The San Francisco call., 1908-04-05

and beautiful" observed Zoe, who ap-
parently did not place implicit faith in
astrology.
omo6onos face and gesture ex-
pressed a qualified assent, but he said
nothing.
Tell me at once" said Zoe. that she
is 80, that her complexion resembles
the dust when IT is pitted by raindrops
after shower
THAT would not be true" cried the
secretary. "Giustina Polo is not SUI
premely beautiful. but she is young and
pretty. and as fresh rs roses"
But she is very poor" suggested
Zoe. "She has no dowry.'
who says. so?" asked Omobono in
dignantly. The house of Sebastian Polo
is as prosperous as any in CONSTANT
nople. He is as rich as any Venetian
here except perhaps, Marin Corner.7
Then IL is true that the master is
going to marry his daughter" Zoe re-
piled, as IL stating a fact that could
no longer be denied.
She was rapidly working the secre-
tary into q state of excitement. in
which his Latin grammar went to the
winds.
mo, indeedr' he cried. TT is alto
things?'
"she is young. pretty. fresh as roses.
and very rich" said Zoe, recapitulating.
Did you not say so?"
Yes
And the master goes to dine in her
fathers house three times week
Perhaps"
do you suppose that Polo would in
vfte the master so often unless he
wanted him for his daughter"
Perhaps not"
"Or that the master would wflifully
deceive Polo and the girl?'
What are you saying?
simply that Thominus Carolus is GO
ing to marry Thomina Justina"
But tell you"
Either you are very simple, or you
think 1 am" interrupted Zoe with
crushing logic. Which shall it be,
master secretary"
Omobono thought her a terrible young
person just then. He spread out his
hands and looked UP at the ceiling In
despair, but still protesting.
And meanwhile" she continued.
what Is the master going to do with
me? Am I to be locked up here for
everT
II anything could further disturb
Omobono's equanimity II was this ques-
ton. His gentle temper was beginning
to be ruffied.
\
do what he thinks best. Ask him your
selfr
After all, she was only . slave, he
said In his heart, and he was the de-
scendant Of i've generations Of nota-
ries. What right had she to cross
examine him7 He was the more angry
with her for asking the question, be-
cause his own curiosity had tormented
him for days to find an answer to It.
"Omobono.r Zoe said. affecting q very
grave tone. you know very well what
the master means you to do. Now I
ask you solemnIy. and you are warned
that you must answer me-by four
NO. mol" cried the secretary, in sud-
den distress. DO not ask mo by
thatr'
IT must, Omobono: and Of course you
have been told what you have to expect
IL you refuse to help . friend over the
water"
She emphasized the last words in q
way that made him tremble.
.-Yes, yes-I know" he said feebiy.
though he had not the least notion Of
the penalty.
The secretary had such belief in the
power of those who knew the magic
words that he turned pale and the cold
sweat stood out on his forehead.
"I can not tell you what the master
intendsr' he faItered.
She saw that II was the truth
Very WE'LL she said, then you
must manage that he shall come here
today as soon as he returns from
Polo's house.
II will tell him that you have asked
to see him.