Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-11-25
knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL


a minute it flashed upon her that the
perfect peace of their betrothal was
disturbed, and that it could never re-
turn.
She knew enough of Nita's story to
be aware how painful it would be for
both Signora Donau and Carlo to
have her as the prima donna of a
NeapolitaD theater; but she tried hard
to see CLEANS of possible good in
the news.
she may be sorry, and come to
see you. she suggested. oh. surely
she would come back to villa Bruno
when she is so near to it as Naples?'
But Carlo was not hopeful. She
listened TO all his doubts and fears
with tender womanly sympathy.
She was no spoiled child, caring only
for the pleasure of her betrothal;
perhaps. indeed, Notwithstanding the
rufiied peace, she had never been so
happy as she was that evening when
Carlo told her his troubles. and then
With his arm round her whispered
sweet words about the comfort OF
telling her.
Francesca quite agreed with Enrico
that it would be better to say moth
ing as yet to the Signora Donati; and
even in her anxiety there was keen
pleasure in feeling that she had a
right to share her lovers cares.
The next day was Sunday, and
Carlo as usual, drove In to the Eng.
fish church with the Brittons. But
after the service he left them, plead
ing an engagement, and went off to
see if Merllno's company had ar
rived
The Palazzo Forti was in a gloomy
side street; he entered the court
yard. and found his way up a "ary
dirty staircase to the third floor
where he rang and inquired whetitr
Madame Merlino had arrived An an
swer I'm the affirmative from a bright
eyed little servant made his heart
leap into his throat. He had not ex
pected It. He had walked 10 the old
Palazzo in the firm conviction that
his sister would not yet have reached
Naples, and to be told that she was
actually close to him almost took
away his breath He hestated mo
ment
Us she within? Can | soc her?' he
Inquired
The servant seemed a little doubt
full, but said she would ask, and. TAX
ing Carlos card, she disappeared
leaving hha in the doorway In all
his life he Had never felt so uncom
Portable He had never known Anita
well. her convent education had made
her practically a stranger TO him. and
now years had passed since their last
meeting, and between them was the
shadow Of her wrong-doing Then
too. he was not even sure whether he
should see her alone; her husband
might be there; and Carlo being Ital
ian, and hot-tempered was not quite
sure how the sight Of Merlino might
affect him He breathed quickly as
the servant returned.
Would the signor step this way for
minute?"
Setting his teeth, he followed the
maid down a passage. and was ush-
cred into a g0od-sized but comfort
less looking room He was surprised
and relieved TO find within it neither
his sister nor Merlino. but a young
Engllshman OF about eightand-
twenty with fair hair and mustache,
arched eyebrows, aud keen light blue
eyes III which there was no installing
the sparkle of genuine wit: but the
face was restless one. and the ex-
precision OF careless good-humor was
sometimes slightly tinged with bitter
ness. He bowed then glanced again
at the visitor With undisguised curios
ity.
You are Madame Merlino's
brother, think"
Carlo assentcd.
4 should have known You any
where. the likeness is so strong.
4 speak English. If you prefer it,
sir" said Carlo. noticing that the
strangers Italian was far from fluent,
De you? That will be great re-
lief then. The patience of you for
eiguers amages me. How you can.
learn cur barbarous tongue 1 cant
conceive. For me. only learned
enough of yours to satisfy my sing
Ing MASTER
May / ask whom I am speaking
to-" sand carlo
Il ana Sardoni~~ that, at least Is my
professional name-primo tenore of
the happy band of pilgrims who pa.
lrol this wicked world under Merlino's
care When they brought me your
card just nov thought might ask
10 see YOU, alpfmgh Madame Merlipo
is out for, to Ell the trDrh. signor. it
Is quite time hat Madame MerIinos
friends and relations did something
to save her You must pardon the
liberty / am taking hut indeed it IS
little use mincipg matters in an at
aiy of his kind
carlo took a long look at the
speaker lie was evidently an Eng
lish gentleman man doubtless with
faults enough but yet, he ins,incuvcly
felt u man TO bo trusted
My sister Is out you say he be.
san. with a troubled look
she went cut driving this morn