Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1908-04-23


rising moon.
Slightly before this, Marina had
been sitting on the long veranda of
the Corsican farmhouse, the lighted
lamps placing some tinges of ruby in
her dark brown hair and giving color
to the light costume that enhances
her loneliness.
Quietly entering from the house,
Cipriano Danella, costumed in the old
time, romantic Corsican garb, gazes
upon the exquisite girl outlined by the
light costume.
The eagerness of his glance draws
Mrs. Anstruthers eyes TO him. She
looks up and says: '.Ah, Count Cipri-
ano, it was very noble of you, who
had feared would hate me, to rescue
me from the Lucchese' At your ad-
vice, have rested here, but to-mor-
row, Notwithstanding the romantic
serenade you have provided for me,
/ must go on to Bastia."
"Oh: yes, to Bastia" murmurs the
count softly, and stepping nearer, says
suavely, though there is a weird sug-
gestion in his voice that somewhat dis
quiets the lady: I'VE are alone here
in my old farmhouse, only old Martha,
the cook, who, far away, will snore till
dawn, and my nephew, Count Enrico."
Il haven't seen him. remarks the
girl uneasily.
'Parbleu, you did once, the gentle
man with the scar upon his face, the
one who delivered the letter that
caused your nerves to jump in the
Marseilles railroad station. Even now
his name seems to have an i'll effect
upon you" for Marina has started up,
and the futtering of her light skirts
shows her limbs are trembling.
Mia Madre, was he the man." she
shudders. "And was it you who penned
it?" Then some divination entering
her mind, she implores pathetically
Holy Virgin, no harm has come tc
Edwin? Have | not kept the cruel
pact? Have I not deserted my dear
husband? 1t was the promise of thai
awful letter that no evil should come
to Edwin if left his arms"
All but you intended to return tt
them, bella mia" smiles the gentle
man.
The young wife scarcely needs the
insinuation of the subtle Italian term
but stammers confused: why d.
you think that?"
Ma fol, you were journeying to Bias
tia to meet your husband. lured Their,
by telegram directed to be sent t.
you from that place" whispers thu
count significantly.
The telegram was false? Edwin i
not in Corsica? Edwin is safe? Madr,
di Dio. | thank thee!" Marinas voic,
rings with hope that produces a su
preme Joy in Cipriano's occult mind
This lady upon whom he has set hi
feryid heart, is courage personified a
regards her own safety, but the grea
love she bears this Englishman make
her timid for him. tbs Danella's plal
to use for its own destruction this gen
erous and mighty love.
That's what | wish to discuss wit
you, he observes quietly, gazing upo
face to which each wave of passion
adds such loyeliness that he canno
restrain the monstrous proposition o.
his tongue. 1t breaks forth my poo
brother loved you. but you gave hir
DEATH he whispers passionately. .
love you, but. per Baccho, you will nc
give me death--but love!"
Love? Impossible?" Marina start
from him wildly; then scorn coming {
her eyes and voice. remarks haught
ly: You are speaking to a wedde
wife. Monsieur"
mot legally welded. ! have hopes
My brother. poor Musso, perchance
bis lips in private gave his consent t
youf nuptials, but Of that ! have n