The Press., 1911-12-06

soon as she ceased to dance ap- preached and spoke to her. She re- ceived him with smile of delight and. holding. al 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 I was to have been presented to girl to whom I had been contracted in mar riage?" r
 'sAnd I was to have met a young man whom my father had accepted as husband for me. My betrothed de 1clined 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 still softer voice.
 Giuseppe was thrilled with delight.
 'Who was to. have been your dance?'' he asked presently.
 "A son of Count. Bertinett1."
 "Whaty' exclaimed Giuseppe, turn ing his eyes upon her in wonder and in horror.
 She repeated the name.
 "And you are Blanca Mettiuci?"
 "I am."
 "Heavens! What have done?"
 "What do you mean? Explain"
 q 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 flame. And so it was with both these young people.
 q will go to your father at once, said Giuseppe. II will withdraw my refusal. will'-
 "No, no, not now. Papa is terribly angry I 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 doubt if he ever will consent to one now"
 '"Then will go to my father. He and the baron are old friends. My father will apologize for me. He will get on his knees"-
 The girl smiled.
 "No; 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! 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 abOva, which hung for them a cloud, stren thened the bond that united their hearts. Per- haps the cloud--the terrible mistake that was now likely to sepafate them did more to cement them than either of the other causes.
 As soon as Giuseppe reached home he 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 deavor to effect renewal of the con tract Naturally the father was on 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 went with him, but on reaching point some distance from the villa stopped to watch his fathers entry and to wait for his exit.
 Two hours passed-they seemed like two days to Giuseppe and still the count failed to reappear. The lover, 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.