Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-12-16
K Knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL


by good-luck Comerios engagement
is terminable at eighteen months If l
SO please; may be ended. that Is, In
fortnight's time. What say you,
signor Piale! Could you have your
pupil fit to fill the vacancy in 50 short
time as that?"
Piale was not to be daunted though
he knew well enough that the time
was very short indeed for the prepa-
ration which would be necessary.
Whether Comerios costumes could
be altered for hin so soon is perhaps
doubtful he replied proudly; they
might or might not be ready in fort
nights time; but my pupil will be
ready-quite ready
well, III risk it," said Aerlino,
who was a keen eyed man OF business
and knew that Carlo would prove a
good speculation. Il am prepared to
offer you signCr. an engagement Of
three years. terminable at the end OF
the first year at the wish OF either
party. AS TO the salary, we shall not
quarrel, / think, ORC che orc vale
let me see
He began TO make a calculation and
to discuss money-matters with Piale,
who. in his delight at the prospect OF
at length inducing his pupil to go on
/ the stage. was ready 70 accede to al
most any terms.
Carlo, still with that thought of the
slave-market in his mind. watched the
discussion like one In a dream. pay
ing little heed to the details. 1t mat
tered nothing to him just then
whether he received five pounds a
week or fifty; 1t mattered supremely
that he had prayed for guidance, and
tLat Immediately after there had
come to him this definite offer. He
dared not refuse. he hesitated to ac
cept silencing the fiends' voices
which urged him at once to decline
Merlino's proposal. at once to seek
the selfish peace which that decision
would bring, he braced himself up for
a reply. The haggling at length
ended, and Merlino turned to him.
Well, Signor Donati, you hear my
offer, and Signor Piale approves OF
the terms; 1t rests With you now to
accept them o. not 1t 's - .:Or me
to advise you either one way or the
other; but, in my own mind. have
little doubt that. Ii you work well,
you will be one of the first singers of
the day.
Piales eyes shone me could nardIy
contain himself, so great was his ex-
element II dampencd his ardor to
see that this glorious prospect brought
no faintest CLEAN of pleasure to his
pupils face. lie scratched his parch.
ment-like cheek ferociously-a trick
which he had when anything annoyed
, him or tried his patience. Al length
Carlo spoke.
Il am Obliged to you for your offer
signor. but you win understand that II
is impossible for me TO accept II or
the spur Of the moment. The decision
will affect others; must think OF
them as well as of myself | must
consult those who belong to me-"
Wei, WELL" said Merlino, impa
tiently. so long as you keep the mat.
ter quiet--so long as 1t does not come
to Comerios ears. don't object to
that; but can't afford TO be off with
him till | am on with you
Il promise you all shall be kept
quiet" said Carlo. "How soon must
you know my decision?"
Meet me next Wednesday at the
Mercadante-or better still, If SignoI
Piale will permit, at this house, and
will have the contract ready. That
leaves you nearly a week, and | shall
quite hope for a favorable reply
shall In the meantime. not breathe
word of this to my wife, who, Of
course, will be charmed 10 have you
in the troupe, Good-day. signor. and
let me entreat you not to throw away
this opportunity A thousand thanks,
Signor Piale. for your courtesy. and
pray forgive my impetuous entrance.
He bowed himself out.
Carlo watched him as he walked
down the street-watched him in a
sort OF stupor When he had disap-
peared, his eyes turned to a heavily
laden mule just coming into sight,
with waving green houghs tied about
his head to keep on the flies; II toiled
patiently on, the lazy boy in charge
hanging on to its tail with his right
hand. while he deyoured great
bunch of bread clasped fast in his
left Carlo watched with a sort of
envy the placid calm of the sunburnt
lad--that picture OF lazy content con
trasted SO oddly with the state of his
own mind. Piale soon added TO the
terccuess OF the storm by urgent and
almost piteous entreatios that he
would accept Merliuos offer, With
tears in-his eyes the ola musician
paced TO and fro, passionately de
claiming upon the sacred calling, and
the duty % not allowing such great
gifts TO rust unused; and Carlo lis
tenet with the reluctant attention Of
one 3 no does not wish to be persusd.
ed. /, was bad enough to fight
against his own convictions. he did
not want Piale 5 arguments to make
the conflicts yet more severe.
4 tell YOU, urged The old man