The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1911-07-28

request for an introduction an addi-
tional insult. Giuseppe had no thought
as to the girl being present and IL he
had would have naturally kept out of
her way. He found many rosebud
to dirt and dance with, but RETAINED.
He was thinking of her he had met on
Lake Maggiori.
Suddenly his eye lighted. There on
the floor. 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 APP
preached and spoke to her. She re-
ceived him with a 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 was
to have been presented to a girl to
whom had been contracted In mar
riage?"
And l was to have met young
man whom my father had accepted as
a husband for me- My betrothed de.
clined the match"
"Are you glad he did sol" 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
fancef" he asked presently.
"a son of Count Bertinetti."
"Whatp exclaimed Giuseppe, turn.
ing his eyes upon her in wonder and
In horror
She repeated the name.
"And you are Blanca MettiuciF"
81 am"
"Heavensl What have doneT'
"What do you mean? Explain"
II have refused to marry you."
II 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 flame. And so 1t was
with both these young people.
81 will go to your father at once"
said Giuseppe, ~ will withdraw my
refusal 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 he feels at present no
would be only too glad to refuse re-
newal of the contract, and l doubt II
he ever Will consent TO one now"
"Then will so to my father. He
and the baron are old friends. My
father will apologize for me. lie 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
may name"
Let us enjoy the evening together
while It lasts; we may never have such
another"
ENJOY I'll am half crazed at what
| have done"
Not only does youth live for the
present moment, but IL 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 op.
posed to going on such an errand Mt
o'clock In the morning and told his
son TO 60 TO bed, promising TO see the
baron as early the next day as IL
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.