Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1913-11-21

tered, Nanette took few steps for
ward, and, bending to pick up her
work from the floor, turned partly
away and thrust the paper into the
bosom of her gown.
'T came to tell you supper is ready"
said Marie quietly.
At the table with her aunt the girls
manner was subdued and deferential;
she observed the incest proprieties,
and bestowed on the others slightest
word need of attention calculated
to soften the old woman's attitude and
suspicious. And possibly succeeded;
or, 1t may be, Marie's own conscience
had begun to reproach her; for mum.
ber of days had passed and nothing
had as yet occurred to Justify the
early apprehensions she had enter
tanned. Under the circumstances the
meal was little prolonged; the first
shafts of twilight had entered the
courtyard and had begun to steal into
the narrow chamber with darkening
effect, ere Of an accord the two WON.
en- pushed back their chairs.
''It gets dark early" said the girl,
cor time has passed quicker than
thought. Perhaps 1t was what you
were telling me of the former lady OF
the Mount. She must have been very
beautiful"
"She was," answered the woman; ;
"and as good as beautifully"
"Heigh-ho!" Nanette sighed;
through the window watched the shad
ows that like dark, trailing figures
seemed creeping up the ancient wall
| to caress and linger on green leaves OF
vines, bright flowers and other living
things. "But I suppose she had every
thing she wanted" The girl stirred
J restlessly. What sort Of man is
Monsieur Beppo, aunt?"
"Beppo?" Recalled as from long
train of recollections, the woman die
not seem to notice the abruptness Of
the inquiry. "Oh, he is an old ant
faithful servant. For almost as many
years as l have been here" with al
accent of pride, has he served at the
Mount"
And his moral character, aunt?'
demurely.
Monsieur Beppo has a reputation
for piety, no doubt deserved" re
turned the woman, with an accent o
surprise. "At any rate, he seldom
misses a mass. But why do you ask /?
Because met him today and he in
vited me to walk with him this eve
ming"
"He did?" Marie's mouth grew firm
er. "And you?"
81 didn't exactly know how to re
fuse! he-looked so old and respect
able! I thought, too, you wouldn'
mind and-I'm glad you think so wei
of him, aunt"
In the gathering gloom the listener
face seemed suddenly to grow graver
her eyes, which had returned to tn
girls, expressed once more doubt an,
misgiving. With her glance lifted up
ward, however, Nanette did not seen
to notice this quick change. A star
faint forerunner of a multitude O
waiting orbs-peeping timorousl
down from above the gray, gaunt mas
of stone, alone absorbed the girl
gaze and attention.
II where were you thinking Of &c
ing?" after a silence of some lengt
!, the older woman asked.
] 'T don't recall that Monsieur Bepp
| mentioned" was the low-murmured rt
sponse. "But, Of course, aunt, If 20
!! object"
81 do not know that do," said tn
other slowly. "Only," as if the though
, had suddenly come to her, what wer
, you writing at her ladyship's des
when 1 went to call you?"
"Writing?" Nanette regarded he
blankly. 81 don't understand yol
aunt"
weren't you writing somethin
that you hid in your dress when
came?"
mol" The girl looked full at tn
; other; denied point-blank the accus;
, ton. "Now that you speak Of 1t, b,
, lieve did step to the DESK" she al
{ swered glibly, ito look at some orn;
ment; but as for writing, or daring tt
, / should not have presumed"
, A low discreet rap at the door inte
rupted, and, with a whispered "Ther
he is now!" Nanette cut short furthe
argument by rising.
"She is not telling the truth" Fo
some time the woman stood lookin
down in gloomy thought after the tw
had gone. What does it mean
Moving to a peg. she took down
shawl. What can 1t mean?" sh
asked herself again, and, wrapping tn
garment about her head and shou
ders, left the room.
Half an hour later, at Beppo's sid
on the beach, Nanette measured he
steps to his; listened to the old man
platitudes, and even turned not III
willing ear to sundry hints and il
nuendos Of tenderer nature. TIL
girl was In her most complaisar
mood, and, in his role Of discreet ga
liant to young and blooming woman
hood, the fat factotum strove to max
the most of the opportunity. H
sighed; bethought him Of sentimen
al tale, and carped Of the beauty {