Cheraw chronicle. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1896-2005, 1911-11-02


baron, that I am to suffer, through
my daughter, this insult from you, my
old friend?"
"What can 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 Mettiuci. Indeed,
the girls hther, had he been present
Mt the ball. would have considered
request for an introduction an addi-
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 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, waltzing with 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 q 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 had been contracted in mar
riage"
And | was to have met young
man whom my father had accepted as
q husband for me. My hetrothed de-
clined the match"
care You glad he did so?' asked
Giuseppe in a 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."
"Whatw exclaimed Giuseppe, turn
ing his eyes upon her in wonder and
in horror.
She repeated the name.
"And you are Blanca AIettiuci|
II am"
Heavens! What have done|
what do you mean? Explain"
81 have refused to marry you"
II was the girls turn to look SUI
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 y
moonlight. But. slight ms may be'the
spark that kindles love, it may lead to
the bursting of fame. And so 1t was
with both these young people.
IL will 60 to your father Mt once
said Giuseppe. II will withdraw my
refusal. I will
"No, no, not now. Papa Is terribly
angry. 1 fear he will never get over
tho 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"
"rhen 1 will so 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.
40: 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
l 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. vo!uptuous, 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 futher from s.umber
| l,;... 81, thnt bo1 hppn