Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-11-25
Continued.

tended to be, a good deal depressed.
It seems that he really had set his
heart on my going on the stage, and
had not at all realized how impossible
that would be"
yet you do not feel as my father
does about theater-going?' said Fran
cesca. And Glare. Don't you re
member what arguments We used to
have with dear Clare about it?'
Yes. she was dead against it; but
then she was brought up in Puritan
family, and the old prejudices lin
gered with her. For me, l have no
feeling whatever Of that sort. but
nevertheless the life of an operate
singer is quite the last should will
ingly choose. Piale talks scofingly Of
the humdrum life Of an advocate; but
for my part l shall be very well con
tent to stay at home, with the hope
OF some day following in my fathers
steps and doing a little for the coun-
try. Think OF the wretchedness OF o
wandering life! It's all very we'll to
talk about delighting Europe-practi-
cally one would be little better than
an exile-and into the bargain Piale
owns that art requires the sacrifice OF
domestic life"
II knew he would not approve of
me-" said Francesca, laughing. We
must have him TO our wedding, Carlo
and he shall make speech. What
fun he will be-"
Just for a minute, as they talked OF
theatrical life. Carlos thoughts had
reverted to Nita but Franecsea's ref
erence to the wedding soon dispersed
the cloud He had most markedly
the Italian faculty OF living wholly
in the present, and enjoying II much
AS a child enjoys life. They fingered
long in the Rose-roor Later on,
when the heat Of the afternoon was
passed, hey walked through the gar
den and down the vine-slopes TO the
beach, where old Floresanto sal smok.
ing His pipe with his back against a
boat He sprung up, on seeing them,
as quickly as his rheumatism would
permit.
Going for row. signor?' he said,
when he had finished his lengthy con
gratulations and bad made Fran
cesca blush delIclously
Yes. said Carlo, nlnging his coat
into the stern; but We shant want
you Fl)reg anto; We shall never want
you any more;' and with laugh. he
showed the boat down to The waters
edge
"Ah. signorIua said the old fisher
man, chuckling 'he Is one to be
proud of that he Is Why, / do de
clare, he might be a fisherman Look
at him now"
And with delighted pride tho old
man watched the skill with which The
strong. active figure in straw hat and
shirtsleeves set to work. Carlo
looked round with bright glowing
face Come, Francesca, let US be
OF Goodbye. Floresanto All, wait
minute. thought Have cigar?"
He handed his case to the old FISH
erman, who helped himself with Il
smiling face. then he showed the boat
into the water. sprung in. and taking
the oars. rowed of toward Ischia.
The fisherman stood on the quiet
and lonely beach watching them and
meditatively stroking one of his huge
projecting ears.
Wei, wen" he remarked shrug
ging his shoulders. some of us be
born to happiness and some to scr.
row. there's no helping that But all
Of us ought to be born to fair
chance OF living somehow. Sc says
the young signor but doubt me If.
for all his hot words. and his seeming
near as much Of Socialist as any OF
us. he'd care Ia act It out In his life
Eh, eli we be all of us ready enough
TO talk about others, but to live for
them--thats another matter"
And, with q grim chuckle, Flores.
tano pulled out a number OF la Cam.
parma from his pocket and, stretch
ing himself on the pebbles. began toI
spell out more lessons In Socialism
The sun was low in the heavens
when the lovers returned from their
row, Carlo had to hasten home 10
his mother. but later in the evening
he once more appeared at Casa Bella
Apart from francesca all his rest
less apprehension had returned
Captain Britton was asleep In The
dir !ug.room. Francesca was in the
dusky drawingroom, seated at the
piano, where two candles under rose
colored shades made little oasis Of
light She was trying over her faI
yorite of all Carlos songs, "nio Pos
sente' but broke OF with little cry
of surprise and delight as he came
toward her
+ shall think that my ring is a
fairy ring She cried and brings nae
all / wish for was just longing 70
hear you sing this
Carlo had not felt ia singing
humor bu her words drove every
thing else from his mind. and he
sang perhaps all She better Ton the
real care and anxiety which were op
pressing him. certainly he sang as
she had never before heard him sing
Piale Is right she said at the
close brushing away the tears from
her ewes, Mature mvout you for
singer you were Valentino then. ana
HO ono else"