The San Francisco call., 1907-06-02

10 dinuse some Of their own light
hearted gsyety over the somber abode
OF the Visconti.
The entrance stairs Of fine white
marble were spread with . purple silk
carpet, the golden balustrades inter
twined with roses emitting their fra
GRANGE. and the long gallery opening
from The stairway and lit by wide win
lows, deep set in the stone. showed the
long, low balcony <mothered in myr-
ties, lemons, citrons, oranges and
gorgeous flowers. scented and abund-
snt. filing the corridors with the sense
Of summer and mingiing their slender
rails with the stiff folds OF the rare
and costly tapestries that covered the
walls and were laid upon the floor.
At Intervals stood statues, MASTER
pieces or ancient art. family lit by the
golden glimuer Of the swinging lamps.
And an the stairs and corridors and
gallery were alive and brilliant with
The magnificent guests OF the Fisconi
lords and ladies, the finest the dis
1fantied court Of France could boast
Yet. used to splendors as they were.
coming from the most refined court Of
Europe, the costly display made by an
Italian usUrper impressed them with
wonder. almost with awe.
Tisio Nisconti. most richly dressed
end adorned with all his fsNorite jew
els. mingled IN the throng, gay and
happy. forgetful of everything save
tsle lights and the colors. the kindly re-
spectful tones in which he was sd-
dressed. unheedins the silent page that
followed him.
The wide, usually so somber, entrance
al tIe palace stood open upon the
street, and the red fare Of torches, the
Eiean OF richly caparisoned horses, the
hustle OF pages and men at arms, We're
visible 20 the courtieTs within, and
blended city and palace in one splendor.
Il would the French were always
here" cried Tisio. excitedly. I love
the palace 10 he light and gay"
The gay flutter Of silk and satin, the
elegant grace Of the strangers, pleased
him. and he smiled like q contented
child. But suddenly all the light was
struck out or his face.
Clan, he said duly.
The duke" the courtiers behind him
took up the Werd, and the tattle OF
voices ceased.
Clan Visconti was approaching down
the SallerF. followed by several pages
- the viper's silver and green livery.
lie passed between the rows OF bow
ing courtiers carelessly; there were
many there Of the proud nobility Of
France who found IL hard TO stand 81
lent and respectful before this man.
whose crimes alone were his passport
10 sovereignty.
To them this marriage was a humin-
alton, & q grace TO the French crown,
but 70 Nisconti il was a triumph, the
successful crowning OF ambition. He
was in a genial mood. and as he passed
Tisio stopped and smiled. telling him
for tonight he might go where he
pleased.
II was not TOO much 10 spare TO the
brother whose possessions he enjoyed.
And SIS Nisconu passed on more than
one FTenchman raised his eyebrows
and shrugged his shoulders express
sively as the sweep Of his scarlet train
disappeared
Among the throng the ever ready
secretary waited for NiscentTs eye to
fsll On him. and the duke, disn1issing E
the pages. beciSoned him forward.
NO news from Verona or Mantua?"
lie asked.
None. my lord
"Hone2 The messenge are late.
But after all why should 1hev haste2'
said Nisconti. Della Scala viii hardly
smile.
II ever. nv lord, replied the secre-
tary smoothly.
The two had withdrawn into the en-
hrasUre OF one Of the great open win
d0ws, and Niscouu, glancing through
1t. turned his gaze there where. clear
in the blue summer night. rose the out
line OF an abutting building. grim and
dark and SILENT lsotta's prison.
See the guards be doubled there" he
said. The secretary bowed
las 10 the Lady Valentine. my lord, -
he said insinUatingly. she is safe and
well and at her prayers with her
women. ] have kepr guard upon her
slightest motion.
Nisconti drew = ring from his finger.
Je wss in generous mood tonight, a
rare one enough as Giannotto thought
with bitterness
Take this for thy pains" he said.
And now ] viii relieve thee OF thy
watch; she can hardly escape under my
very eyes and with her bridegroom
waiting. let the guests know l bring
the bride. Giannotto'
-Nisconti withdrew the length OF one
Of the corridors and paused there at a
door before which stood two soldiers,
At his soft approach they stood back,
and. opening the folding doors. Nisconti
passed through, and quickly threaded
the deserted anterooms until he
reached the chapel that the lady used.
The place was dim, lit by red lamps
that caSt more shadow than gave light,
and with high. stained windows, now
scarcely showing color. and seated on
the floor under one OF them, her head
against a carved wall. her hands list
less IN her lap. was Valentine.
She wore a dress OF fame colored
satin, and her lair was elaborately
dressed with 1ubies and pearls. She
made no movement at her brothers en-
trance.
The air was 7heavy with incense and
the perfume OF some white roses that
faded across the altar steps. !
We wait for thee, Valentine" said
Nfsconu
A couple Of her women moved for
ward from the shadows and whispered
10 the duke they could do nothing with
her. He motioned to them 70 Withdraw.
Valentine, GENE. Think Of the splen
did life that opens before thee from to-
day" Nisconti's tone had the gentle
ness or one who has gained his point.
Thou mayst be queen OF France
But Valentine Nisconti had too much