The Front Yard

r combinations and results kept him from returning to Italy the following winter, and the winter after that he spent in Egypt. When he again beheld the d

remained unbroken. He found a good many. Threads do not break in Rome. He had once said himself that the air was so soft and historic that nothing broke th

for reply. Since then his mind had been otherwise occupied. But as he never entirely forgot anything that had once interested him, even although but slightly (this was in reality a system of his; it gave him many holds on life, and kept sto

ence, the only person among his acquaintances who had known her, was not in Rome. Reaching the street of the Hyacinth, he interrogated the old woman who acted as portress at the lower door, keeping up at the same time a small

old a

red little bell, and when the door opened it was Mi

ook a seat, and spoke the usual phrases of a renewal of acquaintance with his accustomed ease and courtesy; Miss Macks responded briefly. She said that

idence; she looked much older. On the other hand, there was more grace in her bearing, more comprehension of life in her voice a

hile he asked how the painting came on. Her face changed a little; but i

inting now,"

iven it up

mane

that rathe

d a gleam of scorn fi

is not a pi

und upon which she stood when he last saw her; at that time she proposed to pass her life in p

ed. "When I last had the pleasure of seeing you, pai

ing me, Mr. Noel," said Miss Macks, st

subject at length? Or was

ing lessons of Mr. Jackson," he said, to give a practical

well, now.

o be dramatic th

s replied that he had died here in the street of the Hyacinth-in the next room. He had fallen ill during the autumn following Noel's departure, and when

, as she did not reply, he ventured this: "That was the reason I

n unfortunate circumstance," she

rcums

p, and devoted affection the greatest honor of my life I would not

her work, the utter lack of the artist's conception, the artist's eye and touch; but probably he had loved her from the beginning, and had gone on hoping to win her love in return. She was not removed from him by any distance; she was young, but she was al

faithful, kind, and respectful son to my dear mother. That, of course, would have

glishman, and was now his widow. The sign on the door bore

?" he asked. "I may speak of it, since,

a small class twice a week, but I live by going out as day-governess. I have a number of pupils of that kind; I have been very successful. The old Ro

ul one," said Noel; "you

have learned a great deal in many ways since I

en you saw me last it does not m

ly you tried to set me right by selecting Mr. Jackson as my teacher, but again you tried when you sent me those books. It was not much to do! But knowing the world as I now know it, I see that it was all that could have been expected. At first, however

it of not assuming responsibility; I suppose I have grown selfish

ot believe him. I was very obstinate. I went to Mr. Bellot the 1st of January; I wished him to take me as pupil. In answer he told m

lways a brut

but his judgment was the same. I came home; it was the 10th of January, a beautiful Roman winter day. I left my pictures, went over to St. Peter's, and walked there under its bright mosaics all the

t me to add that I admire, even more, the clear,

my-good sense might not have

ink of returni

her, and he has not been with us for years, and would not be if we should return; he lives in California.

like to ask," said Noel, later. "Bu

you to do for me, the demands I made upon your time, I can well

understood at once. My question refers to Horace Jackson: I see yo

not lov

me out from England?" he sai

death a c

to what w

es

have left

o. Of course, I wo

ne." He paused. "If you will permit me to express it, your

ind," said

it made him suspect that it was there. He took leave soon afterwards. He was smarting a little und

not set on any very fine elevation of self-sacrifice or heroism, it was at least firmly established where it did stand,

The third week in April he decided to go to Venice. Before going he asked if there was not something he could do for her; but she said there was nothing,

ediately to tell him a piece of American news, in which he, as an American, would of course be interested; the news was that "the brother of the Princess C--

seeing that that lady had never troubled herself to enter the street of the

tch for Ettie Macks. She will be a countess, and now, I suppose, more American girls will come over than ever before! Of course, as soon as I heard of it, I went to see her. I felt that she would need advice about a hundred things. In the beginning she brought a letter of introduction to me from a dear cousin of mine, and, naturally, she would rely upon me as her chief friend now. She is very much improved. She was rather silent; but, of course, I shall go again. The count is willi

in for a while, and ten days had passed before he went up the dark stairway. The maid said that Miss Macks was at home

ive you my best good wishes. My congratulations I reserve for Count L--, with

e; fortunate in my refusal.

ot a bad

what faint?" This time

ern Romans go, he was not among the worst. Of course I should have exp

ave honored me with yo

not den

inue to live in

onage now than I know what to do with; the wh

ked awhi

he said, towards the end of his visit. "We have never stopped at co

ank with you; not you with me. And there was no conve

ve with some one in Amer

She had certainly gained greatly in

well-appearing count was now something of a celebrity among the American visitors in Rome. That they knew of her refusal was not her fault; the relatives of Count L-- had announced their objections as loud and widely as the count had announced

Macks to accompany him-that is, if she were fond of riding. She had ridden in America, and enjoyed it; she would like to go once, if he would n

He seemed to himself to be far away, and the girl who was weeping and calling his name to be upon the other side of a wide space like an ocean, over which, without volition of his own, he was being slowly wafted. As he came nearer, still slowly, he perceived that in some mysterious way she

had not strayed far; a shepherd had seen him, and was now coming towards them. He signalled to another, and the two carried Noel to a house which was not

not deep; the effect of the shock passed away. He kept his bed for a week under his physician's advice; he had a good deal of time to think during that week. Later his friends were admitted. As has been said befo

He took a short walk to try his strength, and, finding th

"really strong enough;" and he "should be very prudent for a while;" and so

into his own hands. With few preliminaries, and with much

er. He thought she was going to burst into tears. But she did not; she only sa

e as I am, in one way I have always appreciated you, and, lately, all other ways have become merged in that one. I a

Still she d

t on, his eyes dropping for the moment to the brim of his hat, which he he

ds came forth, the red rose in her

be tried. One gray hair in my mother's head is wort

uble between us, Faith," he answered. "I can only assure y

suppose that I do not see the effort? Do you suppose I would ever place my mother in such a position? Do you suppose that you a

suppose another thing, and that is that we cou

he could paint, and could not! The girl who knew so little of soc

uence, since it is the gi

you come-come very generously and self-sacrificingly, I acknowledge that-and ask me to be your wife." She rose; her eyes were brilliant as she faced him. "I might tell you that it was only the excitement, that I did not know or mean what I was saying; I might tell you that I did not know that I had said anything. But I am not afraid. I will not, like you, tell a lie, even for a good purpose.

confinement to the house. It is also true that it is what you said which has brought me here to-day. But the reason is that it has become precious to me-this knowledge that you love me. As I said before, in one way I have always done you justice, and it is that way which makes me realize to the full now wh

moment to me whet

said, after a pause, during whi

e would be

her self-possession. S

oel in the street of t

to live here; and my wife

Noel. Do not think, however, that I do not appreciate your action; I do appreciate it. I said that I did not respect you, and I have not until now; but now I do. You will understa

d Noel, "although I go my way. I see you are firmly reso

she was attired as opulently, in respect to colors, as ever, and she returned his greeting with much cordiality. He g

unread, but without answer. He thought perhaps he should meet her, and was at some pains to find out her various engagements. But all was in vain; the days passed, and she remained invisible. Towards the last of May he left Rome. After leaving, he continued to write to her, but he gave no address for reply; she would now be oblig

she could not come to him, and it would only distress her. He had money enough for the short time that was left him, and when she heard it would be only that he had passed away; he had passed from her life in reality years before. In this John Macks was sincere. He had been a ne'er-do-well, a rolling stone; he had not

assumed the control. She would go to America. She must see her boy (the dearest child of the two, as the prodigal always is) again. But even while she was planning her journey illness seized her-her old rheumatic troubles, only more serious than before; it was plain that she could not go. She then required that her daughter should go in her place-go and bring her b

weeks were the calmest and the happiest of his unsuccessful-unworthy it may be-but also bitterly unhappy life. His sister did not judge him. She kissed him good-bye as he lost consciousness, and soon afterwards closed his eyes ten

prised. She had heard from her mother in London, the nurse acting as amanuensis; at that time Mrs. Spurr was comfortable, although still confined to her bed most of the day. As she was paying

the drive was given up, and she was carried back to her room. Noel did not follow her; he shook hands with the new-comer, sa

ficiently to describe to her daughter all "Mr. No-ul's kind attentions." He had returned to Rome the first of October, and had come at once to the street of the Hyacinth. Learning what had happened, he had devoted himself to her "most as if he was my real son, Ettie, I do dec

mentioned in your

t that he'd make his peace with you when you come back. I let him have his way about it, and I have enjoye

reet of the Hyacinth; he had sent to inquire, and fruits and flowers cam

oel had taken her five times, and she had greatly enjoyed the change. It was not so simple a matter for the daughter as it had been for Mr. Noel; her purse was almost empty; the l

tone; "and we went there every single time-just as soon as he found out that I liked

et, a little distant; but she thanked him, with careful acknowledgment of every item, for his kind attentio

ave been acting as nurse; it would be well for you to

turned the conversation to subjects less personal. H

hope? You will not repeat the

not see you, Mr. Noel," sh

course I must submit

ever accepted before, and to work harder. She had not only to support their little

k, and always during the hours when the daughter was absent. He sat and talked to Mrs. Spurr, or rather listened to her, in a way that greatly cheered that lady's monotonous days. She told him her whole h

nown how. But certainly Mr. Noel was not troubling he

s to like to come, and there's but few pleasures l

le, but much worn. Count L--, who had been long absent, returned to Rome about this time. He saw her one day, although she did not see him. The result

nza; the distance was long, and she walked with weariness. As she drew near the dome of the Pant

he said, briefly, t

last awakened to the shame of allowing all those modern accretions to disfigure longer the magnificent old Pagan temple. All the s

can find ano

ered the doomed street; it was as obstinately narrow

out, and it troubles me greatly. If you should fall ill I think that would be the end. I should then take matters into my o

r door. She said nothing

now. I spent the summer thinking of it. I know now, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that I love you above all and everything. There is no 'duty' or 'generosity' in this, but simply my own feelings. I could perfectly well have let the matter

tered the d

r came down the stairs.) "Why not let the demolition of the street of the Hyacinth be the crisis of our fate?" he went on, returning the cobbler'

ut, unless you will leave Rome,

, of course; Noel alway

d placed yourself, my dear, were t

enced a great downfall, also. Dur

long breaths of astonishment, had come to offer

aid to everybody, "that Mrs. Spurr is now confined t

h her daughter whenever the weather is favorable. She wears b

ISTMA

the Consul's residence this water-floor was held by another tenant, a dealer in antiquities, who had partitioned off a shallow space across its broad front for a show-room. As this dealer had the ground-floor, he possessed, of course, the principal entrance of the palace, with its broad marble steps descending into the rippling wavelets of the splendid azure street outside, and wi

e could not understand the speech (gibberish, he called it) of the people with whom he was supposed to hold official relations did not disturb him; he thought it patriotic not to understand. There was a vice-consul, an Italian, who could attend to the business matters; and as for the rest, wasn't Barbara there-Barbara, who could chatter not only i

heir staircase was a graceful construction of white marble, and the court, with the blue sky above, one or two fretted balconies, and a sculptured marble well-curb in the centre, was highly picturesque. But this did not reconcile the American lady to the fact that their door was a

lish title no one but himself could have told. He was supposed to be either a Pole or an Armenian, and he spoke many languages with equal fluency and incorrectness. He appeared to have feeble health, and he always wore large arctic over-shoes; he was short and thin, and the most noticeable expression of his plain, small face was resignation. Z. Pelham conducted the Consuless through the dusky space behind his show-room, a vast, low, open hall with

la, you can stay below, if you like," sh

th a ladder, and the Consuless carried out her intention of traversing the roof, while Mr. Pelham waited calmly, seated on the open scuttle door. Carmela followed her mistress. She gave little cries of admiration; there never were such wonderful ladies a

his head. "I hav

r, laughing. "I'll make it w

a crack, and, raising his lamp, he showed it to the Consuless. "One time was there a door, o

e have doors that have been shut up at home. What I want is

ered within it a second hiding-place, even more perfectly concealed than the first. This was delightful, and she confided to its care all her loose money. She thought with disgust of the ugly green safe, built into the wall of Peter's Rochester house, where she was obliged to keep her gold and silver when at home. Not only was Miss Senter's own room in the old palace handsomely furnished, but all the others belonging to the apartment were rich in beautiful things. The Consuless had used her own taste, which was great, and her brother's fortune, which was greater, defe

re to have a dance, and an odd little projection like a very narrow balcony high on the wall was to be occupied by five musicians. These musicians would have been much more comfortable below. But Miss Senter was sure that this shelf was intended for musicians; her musicians, therefore, were to sit

carvings and tapestries. Any one, however, could have had faith in the chandeliers of Venetian glass, fro

llected," replied Peter. "And you haven't got the room very warm, after all-only 60°. However, I can st

had paid those school bills were now far distant), and she had never been handsome. But she was tall and slender, with pretty hands and feet, a pleasant expression in her blue eyes, and soft brown hair, now heavily tinged with silve

ight, that she seemed full of youthful fire; in fact, if one saw only her back, she looked younger than Assunta and Beppa, who were Venetian girls of twenty. Carmela was always attired in the French fashion, with tight corsets, a plain black dress fitting like a glove round her little waist, and short enough to show the neat shoes on her small feet; over this black dress there was a jaunty white apron with pockets, and upon her beautifully braided shining dark hair was perched a small spotless muslin cap. The younger servants asserted that the slight pink tint on the tidy little woman's cheeks was artificial. However that may have been, Carmela, as she stood, w

inquired Miss Senter,

ck silk stockings showing above her little high-heeled shoes. As she spoke she put her hands in their black lace mitts in the pock

have a word with Giorgio," s

, brilliantly lighted, for Giorgio was old and needed all the radiance that could be obtained to aid his failing sight. He was a small man with a melancholy countenance. But this melancholy was an accident of expression; in reality, old Giorgio was cheerf

train. "The Consul is particular about having the hot things really hot, and constantly renewed, as it is such a cold night. The three men from Florian's

er Carmela was present he invariably answered his mistress in the language of that Northern capital, even though her question had been couched in Italian; it was one of his ways-and he had

see that you look pale. I am afraid you have been doing t

as it is a festival. He is young, and we can be yo

so; "there is still much to do, and it was not wise to

of it," said the old man, st

ly. "Carmela," she continued, speaking now in Ita

ot leave it on this dirty floor! Will not the signorina return to the drawing-room to take her cordial?

re possessed. "She has tried to make me dismiss Giorgio more than once," she said to her brother, in confidence; "but I always pretend not to see the feeling that influences he

on his immaculate floor. All he said was,

said Miss Senter,

Giorgio. "He makes himself

f their own water-door; for here on the small canal were the steps used by arriving and departing gondolas, and here also floated the handsome gondola of the Consul, with its American flag. The two gondoliers also had picturesque costumes of white (woollen in winter,

rgin!" she commented, as Miss Senter, unlocking the box, poured into one of the littl

bow, and then drank the draught with much appreciation. "It is true that I a

, to avert war, hastil

ussians. The grown people assembled in the drawing-room. And presently they heard singing. Through the anterooms came the children,

Kings of O

we've travel

untain, moor

ng yond

above the concealing curtain, blazed out a splendid star. And th

tar of

of

with

y bri

ng ornaments, while beneath it was a mound composed entirely of toys. The children behaved well; they kept their ranks

Kings of O

e carol finished, Miss Senter, with the aid of her gondolier, distributed the toys and bonbons, and the room was filled with happy glee. When Erco

ose, so great that she herself was glad that the end was near. Looking up to see whether her musicians had assembled on their shelf, she perceived some one at the drawing-room door; it was Ca

reach her mistress's ear. "He has dressed himself as a clown, and he is of a perfection! He has bells o

ter, hesitating. "I don't kn

beautifully, with bounds and leaps. He makes

nery here, you know," said Mi

s that Ercole has the soul of a gentle

ays thought that her chief gondolier pos

ued the deputy, her whisper now a little dejected. "If he is to

ing on gayly; no one had missed her. She slipped out under the portière, and followed Carmela to a room at the side. Here stood the gondol

re such a skilful acrobat,

high jump, and came down in the attit

wonderful!" said Mi

dancing with

, I hope you will remember where you are?" she said, w

esque painted lips a little t

-so-you must dance out of the room, Ercole. For the sign will mean that that is enough. But, dear me! there's one thin

es. "Does the signorina wish me to take them up? Th

s detached from the rest of the apartment. "Why did y

ows what else they may be? Thieves,

o the gallery," said Miss Senter. "And tell

ual, was gone before

ou hear the music. Then co

he had not told her of his plan, for if he had she could have provided a perfectly fresh costume. But no one noticed the costume; all eyes were fixed upon the gambols; for, keeping time to the music, he was advancing up the room, dancing, bounding, leaping, turning somersets, and every now and then striking an attitude with extra

Miss Senter. "It's Ercole," sh

aid Lady Kay. "That little woman you have, t

ng the same pose, but always something new; then, after a final tremendous pigeon-wing, he let his whit

ith very short legs, but he was without consciousness of these deficiencies; in the presence of the Apollo Belvedere, for instance, it had never occurred to him to draw comparisons. Nature, however, will out in some way, and from childhood Peter Senter had had a profound admiration for feats of strength, vaulting, tumbling, and the

see his grin, which was now partly hidden, owing to his drooped head; the three Kings of Orient

iversion. "Take hands, now, in a circle; yes-round the clown, if you wish. There-that's righ

e here on fo

all d

of Stars a

oss the

oodle do

doodl

cakes are

molasse

and Italians generously joining with the little Americans in praise of the matutinal cakes which they had never seen; the Consuless had drille

vurra fine piece!" said a Rus

rote the first four lines; the chorus i

eir sentiment ees so fine, so

neat," Peter ad

caper. Instantly "Yankee Doodle" came to an

gallery, for the waltz began in less than a minute. Then Ercole, selecting a pretty American child from among the group, began to dance with her in the mos

renewed; old Giorgio was evidently on his mettle. It was the gondolier, still in his clo

Miss Senter, in an undertone; "thes

ctful to reply with his grinning linen lip

Florian's people in the kitc

ind still occupied with his project of taking the young Italian to America as a star performer, moved from point to point, in order to get different views of him. One of these stations was in the doorway, and here Carmela spoke to him in a low tone, and asked him to come to the

This is a private residence, and yo

his tale. But Peter d

late, you know-Riva Skevony. The vice-consul won't be there so

owever, remained

" he said to Carmela, who, in her wrath over this intrusion, stood at a distance swallowing nothing in a series of

in a concentrated undertone. "I burn with indignation, for it is an insolent intrusion; it is an insult to his Excellency, who no doubt is a prince in his own coun

want, Barly," said Peter,

ef officer again

clock this evening, in a café near the Rialto, and they say they have just found a c

ed and blazing with lights, as it is to-night, a

if you will exert your authority, Peter-make use of your off

nsul; he had no clear idea as to what his powers

th man with those musicians!" she whispered. "I saw him. He did not pla

mediately detached two men to follow this important clew; he himself, wit

now anything about it. But whom shall we send with them? If we call Ercole, it will attract attention; and Florian's men, who were due at another place,

t them!" answe

th a peep into the drawing-room; I'll tell them to keep themselves hidden." She turned and explained her idea in Italian to the officer; they could glance into the drawing-room first, and then Carmela would take them through all the other rooms; the Consul, though he had the power of refusal, w

gested the officer. "With permission,

ERCHED ON EACH O

, and, making loop-holes among the folds, peeped into the ball-room. For it was at that moment a ball-room. The children had again taken up their whirling dance around Ercole, and the g

dooda do

dooda

cakar

larsa c

ame to a close. "And that is Mr. Barlow, the American who lives at the Danieli; and the one near the Christmas-tree is Mr. Douglas, who has the Palazzo Dario. And the tall, large gentleman with silver hair is Sir William Kay. That is all, except the clown, who is our gondolier

ugh as regarded the drawing-room; they wi

out it as you can, so that no one need know. And when they have finally gone, come and stand f

ave re-entered without my knowledge. As for these beasts of policemen-" And Carmel

play the music I sent them," said the Co

ren; the two lines, when arranged, extended down half the length of the long room. It began

g on from the chair next her own. "But the Senters like to call it a Virginia Reel, they are so patriotic. An

arming smile. "I have nowhere seen so many reech toyees" (here she glanced at the costly playthings h

ered the baronet's wife. "They a

ain a moment afterwards she saw with relief that the sinister apparition had vanished. Ten minutes later the trim little figure of the deputy appeared between the tapestries of the doorway. Miss Senter, still dancing, nodded slightly, as a signal that she perceived her, and th

, remained half an hour longer; then they took leave. Only Lady Kay and her husband were left; they had waited to take a closer look at Miss Senter's Christmas present to her brother, which wa

y, with a long sigh. "You are

at they will think of it in Rochester

chinks in all the quarters that serve as footways. When they took leave at one o'clock, Peter and Miss Senter, with American friendliness, accompanied them to the outer door. Peter was about to open this do

the matter?" said Miss Senter,

y the Consuless, I

hought you were down at the landi

uffocates," muttered Er

Peter understood. "Dead!

Giorgio is dead," translated the pink-cheeked, portly Lady Kay, in her sweet voice. "It's your gon

r William was leading Ercole

ad! We must have help. Let's see; Andrea is down at th

am, gave a maddened cry, and t

alarmed. "He is a very powerful young man, and his eyes are dreadful. To

Senter had hurried to the kitchen. But Giorgio was not there. She came

continued, speaking gently in Italian, "go to your room now, a

iam's grasp. "The antiquit

ring the gondolier. "And where are the other servants? Where's Carmela? Find the

, and I couldn't find

id Lady Kay, watching the gondolier's contorti

the haste she made. But in a moment she was back aga

ed eyes, and then, breaking loose suddenly, he came and c

liam dragged him

gain freeing himself with two strokes of his powerful arms, he passed out

ne!" "Oh, lock the door!" cr

aid Sir William. "He is plainly mad

e Andrea can help u

It was a very long flight with three turns. The cou

outside. "If they are going to seize him, the more of us the better; don't you think so? For w

, she hastened out again and joined Lady Kay, who was already half-way down the stairs. The gondolier had not turned towards the water entrance; he had crossed the court in the opposite direction, and now he was passing through a br

p! stop!" cried the two ladies, as they

ntion. Quickly detaching two of the lamps

ndolier!" gas

r-door and threw it open, Miss Senter cal

brightly lighted. But there was no one there.

ve them a moment lon

pening within. Ercole meanwhile had made his way into Mr. Pelham's show-room, and here he had struck a match and lighted a candle. As he had left the door of the show-room open, those who were

isn't

ce behind. "Here!" he said, turning his purple face towards their lamps. "I can no more." And

ously, in order to secure him while he was quiet, when they saw, to their horro

lham!" said Peter, in fresh excitement. "I kn

with some difficulty cut the rope, and unwound two woollen coverlids and a sh

ay to Miss Senter, her pink face white, a

dealer's head, while Pe

or Giorgio," muttered Ercole,

ated Lady Kay. "That he tells his crimes shows

he tells," said Peter, hastily rubbing Z. Pelham's chest.

?" quavered Miss Senter, her Italian co

," answered

he says," tran

back stairs,"

the Englishman, his sympathies roused by the forlorn plight of the little dealer,

ll, and opened it. Z. Pelham began to breathe more regularly, although he had not yet opened his eyes. Sir William drew him farther aw

nd I will go up with the other," said Peter. "Keep your eye on Erc

; "I had hoped to get help from outside to watch him while we go up. Now remember, Gertrude, you and Miss Senter are to come up and join us instantly if he leaves his place." And then he and Peter ascended the winding steps, carrying one of the lamps. Round and round went the gleam of their l

God! Killed! Bring

cook, his eyes closed, his face ghastly, his white jacket deeply stained wi

place. Then we'll tie up Ercoly-we can use that rope-and after he is secured, I can go for help. Here, you tak

" said the Englishman.

veritable little lion. "Come

n, who now had both lamps, went down and came back in thirty seconds; she never knew how she did it. "He has

first secure him," and he indicated Ercole by pointing his thumb backward over his

ppeared Z. Pelham, who, as soon as he saw the cook's prostrate body

pping a fold of her skirt tightly over the dealer's

ham col

te the poor creature a second time," s

rcole, bring my brandy-flask," he called again, in Italian, and the effort he made to break through his hoarseness

ken the flask, down he went, or half fell, on the pavement as before, with his head thrown forward over his knees. Sir William placed himself promptly by his side, while Peter ran within to get the rope. Z. Pelham, uncorking the flask, poured a little brandy

Peter, who had returne

t was lightning to me, in my head also," an

what I tell you. Don't be afraid; Sir William and I w

you?" said Miss Se

swered the gondolier, hi

n't know. A demo

en it h

Kay again. "He was struck, dragged down the back stairs, gagged, and lef

t the clown, the

e else disguised! Who could it have been?" cried Miss Senter, running away

Mr. Pelham, administering more brandy. Mr. Pelham was seated, tai

g about it, too," said

's shoulder, shuddering. The clown with whom she had talked, who had danced al

nding over Giorgio, he asked, in correct,

ed the cook, or rather his lips formed those words

Giorgio's eyes closed; "I have fear this time he is

nd Ercoly isn't mad; only hurt in so

lways get lost!"

st invariably lost his way in the la

not very late" (he looked at his watch

o with you, my dea

e brought these two, and there's a doctor coming.

soft radiance calmly, and where all the fairy-lamps were still burning on the Christmas-tree; for only twenty minutes had passed since the host and his guests had left the room. Behind the group of the tw

ctor. "Your gondolier has been dreadfully beaten about the head, but it won't kill him; he is young and strong.

Barly," sai

y. "The man may still be hidden here somewhere. And I k

ou stay here and do what you can for all three," he said, as he hurried round the great drawing-room, locking all the doors but one. "And the

is sister. "Let those two men

ay to her husband; "if any one is hid

Giorgio's mind was now wandering; he muttered incoherently, and seemed to be suffering greatly. The gondolier, his head enveloped in wet towels, was lying in a stupor on one of the sofas.

The bedrooms; no one. The anterooms and small drawing-room; no one. As the whole house was still brightly lighted, this did not take long. They

f those masked flat portals common in Italy, which are painted o

to the second store-room. "No one could possibly hide there. Now after we have fini

quietly returned alone and opened that masked door. There, flattened against the wall, not clearly visible in the sem

ithout a sound. So frantic were her writhings that her apron and cap were torn away, and the braids of her hair fell down and finally fell off, leaving only, to Peter's astonishment, a few locks of thin white hair in their place. It took the four men to hold her, for she threw herself from side to side l

ne one, had brought the doctor and

black bodice, and tore off the rest. "Gracious! corsets like steel." He took out his knife, and hastily cutting the cashmere ac

e-sank to the floor. What was left was an old, old woman, small and withered, her feeble chest rising and falling in convulsi

eyes as all the ribs of the meagre, wasted body showed in

to cover her, B

n to her room, and brought back the first

she's coming to,

er, and he has, besides, to help him, all the money which the Consuless so kindly provided for him by keeping it in a secret drawer, whose 'secret' every Italian not an idiot knows. But the Consuless has always had a singular self-conceit. I had only to mention that extra man with the musicians-poor little Tonio the tailor it was-and she swallowed him down whole. I could have got away myself if I had cared to. But I waited, in order to keep back the alarm as long as possible; I waited. Oh yes, I helped all the ladies to put on their cloaks; I

ict, a burglar, suspected of worse crimes, after committing the murder at the café, had fled to the palace. Here he and his intrepid little mother had invented and carried out the whole scheme in the one hour which had followed the distribution of the pr

ough she was seventy-four, in order to be able to send him money-his mother, who had allowed herself nothing in the world but the few smart clothes necessary for her disguise, who was absolutely honest, but who had stolen for him three thousand fra

as Peter pensioned him handsomely, he led an easy l

urchased, though thinking it hideous, at large prices), confessed to his sister that he had connived at Carmela's escape. "Somehow I cou

VEN

a properly warmed spirit too), and looking at photographs of the pictures (you can have them as large as you like, you know), instead of freezing our feet over the originals, which half the time the eyes of a lynx could not see. But it is not always winter, of course. And then I have lived over here so long that I have, it seems, acquired foreign ways that are very unpopular at home. You may smile, and it is too ridiculous; but it is so. For instance, last summer we went to Carley Ledge (you know Carley; pretty little place), and we found out afterwards that the people came near mobbing us! Not exactly that, of course, but they took th

ways goes home to spend the three months of winter. When he comes back in the spring his English friends say, 'I hear you have had so many degrees of frost over there-fan

t seen her, by-the-way, since she was a child,

eat

e best word; she had not that graceful slenderness one expects to see in a young girl. But over here, I notice, th

ved? Miss Marcy is a wond

he sixteenth century; and dressed in dark-green velvet, with those great puffed Venetian sleeves coming down over her knuckles, a gold chain, and he

s, and who are associated with pale blues and lavender, she naturally found it difficult to realize a beauty, even if it was that of a niece, so unlike her own. Mrs. Marcy was now less than slender; the blue eyes whi

ed to concern itself more with life in general than with people in particular, and thus prevented personal applications. He was well-to-do, well dressed. There was a generally received

hen," said the elder la

e, giving her hand to Mr. Bl

. She was the personification of healthy life and vigor, but not of the nervous or active sort; of the reflective. Wherever the sun touched her it struck a color: whether the red of cheek or lip, or the beautiful tint of her forehead and throat, which was not fair but clear; whether the brown of her eyes, or the gold of eyebrows, eyelashes, and the heavy, low-coiled hair. Her features w

observed Mr. Blake in his slow way to Mrs. Marcy. "In

" said Claudia. "I don't kn

e big sleeves, you know, and your hair braided close to the head, to make it look too

y might be, Miss Marcy," continued the v

p, and rewound the long string in three close rows, one above the

tter," said

rmor, so I unloosen it as s

e," he said. "Good-morning, Mr. Blake. I have only stoppe

that lady, "the day is so fine. How ar

anks; Theocritus as usual. S

; at four. Mr. Blake wi

Lenox bowed,

age accompany us?" asked the

a, laughing. "For some reason Mrs. Lenox always pronou

"He is nearly ten years old, but does not look more than five. His he

, full and white, with one antique gem on each, contrasted with the tint of the wool. The thin fingers of Mrs. Marcy were decked with fine diamonds, and diamonds alone; in spite of the "foreign ways" of which that lady had acc

d out upon the golden Venetian light-a light whose shadows are colors: mother-of-pearl, emerald, orange, amber, and all the changing gradations between them-thrown against and between the reds, browns, and fretted white marbles of the buildings rising from the water; that ever-moving water which mirrors it all-here a sparkling, glancing surface, there a mysterious darkness, both of them co

a little covered bridge, that crossed the canal which flowed between-a canal narrow, dark, and still, that worked away silently all day and all night at its life-long task of undermining the ponderous walls on each side; gaining perhaps a half-inch in a century, together with the lighter achievement of eating out the painted wooden columns which, like lances set upright in the sand at a te

ved Claudia. "Any one can have an awn

ily be change

tifle. Mr. Blake, shall you and I, as the selfish elders, ta

ning-the bright red," said Theocritus. T

her will do quite as we

the child, in a de

terposed Mrs. Marcy, signalling to the other gondola, a

he boy's little overcoat. "Come, then," he said, giving his hand first to Miss Ma

aid, after a while, "is that these Venetians of to-day-those men and women we are passing on the riva

tly, with one gloved hand in hers, a small muffled figure, with a pale face whose delicate skin was lined like that of an old man. His eyes were narrow, deep

hope the old Venetians were not so; I like to think that they felt, d

x. "They did not consult authorities about the pictures; they were the pictures. Th

il obscured the beautiful tints of her face; Claudia's complexion could brave the brightest light, the wind, and the sun. The dark-blue plume of

ng the young lady's wish. "If you, Miss Marcy, can step back into the fifteenth century

have been one of the soldiers. You remember that Venetian portrait in the Uffizi at Florence-G

turning to see why Theocritus was beat

er-it is so supe

the other side," a

church is quite near; we shall so

don't you?" said

fect

ritus. "The wind is b

, Stephen-" sa

him," replied her husband

ace until he looked like an aged dwarf in a temper; he stretched back his li

dia, rising as she spoke. And

ntinued Miss Marcy, taking up again the thread of conversation which had been broken by Theocritus's obstina

not?" sa

f himself, and I believe in ideals. It is only our real, p

x could, for the present take no further part in the conversation, as Theocritus had demanded that she should relate to him the legend of St. Mark, St. George, and St. Theodore climbing down from their

ampanile are so conspicuous from Venice. "We were discussing the shape of the prow of the gondola," said Mrs. Marcy, as they came up. "To me it looks like the

versation in which he found himself, advanced the

t. Theodore, the patron of th

a sewing-machine," observed Mrs. Lenox, light

nd; "you will destroy all our carefully prepared atmosphere with your modern terms. Here we have all been reading up for this expedition, a

, then-Ruskin?"

work and writes about it fiercely, with all his nouns in capitals, and his adjectives after the nouns instead of before them-which naturally awes us. But what produces an even deep

longer," announced Theocritus. And, as his aunt let him have

fter ten minutes or so Mrs. Marcy and Blake came out, and seated themselv

n iron-mill, and was kept at it, I was told, twelve and thirteen hours a day. Before he was twenty-two he married. He worked harder than ever then, although he had, I believe, in time a better place. His wife had no money, either, and she was not strong. Their two little children died. Well, after twelve years of this, most unexpectedly, by the will of an uncle by marriage, he came int

e. "He is too well balanced for that-a strong, quie

. Marcy always patronized Mrs. Lenox), "although one does get extremely tired of that spoiled boy she drags about. Do you know," added the lady, deeply, "I feel sure i

said Blake. "I thought she

n that style-gray eyes and dark hair; and she might be so still if she had the proper costumes. Of course,

what difference does that

the very step of a woman who knows she has two or three nice dresses in the

hat she 'hasn't,'" remarked Blake. This

ed but gravely serene young monk who had admitted them approached and mentioned solemnly "the view fro

id Claudia; "I love to lo

" said Theocritus, holding back. "I want to stay her

e said to Mr. and Mrs. Lenox; "it is not in the least necessary. I hav

irs," said Mrs. Lenox to her husband, looking at the chi

after a moment, "I will stay with him,"

tephen!" called the boy, overhearing th

e," said Mrs. Lenox, in a low tone. "Yo

laudia, following Lenox up the long flight of steps that

nks he has quite a remarkable mind, and will distinguish himself some day if we can only ti

very fon

r dearest friend, his f

entences, for they were still ascending. Twice she stopped to rest for a minute or two; then Lenox came down a step, and stood beside her. There wa

; the Lido and the soft line of the Adriatic beyond; towns shining whitely in the north; to the west, Venice, with its long brid

Blaise, à

iez bie

laise, à

ions bi

e I have just discovered that the

he verse?"

know it? It

but little,

laudia, with a shade of emphasis; "your

o iron

ed. Then she turned the subject, an

sat beside his aunt, her arm round him, his he

y a few painters have ever tried to represent them in the pictu

floating in when the sunshine comes through a crack-all dusty, you know. How many of them there do

fted his shoulders uneasily, and seemed almost to shiver. Mrs. Lenox felt of his head and hands. "I think I had bet

very warm," sa

o delicate," repl

you, Mrs. Leno

Stephen could not come with us. Do not leave him to go ba

Theocritus in a covered gondola, Mrs. Marcy and Blake returned as th

wife made any with Theocritus, that child remaining as delicate as ever, and, if possible, more troublesome. In Mrs. Marcy's mind there had sprung up, since Mr. Blake's arrival, an afte

who has not?" said Mrs. Marcy, reproachfully, wh

nough to take its possessor there every day throu

t how do you know? You have been

in his time (I am an inveterate Venetian lounger, you know), bending down from his curved ab

into the church, he found he

s sitting at the base of the last of the great pillars of the nave, where she could see the north transept with the star-lights of the chapel at the end, the old pulpit of colored marbles with its fretted t

it is, you know-a wonderful robbers' cavern. As somebody has said, it is the church of pirates-of the greatest sea-robbers the wo

quence; it isn't the sombreness of the Duomo at Florence, where one soon feels such a dreadful repentance that the new virtue becomes acute depression. It is a darkness, I admit, but of such a warm, rich hue that one feels sum

your

) But those Veronese pictures, Mr. Blake-after all, what do they tell us? Blue sky and balconies, feasts and brocades, p

ly be

ithout mi

ind. But, to be worth anyt

ion. One of those pictures would not be that

ure is silent,"

en, going back to her first subject, "I wis

this enriching proces

in Venice is so much to her husband;

not keep him f

ake it so much more

you suggest

ot understand me, I think. W

ut I fancy she

. Claudia rather admired her nature. It was not perfect, of course, but at least it was large in its boundaries, and above the usual feminine pettinesses; she felt a calm pride in that. She was silent for a while. The first sunset r

ament. Three-quarters of the incongruous marriages one sees were made when the husband was very young. It is not the wife's fault; at the ti

the way of-of an ameliora

passed-such as now exists, for instance, against the marriage of minors. If a man could not marry until he was thirty or

women o

dy married to the me

seat on the other side of Blake, and they talked for a while of the way the chocolate-hued walls met the gold of the domes solidly, without shading, and of the total absence of white-two of the marked features of the

going," answered Blake. "They take cold rather

and Lenox remained u

e moonlight, and no longer spoke of "wraps." The evenings were haunted by music; everybody seemed to be floating about singing or touching g

or the fresh odor of the fields at home, in the cou

cs?" said Claudia. "I

hout her in a gondola holding four. At last, although the moonlight lingers longer in Venice than anywhere else, there was, for that month at least, no more. Yet still the evening air was delicious, and the music did not cease; the effect of the shadows was even more marvellous than the mingled light and shade had been. They continued to go out and float about for an hour or two in the warm, peopled darkness. They went also, but by d

p again," said Lenox. He looked annoyed. "You are overt

ired," answered his wife. She gave him a little tru

of the large gondolas; Blake

igue, and that he must not go on any of the longer expeditions. When they went to Murano, ther

omforts," she remarked to her niece, with some intricacy of impersonal pronouns. The lily did not observe that the attentions she found so agreeable were being offered to her niece also by another i

es, and her fortune, Miss Marcy has had many suitor

e so-so generally attractive as you might suppose. She has too little thought for the opinions o

evident faults in her: a most impolitic honesty; and, when stirred, an impulsiveness which is sur

that he spoke in reprobation. "As I said before, she has not quite enough of tha

to the most obvious pitfall. However, I'll back her cour

said t

ld not follow a more lovely example," sai

hat she could not go. Something was said about postponement, but it was equally plain that if they were to go at all they should go at once, as the weather was rapidly approaching a too great heat. Claudia wished particularly to take this little journey; she had set her heart upon seeing the Titians and reputed Titians said to be still left in that unvisited neighborhood. Blake asserted that she even expected to discover one. It was next proposed (although rather faintly) t

was to take them to the railway station. Lenox had said good-bye to her, and was now comin

rcy. "To me she always looks ju

ted. Claudia looked back and waved her h

a from the railway station stopped at the larger palace's lo

with you? He has not come? Oh, the poor signora-may the sweet Madonna help her now!" cr

e no more on this earth; he was quiet at last. Mrs. Lenox stood in the lighted doorway of her room as they came towards her. When she saw that her husband was not wit

im. She soon recovered consciousness and was quite calm-more calm than they had feared she would be. They were anxiously watchful; they tended her with the

likely longer. And as his route was quite uncertain, we cannot reach him; there is no telegraph, of course, and even if

said the tearful lad

st do it," replied Blake, and with so much deci

nds. One was said to be in an old monastery, among others of no importance; two more were vaguely reported as now here, now there. Lenox had not been certain of his own route, but expected to be guided from village to village accordin

upon all that was to be done, and gave her directions clearly and calmly-directions which Blake e

e, in the cemetery on the island opposit

er all the circumstances, it is the thing to do. But so many women woul

rs. Lenox. But, as you say, the perfect balance of her character, her clear judgment and beautiful goodness, have at once deci

ry silent. She assisted, and ably, in every

t her some hours before, as she had promised to lie down for a while, but they thought that s

, Elizabeth," began M

peaceful expression I have been hoping for has come; it is not often ne

ss which had never been there in life. The face did not even seem thin; its line

fering made him unlike stronger, happier children, and I think that was the very reason I loved him the more. I wanted to make it up to him. But I could not. I suppose he never knew what it was to be entirely without pain-the doctors have told me so. He did not know anything else, or any other way, but to suffer more or less, and to be tired all the time

. Then Mrs. Lenox came back to her empty room

leman had not expressed the shadow of a disapprobation. He had not told her that he had objected to Lenox's lengthe

of my unconcealed opposition, just because Clau-just because he wanted those trivial drawings," he added, changing th

m! I expected you back at eight-you know that was the first arrangement-and towards seven he seemed easier. Once he even smiled, and talked a little about that legend of St. Mark and St. Theodore, of which, you remember, he was so fond. Then it was half-past seven, and I still hoped. And then it grew towards eigh

answere

; I depend upon him for everything, and feel utterly lonely without him. But his absence is one of those accidents which we must all encounter sometimes, an

time he put something that contented her. It was the s

r gondola she went up the stairs and across the hall bridge that led to Mrs. Lenox's apartment. Mrs. Lenox was there, lying on the sofa. It was the first time since the return that the two had been alone together. She looked pale and ill, and there

but especially for having had a part in the absence of your husband at such a time. If it had not been for me he would not have gone off on that foolish expedition. But I wanted those miserable dra

. "No doubt Stephen wanted to please you; no doubt he wanted to very mu

ill"-here she stopped again. "I come to tell you how I feel your suffering, and I spend the time talking about my

iful bowed head caressingly. "Do not feel so badl

id the girl, amid her

Claudia. I

ifting her head, her wet eyes turned ea

. My dear, I think I have

but after it was spoken a deep blush rose slowly over her whole face until it was in a

s. Lenox. "But I also knew that

short sentences were brought out, each with a fresh effort. "I do not speak of-of the other side," the girl went on, with

the other woman, not as if disturbed at all

he added, a quick, involuntary pride coming into her eyes. Then she turned her head away, shading

work was always distasteful to him, too. It was a slavery. And it was beginning to tell upon him; he could not have kept it up without being worn out both in body and mind. Judge, then, how glad I am that he has had all this change and pleasure-he needed it so! There is that side to his n

ut there are some things in which a husband and wife do feel alike, always and forever; there are ties which are eternal. And my own life holds them-ties and memories so precious that I can hardly explain them to you; memories of those early years of ours when we were so alone and poor, but so dear to each other that we did not mind it. We love each other just the same; but then we had nothing but our love-and it was enough. The coming, the short stay with us, and the fading away of our two little children, Claudia-these are ties deep down in our hearts which nothing can ever sunder. Stephen will go back to all that old grief of his when he comes home to find the little boy gone. Fo

e. But she did not faint; owing to Claudia's quick, efficient help, she was soon herself ag

ish you would let me unbraid your hair, and make you ready for bed; you look so tir

said the othe

and are not to be disturbed." When all was done and the light out, she paused for a moment by the bedside. "I am not going to talk any more," she sa

nox's voice said: "That is a mist

ed the girl. Then, "You must not ask

fore her, tightly clasped. The touch shook Claud

wife. "Then it will be over. By going aw

I know

you know yourself. When you see us together, it

," murmure

spoke again. "Of course, you know that I quite understand that it is only a gir

with Mrs. Marcy now, perhaps to direct that lady's somewhat wandering inspirations. For this occasion he had warned her that she must not be too sympathetic, that she must be on her guard. So Mrs. Marcy was "on her guard;" she only took out her handkerchief four times; she even talked of the weather. Claudia scarcely spoke. Blake himself conducted the conversation, and filled all t

picture. Blake, too, put up his eye-glass to look at them. Lenox said a word or two ab

; those are the secrets women keep for

t cried before. She told him the history of the little boy's last hours, and of all he had s

I went away," said Lenox, going back abruptly to the first subject. He w

foresee, and as such we must accept it. I wanted you to go-don't you

answered h

en, all you do is right; I wish to hear nothing that could e

. He came across and sat down beside her, his head bent forward, his

w that I can,"

was

ndeed, to bloom into a new youth. "It is the reaction after the long, wearing care of that child," explained Mrs. Marcy. "And isn't it beautif

t the others were going back to America. "We may return some

entimental lily, smoothing the embroidered edge of her handkerchief. "Such a pleas

eave at dawn, and they had come across to Mrs. Lenox's parlor to spend a las

, very soon; they were to visit each other; they were to write frequently-one would have supposed, indeed, that Blake intended to send a daily telegraphic despatch. At last the lily, having kept them all standing for twenty minute

e sparkle gone, she went to her, and put her arms round her; Claudia laid her head down upon the other's

own to her own apartment, on the other side of t

er niece, appearing

ment, won't you, Mr. Lenox?" suggest

e have already extended that look over two long hours. Good

ANCE F.

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on, and we put down the book with a sigh to think our pleasant task of reading it is finished. The author's lines must have fallen to her in very pleasant places; or she has, perhaps, within herself the wealth

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