Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-03-31

turn? Tad lie lost all that was dear
est to hira only to fail in this attempt?
Those brief lines in the Times had
fallen like a bomb-shell into this life
He had wandered miserably round
the dreary-looking park The fog was
not quite so dense as it had been on
the previous day; he could see
through a misty haze the chill, gray
looking water, and the ducks swim
ming about aimlessly and here and
there in the distance the outlines of
great houses Presently he heard the
Westminster chimes. and he remem-
| bered how, long ago, Francesca had
told him of the words which belonged
TO them:
Lord, through this hour.
Be Thou our guide.
So by thy power
No foot shall slide"
But he was too hopelessly to pray,
andthe next moment Big Ben warned
him that he must hurry back for re-
hearsal of I'm Ballo in Maschera. =
He reached the theater, feeling har-
assed and i'll, and made his way to
the green room, where he found Sar-
doni looking more cheerful than he
had done for some time past, and with
mischievous CLEAN about his eyes.
You basely deserted me in the argu-
ment," he exclaimed, as Carlo entered;
but I'll have my revenge on you!
You're the most careless fellow on
earth. leaving diamonds straying
about loose in a London lodging
house,'
Carlo. glaneing down quickly, saw
that Franecsca's ring, which he al
ways wore, was not on his hand.
Where Is it," he said, hastily feel.
ing annoyed that he could have for
gotten it even Tor a moment.
"Ah! that is the question, said Sar.
doni, taking him by the shoulders in
teasing fashion, and meaning to have
little fun out OF him before he yield
ed the ring which was on his own
finger.
UnlucISry the light at that moment
happened TO Hash on the diamond, and
Carlo, in sudden paroxysm of anger,
wrenched himself away from the teas
ing hold. and dashing at Sardoni with
all his force, took him so completely
BY surprise that, before a bystander
could have uttered a word of remon
STRANGE. the tenor had measured his
length on the floor. and the ring had
been seized by its rightful owner,
Sardoui had gone over ike nine
pin. being utterly unprepared for so
furious an onslaught he was angry
and astonished.
What the devil are you after!" he
exclaimed Carlo, his wrath spent in
that one tightning..ike fash, and
shame and regret overwhelming him
as he partly realized what he had
done. and saw the loo5 of grave in
uulry with which one Of the officials
belog Sing to the theater regarded
them as he entered the green room,
Sardoni was silent till they were
once more alone He could not keep
his anger in face OF Carlos shame
and dismay
L didn't know there was anything
particular about the ring. Gisi
brought it down from your wash.
stand. only meant TO chahf YOU
little
III was the ring which belonged 10
my betrothed.e said Carlo Net that
that is any excuse-indeed. think it
makes il rather worse,
He was evidently SO unhappy about
il that Sardoni quite lost all feeling Of
ofuRSe.
Wen. you know, old fellow, I al
WAYS wanted 10 poke up the devil IN
You and see what you'd do
Carlo turned away with sigh.
81 can't think Why I did ia was
beside myself. If had done * TO CO
meg. now. Il might have been easier
Ia understand. but to you. Jack. you
whom I'm really fond OIL can never
forgive myself
To be continued.