Putnam patriot., 1911-07-28

her way He found many rosebud 10 tirt and dance with. but refrained He was thinking of her he had met on Lake Maggiori.
 suddenly his eye lighted. There on ne toor' waltzing with a young lieu tenant, was the object of his thoughts. He followed her with his eyes and as soon as she ceased to dance ap- 3foached and spoke to her. She re- 'elved him with a smile of delight md, nodding 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 was 10 have been presented to a girl to whom l had been contracted in mar riage?"
 And l was to have met a young man whom my father had accepted as husband for me. My betrothed de- lined the match"
 Are you glad he did so?" asked Giuseppe in a low voice, pressing the hand that rested on his arm.
 " es. she said in a still softer voice.
 Giuseppe was thrilled with delight.
 Who was to have been your tiance?" 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 I doneF
 What do you mean? Explain"
 T have refused to marry you"
 It 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.
 "I will go to your father at once" said Giuseppe. "I will withdraw my refusal will"-
 No, no. not now. Papa Is terribly angry 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 l will go to my father. He father will apologize for me. He will get on his knees"-
 The girl smiled.
 NO; he will say that 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! I am half crazed at what I 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 entrancing 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 to separate them did more to cement them than either of the other causes.
 As soon as Giuseppe reached home be aroused his father from slumber, told him of the mistake that had been made and begged him to get out of bed, go at once to the baron and en' dea ayor to effect renewal of the con tract Naturally the father was op- posed to going on such an errand al 2 o'clock in the morning and told hls son to go to bed. promising to see the baron as early the next day as II would be proper for him to call.
 Giuseppe walked the floor till dawn His father kept his promise ana b! 10 o'clock called on the baron. Giuseppe went with him. but on reaching point rome distance from the villa stopped to watch his fathers entry and 10 wait for his exit
 Two hours passed-they seemed like two days to Giuseppe-and still the count failed to reappear The lever considering the time occupied. feared the worst. He was in despair when he saw his father coming and ran to meet him.
 "I've won" said the count.
 Giuseppe fell Into his fathers arms
 A Heartless Father.
 lt. ,,-fth my house