The San Francisco call., 1907-06-02

Win DOWed shoulders As the tapestry
fell into place behind him visccnti ap-
preached the black bureau between the
windows and unlocked one OF the long
drawers.
In it's dusl<y recess lay a gold box
and Visconti took il out. handling 1t
carefully.
The light fell in straight shaft from
the narrow window on the delicate
chasing OF the casket. as viscontf
placed it on the table. and as he turned
the key and the lid few back, it
cleaned on the emeralds and diamonds
OF an elaborate coronet, exquisitely
ename1ed and pointed.
Every inch was covered with
precious stones; each point tapering
into q delicate tracery of gold as fine
as lace.
visconti drew chair TO the table
and leaned back in it. his eyes upon the
Jewels: 50 absorbed was he he did not
heed the opening door nor Tisio's en-
trance
And Tisio scarcely saw his brother.
for Joy at the little coronet, so brilliant
in the SIMS straight ray.
How dost thou come here. TistoT''-
asked his brother. startled: bur at sight
OF Tisio's vacant, foolish face, hs sank
back, and noticing his Joy, he smiled
for Tisio was crazed and remembered
nothing OF even the things that gave
continued. sratihsd at the delight IN
his brothers eyes. Thy taste IN gold
smiths work Is good. Tisio."
"'Tis beautiful. Clan, wondrous
beautiful!' cried Ttsio in rapt admira-
ton.
IT bought 1t with the price Of ha1t a
city, said Clan And hold IL cheap
The words had no meaning for Tisio.
as his brother knew: he only voiced
his own pride IN the lovely baubie.
And wilt thou wear it?" asked Tisio-
The duke laughed good hunoredly-
Not !, Tisio: still soon-when Della
ScaIa's erushed-thou shalt see it
worn by some one--some one whose
face will outshine these stones, Tisio."
Whose will il be- asked his brother
childishiy
"A lady, Tisio; and when this coronet
Is on her head she will be yiscontis
wife and the duchess of Milan
lie paused on the word and looked at
Tisio; but there was no wonder in his
brothers eyes. his gaze held by the
Z flashing stones.
2 Now. by Saint Mark cried Visconti
Suddenly. This Is no time TO ba maun-
dering with 4 toy and an idiot.
He put the Attle coronet back and
locked the casket.
How couest thou to be alone. Tisio7
Where is thy page"
As he spoke he returned the casl<st
to the bureau. Tisio. in eager curiosity.
looked over mis- shoulders into The open
drawer. There lay the turquoise col
ored gloves
On cried Tisio joyously. The
beautiful. beautiful gloves
And before Clan could stop him he
had caught them up.
visconti snatchsd thern from him: at
the same moment came clamoring
upon the door. 1t was Giannotto
k00cL<iuO lISffIv
Now. who beats down the door,"
cried the duke. and waiting for no fur
ther summons Giannotto entered. The
duke, starting. thrust the turquoise
gloves into his doublet-
what is IL now. Giannotto2 Did 7
not say that 7 was coming"
My lord II presses. Dc Lana would
see you--there has been fierce lighting
outside the walis-the army cIahors for
YOU
Lead the way" said viscouti short
iy: and. preceded by his secretary, he
returned hastily toward his council
chamber
The anteroou, brilliant in pink stone
and gold the great hall itself fiaring
IN painted walls and dazzling stained
glass windows. were full of people
courtfers, soldiers, artists and crafts
men.
There were many there today. eager
eyed among the throng, among them
the German architect OF the glorious
new church: but today Visconti passed
unheeding through them. Tfe city was
at war.
He stepped into the council chamber
unannounced. followed solely by Clan
MOTTO.
The great gilt ornate room was full
OF Milanese and foreigners, allies or
guests OF visconti.
"You look grave, my lords" cried
Visco1ti, his gray eyes wide. and fear
full. I had not thought you of so poor
a courage Yet, since you are so faint
OF heart, come to tell you from my
own lips that I ride against Verona
today. Have you forgotten, my lords,
that a visconti still rules Mian?"
There was no answer from the
splendid throng; they had complained
much OF late--but not to his face.
Have you no thanks for so ruch
conlfort?' laughed visconti. Let all
those who may care TO follow make
them ready. and let those who care not
stay TO make US welcome from VIC
tory. Come. lie Lana"
He turned away. with his hand on
his favorite captains arm
To a man the crowded assembly
focked 20 follow
All visconti turned again
"a crushed foe Is scarcely to be
feared, Have I not set my standard IN
not dragged a hostage from Della
Scala's palace: Lords Of Milan. am
not Visconti?"
With one voice they broke into loud
shouts.
ITO the city walls: 10 the city walls 8
Down with Della Scala. To the city
wallsv'
And while the cry still sounded, be-
fore the enthusiasm could abate, VS.
cont, armed and mounted. rode at the
head OF some thousand mercenar1es
and Milanese to the farther rampant or
the city.
D'Crleans had not volunteered. The
French duke remained In the well
guarded palace. of which the Lady Val q.
entine was left the governor during the
dukes absence. an office she had often
filled before quarreis had sprung up
between her and her brother. and while
he held Milan against has father and
she was his counselor and ally.
For a few brief hours power again
was hers. for visconti had not weak
ened her authority yet-outwardly at