Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-08-11

went downstairs. yet he was less en-
barrassed than Captain Britton, who
mel him with an oyerpowering shake
of the hand. and then relapsed into
silence.
Francesca is none the worse for
the fright, | hope? asked Carlo, anx-
iously.
Indeed. think she is all the better
for it, said the captain, smiling a
little.
There was another silence.
The fact is, Donati, resumed Cap
tain Britton, dragging his chair for
ward with a businesslike air. and
planting both elbows on the table.
there is no use beating about the
| bush: | have come here to ask you a
plain question, and I hope you'll give
me plain answer. Do you still care
for my child or not? Just answer me,
yes or no."
The bluff speech of the old sailor
nearly took away the Italians breath,
but If Captain Britton really expected
him to answer in a monosylIabie. to
such question he was disappointed.
His face gIowed, his eyes shone, yet,
! spite Of the passionate eagerness of
his tone. there was dignity IN his
manner which appealed to the Eng
lishnan.
Il love her sir, with my whole
hearth he said. q love her, and
must always love her. We belong to
each other, and, though we may have
to go through life apart, yet she Is
mine and ! am hers, and nothing can
come between us.
$50 it seems, said the captain,
rather ruefully. We'll, / frankly tell
YOU that / would rather see my daugh-
ter married to a plain nottingham
than 10 an operatsinger; but have
talked the matter over with n4y
brother and Miss Claremont, and
since your lore has stood the test of a
three-yearsf absence, and since Fran
! eesea will not lend an ear to any
other proposals, am bound to con
slider what IS most for her happiness,
though can't candidly tell you that
1t is such match as | should have
chosen for her"
Indeed" exclaimed Carlo, with a
lovers genuine humility. Il know
can never. deserve her. but"
Nonsense" interrupted the captain;
Il meant nothing personal of that
sort! You know we'll enough, Carlo,
that / am very fond of you, that can
never forget that you saved her life
-" He began to feel choked, and
broke Oft abruptly.
CAS- to that" said Carlo, smiling
at WIS nothing at all We only sat
still when others we're running away,
and + really think we forgot fire and
danger altogether at first.
Let as speak out plainly once for
ALL said Captain Britton, clearing his
throat, and then have done with 1t
altogether dislike your profession,
but understand that you have a
great future before you in the musical
world. and suppose nature meant
you for ar opera-singer. and that there
is no use in running ones head any
longer against a stone wall. After
Ell. a mar need not be affected by
his work, and perhaps dramatic tai
emit was meant to be used. | don't
deny that there's something in that
argument. And the great thing is
the stage doesn't seem to have
spoiled you, and that I know you'll
make my child good husband
Belgeen his rapture of happiness,
his anxiety not to frritate the English
man by allowing his feelings to appear
too plainly. and his dazzling visions
of the future Carlo found his powers
taxed to the utmost But with an ef-
fort he forced himself to enter into a
sober discussion of the case, recalled
to Captain Brittonrs memory the fact
that Uncle Gufdo-s inheritance has
gladdened the hearts of the Little Sis
ters of the Poor. and then told him
plainly just how matters stood with
regard to Anita
The captain WAS touched by his
simple yet very graphic way of tell
ing a story. Ee began family to per
ceive the rare beauty of his character
To be continued