The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1912-01-27

!, rose under the dark skin-"because
after all my planning, | was-ever 81
little-afraid. But | am here at last
my Mario, and you are glad, are you
not, of my deception"
Throughout the girls recital, con
flicting thoughts battled in Mario's
J mind; joy that she was so near t
him, anxiety as to the consequences
to her,and if it should become known
that he had received visitor dur
ing the period OF his work on the
frieze, he forfeited his privilege OF
entering the contest.
At Tita's question, he reused him
| self from his abstraction to smile
back assurance OF his delight in her
presence.
"Tita. My little Madcap.' He
held her close second time, and
again she struggled free, cheeks flush
ed and hair tangled mass OF curb.
And now, Mario mio,' she an
nounced regretfully. Il must go.
One more day, and that abominable
frieze will be finished. Goodnight,
beloved. Old Giulia must be tired
out waiting in the wind at the post
ern-gate.
Silently Mario kissed her goodnight,
and wrapped Angeles heavy cloak
about her round, young shoulders.
Good night, Tita mio.'
Good night, and good luck, my Ma
rio!"
With the morning came student,
sworn on his honor to aid in preserv-
ing the laws of the guild, to the mas
ter. who was also judge. OF the con-
test Of the Dukes frieze, bearing a
strange story Of a visitor seen en-
tering and leaving the chamber of
Mario Paccelli.
Straightway the master summoned
his fellow judges and the student
repeated his tale to them. That he
had seen visitor entering and leav-
ing Mario's chamber, the youth was
certain; further he was of the opin-
ion, but of this he was not sure, that
the visitor was Angelo Lippini.
The master was grieved at this de-
claration, as if he himself had lost
the prize. He greatly loved his pu-
pill, Mario Pacceli, and he found it
almost impossible to believe that he
had been guilty Of this violation of
his pledge. Through his intercession,
the judges decided to allow Mario to-
explain, if possible, the Students
charge, before rejecting his entry.
Accordingly, the student was des-
patched to summon the suspect. The
masters heart grieved when he saw
Mario enter the council-room The
young man was haggard and pale,
and his lips were set in hard line.
Mario Paccelli," the master chal-
ienged him, 'it has come to our ears
that you have violated your oath to
hold no intercourse with any man DUR
ing the time of your work on the de-
sign for the Dukes frieze. You areI
we'll aware that the contestant must
at all times be isolated from contact
with a1other's thought, so that each
design may bear the stamp Of total
However" the master paused for
a moment, "the record of q clean !
and honorable past induces us to
grant you the privilege of an expla-
nation. Now speak, Paceelli, and
wipe, il you can, this blot from your
character"
The master waited. expectant, but
Mario, with bowed head, profferedl
no word in answer.
1T may be-" resumed the master,
that some attendant, some mer.
chant or tradesman, without your
knowledge or consent, entered your
apartment, in which case you might,
In all honor, be absolved from blame.
In this hope, Mario, | ask again that
you reveal the name and character oil
your visitor"
The master sat down, and Mario
turned to address his answer to him.
Il deny nothing Of the charge that
S brought against me, my MASTER"
ne said clearly and slowly. cat
your word withdraw my entry"
Again the master rose INV col.