Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-12-16
Continued


what all this fuss is about"
He glanced at Carlo, who had
turned away at his first words. and
stood now at the window with his
back to them, evidently struggling TO
atrain an outburst of passion. Piale
oked at him too with conjunction.
1t with great bewilderment. How
rs he to get matters set right?
sow disentangle himself from the
-Onfusion into which Nerlino's impul-
sive entrance had plunged every
thing?
Carlo stood looking out into the
busy street, but he saw nothing. was
conscious of nothing but that Merlino
was In the room with him-Merllno,
the cause of all his sorrow and per
plexity. He had conquered by a su-
preme effort the first savage impulse
to fly at the throat of the man who
had caused his mother 50 much grief,
but fierce anger still burned In bis
heart and sent fiery blood coursing
through his veins A storm Of wrath
full Indignation consumed him as he
thought of Merlinos mlsdeeds; he
was angry. too, with Piale, feeling,
naturally enough, that snare had
been laid for him; and he was angry
with himself because even in this mo
ment OF confusion. he was aware that
he had deliberately turned his back on
the question now forced upon him,
and that want of preparation was his
own fault.
For moments Of what seem to us
sudden temptation are seldom really
sudden. God has given us our times
of preparation, and If we have will
fully neglected them the conflict is Sc
verer. or perhaps ends in defeat
How was he now to think out the
frightfully involved question at issue
How decide on the right course OF nc
ton? And yet false step might
prove Nitas ruin. The anguish OF
that thought, and the loathing Of his
own selfish procrastlnation Gained
his anger. With an effort he yielded
up his viii. and Herewith forgot Mer-
limos presence because another pres
ence absorbed him wholly.
He was interrupted by touch on
his arm Plale stood beside him, with
look of deep concern on his kind
old face
Carlo milo" he said i'm low voice,
81 apologize to you, and beg your for
givenes9; but since things have so
fallen out. perhaps you viii permit me
to introduce you to Signor Merlino,
who will understand us better"
Carlo assented, subduing the angry
thoughts which yet struggled to find
plaza in bis heart,
"sIgnorn said the old musician, ap.
preaching Merllno, there is nothing
extraordinary 10 the likeness you OBJ
served. Permit me to introduce you
to signor Donati."
Merlino started violently and for a
minute looked abashed and greatly
confused. Piale with much curiosity
watched his pupil. who had turned
from the widow os he spoke, and
now. with a face as pale as death.
bowed gravely.
There was an awkward pause.
broken presently by Carlo.
Il brought my sister TO Palazzo
Forti an hour ago, signor." he said.
speaking TO Merlino with grave cour-
tesy; Il am much obliged to you for
sparing her 10 me so long"
The speech COS. him a great deal,
but he was glad that he had brought
himself to make 1t, for he had no
wish TO quarrel With Nita's husband
lqaeed he fully recognized Merlinos
tights. though unable 10 think pa
tiently OF the way IN which he had ac-
cuired them, or tho manner in which
he now abused them
"a few days rest viii doubtless
have been good for Anita" said Mer'
limo complacently. speaking of his
wife much as he might have spoken
OF an overworked horse: "she had
hard work in America; nor can we af-
ford now TO be idle. 1t is pleasure
to me to make your acquaintance, sig
nor. II could induce you to follow
your sisters example, and use your
great taleD4s professionally, II would
give me the greatest satisfaction"
Carlos heart began 70 throb pain.
fully Could 1t be that this man
this coarse, brutal tyrant-~was to
prove the arbiter of his destiny -?
The words. which few days before
he had used SO emphatically TO Sar,
doni. trembled on his lips Il hope for
very different life" But he man,
aged to strangle them Had he not
offered up his will? He stood silent.
waiting for guidance. hoping against
hope, as is the way with poor mor,als,
that. after all, his own will might be
done. He waited Al length Piale
spoke; the words fell ON him like
blows
4 have long urged upon my pupil,
signor the duty OF going on the stage.
for which he is admirably fitted
am not without hope that circum
stances may prompt him at length 10
'nnseut. But there is rs yet no
vacancy In your troupe. think. so
fear that you viii not have the honor
OF introducing TO tho public both
Madame Merlino and Carlo Donau
Carlo stood silently listening to the
S{ecuce5op NJ his fata lookiu., NOW NJ