The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-07-25


preached and spoke to her. She re-
ceived him with smile Of delight
and. 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 I was
TO have been presented to a girl to
whom had been contracted in mar
riageT'
And / was to have met a young
man whom my father had accepted as
husband for me. My betrothed de-
clined the match"
Are you glad he did so?" 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
fiance?" he asked presently.
"A son Of Count Bertinetti."
"Whatr' exclaimed Giuseppe, turn
ing his eyes upon her in wonder and
In horror.
She repeated the name.
"And you are Blanca Mettiuci?"
II am"
Heavens What have doneT
what dc you mean? Explain"
Il 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. 1t may lead to
the bursting of fame. And so 1t was
with both these young people.
Il will go to your father at once"
said Giuseppe. II will withdraw my
refusal. will''-
mo, no, not now. Papa is terribly
angry. l fear he win 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 a re-
newal of the contract, and | doubt II
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.
mo; he will say that l 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 I'll l am half crazed at what
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 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
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 OPP
posed to going on such an errand at
2 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 bis fathers entry and to
wait for his exit.
Two hours passed-they seemed Hike
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
1--we won." said the count
Giuseppe fell into his fathers arms.