Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-10-18
CHAPTER w.

THE FEAST AT TERRANONA'
During the next few days Norvin
Blake saw much of the Countess Mar
gherita, for every afternoon he and
Nartel rode to Terranova. The prepa-
rations for the wedding neared compile
ton, and the consciousness of coming
celebration had penetrated the country
side. Among all who looked forward to
the big event, perhaps the one who
watched the hours fly with the greatest
degree of suspense was the American
He had half-faced the truth on that
night after his first meeting with the
girl and the succeeding days enforced
the conviction he would have oeen gao
70 escape. He could no longer doubt
that he was in love with his best
friends fancee Every decent instinct
commanded him to uproot this infatua-
ton; every impetuous impulse burst
into sudden flame and consumed ms
better sense, his judgment, and his
LOYALTY, leaving him shaken and doupt-
full. Although this was his hrst serl-
Gus soul-confiict he possessed more thah
average self-controls and he managed TO
conceal his feelings so we'll that Martel'
Who was the embodiment of loyalty
and generosity, never for moment
susnected the truth. AS for the girl,
she deliberately set herself the task Oh
winning the American, task alreaoy
more than accomplished, had she but
known IT, and although for some WON
en- such a course would nave peeH
neither easy nor safe, with her ms
conception of motive was lmposslDle'
Blake longed to end lit all by fleeing
from Sicily. and had there been more
time he would have arranged for sum
mons to America. His mother had not
been we'll for a long time, and ne was
tempted to use this fact as an excuse
for Immediate departure, but the thought
that Martel needed him acted as an
effective restraint. The vague menace
of La Malta still hung over the count
and was not lessened by the receipt OF
a second threatening letter few days
after Blake's arrival .
Cardi wrote again, demanding instant
compliance with the terms contained in
his first communication. Savigno was
directed to send Ricardo Ferara at
given hour to a certain crossroads above
Sebastiano with ten thousand lire. In
that case candles would be burnt and
masses said for the soul of the murdered
CALI, so the writer promised. The letter
put no penalty upon failure to comply
with these demands beyond vague pre-
diction of evil.
anxious to keep the matter from the
countess, but unluckily she got wind of
ii through the gossip of the servants
She besought him to leave San Sebasti-
ano for the time being. to postpone the
wedding or at least to go to Messina
for IL, but of course he refused and
tried to laugh down her ruisgivings, and
of course she appealed privately to
Blake for assistance.
You must use your influence to change
his mind" she said earnestly. "He de-
clares he will not be overawed by these
ruffians. He says that to pay them the
least attention would be to encourage
them to another attempt when we return
but-he does not know the Malta as
know IT, You viii do this for me?''
"Of course, if you wish it, although
agree with Martel and I'm sure he
won't listen to me. He can't play the
coward. The wedding is only two days
off now. Why, tomorrow is the gala
day. How could he notify the whole dis
trict when all his preparations have been
completed?"
1.-The country people need not know
anything about it. Let them come and
make merry. He can leave now, tonight.
We will join him at Messina."
Norvin shook HIS head. 'Tll do what I
can, since you wish it, but I'm sure he
won't consent to any change of plan.
I'm sure also that you are needlessly
troubled"
Perhaps" she acknowledged doubt
fully. And yet Martels father
Yes. yes. But conditions are not
what they were fifteen years ago. This
is merely Matchmaking scheme, and III
he ignores 1t he'll probably never hear
Of IL again."
She search ed his face with her eyes,
and his wits reeled at her earnest gaze.
He was conscious Of a single wild de-
sire that such anxiety might be for
him. How gladly he would yield to her
wisheS-how gladly he would yield to
any wish of hers! ~