Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-07-24

was necessary for Count Bertineti TO
announce to his friend that Giuseppe
repudiated the contract. The count
went to the baron's villa and told the
story.
do you mean, count" asked the
baron, that l am to suffer, through
my daughter, this insult from you, my
old friendT'
what can 1 do?"
The baron drew down the corners OF
his mouth. closed his lips tight togeth-
er and finally spoke:
BE it so. The contract is broken"
1t was only the next evening that
the Tote ball took place. There was
TO be no introduction between Giu-
seppe and Blanca NEettiuci- Indeed,
the girls father. had he been present
at the ball, would have considered
request for an introduction an add
tional insult. Giuseppe had no thought
as TO the girl being present and If he
had would have naturally kept out of
her way. He found many n rosebud
to fiirt and dance with, but refrained.
He was thinking of her he had met on
Lake Maggiori.
Suddenly his eye lighted. There on
the floor. Waiting with young lieu
tenant. was the object of his thoughts
He followed her with his eyes and as
soon as she ceased to dance APP
preached and spoke TO her. She re
ceived him with a smile Of delight
and, nodding n dismissal To the lieu
tenant. walked away with Giuseppe.
During their promenade the young
count said to her:
do you know that at this ball 1 was
to have been presented to a girl to
whom I had been contracted in mar
riage?"
And 1 was TO have met a young
man whom my father had accepted as
a husband for me. My betrothed de-
clined the match"
Are you glad he did sop asked
Giuseppe in low voice. pressing the
hand that rested on his arm.
Yes" she said in a still softer voice.
Giuseppe was thrilled with delight.
"Who was to have been your
fiance?" he asked presently.
"A son of Count Bertinetd."
WHAT exclaimed Giuseppe. turn
ing his eyes upon her in wonder and
in horror.
She repeated the name.
and you are Blanca Mettiuci?"
Il am"
Heavens! What have l done?"
What do you mean? Explain
II have refused to marry you"
1t was the girls turn TO look sur
prised, but she said nothing. Indeed.
there was nothing to say. Her young
heart had gone out to the first man
she had met after leaving the con
vent under the influence of the scenery
of the beautiful Italian lake bathed in
moonlight But, slight as may be the
spark that kindles love, it may lead to
the bursting of a flame. And so it was
with both these young people.
II will go to your father at once"
said Giuseppe. II will withdraw my
refusal I will
mo, no, not now. Papa is terribly
angry. l fear he will never get over
the insult that he considers has been
offered him. AS he feels at present he
would be only too glad to refuse re
newal of the contract, and L doubt If
he ever will consent to one now"
Then 1 will go to my father. He
and the baron are old friends. My
get on his knees
The girl smiled.
mo; he will say that I am ready to
get on my knees before him. beg his
pardon, offer TO do any penance he
may name"
Let us enjoy the evening together
while it lasts; we may never have such
another"
Enjoy it! am half crazed at what
1 have done"
Not only does youth live for the
present moment, but is full of hope.
These two would not have been young
had not the delight of being together
and their enhancing surroundings en-
abled them to throw off the cloud that
hung over them. If the moonlit lake
had first drawn them together, this
ballroom, voluptuous, yet above which
hung for them a cloud, strengthened
the bond that united their hearts. Per
haps the cloud-the terrible mistake
that was now likely - separate them
did more TO cement them than either
of the other causes.
AS SOOn as giuseppe reached nome .
he aroused his father from slumber
told him Of the mistake that had been
made and begged him to get out of
bed, go Mt once to the baron and en-
1eavor to effect a renewal of the con
tract Naturally the father was OPP
posed to going on such an errand at
O'Clock in the morning and told his
son to go to bed, promising to see the
baron as early the next day as it
would be proper for him to call.
Giuseppe walked the floor till dawn.
His father kept his promise and by
10 o'clock called on the baron. Giuseppe
vent with him but on reaching point
some distance from the villa stopped
o watch his fathers entry and to
wait for his exit
Two hours passed-they seemed like
-wo days to Giuseppe-and still the
,ount failed to reappear. The lover.
the time occupied. feared