Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-01-27

Fobti.. He paid the driver, and then
with no very amiable expression
made his way up the long stone
staircase and rang the bell.
A maid servant, whom he had tried
unsuccessrl.lly to bride on former occa
sions, opened the door to him.
rs Signor Merlino at the theater?'
he asked, anxious to know whether
the coast was clear.
yes, signor," replied the girl
what message can give him?"
u will give it TO Signora Merlino, d
said the visitor, preparing to enter
The maid showed all her teeth in a
merry smile.
But the signora is still at re
hearsal.'
"Orsu" exclaimed Comsrio impa
tlently, 4 might have known Well
I will come IN then, and wait till they
return"
He was shown into a little ante
room. where for a few minutes he
paced to and fro, but suddenly be
coming conscious that in the next
room. some one vas monnotonously
humming ia doIno a mobile" be
hastily entered ana glanced round
At first nothing was visible, but afte.
a moment or two he discovered the
singer, little brown-eyed boy OF -four
years old who was perched on the
window-sill, and half-hidden by the
curtain
Good morning, Gigl," he said pleas
antly.
The little fellow flung aside the cur
tain; he seemed very glad to see the
visitor.
"Good-morning, signor," he said
smiling till his sallow little face
looked almost pretty Are there
he looked longingly, yet hesitatingly
In the direction of Comerio's pocket
ARE there any bonbons?"
Generic made a gesture of mock
despair.
Why, Glgi how can have forgot
ten? l promised you some marcus
glaces. did not? But, indeed, the bar
news of this morning drove every
thing out of my head"
What bad news?" said the little
by. with an anxious look that
See. - be beyond his years.
II am going away. Gigi shall
never travel about with you any more
There will be a new baritone-ont
who Is not likely to carry marron'
glaces in his pocket, or to play games
with you, for he sets up for being {
saint
"A saint?" said the child What IL
that? | thought they were things IL
the sky"
"A saint is one who is fond o
keeping other people in order. Sar
Carlo will spy out in no time what ;
naughty little monkey you are"
Il wish he wasn't coming" said tn
child. looking ready to cry 'T don
see why saints want to sing in operas
they could stop in heaven"
Generic laughed
quite right. little one, so the.
should. he said patting Gigis head
"But look, my Gigi, will you do on
little thing for your old friend. t,
please him for the last time?"
The boy nodded and looked up witt
bright, intelligent eyes into the will.
face of the baritone.
Generic drew out letter an
| placed II in his hands.
when your mother comes home
run after her into her room, an
when you find her alone--auite alon
give this note to her Do You ur
derstand? 1t is a secret; no one els
must know not one at ALL.
Il know. know: l can keep a 8,
creti" cried Gigi. gleefully MANN
and often keep secrets from papa
she taught me how soon as ever LEI
Salem"
Generic gave a cynical smile.
Mind YOU do" he said. command
ingly. 81 shall find out If you pla
me false And look hefe little ont
here are two lire for You. and yo
may tell any one you like that Con
eric came to say goodbye to you. an
told YOU to spend that at Caflisch',
There. must go now Don't forge
me f"
He stopped and kissed the little sa
| low face, then hastily took his d,
pa~'ure. having seen that the lette
was securely slowed away in tn
child's pocket
Gigl with thoughtful look. poke
his closely cropped head out OF tn
window. and watched Comerio as h
walked down the street. He wa
hardly out of sight when a carriag
drew up at the door-~a earring
with one gentleman seated in It, an
with luggage on the box. Gigrs hea
was promptly withdrawn. and, in
sudden access Of terror, he wrsppe
himself round in curtain.
81 CO o1ieve he SAID to himself 1
English, Il do blieve II IL San Carlo
After time he heard tie door @
the anteroom opened. and The SCI
wants voice saying that the sigGer
would soon be back from rehearsal
then another voice. so clear an
sweet, that the child almost forgot T.
be afraid said in reply, 'Very well.
I will come In here, then. and wait.
/ The footsteps drew nearer. Gig
shook in his shoes. yet felt burninI