIe started upon his return to court
an hour ago."
"To eourtl" I exclaimed, amazed at
his audacity.
she seemed amused.
Ibid you not know, senhor7 Fran
cisco Paola is Dom Pedro's minister
OF police"
u acknowledged that the news sur
prised me. That the emperor's minis
ter of police should be a trusted leader
OF the Revolutionary party seemed In
comprehensive but had already be-
gun to realize that extra ordinary CON
ditions prevailed in Brazil. Perhaps
the thing that caused me most aston
ishment was that this apparently con.
ceited and empty-headed fellow haC
ever been selected Tor a post so import
ant as minister Of police. Yet the fac
explained how I had received secre
protection from the moment Of MI
landing at Rio until I had Joined Don
Miguel
The girl was laughing at me now
and her loneliness made me resolve no
to waste more of these precious mo
ments in political discussion. She was
nothing loath to drop the subject, ant
soon we were chattering merrily O.
the flowers and birds the deW-dropi
and the sunshine, and all those incon
seQuent things that are wont to OCCUPY
youthful lips while hearts beat fas
ana glances shyly mingle. When, a
length, we sauntered up the path t,
breakfast I had forgotten the grea
conBpiracy altogether and congratu
lated myself cordially upon the fac
that Lesba and I were wen on the wa!
to becoming good friends.
Madam label did not appear at tn
morning meal, and Immediately it wa
over Dom Miguel carried me to hi
Study where he began to aCuuain1 m
thoroughly with the standing ant
progress Of the proposed revolution
Informing me. meantime, OF my dutie
as secretary.
While we were thus occupied tn
door softly opened and babel de Ma
entered
She cast an odd glance in my direc
ton, bowed eoIdiy to her father. AM
then seated herself at a small tab1
Uttered with papers.
q cloud appeared upon Dom Mi
EueTs brow He hesitated an instant
and then addressed her in q forna
tone
Il shall not need you today, Label.
She turned upon him with a fisrc
gesture
"The letters to Piexoto are not IN
ished, SIR" she exclaimed.
u know, label / know But MI
Hafclife will act as my secretary
hereaffers therefore he viii attend {
these details
She rose to her feet. her eyes fash
ing, but her face as in1mobile as ever.
III am discharged" she demanded
mot that, label" he fastened {
reuiv. "Xour services have been c
inestimable value 20 the Cause Bu
they ere wearing out y9ur strength
and come of our friends thought 70
were tee closely confined ana needle
rest Moreover. g man. they consic
7sauouehle said she. proudly. 'sT
rae % ia 8 pleasure to toll IN the caus
ns freedom. But my services, il seem
are not agreeable to your leaders
rather, les US say, to that Sly an
cheHous spy. Francisco Pao1ata
is &aea grew red and I imagined
n about to reply ansrilys but "a