The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-07-27

rel. But Giuseppe stood firm as rock.
His attachment to the girl who In a
few hours had won his heart was too
strong for the father who had begot-
ten him and brought him up. The boy
declined to accede to the marriage
that had been arranged for him.
The Tote ball was coming on, and IL
was necessary for Count Bertinett 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 / am to suffer, through
my daughter, this insult from you, my
old friendf"
what can I dor"
The baron drew down the corners of
his mouth. closed his lips tight togeth-
er and finally spoke:
'Be 1t 30. The contract Is broken"
1t was only the next evening that
the Tote ball took place. There was
to be no Introduction between Gu
seppe and Blanca MettiucL Indeed,
the girls father. had he been present
at the ball. would have considered a
request for an introduction an addi-
tional insult. Giuseppe had no thought
as to the girl being present and II he
had would have naturally kept out Of
her way. He found many a rosebud
to f1irt 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 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-
preached and spoke to her She re-
ceived him with smile of delight
and, nodding a 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
to have been presented to 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
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 Bertinetti."
"Whatw exclaimed Giuseppe, turn
ing his eyes upon her in wonder and
In horror.
She repeated the name.
"And you are Blanca Mettiuci?"
81 am"
"Heavensl What have l doneT
what do you mean? Explain"
81 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 a fame. And so it was
with both these young people.
81 will go to your father at once"
said Giuseppe ~ will withdraw my
refusal. I will
mo, no, not now. Papa is terribly
angry. fear he will never get over
the insult that he considers has been
offered him AS be feels at present he
would be only too glad to refuse a re-
newal of the contract, and doubt If
he ever viii consent to one now"
''Then l will go to my father. He
and the baron are old friends. Ny
father will apologize for me. He will
get on his knees
The girl smiled.
mo; 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 iVsasts; we may never have such
Enjoy 1t! 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
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-
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 1t
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 a point