Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-12-23
knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL

W QUA ne NOt justly 1SAA4P'NtN- - 49,
arrangement which must indefinitely
postpone his daughters marriage?
Would he not be wrathful at his
choice of such profession? And
how was he TO explain 10 him that
choice without altogether betraying
Nita's story? Again, there was the
profession itself Piale thought only
of the reputation he would some day
gain. but Carlo. not unnaturally,
thought Of the reputation be would
lose. lie knew quite well how his
friends would regard his choice; he
could imagine ire expression Of Uncle
Guido's face as he exclaimed
What,a Donat turn actor"
And then there was Francesca
His breast heaved. his eyes grew
dim; bad It not been for the pres
ence Of the boatman he would have
given way and sobbed alold. And
vet Piale was right as far as that
went. once convinced that he might
really save Mia, Francesca would be
the first 10 bid him go; once sure
that he was doing what he thought
right. she would BID him gOdspeed
and bear the pain like a little heroine
with him rested the real difficulty,
the terrible decision. Was he to give
her this pain TO bear?'
There will be stormy weather to-
night signor." said the boatman.
turning round in his seat to glance
ont seaward as they rounded Posilipo.
This remark diverted Carlos
thoughts for a moment The sea was
like glass, far away in the distance
he could see yacht lying becalmed.
her beautiful white salts tapping
idly as she rolled
The sunset was Just O;er. and al
ready the brief twilight was Icing
away The summer night beginning.
and a;er the sc!lry, almost 2reath-
less day, a cool wind was springing
up: on the horizon could be seen the
dark line which showed that a change
was coming, and that the time Of
calm inaction was over
Was It nor like his life! He had
had his days OF ease, his smooth, I'M
eventful days. with nothing to mar
the tranquil happiness Then there
had arisen the dark foreboding Of
coming trouble, and now the storm
had broken. Was he TO choose this
life Of perpetual storm? Or might he
not seek the tranquil haven where he
louged 10 be? Must he indeed go
forth into world so uncongenial
into a strife so dstasteful?
He was not indoIent by nature, he
was not selfish; but he had, IN a
marked degree that italian hatred OF
storm and struggle which TO a north,
ern nature is so incomprehensible.
To 20 out into life OF perpetual
temptation-4-a life likely to be full OF
proYocations TO the temper, this was
harder to him than 10 most men, for
he dreaded nothing so much as losing
his self-control What II he should
accept this Offer 20 forth as Mia 5
preseryer. aud then fail himself In
that case, indeed. all would have been
lost honor Included. He could not
risk all this for a mere hope, mere
chance. 1t could not surely be ex.
pected of q man that he should give
up his home. his prospects Of mar
riage, his profession. everything that
he cared for, all for the sake Of say.
ing one woman? No, Il certainly
could not be expected Why. the
world would laugh at such notion
Had ans other mah put such a case "a
him. he. too. woud have smiled at II
and called the rropnunder OF such
folly mere Quixote, How foolish
the old 'oatman would think him il
he steered this frail little boat out
into the troubled waters yonder in
stead Of making all speed 70 guide It
TO the shore
He shiyered slightly. threw his
cloak across his chest. and, for the
sake of change of thought. be
gan to abuse old Frau Ritter for
having delayed his return SO long
and in her dread of sunshine brought
him In for the risk OF malaria But
above 1t all heated he pervcrse
voice which would not leave him un
molested. Men are Lot more willing
10 live the life OF the Crucihed lie
left of abusing Frau Ritter, and be
gan TO mum song, but naturally
enough Glanced TO begin with an all
from Don Giovanni The voice h,
louged to drown spoke more and NOR,
clearly Well Don Giovanni wa
poisoned for him; he must eschew i
in future. And forthwith he stroye t
drive the unpleasant thoughts con
nected with II from his head Gu
into the sumner might rang the noble
tmpassioued address of Valentine {,
Mephistophelos
la croce dai 3enoui tuo c
guarda
The scene in the opera rose yivjdE
before him the soldier. with hi
cross-handled sword uplitted. boldr
confronting she devil who SO latel,
had worsted him. but who now shranl
back helpless and trembling Goo,
heavens. and he had sought 10 drowl
the voice of God in his heart b.
those very words, had sought q
drive back the good and 10 giv
place 10 the evil
horror OF great darkness Eel