Transcriber's Note:
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At every Library.
LUCREZIA.A STORY.By MRS. COMYNS CARR,Author of "North Italian Folk," "A Story of |
Of all Booksellers.
It was afternoon on a sunny spring day. The profound Sabbath rest andstillness which found no place in the incessant turmoil of the greatcommercial seaport reigned the more undisturbed around a country housewhich lay beyond the great sea of buildings near the shore, and whosepark-like grounds stretched down to the water. It was one of thoseimposing, elegantly and luxuriously appointed villas which richtownspeople usually inhabit when they wish to live secure from streetnoises and confusion, and yet would be able to reach the town withoutgreat loss of time. In the drawing-room, whose French windows openedupon the garden terrace, were a lady and gentleman engaged in an eagerand obviously earnest conversation. The cheeks of the young lady glowedin hot excitement, and she struggled visibly with hardly repressedtears, while the gentleman appeared perfectly indifferent and unmoved.He was a man of middle age, but with already completely grey hair, andgrave, cold features; his whole appearance betokened the business man.The calm and cool indifference of his manner was not lost for a momentin the most exciting conversation, and even his mode of speaking wasdry and businesslike, without a trace of any warmer feeling.
"Really, Jessie," said he, "I am weary of this constant repetition ofthe old lamentations. As your guardian and relative I have undertakenthe care of your future, and I should have thought the future which Ilay before you acceptable enough. But such a silly, romantic, girlishhead will never be able to judge what is for its own happiness."
The silly, romantic, girlish head was at least not deficient in grace.Without being regularly beautiful, the fair head, the delicate, butvery expressive features, and the rather languishing blue eyes, hadsomething uncommonly attractive.
At this moment, however, the youthful countenance bore the expressionof passionate excitement, and the same excitement trembled in her