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


struggling with his emotion; he was
not sure whether he had strength to
meet Francesca and tell her with his
own lips that all was over between
them.
If you wish TO see her we had bet
ter come at once" said the captain.
my brother is Unexpectedly called
back TO England, and we have much
to see to today"
He was vexed that Donati did not
show more gratitude for the conces-
sion he had made for he was, a man
who liked TO be thanked, and 1t had
moi been easy for him to retract what
he had first said Something In bis
tone stung Carlo; he drew himself to
Eether. Ebbene, signor," he said,
graveIy forgetting his English. as be
often did when much moved, and re
covering 1t with an effort. II you
will permit it. will accompany you.
They walked away from the villa
Bruno In silence, carlo thinking OF the
captains words, I'VE have much to
see to today" How calmly he classed
the supreme struggle of his life, the
parting that was death to him, with
the trivial household commoticn
caused by Mr.. Britton's Journey.
But once back In his own house the
captains kinder feelings returned; he
took Carlo to the Roseroom, then
held out his hand cordially.
This had better be our final part
ing" he said, Il leave home on Thurs
day. Goodbye. Carlo. Should you
even now see At TO give up this fool
ish scheme / should be quite willing to
reconsider matters"
MY mind Is made up sir" said
Carlo. turning sadly away.
so It appears. Well, Will send
Francesca 10 you"
He closed the door; and Carlo, with
a choking feeling in his throat, looked
round the dear. familiar room, the
very untidiness OF which breathed OF
Francesca. The Dying Gladiator
for Clare reposed perilously on a
shaky pile of books; a kitten was
worrying a ball of red wool on the
sofa: and the sock IN process of knit
Ing, and which he knew had been In
tended for him, lay a little distance
on the floor He turned to the win
dow and looked out at his old friend
Vesuvius with its cloud of smoke. and
ut the glimpses OF blue sea visible
here and there between the trees
TnvG with an aching consciousness
that these were left 10 him, but that
he should never more stand in thai
little room. he turned end looked
round II, as though ne wished "a
stamp forever on his mind all its
girlish decorations, all its familiar de
tails 5ut the sound Of footsteps
withom reused him and dispelled hil
calm the door opened. and Fran
cesca came quickly forward TO gree
him. she always entered a room NOR
quickly. yet more gracefully thar
other people, but now she almost ran
toward him; she wanted him not Il
notice her wan, tear.stained face.
II. however. In one sense love II
blind in another Il is all.obseTvant
in one glance he had read all and IL
that glance there came to him tbs
,rarpest of his suffering,
Sitting the sobs that rose In hi
throat. he held her in a long. close EN-
brace, but TO speak was impossible
and though there was comfort ant
rapture in her presence. yet there wa
also anguish which threatened 10 un
man him. At length he put he
gently from him. and turned ava.
that he might fight down his emotion
For few minutes there was sile ace
then he came and sat beside her OF
the sofa and, putting his arm roun'
her. drew her head down on 10 hi
shoulder
''CaTina." he said. and the mellow
baritone voice was firm. yet terribl.
sad your father would not let m,
see you last night, but today he al
lows me this one more meeting witt
you He said he had not spoken Il
you. nut that You knew what passet
between us"
Yes" she said, her tears raining
down quietly, Il knew 1t must be 81
when | heard you go"
They talked sometimes In English
sometimes in italian. as had beer
their custom ever since childhood
Darling" he said, tenderly. Il an
bound to obey your fathers decree
there could be no right betrothal 70
us without his consent, and Sc yol
stand free once more. You must Try
earina. not to let tEese three shor
weeks spoil your life; YOU will try
my own, my darling. for II woul,
break my heart Il | thought ha'
ruined your happiness
Love ought not to weaken us. sh
said TREMENDOUSLY. for in her heart sh,
felt that apart from Carlo she shoult
be lfhe a rudderless boat "Thos'
three weeks ought to give me rourag,
for the rest"
There was indescribable sadness IL
the last two words
"Ah. darling'" cried Carlo, passion
ately don't speak OF your beautifu
young life Ike that"
Anc then he was silent again, Al
the strength and ardor ot Their
mutual love seemed TO rise ND against
the captains Sd, rec. II for the pres
ent they were faiu to obey IL and 4