Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-04-21
Continued.

"a 'efulIy enough at the ustIht uuuug
sta Get, and the torrents OF rain. Ht
was Just about to set of ON his wei
walk when, on turning to ask the
nearest way to the hotel, he suddenly
confronted Mr. Britton.
Il am expecting my carriage every
minute" said the Englishman, in his
kindly voice, which, for the absence 0f
the slight tone of patronage, would
have been exactly like Captain Brit
tons. Il hope youll allow me to
drive you to your hotel"
you are most kind said Carlo. 81
should indeed be very grateful; but
perhaps l ought TO tell you"
He was interrupted. Mr.. Britton
glaneiug round 10 see If the carriage
had come, CHANGED to notice huge
advertisement Of S:gnor Merlino's OPP
cratic company, and his eyes was in
stantly caught by name in large
black -SiGnor Carlo Donau
i must beg a thousand pardons,
5ignor Donati, for not recognizing
YOU before," he exclaimed, shaking
him heartily by the hand. II thought
knew your face on the Mardentown
platform, but / heard them call you
by the name Of Valentino. and, more
over had not the slightest idea that
you we're In England or that you had
changed your profession"
The change vas only just decided
on when You left Naples. SIR said
Carlo his color rising a little. 4
hope You have good accounts from
Casa BeIa?"
He tried TO subdue the eagerness
OF his tone. but It was some time
since he had heard from Enrico. and
the thought of hearing of Francesca
IN so much more direct q way made
every pulse in him beat feyerishly.
Very good indeed said Mr. Brit
ton. They all seem well. Francesca
is coming TO stay with us in the sum
mer | believe, II was an old prom
Use. and think the change will be
good 70, her. Here is the carriage, at
last. Now | am quite at your dis
posal Shall we call first at the the
alter, and then shall drop you at
your hotel? Or are you. too. IN a
hurry TO get your dinner?"
He had kindly made a rather
lengthy speech. because he saw how
much the italian was moved by his
reference TO francesca. Carlo asked
TO stop at the theater. and Mr.. Brit.
tcn. who understood now that his
brothers objection TO the marriage
had had to do with the stage and not
al all with political matters deter
mined TO show that he, at any rate,
did not share in his prejudice.
4 suppose Valentino is just nick
name; II misled me altogether he
said But for that | think should
have spoken 10 you and asekd, at any
rate. whether you were related TO
signor Donau. the Neapolitan advo.
cate
Carlo smiled Not for many
months had he had such a pleasure as
that friendly talk with Franceseas
uncle
1t is the name OF what is sup
posed 10 be my best part-Valentino
in Faust" he explained.
Il see, Wen. must manage TO
hear You In x. II is twenty years and
more since | heard an opera
Then you have never heard
Faust ?'' exclaimed Carlo, almost in,
credalously We are 10 give II to-
night may I really have the pleasure
of getting you an order?"
You are very good, should like
nothing better" said Mr. Britton,
fully understanding that since his
ladylove could not be present to hear
him the next best thing was TO have
her old uncle who might possibly tell
her something about IT, He felt con.
WINGED that such thought had flashed
through the young mans mind. and
liked him the better for Il. because.
after all. il was SO human, so precisely
what he himself would have felt at
fourand.tweuty
You have a very bad cough he
exclaimed, quite agreeing with the
prima donna that Donau had no bust
ness to be out on such q night
oh. IL IL only chronicl' said Carlo
lightly, as II that made It an AFFAIR OF
no account Is this the theater
Viii you then come In with me. and
choose your place for tonight9"
The ticket chosen, Carlo and MIR
britton made their way through long
and not particularly clean passages t.
the region behind the scenes. Here
all seemed confusion; carpenters and
scene shifters hurried to and fro;
there was a babel OF talking. shouting
hammerine and Carlos arrival was
evidently hai'ed az relief nv tne
man in authority who came quickly
up 10 him 10 explain some dificmts
that mad arisen. and 20 ask whether
Merlino would soon be "a, the thea,er
Mr. Britton. meantime. WAS learning
that scenery and stage Illusions were
djsenchantne enough when nearly
viewed and in his own mind was Won
deriug whether anything could b,
possibly teach him To walk respect
ably on the sIoping stage Il was cyi
dent THAI Carlo was practical man
for his suggestions were received a.
orders, and something like method he
gan 20 be traceah'e iu wha. had al