Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-11-18

seemed as If life could offer him
nothing more. His face was radiant
as he greeted Enrico Ritter.
well met he exclaimed, way
laying Enrico. who. in a fit Of alb
straction would have passed him by.
eOh, 1t is you." exclaimed Enrico,
looking him critically in the face.
Well Whit neys?"
lyon whl be requested TO dance at
nv wedding before lcug" said Carlo,
gayly.
"So!" Enrieo whistled.
Il took your advice, you see, AMIGO
milo and stayed at home, that you
might not be afflicted with the trou-
BILE of congatulating me-"
Yes, yes, said Enrico, with sar-
castle smile. That is your kind way
Of putting it-egoist that you are!
You stayed TO enjoy yourself and
now you want to make me believe
that you were considering my comfort
ana not your own. An egoist! A
doubledyed egoist."
But 1is laughter was suddenly
checked They were passing a
boarding in me strada S. Trinita;
Carlo had glanced at one of the pla-
cards. and now he clutehed his
friends arm.
"Enrico!" he gasped; my sisters
name thought I saw it. Look for
me; / can't"
Huge black letters on pink
ground danced in wild confusion be-
fore his eyes; but surely it was that
hateful name of Merlino which had
suddenly Jarkened his sky, which had
struck bloR at his heart and left
him stunned and bewildered.
Dear old fellow, you must cone
on" said Enrico. Il didn't know
those cursed yiaeards world be out
yet; but It is true, aIaN, only too
true
Carlo walked on mechanically, feel
ing as though he were in night
mare. His thoughts few wildly from
francesca to Anita, from his mother
to Captain BIitton,, from his uncle to
Merlino He had no definite ideas,
only a giddy consciousness that the
world. so bright but minute before
was now overshadowed, and that a
nameless fear filled his heart
'Where?" he faltered. after a brief
silence.
THE Mercadante." said Enrico, fol-
lowing his train of thought, and I'M
derstanding the laconic question as a
friend should.
Let us come there" said Carlo.
Enrico silently complied. After a
time his friend looked up with an.
other question.
You knew of this before, then?"
Enrico signed an assent
The day last saw YOU" he added
after pause.
What! That thing you tore out
Of the Piccolo? Why did you try to
keep it from me?"
y wanted you to have a cloudless
betrothal said Enrico, rather reluc-
family.
"Ah, AMIGO mio. exclaimed the
other, gratefully. You shield me
thus. and then call yourself an ego
ist,'
"Of course, said Enrico. who hated
to be caught in a kindly action. 1T
was pure egoism. Naturally / wish
you TO be happy. for 1t disturbs me
and makes me uncomfortable to see
you as you are now. Purely for my
own sake / deferred the evil day,
Carlo could not help smiling. even
then, at the energy with which his
friend tried to establish his own sell
fishness for the sake of triumphing
in his net theory.
Il must find out whether they are
yet in Naples, he said growing grave
once more and trying hard to collect
his thoughts. "Oh, Enrico, how shall
break the news to my mother? She
is unfit to bear the least shock
4 would keep it from her, then-at
any rate Till you know what line
your sister intends to take, said En-
rico But see. we are close to the
Meroadante. Shall make inquiries
for your"
Il wish you would, said Carlo.
with, look of relief. ASK when the
company arrives in Naples. and
where they are to be found"