Testore The Romance ot an Italian Fiddle- M.;-- THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES Gift of Mrs. Lawrence C. Lockley MUSIC 1 "" TESTORE TESTORE TAKES THE CRIPPLE'S FIDDLE From a drawmg by Gladys Holman, A.R.A. TESTORE THE ROMANCE OF AN ITALIAN FIDDLE-MAKER BY PAT CANDLER NEW YORK E. P. BUTTON & COMPANY MCMXVI Music Library ML TO MY FRIEND (JERTRUDE WADE OF WESTON-SUPER-MARE Who holds and cherishes the fiddle, 1707, so beloved by Carlo Giuseppe Testore of Milano, and which played so great a part in his life. Through a vision of this said fiddle I was led to secure it for my friend, though at that time I was ignorant of its existence, and did not even know that such a fiddle-maker had lived. 1S216SO FOREWORD To THE READER. During the summer of 1909, eight months after I had been led through a vision to procure the fiddle, 1707, mentioned in this story, and which was so named because it was completed in that year, for Gertrude Wade of Weston-super-Mare, there was vouchsafed to me dreams of its maker which were so vivid, partaking so little of the evanescent nature of dreams, that I was compelled to answer the call by weaving them into a life-story of Carlo Giuseppe Testore, fiddle-maker of Milano. These dreams, or visions, came at various hours, mostly after a heavy day's work, though during seven weeks' stay in The Hague, August to September, 1909, when I was free to wander alone, and at will, long hours, they, with other dreams of bygone centuries and people, became more frequent and still more vivid. Several friends, musical and otherwise, listened so vii viii FOREWORD keenly to the narration of them that I was encouraged to hope that perhaps strangers, particularly lovers of music, and all art in its purest and highest form, would likewise enjoy this biographical story, the outcome of these dreams. PAT CANDLER TESTORE PART I CHAPTER I MY home was in Italy, and I loved it well. I was a passionate, impulsive boy, nay, man, for at eighteen I was a man, a babe had lain in my arms, and I was a father. The dates of the years of my life matter not, since this is but a story of one who has lived, suffered, and passed on. Ah ! my home. It was such a pleasant place, built on the slope of a long hill and surrounded by vineyards. One room was my own. Its window looked towards the west, and when the sun sank low with his robes of splendour around him, I would drop my tools, and gaze at the glories of the sunset, my heart filled with the vague yearnings which none can express in words. And oft, while thus I stood, the voice of 2 TESTORE my mother would be heard, calling, "Carlo mio, thy supper waits." And, if my heart was black with anger, because my work had not been good, I would not heed her words. Soon the door would open, and a little maid with dark eyes and curly hair would enter, bearing in one hand a plate on which were grapes, and in the other a goblet of red wine. My bitter mood would soften, for I loved la mia bimba^ and, sitting down, I would take her on my knees, while she, throwing one arm around my neck, would set to feeding me with the grapes, yea, to the very last one. Then with a ringing laugh of joy, she would run to the bench on which were scattered pieces of wood, and lifting the one which she thought had caused my misery, she would bring it to me to kiss, for thus in her sweet childish way she sought to dispel my morose mood. This done, Fanciullina would pick up her skirt, and dropping a curtsy, would reward me for my smile by singing a song. I could see the tiny throat swelling as her voice, so true and pure, rose and fell. Her eyes would shine like diamonds, and the heaviness of my heart would depart. Down on my knees I would go, and clasping her wildly to my heart, would let the tears fall TESTORE 3 which washed away the gloomy thoughts that so oft assailed me, turning my hours of work into deep despair. When I again took up my tools, the child would slip out of the room, leaving me much the better for her visit. But not for long was la mia bimba spared to shed her soothing influence upon her father, for she fell sick, and she died. The world possessed no joys for me. I could not work. I could not play. Fanciullina had gone, and I was not there at her passing, for the Duca Visconti had sent for me. He kept me at his court for one, two, three days, and with smiles I answered his many questions. He praised me much, presenting me with a costly ring, yet all the while my heart was breaking ; but who at that grand court would have understood my grief ? My child had not known me when I kissed her " Addio," for she lay moaning with pain on her little couch, and I, who loved her so dearly, had to go, since in those days to set at naught the commands of the Grand Duke meant persecution. The fourth morning saw me riding as one possessed. Ah, the good God, whom then I despised, must have sent His Angels to keep 4 TESTORE me safe, for the roads were rough, and robbers numerous. It was a long journey, often taking three days, but I accomplished it in two, and the time seemed an Eternity. At last the little home was before me. Up the hill 1 hurried the beast, for what cared I for his weariness ? Yet, when I drew rein before the partly closed door, I feared to call aloud, but, leaping to the ground, I entered. Neither voice, nor sound, greeted me. Rigid I stood, afraid to break the silence, dreading I knew not what. And the dread deepened when I became aware of a low mur- muring in my room of fiddles. Towards it I staggered, feeling as though heavy hands pressed upon my shoulders, yet, ere they had fallen there, had they pierced me to the heart, and, as a man drunken with fermented wine, I stumbled in. There, on the bench where so oft Fanciullina had sought for a portion of my work that I might kiss it and make friends, stood a coffin. No words could express my anguish. Devils tugged at my heart. Fain would I have spoken, if only to rave, but speech was denied me. Afterwards they told me that I had remained TESTORE 5 motionless, with glassy eyes, and heaving chest. None dare speak, but my mother came towards me, and laid her hand on mine ; I flung it off, and, with a bitter cry, fell senseless. For many days I lay stricken by fever. Then, one evening, at my favourite hour of sunset, I opened my eyes to consciousness, and saw my mother bending over me. She held to my lips some drink which I took, and straightway fell into a deep sleep. When again I awoke, I asked no questions, but I let the days glide into weeks before I showed the slightest interest in anything, oft speaking not for hours at a stretch. I took the nourishment prepared for me by my mother, but I uttered no words of gratitude to her for her loving care, for my heart was so torn with grief that my tongue refused to speak. She even brought to my bedside some of my handicraft, thinking thus to arouse me from my melancholy mood ; but, shutting my eyes, I would not glance at it. As I lay thus one afternoon, when the heat of the day was passing into the cool evening hours, my mother came to me. " Carlo," said she, " thy child left a message for thee. Wouldst thou not hear it ? " 6 TESTORE Gently my mother spoke, yet her voice grated on my ear like a badly tuned string. " Fanciullina would be glad, for she bade me tell thee as soon as ye returned." Naught answered I, yet my eyes must have shown my desire to hear la mia bimbas words, for my mother continued, though I turned my head from her lest she might read upon my face the agony of my heart. " She awoke from her fever on the fifth day of her illness, and asked straightway for thee. We dare not lie to her, but told her that the Duca Visconti had sent for thee, and that thou hadst to go. So well she understood that thou durst not disobey his summons, that instead of fretting, she said sweetly, * I will wait, for Babbo shall see me again.' "Towards evening, we saw that she was sinking. All night we sat by her, but as day broke, she, reviving a little, begged us to carry her to thy room of fiddles. " ' I want Babbo to find me there,' she pleaded. ' We did as she wished, and when we had placed her comfortably, she fell asleep. " When she awoke, she asked for thy tools, and the wood at which thou hadst wrought ere she fell sick. Her little hands could TESTORE 7 scarce hold them and soon she lay back exhausted. "Again she slumbered, but barely an hour, and then we saw that Death had kissed her, and that our little one must leave us. So weak was her voice when she tried to speak to me that I did but catch her feeble whisper, ' Babbo shall see his Fanciullina again.' ' My mother paused, but I turned not my head. Neither spoke I a word. " Babbo shall see Fanciullina again." Cruelly the words mocked me. Yet, though I felt the utter hopelessness of the message, into my heart there dropped a a seed of belief. Perhaps, perhaps, and scoffer, unbeliever that I was, and always had been, this seedlet struck soil and grew. To everyone's surprise, I mended rapidly from that hour, and as soon as I was able, I got up and insisted on moving to Milano. There I tried to labour at my handicraft as in the old days when my child lived, but work I could not. The house so oppressed me that I spent long hours in the open, alone and miserable. The ray of hope that Fanciullina's message had awakened in me, died for the time, for, tired 8 TESTORE of the awful loneliness, I sought companions, and for a while became their boon comrade in many a dissipated scene. Not that this was new to me, for I had been wild enough, God knows, in my early youth, until the child had influenced me for the better. 1 had loved my wife in a passionate, selfish manner, but had already begun to weary of her, and might have left her for another, .had not Death taken her when la mia bimba was but a week old. Even at that tender age, the little one had fascinated me. She was so pretty, nay, beautiful, her head covered with the tiniest of black curls, her eyes fringed with long lashes. Bewildered and paralysed, I gazed at her as she lay sleeping, the living beside the dead, for my wife had just breathed her last, ere I realised that Death was so near. The babe opened its eyes, and uttered a piteous wail. Stooping, I lifted it into my arms, and from that hour we were friends. I loved to have her near me, and as often as not, she slept by my bench whilst I wrought at my craft. Ah, never had Carlo Giuseppe Testore a cleaner record of his deeds and thoughts than TESTORE 9 during those five years in which his child was his constant companion. Now, without her restraining influence, dark, indeed, was my future. The scenes of beauty which were around me, the glory of the setting sun, gave me no pleasure. And ever two pictures haunted me. I lived again and again those hours when, perforce, I waited on the Duca Visconti while my child lay at the point of death ; I recalled his suave words, and the flattering speeches of the courtiers, who cared not whether I lived or died. For the while I had been the new craze, and that because the Duca was a patron of art, and he deemed himself to be a judge of my handicraft. Many were the fiddle-makers of that time whose sole ambition was to stand before him, and to me the honour had fallen. Honour ! Bah ! I cared not for it since the cost had been so dear, and I would laugh aloud in sheer hardness of heart. That picture with its taunting memories would fade, and my room of fiddles in the old home without the city would appear before my eyes, and ever on the bench rested that coffin with the still form within it, and again io TESTORE Fanciullina's last words, " Babbo shall see me again," would beat upon my weary brain till, when I could bear it no longer, I would seek to deaden my grief by any revelling that crossed my path. CHAPTER II IT was a sultry day in July. For hours I had lain under a tree in a lonely spot with these memories strong upon me when a sound of running footsteps disturbed my thoughts. Startled and surprised, I sat up, for the road, if road it might be called, was but little frequented, and the way to the city lay to the left. Within a few yards of the tree which had sheltered me during the noontide heat, there was a sharp bend so that I could not see who thus hurriedly approached, but in a moment there appeared a woman, no mean peasant of the soil, but a lady of birth and rank. She stretched out her hands to me. " Save me, oh save me ! " she panted. Springing to my feet, I drew my sword from its sheath, prepared to defend the distressed Signorina, who now seized my arm whilst she repeated in trembling tones : " Oh, save me from him, for he is^a monster, a devil, and I dare not stay with him." I freed myself of her hold for a tall man ii 12 TESTORE was rapidly clearing the space 'twixt him and us, and, as the stranger sank terrified and exhausted to the ground, I placed myself before her. Her pursuer halted, then burst into an innocent laugh. "Dost think," he mocked, "that I cross swords with a maker of wooden toys which are fit only for those who live close to silk petticoats ? " And again he gave way to his mirth. In a flash I knew him for Conte Alfonso, half Spanish, half French, a man who had won a name for his famous sword-play. He was by no means a favourite of the Duca Visconti, yet, since he was a useful go-between 'twixt certain courts and courtiers, he lived, and grew fat. Strong and handsome, he won the hearts of many by his very audacity. This, with a certain fascination of manner, had enabled him to win through many an intrigue where another had been condemned to death. I had seen him during those awful days when I had awaited on the Grand Duke. Now when we stood face to face as foes, I answered naught to his insolent words, but remained on guard. TESTORE 13 Perhaps my cool contempt attracted his attention, for his laughter died away, and he stared me in the eyes. What he read therein, 1 cannot tell, but my sins were white compared with his, for his countenance told me much as thus we gazed on one another. So still were we that I heard the rustle of a leaf as it dropped to the ground, and the quick breathing of the stranger as she crouched on the ground beside me. Then the silence of that fair place was broken by the clash of steel, for the Conte Alfonso made a sudden onrush, and we fought till the sweat rolled heavily down our faces. At last, he drew blood from my left shoulder, and the sight of it did but whet his appetite for more. Howbeit it was only a slight wound. Hard pressed was I till my adversary, making too sure of victory, became careless. Thus the chance was mine, for, failing in his intent to parry a thrust, I pierced him to the heart. Once more there was silence. Again a leaf dropped, this time on the face of the dead. Brushing it off, I turned to the i 4 TESTORE woman who had risen from the ground. She gazed for a while on the still form, and then began to weep. And her tears awoke me to the fact that I had slain a man. Somewhat angrily I said : " You asked me to save you from him, and I have but obeyed your command." Yet she only sobbed on in a piteous heart- broken way. " Signorina is like all les gran dame. They love that which is beyond their reach. Conte Alfonso is dead, therefore he will trouble you no more. When alive you hated and feared him, now that he is gone, you mourn for him. Bah ! les gran dame are difficult to please." She sought to check her tears. " You know his name. He " this word was said with much effort, "he was no friend of mine, and if you are of his kind, Heaven help me." " I am not of his kind." The scorn and contempt with which I uttered these words seemed as though they lifted a burden from her mind. She turned to me, and laying her hand on my arm, said fervently, Madre di Dio, I thank thee ! " TESTORE 15 Then doubt and perplexity clouded her face. She glanced at me with a look that spoke of recognition, yet held the fear that I was not the one for whom she took me. " Who are you ? " she asked slowly. " A maker, as he said, of wooden toys." I spoke bitterly, for my pride had been sorely wounded ; but, at these words, she only tightened her grasp on my arm, saying " You are not Carlo Giuseppe Testore, who played before the Duca Visconti ? I thought " She stayed her words, but I awaited. " Continue, Signorina," I said at length. " You are like unto him, and yet- again doubt clouded her face, " you say you are Testore." I bowed, and perchance, something of my old self showed in my countenance, for hers changed to a look of belief. " Oh ! " cried she, " what will you do ? " " Nay, rather," I answered, " what will you do ? " ' In reply she pointed in the direction from whence she had come. " The horses are there," said she, " and not many miles distant there is a convent which !6 TESTORE will shelter me. I know the Abbess well. And you must leave me." Pausing, she looked on the still form lying at our feet. " He is dead thus our secret is safe and I shall be seen no more at the Duca Visconti's court. No one will ever suspect you." " You cannot ride alone. The convent is farther than you think. Moreover, the day draws to its close." " 1 must ! 1 must ! " She gazed now on my sword, and shuddered. Then turned she her head. Presently I spoke " See," and 1 held out the weapon, spotless before her eyes; "let us go." This time it was she who assented silently ; and, without another word, we set our faces towards the spot where the horses stood awaiting their riders. Yet, when I had gone a few steps, I looked backwards, and saluted my enemy, for he had fought well, and my hatred of him had passed. I know not if Signorina noticed my action, for she did not speak of it ; but when we reached the horses she held out her hand. "Addio!" TESTORE 17 " Nay," said I, " not yet need we say fare- well, for I ride with you to the convent gate." So we mounted, she her horse, and I his, and rode away from that place. CHAPTER III THE road was deserted, and it was as well that it was so. Presently my companion reined in her horse closer to mine. I thank thee ! " Turning in my saddle, I looked at her ; perhaps my eyes told of my rapidly awakening interest in her, for hers fell from before my glance. The daylight faded ; night would soon be upon us, and still we were silent save for a few remarks concerning the way. The nature of her thoughts I cannot know, but I, after her few words of gratitude, forgot the dead, for now my mind dwelt only on the beautiful stranger who rode at my side with her eyes fixed steadily before her. At whiles she patted her horse, speaking endearing words to him, at which the beast, twitching his ears, would whinny in reply. More than once she half turned in her saddle, as if wishful to talk, but repented ere the words left her lips. 18 TESTORE 19 Truly we were a strange pair. And now, an amazing thought assailed me. Why not prevail upon her to join her fortune with mine ? Before the convent walls were reached I had planned a reckless deed. She should come with me. The world was large, and I was not penniless, for my father had left me several vineyards, so that 1 was not entirely dependent upon my craft. True, one of the largest of them had been sold in order to pay for some of my extravagant debts. Bah ! my thoughts took another turn. This Signorina was possibly a Contessa, and thus would spurn my simple name. Besides It may be that, angered at these thoughts which possessed me, I vented some of my temper upon my steed, for he reared and plunged so wildly, that it was some time before I could soothe him. Signorina had ridden forwards, seemingly indifferent to me and my doings, but when again we rode side by side she spake. " So Carlo Giuseppe Testore is a good horseman as well as a swordsman. Of what other accomplishment does he boast ? " " Have I boasted of these ? " 20 TESTORE She reddened. "Forgive me. I spoke heedlessly, yet my lips belied my heart, for I know you for a brave man." "You know me for a brave man," repeated I. " How won you that knowledge ? " Her eyes fell as she said, "The hour is late, and I fear that the convent gate will be locked." " It is an easy enough matter to arouse the portress," I answered, " but ride on our way we shall not till you reply." Fearlessly, but yet appealing, she looked on me. " I am so weary." But I only tightened my hold on her rein, and repeated my question. " So Testore is a tyrant as well as a courageous man. Yet it was not for naught that I watched him during his enforced stay at court." Her voice changed from its tone of raillery into that which bespoke of pity, and sympathy. " I do not think ; I know." She laughed softly, then continued : " Ever since I left the days of childhood behind me I have sought to read the thoughts of those I meet, and, when you came to play before the Duca Visconti, I could read upon your face that some grim trouble pulled TESTORE 21 at your heartstrings. There was a hidden ache in every word you uttered, each smile was followed by a twinge of pain." My hand fell from her bridle while my face paled. " Forgive me. I meant not to probe un- healed wounds." Bitterly I laughed. " Was she very beautiful, this lady for whom you mourn ? " I would that I had told her then, but ever I trusted not those who, dressed in fine raiment, bedecked with jewels, lived at the many gay courts of Italy. So I held my tongue, but I urged my beast on so furiously that she had difficulty in keeping up with me, and thus, without another word, we reached the convent. She held out her hand in farewell. Silently I took it in mine, then drew back behind a tree to watch her entry. Quickly one opened in answer to her knock, but as she passed through the gateway, she gave a swift glance backwards ere the heavy gate was swung to, and barred. CHAPTER IV FOR a while I remained lost in thought, then I turned my horse's head and went back along the track which we two had ridden. Presently I left it, and, still plunged in meditation, * I rode across a wide space of rough stubble land which led me to a great wood. Here I dismounted, leaving the horse free to wander homeward if he would, for I had no further need of him, also I might chance on one who knew the beast ; thus would I place my life in jeopardy, for who would believe me if I said that the Conte Alfonso had met his death in fair fight ? Plunging into the depths of the wood, distant voices fell upon my ears. Cautiously I stole in the direction of these sounds, and came upon a band of gypsies, who, encamped for the night, were enjoying their evening meal. And I knew them for my friends. Once I had done them a service, and they, in return, had taught me many of their secrets. 22 TESTORE 23 More than once I had wandered abroad with them when unable to work. Unseen, I watched them for a while, cheered by their lively chatter and merry laugh, until the sight of the rapidly emptying dishes brought home to me the fact that I, too, was hungry. The past became a dream, and 1 was again Testore the fiddle-maker, Testore the wild, if you will ; but not Testore, the killer of men, the would-be wooer of beautiful ladies. Since it were as well that I should avoid my old haunts for a few days, I determined to sojourn with these gypsies, for were my absence remarked upon it would cause but little surprise, so frequent were my wanderings. But, meanwhile, the food was disappearing, so I gave a gypsy call of brotherhood, which caused an immediate silence to fall upon the group. The hand in the act of conveying a portion to the mouth stopped midway in its journey, and every eye was turned towards the place from whence had come the cry. Repeating it, I walked towards them. " Ecco, Testore ! Ewiva, Testore ! " My hands were seized, and I was almost torn to pieces, so boisterous, so hearty, were the greetings of my friends. 24 TESTORE It was useless to attempt to speak until they had exhausted their exclamations of delight, therefore I pointed to the partly emptied platters, and soon I was seated before a well- heaped plate of maccaroni of which I partook hungrily ; and when my thirst was quenched I was ready to reply to their many questions, and to make known to them that I fain would be their guest for a time. The meal over, a fiddle was produced and put into my hands. Ah, the gypsies had chosen a beautiful spot wherein to encamp for the night, for the open sward, enclosed by trees and shrubs, was, indeed, a place of wondrous beauty. The men in divers lazy attitudes grouped themselves around me, and there in the fast gathering shadows of evening I played to them a solemn melody which, presently, changed to an Allegro full of life and gaiety. The Allegro passed into a Presto, and, fast and joyously, the notes rippled over each other. Life was one long dance, and in answer to the call of the music, the sward became alive with the forms of brown-eyed, dark-haired maidens, whose nimble feet kept time to the rhythm of the Gypsy Dance. The moonlight, peeping between the sway- TESTORE 25 ing branches of those great trees whose leaves rustled an accompaniment, shone athwart the bosoms of the maids which rose and fell, whilst their necklaces jingled with the movement. My friends sat up, their faces aglow with excitement, their eyes on the dancers. The Presto ended in a great chord, and the maidens, wearied, sank down on to the grass. A silence fell upon us all. Then I remembered Fanciullina, and, me- thought, the soul of him whom I had slain hovered around me. Again I lifted the fiddle and played. And now the music was of my own heart, a wild lament of pain and woe. The men were speechless, but the women sobbed. So keenly did my message touch them that it was as though the bitter sorrow of mankind with the fear of death held them fast. But, presently, that cry of anguish ceased. I scarcely paused ere the notes that followed spoke to them of peace and joy attained. Tears were dried, the eyes of all shone with hope, and then, as though an angel prompted me, 1 played a hymn of exaltation over a battle fought and won. And the echoes of that glorious psalm of praise resounded around us. When the last note thereof had died away 26 TESTORE I laid down the fiddle, and sought my couch of moss and leaves which had been piled high for me by certain of my friends. One by one, these, too, laid themselves down to sleep, and I was alone with the moon and the night. Oft have I wondered what the world would have thought of these improvisations of mine ! Those were pleasant days which I spent with the gypsies, and always, when safely encamped far from the highways that led to the cities, I would play to them my music, whether it were sad or gay, and, again, I was the Testore of old. At last I returned home, and was told by many of the finding without the city of the dead body of the Conte Alfonso. I listened to these several tales, carelessly asked a few questions, then engrossed myself in my work, for I was filled with the desire to combine two varnishes in such a way as would produce one more beautiful in colour than any I had as yet used. For the time I was happy since the experiment proved a success. I spent long hours rubbing it upon one of my beloved instruments. Thus Conte Alfonso was for- gotten by me, and my comrades left me alone for they were occupied with affairs of State. TESTORE 27 France had insulted us, and there was much talk of war, but so completely was I absorbed in the delights of my work that I gave but little attention to the rumours, therefore I was not surprised when they came to naught. CHAPTER V ONE day, Francesco, my cousin, invaded my chamber of fiddles, a thing which none dare do without my leave or invitation, for only la mia bimba had been allowed to come and go, at will. He was hot and breathless, and, as he would have heedlessly brushed aside some of my precious wood in order to seat himself, I pointed to the door. He obeyed my gesture for they were all very good to me. Following him to the living-room, I inquired as to the cause of his excitement. " Strange news, cousin," answered he, " the convent of the Holy Mother has been burnt to the ground." I started, for that was the convent wherein Signorina had taken refuge. Signorina, whom I had forgotten. But, before I could speak, Francesco continued hurriedly, " Cousin, do you remember the talk concerning a lady who was missing at the time of the murder of the Conte Alfonso ? " 28 TESTORE 29 I could only look my answer, for my mind was full of the many incidents of that hot day in July. " Well, they say that she was betrothed, or about to be betrothed, to the Duca Visconti's nephew. No trace was found of her till one of the Duca's men, having been sent to the con- vent with a message from his master, saw her. " He had been ordered to deliver the missive to none other than the Abbess herself, and, likewise, to receive the reply from her own hand. Whilst waiting for it in an ante-chamber, the Signorina entered. Although she with- drew quickly when she saw who sat there, the man recognised her. " He held his tongue concerning this en- counter, for those who serve the great, learn full well the worth of silence, but, taking the letter which the Abbess presently brought him, he set forth on his return journey. " On his arrival at the palace, he was im- mediately summoned before the Duke, who, having received the answer to his missive, would have dismissed him but the man lingered. Then his master asked if he had aught to say of import, whereon his servant told him of whom he had seen in the ante-chamber of the 3 o TESTORE convent. The Duke listened silently to this tale, and when the man had said all, he asked him if he could swear to the truth of his words. "Satisfied with the reply that she was well known to him since during her residence at court she had daily visited her horse in its stall, the Duca sent an escort to fetch her to his palace. " Armed with the warrant for this deed, sealed with the crest of the house which he served, the Captain thereof was admitted to the presence of the Abbess, who, however, refused to throw any light on the matter. "Then, acting upon further orders, the con- vent was searched, even the chapel itself, and the vaults below, but with no result, save a stirring of forgotten dust. " Therefore, the Captain sent a messenger to acquaint the Duke with that they had done, while he, and the others, remained behind on guard. " The Abbess, and her nuns, retired beyond sound of their voices, or the thread of their feet. At dawn the building was ablaze, and, in spite of all the efforts of the soldiers, and the prayers of the women, it was burnt to the ground. Yet none were hurt, save two, who perished in the flames." TESTORE 31 Fain would I have hurried away for I yearned to be alone, but Francesco detained me. Laying his hand on my arm, he said, " The Abbess is here in this town." "And her nuns ?" " Are with her." That scene under the tree by the vineyard of the dead lying so still on the earth, and Signorina pointing to my blood-stained sword, flashed across my mind, and, unbeliever as I was, I crossed myself. This action pleased my cousin, for he was a devout Catholic. " What caused the fire ? " Francesco shook his head. " Many think it a punishment sent by the Holy Virgin for the violation wrought to her convent." " Why then did she allow two of her followers to perish in the flames ? " My cousin made the sign of the Cross. "We may not question her doings," said he, " and I would that you thought more reverently on these things." " Bah ! I tell you she had nothing to do with it. They are but fools who believe such talk." Sad indeed was the look upon Francesco's face ; he turned to go. 32 TESTORE " Ah, well, if that is all you can say, 1 am sorry. I came to see if you would accompany me to II Duomo where masses are to be sung for the dead." I was fond of my cousin, and, repentant of having wounded his feelings, I laid my hand caressingly on his shoulder, saying that I would go with him. Without, the streets were filled with men, women and children, all hurrying in a state of great excitement towards the Cathedral, and, as we joined the ever-increasing crowd, eager questions were heard on all sides. When we reached II Duomo, it was Fran- cesco who pushed his way well to the front, and I kept close to him. To the service I paid but scant attention, for my thoughts were of Signorina. What if she be one of the victims to the fire ? The masses over, we waited till the people had somewhat dispersed. Two nuns passed by us. One of them dropped her book at my feet. Stooping, I picked it up, and, as she took it from my hand, our eyes met. My face flushed, but she only inclined her head as if to acknowledge my little act of courtesy, and rejoined her companion. Francesco had noticed neither the look nor TESTORE 33 my change of countenance, and I, of course, was silent. We reached my house where my cousin left me, and I went to my room. There I tried to work, but my mind dwelt so persistently on that little incident in II Duomo that soon I gave up all attempts, and sauntered forth again. The town was still flooded with people. Many I knew ; some would have stayed me, but, being in no mood for idle chatter, I pushed on until I found that unconsciously I had reached the Cathedral. I entered, prompted by a force within me which I was compelled to obey. Passing up the aisle, I knelt before an altar. The stalls were still filled with kneeling monks. Somewhere in the background voices were heard in a Psalm of Supplication. I buried my face in my hands, and I, Testore, prayed. When I raised my head 1 saw that a peasant woman had seated herself next to me. She was regarding me anxiously, but the look of uncertainty in her eyes gave way to relief when she saw my face clearly. As 1 turned to pass out, she adroitly pushed a tiny missive into my hand, making at the 34 TESTORE same time a sign to imply secrecy. I closed my fingers over it, then withdrew my hand under my cloak that none might see. The action pleased her. She knelt down, and commenced to tell her beads rapidly. Not till I was in my own chamber did I open and read. " To the good Testore to whom I ever owe a debt of gratitude. "To-night I set out for Naples, and from thence to Sicily. Addio ! Addio ! " There was no signature, only these few words. She knew, then, that I had recognised her, and the thought that she trusted me, believ- ing me incapable of treachery, filled my heart with joy. To Sicily ! " It was a long way. I scanned the paper again and again lest I might have missed aught upon it. But no, just this short message. My interest, curiosity, call it which you will, grew. I would not be baffled. Once 1 had been her knight, but since then what ? Impatiently, angrily, I paced the room. Mad, impulsive fellow that 1 was, I had for- gotten her until my cousin had rushed in upon TESTORE 35 me with the tale of the burning of the con- vent. Then had followed that chance meeting in II Duomo. Behold, how often a small spark kindles a great fire ! My impatience grew. 1 vowed that I would see her, this beautiful lady who now so utterly possessed my heart to the exclusion of all else. Visions of her as a sainted nun, deprived of all that makes the life of a woman, did but strengthen my wild intention. The difficulties which would have to be overcome were as naught. I brushed them aside. She should be mine. Work, fame, all were possible with her at my side. At last, worn out by the excess of my mood, I sat down, and gazed again at the missive which I had clasped tightly in my left hand all the while my thoughts ran riot. " To-night I set out." I let the paper fall as I suddenly grasped the fact that but a few hours I had in which to act. "To-night!" Rapidly I planned. I, too, would seek the road to Naples, and lie in ambush until the Abbess and her train passed. 36 TESTORE Fate might be kind to me ; some chance might guide my steps to success. Again, my absence would cause but little remark, since I had always been prone to these fits of wandering, which oft lasted for days, and even weeks ; and my mother, good old soul, must have grieved sadly enough over her wayward son. Not that she ever chided me, but I know that her happiest hours were when I was safe at work in my room of fiddles. Hiding a supply of money about my person, I donned my cloak, for I had, perforce, to seek a horse ere I could commence my journey. A good mount found, I drank a cup of wine with its master, ere I started for the road with- out Milano which led southwards. With the city behind me, and the highway before, I put my steed to the gallop, taking care, however, not to over-ride him, for I knew not yet what might be in store for us. And as I rode on so wild an errand, me- thought of a place but a few miles farther on, favourable for a sudden attack ; a sharp turn, trees on either side, and behind them broken ground, and low bushes. All travellers dreaded this spot. Too often had it witnessed struggles between those who TESTORE 37 fain would keep their gold, and those who would lighten them of it. How I was to accomplish my mad intent of taking captive Signorina single-handed, I knew not yet, but Fate sent help to me as you shall hear. CHAPTER VI WHEN I reached this bend in the road, I dismounted, and making fast the bridle of my horse to a low-hanging branch of one of the many trees, I examined the place as well as I could by the light of the new moon. The time so spent repaid me well, for I came upon signs which encouraged me to hope that, perhaps, my attempt to snatch Signorina from her companions would not be a failure. Now there was naught I could do save to wait in patience. Two parties would come this way ere dawn of day. And my success depended on which should arrive first. For the traces that I had discovered told me that to-night this spot would be the rendezvous of my gypsy friends. Ah, what a waiting was that ! A minute stretched to a half-hour, the half- hour to an interminable day. There was no wind. All was still around 38 TESTORE 39 me. I bared my head, and gazed into the beauty of the night, and at the silver moon set in a cloudless grey-blue sky. At last I heard, not the thud of galloping horses, but the shrill whistle which I so well knew, and for which I had so hoped. And, in answer, shadowy forms appeared, and grouped themselves around their leader. I waited until I deemed that they had all assembled, then I, too, gave a cry, the call of a friend in distress. One by one they approached me. I held up one hand, imploring for silence, whilst I extended the other which they grasped affectionately. Swiftly the chief comprehended my look that I would speak to him apart. Speaking rapidly, and in low tones, I made known to him my desire, and he, grasping my wild idea, speedily made his plans to aid me. " None too soon have we come," said he, as he strode back to his comrades who awaited near. In a few minutes that highway became alive with silent, moving figures. Ropes were produced, and a barrier held by living men, was soon formed. 4 o TESTORE Hardly were these preparations finished ere the sound of horses' hoofs disturbed the quiet of the night. Caspar, the gypsy chief, rejoined me. " None too soon," he repeated. " They ride fast," muttered I to him. " That we cannot help," my friend replied. " If they turn ? " My tones betrayed my anxiety. "The like greeting meets them. Some of my men will close up behind directly the riders pass." The grip of my hand told him of my admiration for his forethought. " I would that they rode less furiously, for I counted not upon broken bones." " Since they will be hemmed in on all sides, the men have orders to cry out ; there will be time for them to check their speed somewhat." These words lifted a burden from off me, and again I tightened my grasp on his arm to bespeak my gratitude. It was a bold deed which Caspar's quick brain had devised, and those in charge knew well the penalty which followed disobedience. Once, twice, the call rang out ; and, ere the echoes thereof died away, all was in confusion. TESTORE 41 The horses were surrounded ; strong hands held them till their riders, overpowered, were forced to surrender. A babel of voices arose, but none of the women shrieked aloud. So suddenly had the horsemen been pinioned that they had no time to draw swords. I sought, and found, my beautiful lady. " Dismount ! " said I curtly ; then, ere she had time to speak, I added, "Trust yourself to me for no harm shall befall you." Silently she obeyed me, but my heart told me that she knew my voice. " Come," continued I, " in ten minutes we must be far away." " You would have me forsake my friends ? " Proudly she drew herself up. But I laughed softly, and in low tones replied, " You will come, for only by so doing, can you aid your companions." Naught answered she to my words, but stared at me with frightened eyes, and whiten- ing lips. " In ten minutes if you and I are still here, your comrades die. Look 1 " Grasping her arm firmly with one hand, I pointed to the crowd of gypsies, who out- numbered the captured by three to one. 42 TESTORE It was a cruel lie, but how else could I prevail upon her ? Though she spoke not, I knew that she would yield rather than endanger the lives of her friends. " I swear to you that all shall be saved ; not even a drop of their blood shall be shed, only we must depart ere it be too late." " I do not understand " " Hush ! " I interrupted, for Caspar ap- proached, and I had no wish for him to hear her words, since he believed that she desired to be thus liberated, and to come with me. He laughed low when he saw us, and began to speak, but, fortunately, in the patois of his tribe, comprehensible only to those who had learnt of its mysteries of words and accent. Signorina, thinking that he threatened us, gave way. "Let us go," said she. Fast beat my heart at her words. I begged Caspar to give me an hour's start, and then to withdraw his men. But not till I held my beautiful lady in front of me on my good steed, could I feel that I had her safe. For the others I cared not ; Caspar would keep faith with me ; there would be no violence TESTORE 43 or robbery, but when the time was up for which I had asked the gypsies would vanish, leaving the women free to release the pinioned men. Whether the alarmed travellers proceeded on their journey, or returned to Milano, mattered not to me. On we galloped neither of us spoke ; a stray lock of her hair was blown against my face, and it but fanned me to starker deeds. At last, when a great distance was put between us and those whom we had left behind, I checked the wild gallop ; then, alighting, I lifted Signorina to the ground. Side by side we stood, with the night air playing upon our faces ; then, with a quick movement, I faced her. She was veiled in a long cloak of the kind peculiar to the order of nuns with whom she had been travelling. I bent towards her. " Angelo mio ! " Very tenderly I said these words which to a lover means so much, but her eyes fell from the fierce fire in mine. " Angelo mio ! " Again I spake in a low whisper, bending so close to her dear face that I could feel her breath upon my cheek ; but still she answered 44 TESTORE not, only her hands, which I held within mine, were not withdrawn. " Angelo mio ! " 1 kissed her ear. She trembled, and sought to free herself. I let her hands go, and she hid her face within them whilst her form shook with sobs. Dismayed, 1 gazed at her. It cut me to the quick that I had made her weep for I loved her so, and I would that I had never dared this thing. I bit my lips, I drove my nails into my palms, then I tore her hands from before her eyes that I might read their message, for I would rather pierce my heart with my own sword than trouble her with my presence, if that were hateful to her ; but my blood coursed quickly through my veins, for neither hate nor fear were therein written, but the look that tells a lover much. I seized her in my arms, our lips met, and, in that fierce tumult of passion and joy, all was forgotten, yea, even Fanciullina. Presently, the difficulties that surrounded us, forced themselves upon our minds, and we spoke together of how we should evade capture. Fearing to waste the minutes, we rode on again till we struck a side path. The neigh- TESTORE 45 bourhood was strange to me, and the beast, weaned with his double burden, stumbled, and drooped his head. So I turned off this path on to the grass amidst some trees, and there I found a spot in which to rest. Relieving the horse of his saddle and bit, I seated myself beside my beautiful lady, who, resting her head upon my shoulder, fell asleep. And thus passed what remained of that night. My limbs ached with the rigid posture. Hunger and thirst beset me sorely, but, even so, the day dawned all too soon. Always, in my mad wanderings, I could completely put aside all thoughts of work, returning to it with greater zest than ever. Thus it was now, for here was I, Testore the fiddle-maker of Milano, content with but one thought, his beautiful lady. Unable to stand my cramped position any longer, I moved slightly ; but it disturbed Signorina, and she opened her eyes. Though bewildered at first, she soon remem- bered all that had passed, and, " Testore ! " she whispered softly. I bent to her and the wild chaos of my mind was stilled for the time ; yet we might not tarry, for we must ride till we reached a town. 46 TESTORE Putting her gently from me, I bade her take off the sombre cloak that I might hide it, perchance, in the depth of some hollow trunk of a tree. Now we rode anew, and, before long, came upon the outskirts of a city where we met a man driving two cows into a yard. A lad followed with a pail of milk. Ah, that white frothy milk ! The very sight of it intensified our thirst. Hastily pulling up, I alighted, and, seizing the pail from the hand of the astonished boy, raised it to the lips of my beautiful lady. Never before had she used so huge a goblet, and only such as she could have drunk from it so daintily. " Hold, Signore, hold ! " cried the owner of the cows. " Art thou man or devil, that thou dost rob me of my milk ? " But I only rested the pail for a second on the ground ere we attacked its contents anew. At which sight he crossed himself, and mut- tered a prayer for protection from evil spirits. Then, more concerned for his dairy than for his soul, he bravely sought to snatch the pail as I lifted it yet again. Merrily I laughed, for there was much humour in the situation, and this laughter TESTORE 47 reassured them somewhat ; but the coin I proffered relieved their fears completely, so that they were both eager to hold the pail whilst I quenched my thirst. Refreshed, I asked the man what manner of inns were to be had in the town. " The Signore would do me a great honour if he would deign to make use of my humble abode." I looked at him. His features were honest enough, and the kindly light within his eyes redeemed the somewhat stupid appearance of his countenance. So I accepted his offer. Leading us up the yard, he opened a door which, entering, we found ourselves in a low- built, rudely furnished room. A woman, busily cooking over the fire, turned, and, before I could defend myself from her un- foreseen attack, had enfolded me in her arms. Amazed and angered, I freed myself, but her voice told me that her face had not re- vealed, for, taking me again into her embrace, she repeated excitedly, " Buono Carlo ! Dost thou not know me Teresa, who was the first to hold thee in her arms. For shame, Carlo mio ! 'Tis thus we are forgotten." And yet again she fell to hugging me. A faithful servant of our family, Teresa had 48 TESTORE only left us to be married, and, since travelling was dangerous, and letters unknown among the peasant folk, we had lost sight of her in her new home miles distant. Releasing me only that she might the better look at me, she laughed so gaily that, perforce, we joined in her merriment. Alas ! how often is such laughter followed by tears. Soon a meal was set before us, and when we had partaken of it, I was shown into a small chamber where, flinging myself upon the couch, I fell asleep. It was very late in the day when I awoke and made my way to the kitchen where Teresa occupied herself with some household duty. The table was prepared for one at which I wondered, whilst a pang of disappointment shot through me when I saw that my old nurse was alone. She turned as I entered. Then I saw that her eyelids wese red, as though she had wept much. Eagerly I questioned her as to the welfare of Signorina. My old nurse replied that she had rested well, and, " Oh, how beau- tiful, how gracious was la gran dama." Thus she chattered, all the while noisily arranging the platters on the table. TESTORE 49 When at last she paused, and 1 could speak to ask anew of my companion, Teresa gave me a message from her. My beautiful lady was still weary and, there- fore, would rest till the morrow. " But," stammered I, " must I wait till then?" " Such is her wish, buono Carlo. She begged that none might disturb her, but she bade me see that you ate well when you awoke." Moodily I refused to sit down, and naught that Teresa said availed. Impatiently pacing up and down the room, I implored my nurse to go and ask la gran dama to change her mind. But she only shook her head, and, at last, as in the old days, when she alone could make me obey when no one else could, I gave in to her entreaties, and seated myself at the table. The repast over, we chatted long over by- gone memories. She spoke highly of her husband, sighing deeply when she told me that through all their twelve wedded years no little one had blessed their home. And I told her of many of my doings. I hid not from her my reckless ways and deeds, only I spake not a word of la mia bimbo,, nor 50 TESTORE did I tell her of my first meeting with my beautiful lady. After a while I grew silent and oppressed ; so many thoughts crowded themselves within my brain, and the air of the room became so hot that I felt as though the walls thereof were closing in upon me. Arising hurriedly, I passed without. Night had again fallen and, as I paced the garden, the heavy pressure around me lightened. And I lived in those past hours, dwelling on each word and look of Angelo mio, for such would I ever call her. And, strange as it may seem to many, no desire had entered my mind to ask of her her name. Angelo mio ! That was enough for me, and such I called her ever after in my heart. I would love her, and ways and means were of little account. At length Teresa came out and sought to persuade me to return to the house ; but I would not hearken to her, and she left me : the only time, I believe, that she had failed in winning me to do her behest. Oh, the beauty of that night ! The cloudless sky, the scent of the flowers, and the deep silence that prevailed. TESTORE 51 My excitement waned, my fears were lulled. I felt the presence of Unseen Beings and, as in that mighty Cathedral, I, Testore, prayed. Strange, indeed, are the thoughts of man. So much evil, so much good, makes up the tale of his deeds and life, and oft only a slight pressure is needed to turn his heart for either right or wrong. Years afterwards I gave thanks to Him who was then but a name to me for those long quiet hours. CHAPTER VII DAWN found me still pacing up and down, but calmed and thoughtful. For the first time in my life an unselfish love held me in its sway. Our future should be in her hands, not mine, for I would not sully so pure a flower. As the sun rose, I returned to the house, and finding that no one was astir, sought the chamber which Teresa had allotted to me. I was content to wait, and, throwing myself upon the couch, I fell asleep. Ere I awoke I dreamed of Fanciullina. Never before had I dreamt of her. I saw her coming towards me, clothed in pure white, her face radiant with beauty and happiness. She held out to me that I thought was a fiddle, but no sooner had my fingers closed upon it than it became a sharp thorn which pricked me sorely. Flinging it down, I called to my child for she was passing out of my sight, but she pointed past herself to a mountain peak on which stood a city shining 52 TESTORE 53 as of gold. I tried to speak but my tongue refused to utter the words, and Fanciullina slowly passed on. I watched her as she climbed the height turning to beckon to me every now and then. At the summit two angel-forms greeted her. One lifted her in his arms, while there floated downwards a chorus of heavenly song. Awaking, I found myself sitting up, with hands outstretched and tear-laden eyes. I sank back on the pillow, and my thoughts were of the past, and the present, la mia bimba^ and Angek mio. Soon came a gentle knock at my door and Teresa entered. The room became fragrant with the odour of coffee, a rare delicacy, and one little to be expected in a small homestead. Taking the cup from her, I drank feverishly. In truth I had never before tasted it though many were loud in their praise of it. The morrow had come and I should see my beautiful lady. Eagerly I questioned my hostess, but she answered not, and, without a word, disappeared. Ere I could comprehend her demeanour and silence, she returned, and laid a letter beside me ; then she withdrew. A vague feeling of uneasy apprehension came 54 TESTORE over me. I fingered the missive, then opened it, and, as I read therein, a trembling seized me, and a mist obscured my sight " Testore mio, farewell, for our folly, our mad passion, must cease, yet I love you. " You say that you love me, yet how can you, whose heart but a few months ago was well- nigh breaking for another, make me a true lover ? " Return to her. Forget me if you can for I love you so well that I am leaving you for ever. Even had this woman not stood between us, my rank alone would be but one of the many barriers with which I am surrounded. " Seek me not, my Testore, for thus I call you since my heart tells me in spite of my thoughts that you love me. " Wild you may be, impulsive you are, but not wicked, Carlo mio, and I love you. " My Testore, for you were mine for a few hours, for your sake I leave you, and Italy. " I will not share you with another ; nor shall any other man touch my lips, they are sacred to you for ever. " Far away, in a community of silent sisters, I shall hide myself from the world, and there TESTORE 55 amid my solitude I would that I could think of you as fulfilling your art. " You told me much of yourself during those hours when our souls found each other, but more than you said I read in your face, and, because I love you, and you love me, I would that you wasted not all your life. "Testore mio, farewell ! " It is said that a sudden shock paralyses the human frame and so it was with me. I became for the while incapable of movement, or of sound, devoid of sense and feeling. Then, when the power of thought and motion returned to me, numb despair gave way to hopelessness and loneliness. In that small chamber I lay till evening. None came near me, not even Teresa, though afterwards I learnt that she had spent long moments of anxiety outside my door, for she who knew so well my passionate, impulsive nature, feared this strange calm. Flesh wounds oft cause the victim to cry aloud but mortal hurts are at times received in silence. At sunset, there came again a knock upon my door and my nurse entered. " Buono Carlo ! " 56 TESTORE She held out to me a second letter which I took without a word. Teresa tarried. It was cruel of me not to speak to her, for her face was pale and worn with fears for me, but before Sorrow and Pain lead one to the Gate of Unselfish Thoughts, and Deeds, each soul must travel for a while the highway of self. And, on that road, some linger, while others, possessed of strength of soul, hastening for- ward, pass through, then extend they a helping hand to those still struggling on behind. My faithful nurse ! She stood there, her features working with badly concealed emotion, till, bursting suddenly into a flood of tears, she hurried from my presence. I stared at her broad back, troubling not at her sorrow since mine was the only grief in the world. Even the letter which she had brought, was forgotten, till turning impatiently I saw it lying where it had fallen from my hand. Listlessly I opened it, but at sight of the writing fiercely surged the passionate tide within my veins. Angelo mio ! I might have known that the missive was from her, since only she knew of my where- abouts. TESTORE . 57 u My Testore ! Once more I call you so, but after, only in my heart. " Do not be angry with the good Teresa for I compelled her to aid my escape. Her husband has escorted me so far, and, while the horses rest, I write this, my last farewell, at a little wayside inn that he may carry it back to you. " In one hour he will leave me in the care of the good mother of a convent near by. " 1 rode away at noon, while you still slept. Your words rang in my ears, your face was before me. I loved you then, I love you now ; but, Testore mio, it must be as I say. " No priest would bless us were he to know my true name, and I could not swear to a false one at the sacred altar. " Because of my love for you, I will not return to my place in the world, neither will I wed one while my heart is given to another ; though there are those, rich and powerful, who fain would call me back to the hollow mockery of life without you ; thus only by taking holy vows am I safe from pursuit. " In that retreat my penance will oft be severe, for it will take long years to purge you from my memory, yet shall I bear it if, when kneeling on the cold stones, I can think of you as happy in your work. 5 8 TESTORE " My Testore, I fear not her for whom you have so sorely grieved for I know that your love is mine. " Riding hither, I stifled my heart's cry for you, and I cannot, dare not, will not draw back. " We may not meet again in this world, and, afterwards, who knows ? Addio ! Addio ! " I do not think that I immediately com- prehended the full meaning of these words, but, presently, the knowledge was borne in upon me that I had lost my beautiful lady, that never again would I look upon her. Then I arose softly, for I would not face any of that household, and groped my way to the door for the daylight had waned. As I stepped without that chamber I became aware that I was watched. This exasperated me. Turning, I hurled out fierce words, then, completely forgetting myself, I cursed her who had robbed me of my all, and who had abetted la gran dama in her flight. Of that which chanced in the next few hours I have no remembrance, but when I came to my senses I was on horseback many miles from the homestead. The poor beast was covered with flecks of foam, his glossy skin streamed with moisture, his limbs trembled from TESTORE 59 exhaustion. Sobered by his piteous state, I led him to a sheltered nook behind a clump of bushes, and there I sought to atone for my brutal speed. I wiped him with handfuls of grass, easing his mouth of the bit, then I spread my cloak over his back. Dear, forgiving beast ! Gently nosing me, he whinnied gratefully. Flinging my arms around his neck, I wept scalding tears of anguish which washed away my youth and light-heartedness for never again was I the same. One by one the stars sank in their vapoury frame. The breaking of the dawn drew near when Nature is wrapped in a mystic garment, then naught seems common. The silent song born of the still night air changes to a subtler key. Earth and things not of the earth are in communion. Then the sun appears, and as he sends forth his rays of light the twittering of the birds cease, they sing aloud of joy and freedom. Now the voice of mankind is heard. We are of the world once more. This quiet magic of the coming day had soothed me so that I was able to think. The neighbourhood was strange to me. I was far from any town, but though stiff and weary a start must be made. 60 TESTORE Carefully I led my steed, at whiles talking to him, for I was filled with remorse for my thoughtless cruelty. I could not have borne the presence of man, but the dumb creature at my side just lightened the solitude enough. Voices and looks would have torn anew the wound which only time could heal. So we plodded on, and struck a road which brought us to a city where the good beast and I presently enjoyed, each in his own way, the much-needed rest and food at one of the many inns with which the town abounded. CHAPTER VIII NEXT morning found us again on the road, our host's good wishes following us as we turned our backs on our night's shelter, for I had paid him well. All day I rode, my heart aching for my room of fiddles. If only I could hold one of them, pouring out to it my trouble, somewhat of my misery would cease. Towards sunset I reached another town, where some great festival was in course of celebration. The crowded streets were gay with many banners and festoons of flowers. Among that throng of merry-makers I alone was heavy-hearted. I tried to find an inn wherein to lodge for the night, but one and all had the same tale full, even to overflowing. In vain I begged for a corner, nay, I offered to share a stall with my faithful steed, but always the answer was " No." Dusk still found us wandering through the city, when the sound of music fell upon my ears. 61 62 TESTORE The street was a mean one compared with some through which I had passed, yet the voice of that fiddle responded to the cry of my heart. Moreover, he who could produce such tones, so clear, so pure, must, indeed, be a musician. Therefore, I sought and found the house wherein he lived. Boldly I knocked, whereon one bade me enter. It was but a poor room that met my sight, devoid of much that appertains to comfort. Upon the threshold I paused. My horse was close behind me, and he, tired out, pushed his head over my shoulder to see if aught resembling hay or stall were to be seen. Amid the shadows of the twilight, as thus I waited, I saw a form seated on a low stool before an open hearth. Again I was bidden to enter, and make fast the door behind me. " That, Signore, I would gladly do, but my horse is too valuable a friend to leave outside alone and unprotected." " Bring the beast in, for though the place is poor, he may consider it good enough, no matter what his master thinks." A sinister chuckle followed these words, but TESTORE 63 weariness and curiosity made me avail myself of his invitation. On nearer approach I saw it was he who had been making those wonderful notes, for a fiddle lay on his knee, his hand still grasped the bow. Forgetting that I was a stranger, I cried to him to give it unto me. And ere he could reply I seized them both. Afterwards he told me that he thought 1 was an emissary of the devil. And, as I played, much of the heaviness of my soul departed, for I had a friend, one to whom I could pour out all of my pent-up grief. Darkness enveloped us, still on I played. At last from sheer weariness I stopped. " A drink ! " 1 cried. " Give me to drink." Arising from his seat, the man lit a lamp. Then it was that I saw that he was malformed in limb and hideous in feature. He signed to me to sit down in his chair, for there was no other, and taking the fiddle from my grasp, he laid it down tenderly. From a cupboard he produced wine, bread, and fruit. Greedily I drank, then ate somewhat of the food. We spoke but little till, my hunger and thirst appeased, I held out some money, and made as though to go, but the misshapen creature begged me to stay the night. 64 TESTORE " A while ago," said he, " I thought you were but one of the devil's own. You say the inns are full. I have a room for you, and a stall for your beast." "Your fiddle constrains me to accept your hospitality, otherwise " I shrugged my shoulders. A look of pain came over his callous features. Truly he was repulsive to behold. " I live alone," he answered, u and I am despised, and mocked by many who know me not for that I am, but I have much in yonder,'' he pointed to a door set in the wall by the fireplace which I had not before perceived, " in which you will still be interested. Remain the night. You will not regret it." I bowed assent, for there was within this man a latent power which, in spite of his twisted limbs, made me feel as though I were in the presence of one of high rank ; moreover, his tone bespoke of birth and learning. After- wards I knew that he was hated, and feared, a misanthrope, and a miser, but, ah, a musician, a lover of form and colour. With difficulty he limped towards a door, heavily barred, which when open gave upon a passage. Down this I led my horse, and found at TESTORE 65 the end a room which served now as a stable. When we had attended to the needs of the beast, we retraced our steps to the chamber where I had first seen my host, who, bringing out more wine, seated himself again, and we sat talking far into the night. And I marvelled at his knowledge of art, nor knew he less of history. Fain would I have asked him who, and what, he was, and why living in such apparent poverty, but one asks not questions of kings. " You are weary," said he at length, and indeed, he spoke the truth. u To-morrow you shall see my treasures." I slept well that night, in spite of my strange adventure, and awoke refreshed. The fiddle had done its work. My beautiful lady did not now obsess all my thoughts. It was not that I cared for her less, but more, since I would obey her behest, and, returning home, would take up my life-work. Then I remembered Fanciullina, and her message. As thus I meditated there came a knock upon my door, and my host entered. " The day advances," said he, " and there is much I would show thee." I replied that speedily I would be at his ser- vice, and in a short time 1 was ready to join him. 66 TESTORE I found him in the room in which we had first met. He appeared not to heed my entrance, and, as I approached him from behind, my eyes fell on the page of the book which he held in his hand, apparently reading. The characters were unknown to me. Starting at the sound of my voice, he closed the book hastily. " Come," replied he to my greeting, still retaining his hold of the volume, the action bespeaking that of a spoilt child who fears that a cherished toy be taken from him : " Come." Passing through the door set within the inner wall, we entered again that passage down which 1 had led my horse, and, in answer to my inquiries concerning him, he assured me that the beast was well, and that he had been fed, though by whom he did not say. Last night this place had kept well its secrets, but now in the bright light of the day, I saw that the walls were panelled from floor to ceiling, and that, moreover, on each panel were de- picted sylphs, gnomes, gods, and goddesses. Only a genius could have traced such forms, or laid on such rich colourings. "The work of my hand," my guide said simply, his voice betraying neither pride nor TESTORE 67 vanity. In just such a way one speaks of an every-day task which, perchance, has been well done. My eyes left the marvels around me, and turned on him. u You are a musician, and a painter ! " My voice bespoke admiration and surprise, but he only replied, " I am an outcast ; a creature endowed with all the desires of mere man, but to whom fulfilment of them has been denied." Bitterly he spoke, his agony of soul lay open to me. My heart went out to him, and, surely, he felt my unspoken sympathy, for, in a gentler key he added, " Friend, I trust thee to keep in confidence this thou hast seen, that thou shalt see." Readily I gave him my promise. And, though this ill-shapen man possessed so many gifts, they sufficed not to atone for the scorn of his fellow men, or to stifle the unappeased passions of his manhood. " Close your eyes." Again that tone of command heard only in the voices of the great. Taking my hand, he led me where I knew not, and only because his will was stronger than mine resisted I the temptation to raise my eyelids. 68 TESTORE At last the word " Open," said tremulously and excitedly, gave me the right to yield to my burning curiosity. Never shall I forget my utter amazement. I had exchanged the vulgar for the marvellous, the cottage for a palace. I stood in a large room, with walls and ceiling so exquisitely frescoed that words can- not describe them. On the floor were spread rugs of skilfully blended hues. The windows, and of these there were many, were long, narrow, and of stained glass. Cabinets of rare workmanship held priceless specimens of Venetian glass. Several divans were placed so that reclining on any one of them the eye was enchanted by some picture which was hung in just the right light to show its charm of form and colour. A low chuckle reminded me of the master of ail these beauties. Surely they were marred by the one un- sightly being at my side. My startled look but made him continue his hollow merriment. Then glanced he at his misshapen limbs, and the laughter ended in a sigh. " I am not mad," said he, answering aloud my unspoken thought, " but Beauty is my goddess. Hideous as 1 am, I seek it in all. TESTORE 69 That which I myself lack, with that I must be surrounded." Impulsively I stretched forth my hand to grasp his. " You are great ! A creator of the goddess whom you adore." But at my words and hand-grip he turned away to hide his emotion, for it was the first time in his life that a fellow-creature had touched him thus, and of his own free will. However, he speedily recovered himself, and opening a cabinet, showed me the contents thereof, relating to me the history of many of the treasures therein. Next he opened an oaken chest, and there within its spacious depths, lay a fiddle. And I lifted it from its snug resting-place. Now I became a being, a soul. I lost con- sciousness of limbs and body. Space illimitable lit up with irradiating rays, surrounded me. Faces of marvellous beauty thronged around me. It was to them I played, and time was not. My host must have taken this creator of glories out of my hand, for these visions faded with the rapidity of a falling star, and the narrow confines of stone-built building were yo TESTORE around me. I was but man, and possessed of all his frailties and sins. Player and listener looked at one another ; the spell was broken. There was still more for me to see, for in an adjoining room was all that appertained to the making of fiddles. Wood, kissed by the sun, was scattered about in its divers stages of preparation. From a table the cripple lifted two pieces ; no mother ever held a child more tenderly than he held these recipients of man's song of joy, or woe. He laid them down, he took them up, gazing on them as we look on the face of one whom we dearly love but whom we must lose. At length, with lips compressed, and eyes that bespoke naught save cold determination, he thrust them into my hands. " Take ! Take ! Lest I repent ! " My thanks were rudely checked. " Our paths in life lie apart," said he, " but for a few hours I have tasted of friendship. I have met a fellow-soul, not one whose sole delight is in riches. But see how some men treat me." He pushed aside a strand of his hair and thus revealed an ugly scar, at the sight of which I uttered a horrified exclamation. TESTORE 71 " One day," explained he, " they of a certain city dared to cast stones at me, calling me Wizard, and worse names. Were it not that 1 possess great power, I should have been forced to quit the world ere this. No one save you has ever seen my shrine of beauty. I own no God ; I acknowledge no hereafter, but " he gazed on all around him " I have this. Naught that I have made myself do I sell. It is mine, mine, and no other hand shall touch it." There are times when silence is the only possible expression of gratitude, or sympathy. I could but hold my gift close to my overflow- ing heart, for I knew that there were vast capabilities of sound within these pieces of wood, and I should be the one to awaken them to life. Neither of us spoke till we were within that poverty-stricken room. Then said he, " Friend, the day advances, and you have far to ride ; I, too, have a mission to perform ere the fall of night." Almost as if a sudden pre- sentiment of forthcoming events overshadowed him, he added, " If in time to come, trouble should befall you, sent straightway a mes- senger to the Vatican, with but this one word, * Resurgam,' and if aught can aid thee, be certain that it will." 7 2 TESTORE We parted, and much I thought of him as I rode on my homeward way. And then com- menced a period upon which I have often looked back as upon a time not entirely destitute of happiness. CHAPTER IX ONCE again I worked long stretches of hours, till, completely worn out, I would seek the air, and laze in the sunshine until body and mind craved for work and action. Often, too, I visited II Duomo, and in its dim aisles pondered over many things, especially the password of my strange acquaintance. Much pathos lay in the fact that one who had so suffered from ills of the earth, and who yet denied things of the spirit, should use a word so pregnant with meaning, and promise to all believers : " Resurgam ! " With closed eyes, I would often lean back in my chair and picture that room with its bewildering contents. And so the days passed, winter came and went, leaving the spring with us until the time of summer, and still I lived a calm life of work and meditation, regardless of affairs of state. Oft rumours reached me of unrest in neigh- bouring lands. More than once war threatened us, but these matters, ever on the lips of those 73 74 TESTORE I encountered, troubled me not. My mother sang as she went about her work, for I was her Carlo mio once more. My old companions sought me not, for I had quite deserted them, and thus the weeks sped. But one day a small cloud sullied the calm horizon of my life. It appeared in the form of a small missive which was thrust hastily into my hand by a stranger as I walked down the street. Its massive seal bore the imprint of the word " Resurgam." I looked round for the messenger, but he had vanished. I secreted the note till I reached my own room. There, with trembling fingers, 1 opened it. Short was the message it contained. " Beware of a man who spies upon thee. He wears a green cloak." My heart stood still, then raced on. Fate had caught me at last in her web of retribution. That these words were true I doubted not, for more than once my reveries in II Duomo had been disturbed by the presence of such an one, who, whenever he passed me, scanned me closely. Moreover, I had oft met him in my walks abroad, but, till the arrival of this letter, I had attached no significance to these acts ; now the recollection of them caused me much uneasiness. I had defied State and Church. TESTORE 75 One of the Duca Visconti's courtiers had fallen by my hand, and, a serious offence in those days, I had scarce been to the confessional since the death of la mia bimba. Soon after my madcap ride, the priest to whom I had at whiles confessed, visited me. *' My son," said he, " day after day thy place is vacant before the altar. Hast thou become a saint that thou canst forego that which is so necessary to all who wish to win Heaven, and escape the pangs of Purgatory ? " Promptly I had replied : " Reverendo, those who have sinned greatly oft fear to confess their crimes lest absolution be denied to them." It was a fatal answer, for it set the wheel of suspicion, and of espionage, in motion, though at the time I thought but little of the incident. Afterwards, I plainly saw that all the happenings which followed, were the outcome of our talk. " And what sin hast thou committed ? " he questioned, peering into my eyes with his small bead-like eyes. Reddening, I stammered some reply. I would that I had held my tongue, but the words once spoken, could not be recalled. So absorbed was I in my work, that when, at length, the priest bade me farewell, he passed out of myjnind, but now this warning 76 TESTORE message brought to my memory his visit, and his words. I spoke of this matter to no one, but anxiety preyed on me, and work again became impossible. Thus, one day, I sought the air, and, un- consciously, I turned my steps towards the spot where I had first seen my beautiful lady. Unaware that I was being followed, for a while I paced moodily up and down, then, leaning against the tree, I spoke my thoughts aloud. The door of the past, which I had believed closed for ever, had been opened ; the tiny hinge whereby it swung back being but a few thoughtless words. Thus is the chain of Fate forged with links weak in themselves but, oh, so strong when joined together. My heart was very bitter, for had I been a hypocrite, confessing but my lesser sins, the snake of suspicion might have been still slumbering. I sighed, for I had deemed all safe, all forgotten. "Angelo mio ! " muttered I aloud. Then a sudden madness seized me. I, who had never before felt the Conte Alfonso's death too keenly, experienced all the pangs of remorse which oft rend a murderer. Strange TESTORE 77 are the vagaries of the brain, but, long years after, 1 believe that the stranger, who unknown to me was in hiding behind the tree, fixed his magnetic will on me, compelling me to enact again my part in the doings of that summer afternoon. I saw the Conte lying dead, with my sword buried in his heart ; my beautiful lady stood again at my side pointing to the still form. What I said, or did, I know not, but, at last, exhausted, I leaned against the trunk of the tree, and wiped the beads of sweat from my brow and face. I felt as though I had just awakened from a horrible dream. My sword was in my hand ; examining it minutely, I muttered : " Clean ! Clean ! See, how it shines ! " And, as I gazed fixedly upon it, a shadow fell athwart its blade. I looked up. The man in green was before me. " So, Signore," said he, " you are an adept at sword-play." The blood rushed to my face, then receding, left me deadly pale, yet I endeavoured to reply carelessly : " We of Milano pride ourselves on our swordsmanship." " So ! " the stranger repeated, with a barely 7 8 TESTORE concealed smile -of triumph ; " strange it is that I have not heard of that fact." I was speechless. A shiver ran through me, leaving me dull and lifeless. Surely this man possessed some unknown power, for under his gaze I remained mute and motionless as one in a nightmare. His will completely dominated mine. " So ! " said he for the third time ; " Signore lacks words ; perchance, he shall learn that there are remedies to cure such a failing." And he turned on his heels and left me. There are times in the lives of most of us when the peace which we have attained after much agony of soul, is overshadowed by a cloud, which, spreading rapidly at last, enfolds the victim in the darkness of despair. And thus it was with me. Unconsciously I had prided myself on my self-restraint ; my long hours of work ; now, in a moment, my happiness was destroyed. A short message, and a cloud, small, but threaten- ing, appeared on the horizon ; a chance but was it chance ? encounter with a stranger, and the cloud had assumed huge proportions. It would burst, and who could save me from the deluge ? Gradually, however, I became myself. TESTORE 79 Danger had never found me wanting in courage, but an unknown peril made me weak and incapable. A sword hung over my head ; I trembled in fear. Let it fall, and I should be strong. Such was the mixture of cowardice and courage in my nature. When, at length, I returned home, I sank into a seat, and buried my head in my hands. For a full hour I remained thus. My mother, alarmed at my demeanour, sat by me, waiting for me to speak, for she feared to arouse me. Moved at last by a sudden thought, I rose, and entered my work-room. Carefully I lifted those two precious pieces of wood upon which I had not yet begun to work. If the walls of a prison were to enclose me from sun and air } I should at least have these which were so dear to me. So often I had handled them, and dreamed of the part they would yet play in the world. Of a certainty I knew that some day inspiration would seize me, and that more than mere skill would be implanted into the wood. My mother, who had followed me, now burst into a flood of tears : " Carlo, Carlo mio, tell thy mother what ails thee ? " In a passion of remorse for my selfish conduct, I flung my arms around her neck. " Hast thou ever seen a man in a green 80 TESTORE cloak peering about this street ? " asked I of her. " A man in a green cloak ? " my mother repeated the words, then fell to pondering. The mother-born love within her, told her that this was no mere mood. " Carlo mio, such an one as thou dost say, spent a long hour with me yesterday, or was it the day before ? " " And what reason gave he thee for his visit?" " He had heard of your work as a fiddle-maker, though he himself spoke but little." My fears increased. It was not what he had said, but my mother's voluble tongue that I dreaded ; I knew well how she would delight to speak of me, and my pursuits, my moods, and works. A mother oft unwittingly forges a nail for her child's coffin, and never had life and work seemed dearer to me than at this moment when both were threatened. And thou " I began, but she stopped me. " Indeed, Carlo mio, I told him naught that would injure thee. How could I, seeing that thou art so blameless ? What harm is there in those lengthy rambles of thine ? " TESTORE 8 1 There is much to regret in my life, but at least I am spared the remorse which would have been mine, had I chided my mother. Checking the angry words which rose so swiftly to my lips I reaped thereby a reward, for, forgotten in these hours of trouble and apprehension, the password of the misanthrope entered into my thoughts, and with such force that I hurriedly tore a leaf from my memoir- book of work, and wrote " Resurgam " across it. Then I impressed upon my mother that if I were taken from her to prison, she must get it conveyed as speedily as possible to Rome, to the Vatican. " See," said I, for a commotion without in the street but confirmed this sudden pre- sentiment, " it is of import if thou dost wish to look on me again. Keep the matter secret, and, above all, say naught thereon to the priest, for he is my enemy. Francesco is to be trusted ; he may take it himself, or, at least, he will procure for thee a messenger." Bending to her, I kissed her tenderly, and thrusting her before me from the room, I locked the door behind us. Ere the knock was repeated we were in the living-room, and I boldly flung open the street door, for my courage had returned. 82 TESTORE " Madre di Dio ! " I ejaculated, when I saw the doorway surrounded by a crowd of people, foremost of whom was an officer accompanied by some soldiers. " I cannot invite you all to enter, for my dwelling is small, but " My words were cut short by a man, who, stepping forward, thrust the hilt of his sword into my face. Although now in a different garb, I knew him for the spy in the green cloak. His narrow, sinister eyes shone with ill-concealed delight. Already, in imagination, his greedy, clawlike fingers counted the golden pieces of the reward which had been offered to any one who could throw light on the death of the Conte Alfonso, or the night attack upon the Abbess and her train. His lips had taken those thin lines of utter heartlessness which members of the feline tribes display when their helpless victim lies within reach of their paw. I knocked down the sword-hilt, whereon two of the soldiers seized me roughly, and I should have fared badly but that their Captain called out : " And are the Duca Visconti's words so soon forgotten ? Is he a man to forgive those who dare to exceed his orders ? " TESTORE 83 Immediately I was released, and turned to him who had saved me from much rude handling. " I thank thee," I said, holding out my hand which he grasped firmly, whilst he replied : "Till a man is proved guilty, I hold him innocent ; nevertheless, you must ride with me, for such is the command of our Duke." The Captain's men had fallen back, but the evil-looking spy scowled angrily at the cour- teous way in which the officer had addressed me, whereon he bade him begone. "You have done your part," said he, "and the quicker we are freed of your presence, the sooner will be the air we breathe the purer." Then he, who had spied on me to my undoing, elbowed his way out, for the crowd still clustered round the threshold. My mother, loudly weeping, called upon all the saints, and martyrs to deliver me. My eyes sought for my cousin ; but, alas, he was not there. The Captain now took me by the arm. "You will come with us quietly," said he, "for thus it will be better for all." For answer I bowed. " We may not tarry," added he. 84 TESTORE I gazed well around the room ere I asked : " Where do you take me ? " " Straightway to the Duca Visconti's palace. We are to proceed thither swiftly, and with as little delay as possible." I turned to say farewell to my mother, who, flinging her arms around my neck, still sobbed wildly. I comforted her as well as I could. " Courage," I said to her, " and remember." I dare not say more, but she, checking with a tremendous effort her outburst of grief, pushed the curls back from my brow, and kissing me, whispered so that none might hear : " I will not forget thy words." The soldiers, hardened men of war, grew impatient, and would have made us the butt of their jests, had not their Captain's eye held them in restraint. Putting my mother from me, I walked unsteadily without. Two horses were led forward, one of which I mounted, and the other, the officer, who, placing his hand on my bridle, said : " I, too, must obey the Grand Duke." CHAPTER X OUR way lay through Milano, the rabble following at our heels till we were well with- out the city. "From time to time the Captain observed me closely, but not for a great while did either of us speak. Probaby he expected that I would question him as to the cause of my arrest, but all my life I ever kept a silent tongue concerning that which weighed the most upon my mind. Into the late evening we rode ; then halted we at an inn where preparations had been made to receive us, for a table laden with viands and wine awaited us. I slept that night in a bed which was also shared by my jailer. The window of the room was small, and barred. Locking the door, the Captain placed the key under his pillow. I had supped well, and the wine had lightened my heart. Ere turning on my side to sleep, I said laughingly : " Art thou not afraid lest I murder thee whilst thou dost 85 86 TESTORE slumber for thus I could secure the key, and escape ? " " Nay," answered he quietly, " thou wilt do neither. Naught fear I at thy hand, for thou art not of the manner of men who love to commit cold-blooded murder, even though we have not deprived thee of thy weapons." It may be that a drug had been placed in my drink for I speedily fell asleep, and slept so soundly that 1 awoke not till I had been rudely shaken many times; even when I struggled to lift my eyelids, I had but a confused remem- brance of all that had passed. Now heard I one laugh gaily, then came the words, " What about murdering me, and flight ? " Fully awakened, I sprang to my feet. Again my jailer laughed, yet we were fast becoming friends. Hastily we brake our fast, for the horses were already saddled. That day we rode so hard, that nightfall saw our journey done. Our steeds breathed heavily, their flanks were bespattered with flecks of foam as we entered into the courtyard of the Duca's Palace. There the Captain and I parted. Another officer led me along many passages till at length we came to a door, so hidden by TESTORE 87 overhanging tapestry as to be quite concealed from view. A man in waiting there drew a key from his belt, lifted the curtain aside, and, unlocking, bade me enter. Instead of the dingy cell which I had expected, and feared, I found myself amid luxurious surroundings. An inner door set wide ajar revealed the delights of a bath, and a couch, whilst the apartment in which I stood, contained besides the costly appointments which had so surprised me, a table laden with deli- cacies. The sentinel gave no sign that he was aware of my astonishment. " His Eccellenza will see thee presently, therefore I return soon to conduct thee to him. Meanwhile " he glanced at my travel-stained garments. I comprehended the look, and instantly replied, " I shall be ready when thou dost come for me." And, indeed, I was eager to be rid of the dust of the highway. At the appointed time 1 followed my guide along winding passages until he left me in the charge of one who silently accompanied me to the door of the chamber wherein the Duca Visconti awaited my coming. Here he knocked, and we were bidden to enter. On a massively carved chair, his feet 88 TESTORE resting on a stool resplendent with jewels, sat the Grand Duke. Before him slumbered a huge hound, and across his knees lay the fiddle which 1 had taken to him that awful time when my heart was torn with grief for la mia bimba, whom I had left at the point of death. He dismissed the officer, bidding him wait without. And I stood alone before the man who could condemn me to the miseries of a dungeon, or even take my life. For some seconds he spoke not, only he looked on me fixedly with his keen dark eyes ; his gaze expressed gravity, but not anger. " These are strange tales I hear concerning thee," said he at length. Naught of the judge was in his tones, but I remained silent for he had more to say. "And what made thee forsake thy craft to become an offender against the State and Church ? The punishment of the one I have power to exact, or withhold, but for the other " Then I remembered that his brother was a Cardinal. My heart sank, but I lowered not my eyes, and, since I dare not ask aught, I held my tongue. The great beast arose, and fawned on me; TESTORE 89 standing on his hind legs, he placed his fore- paws on my shoulders, and licked me lovingly with his huge tongue. " Down, sirrah, down ! " Immediately the dog obeyed his master, only he crouched low at my feet. The air of the room was oppressive ; my head throbbed, my limbs ached, but still the Grand Duke watched my countenance, his chin resting on the palm of his hand. Then, arising he paced the floor uneasily. Then, pausing before me, he scanned my face again, and this time pity was clearly written in his eyes. He laid his hand on my shoulder, saying sadly, " Our love of music unites us. I would that I could deliver thee from this trial, for to-morrow thou wilt be summoned before the Council. After- wards, we proceed to Rome, and it is there that I fear most for thee." I essayed to speak, but he shook his head. " It is wiser that thou shouldst say naught to me. To-night I am thy friend, to-morrow I shall be but one among thy many judges." He summoned his attendant, but, as I turned to go, I think he read in my face the gratitude which I dare not express in words. Alone once more I flung off the courtly apparel, and sought my couch but it was dawn ere I slept, and then 9 o TESTORE I slumbered heavily until aroused by my jailer who handed me a note which contained these words " A friend is on his way to Rome." The handwriting was that of my cousin Francesco. The promptness of his action, together with the kind thought of thus sending me news that my plea was on its way to the Vatican, pleased me greatly, for no time had been lost. This message must have followed on our heels. It was not till long afterwards that I knew how good a friend the Captain had proved himself to be, for it was owing to him that this missive had been passed on to me. He had been on watch at the Palace Gate when the messenger had presented it, pleading that it should be given to me. Thus was I saved much suspense, and was thereby enabled to bear myself with courage before my judges. No noise from the outside world penetrated my prison. After I had dressed, and partaken of some food, my jailer entered again. " His Eccellenza has sent me to ask if there is aught you desire ? " " Only my freedom," answered I, " yet since that can not be, some music would solace these tedious hours." TESTORE 91 The man withdrew, and I fell to pacing the floor with bent head, and hands whose fingers were tightly interlaced, behind my back. Soon he returned, and with him a page who bore upon a cushion, a fiddle and a bow. Eagerly I seized them, and, in the outpouring of my pent-up feelings, I forgot for the time my fears. I paused but to rest, or to drink. At last the hour came for me to be conducted to the Council Chamber. Even then I would not part with my friend, but retained my hold on it. The way was lined with soldiers. So many, thought 1, to guard one poor fiddle-maker. A hush fell on the assembly as I entered and took the place assigned to me at the end of a long table, in which position I found myself in the full light, while my judges sat in the shade. The Duca Visconti faced me. He kept his eyes fixed downwards and his fingers toyed with his seal. The faces of all present were known to me save that of the Cardinal, who was seated on the right hand of his brother. No one spoke, but by the glances cast at the door I perceived that they awaited for some one. For whom ? I, too, directed my gaze towards it and, almost immediately, appeared 9 2 TESTORE the man in green, only now he wore a black cloak which, covering him from head to foot, intensified the pallor of his countenance. Low bowed he to all, but at me he smiled maliciously. The Duca Visconti raised his head, and curtly spoke. " Let the accuser state his accusation." The spy, narrowing his eyes till they were but mere slits, cringingly answered, " Eccel- lenza, you see in me a zealous son of Mother Church. For years I have served in the house- hold of the Conte Alfonso. We were foster- brothers, and as babes slept in the same cradle, but when 1 had attained to manhood, I took my place at his side as his faithful serving-man. I knew of his love for the Principessa Elvira di Florenza, since many were the missives that I bore from him to her." He paused, eyeing the Council dubiously, as if uncertain whether to proceed, but his Eminenza bade him continue. So the man went on, only now his voice faltered and trembled. "A quarrel arose between my master and Ferdinand di Milano, who wished to be betrothed to the Principessa." I became deadly pale at the hearing of these words, for Ferdinand di Milano was the TESTORE 93 nephew of the Grand Duke, and a man whom none dared to thwart in any of his desires. " Now the Conte Alfonso swore an oath of vengeance when he knew he had so great a rival, and, therefore, he prevailed upon the Principessa to keep tryst with him without Milano, and " But here the Duca Visconti interposed. " Your statement is too lengthy. It is not our wish to remain long listening to one fitted only to conspire with knaves. Signore," said he, turning to one of the Council, " is it your will h at I question both accuser and accused ? '\ He, thus addressed, consented ; but his Eminenza looked askance at his brother. Turning to the spy the Duca asked him his name. " Tomaso, Eccellenza." " And your age ? " " Eccellenza, I am scarce twenty-three." " And your accusation against Carlo Giu- seppe Testore, fiddle-maker of Milano ? " Tomaso, raising his eyes, darted a look of vindictive hate at me. " Eccellenza, he murdered my master and then ran off with the Principessa, who, how- ever, escaped from him and sought shelter in 94 TESTORE the Convent of the Holy Mother. Afterwards, when this building was burnt to the ground, and the Principessa, in the charge of the Abbess and her nuns, was on her way to Naples, he, with the aid of the devil, captured her anew, and now he withholds from all the knowledge of her present place of abode." I checked the hasty exclamations, " Liar ! Dog ! " which rose to my lips, for the Duca had turned to me. " Plead you guilty or no to these accusa- tions ? " I faced my judges boldly. " In so far as murdering the Conte Alfonso the accusation is unjust, for he met his death in fair fight." And I related all that had passed on that hot July afternoon so long ago. " Canst thou swear that thou knewest neither the rank nor the name of the lady when thou hadst left her at the convent gate ? " " Eccellenza, I can swear to it." "How came you to meet with her after- wards ? " I dare not hesitate, but answered promptly. 'The cortege in which the Principessa left Milano was attacked by a band of men. I could not save all. She was the first I chanced TESTORE 95 upon, and I forced her to accept my escort to a place of safety." " Where did you leave her ? " " We rode until dawn, when we met a peasant and his wife : these the Principessa joined. They were her friends, and I left her in their care. Of subsequent events I know naught." His Eminenza, the Cardinal, had listened silently to my words, and, when I paused, he spoke. " Can you prove that you have wandered far and late at other times ? " "Eminenza, I can, for 1 have ever been prone to these fits of wanderings, which often last for days." Evil, indeed, was the look that Tomaso cast at me. He liked not my statements, neither the way in which the Council received them. His Eminenza coughed. " Why did the robbers not turn on you ? " " Eminenza," I answered simply, " I am a poor man, and but a maker of fiddles, there- fore I carry naught that is of value. My friends are many among those tribes who dwell not in cities but beneath the open sky, and these, nothing loth to share the contents of a rich man's purse, willingly give a crust of 96 TESTORE bread, if nothing more, to Carlo Giuseppe Testore in return for his music." His Eminenza coughed. Rumour spoke of a rough handling he had once received from certain of these my friends, and notes are wanting regarding his courage on that occasion. " You can swear that you know naught further of the Principessa, save that you escorted her till she fell in with her peasant friends." " Eminenza, I swear it." " Now, babbler," said he, turning angrily to Tomaso, " saw you the fight between your master and this man ? " The spy's countenance changed. He had counted me a coward. My words and de- meanour under the tree that afternoon, when he spied upon me, had confirmed his suspicions, and his mean soul had deemed it easy to win the reward. " I had true information, Eminenza," he stammered. " From an eye-witness ? " It was the Duca Visconti who now spoke in cold tones. Tomaso's trembling " No " was received with anger, and a command to speak clearly. Yet he mumbled still lower, while his face TESTORE 97 flushed and paled, and beads of fear oozed forth from his sallow skin. A light dawned upon me. This knave's suspicions had been verified by my strange behaviour under his magnetic power. But why did he not exert it now ? Why should I be calm, and he so cowardly in speech and manner ? When he had ceased his mutterings I craved permission to speak, and then pro- ceeded to relate the words and conduct of the spy on that afternoon when I had been impelled to react again the doings of that day on which the Conte Alfonso had been slain by my hand. " Sorcerer ! Sorcerer ! " one and more called out, for the times were superstitious, and all unaccountable happenings were deemed the work of the devil, or of his satellites, disguised in the form of a man or a woman. He whom they termed " Sorcerer " shook exceedingly, for strange and cruel were the deaths that had been meted out to those who were known by this accursed name. Quickly, however, the Council recovered from their excitement and added more notes to their manuscripts. His Eminenza opened his mouth to speak, but his brother had arisen, saying, " We have heard enough for to-day." 98 TESTORE In obedience to his gesture the soldiers closed around the man in green, the Captain of whom was bidden to see that chains were immediately fastened upon him, and that should he escape his jailer's life would be forfeited. Now the Duca, turning to the Cardinal, who sat with lips compressed and eyes half closed, begged him to purify the air of the room by a prayer. Then, addressing me, he added, " I see not the reason why this matter should be carried to Rome ; yet since the Church commands that you shall be there judged of these certain offences, we proceed hither on the morrow. One of my men shall attend you so that you can give him directions as to how we can summon thy witnesses." Silently I bowed ; and, once more, that which my tongue dare not utter, my eyes, I hope, expressed, for now I knew that the Grand Duke stood my friend. Again within the chamber I prepared the missives for the messenger. This done, I paced the floor, my mind full of the incidents of the last hour. Remorse filled my heart. My punishment had already begun, not waiting for the hand TESTORE 99 of man to mete out chastisement. I was a liar ; inasmuch as I had withheld facts which would have laid bare my wild intentions. That man is a coward who seeks to avoid the conse- quences of his sins ; yet, at all costs, I must shield my beautiful lady, keeping inviolate her dear secret. Long it was before this conflict within me ceased, and evening found me still striding up and down till, wearied out at length, I flung myself upon my couch and sank into a deep slumber, from which I was awakened by my jailer, who had shaken many times before he had fully aroused me. " But lightly lie thy sins on thee," said he, when he had succeeded in making me open my eyes. " Thou must attire thyself speedily, for we leave for Rome." The heaviness of my eyelids fled. I was wide awake and eager to be on the road, for at the Vatican I should learn what Fate had in store for me. " Does my accuser travel likewise with us ? " I queried, and the man replied, " Yes." Then, reminding me that I must ride soon, he left me. The Vatican ! My thoughts flew to my misshapen friend. Who was he ? Wherein ioo TESTORE lay his marvellous power ? Why fixed I my hope so in him ? His riches I doubted not, for my eyes had beheld them. Ah, that journey ! Slowly we travelled, resting each night at some inn, where we were always expected,- since many comforts ever awaited us ; nor was this strange, seeing that couriers were sent forward each morning to announce our approach. Often the Cardinal would urge his brother to ride with more despatch, but the Duca Visconti heeded not his words. And I rejoiced inwardly, for this delay would enable my friends to reach Rome in time for my trial. At length the city lay before us, and my heart, sustained with hope till now, sank in utter despair as we rode through its streets. Without the Vatican many soldiers awaited us, and the Duca with his retinue was received by an officer resplendent in scarlet and gold. As for me and my escort, we were met by two solemn-faced priests, who brought us to another entrance, through which we passed down a dreary hall into a cold, bare apartment which contained naught save a table, a solitary chair, and a couch. TESTORE 101 Here they left me, and now, indeed, I was a prisoner and helpless. Sinking into the chair, I buried my face in my hands, whilst hot tears fell unchecked, nor felt I any shame, for a man is no less a man because he cannot always suppress his emotions. All that night I lay awake with memories of the past and fears for the future as my com- panions, so that when I arose it was with a weary frame and a heavy head. At noon the soldier placed in charge of me entered, and made known to me that one was on his way to speak to me. His manner was friendly, and feeling concern for my wan ap- pearance, he persuaded me to drink some wine and to eat somewhat of the viands which he had brought with him. Soon my door was opened again to admit no less than a Vescovo, attended by several priests. I rejoiced greatly that the Duca's brother, the Cardinal, had not accompanied him. He acknowledged my bow with a slight inclination of the head. Seating himself in the one chair, his attendants grouped themselves on either side of him. Opening a book which he held in his hand, he took from thence a slip of paper, which he 102 TESTORE gave to me. As my eyes saw the writing thereon I trembled, for it was my plea for help which had indeed reached the Vatican, but I knew not yet if the one for whom I had intended it had seen it. Quickly beat my heart, a mist rose betwixt me and the forms before me, so that I had to lean on the table for support. A voice I heard, but my confused senses failed to grasp the import of the words, but when I recovered myself 1 became aware that my visitor was regarding me intently. "Carlo Giuseppe Testore," said he, "art thou prepared to swear on thy most solemn oath that thou knowest not the abode of the Principessa Elvira di Florenza?" Without hesitation I replied, " I am." "To-morrow thou mayst be called upon to take an oath to this effect before the High Altar. A friend has intervened for thee, so it may be that thou wilt be free to return to thy home within a few hours." Only a caged bird or a mouse, neither of which ever grows entirely accustomed to their imprisoning bars, however great the kindness lavished upon them, could have understood my feelings at that moment. I tried to speak, but the words became confused in the very utter- TESTORE 103 ance. I could but bend and kiss his Eminenza's hand. " My son," added he, " thou art not yet free, though methinks all points to that happy ending." He placed his hand somewhat caressingly on my shoulder. "A great man whose name must remain unknown to thee, has assured us that thou art innocent of any intent to offend Holy Church. His will dominates many courts. Even II Santo Padre oft heeds that he may say. It is at his request that I have come to speak with thee. Thy face and demeanour are in thy favour. My son, if thou art wise, thou wilt leave Rome as soon as thy trial is over, for the air here is dangerous for certain sicknesses." He tightened his grasp, and his voice rang with true friendliness. " Never more," said I, " shall Holy Church have cause to look with anger on her erring son." For, as I had been impelled to enter into II Duomo that day on which 1 had received that missive from my beautiful lady that had led to so much, so now the same power dominated me, and a yearning, voiceless but strong, seized me in its grip. io 4 TESTORE " Eminenza, I have been wayward, but only through heedlessness. I am willing to think on these things." The eyes of the Vescovo searched mine ; then he pointed to the word upon the paper which he had handed to me. " See, my son," said he, " the omen is good. This sustained thy hope, raising for thee one who gave to thee the succour thou didst need. Take it, then, for thy motto, remembering that it means, this sure and certain hope in life hereafter, for the day comes to all when they must lay aside their earthly body." He paused awhile, then continued, " If thou dost truly desire it, we will speak again ere thou dost depart." He arose, and I knelt to receive his blessing, and as he placed his hand on my head, the seed of belief sprang to birth in my heart, and long after he had gone I remained on my knees, motionless and full of thought. No man to whom a great gift has been given can deny the everlasting nature of that talent. He knows that it cannot die, for within him is a spark which will not be quenched, however much he may blind himself to the existence of those powers which guide all mankind. And thus it was with me. That TESTORE 105 spark, dulled for many years, had been kept alive through my love for Fanciullina. Sorrow, death, disappointment, had but fanned it to greater strength, and now a prisoner in a strange city, it flamed forth suddenly, bringing to birth hopes to uphold one through the struggles of earth-life. My reckless deeds of the past years I could not wipe away, nor could I change myself entirely. Testore I was, and Testore I must remain, but Life, Love, would have for me a purer, higher meaning. I would not mock again at Holy Church for the sake of this man who had exerted so good an influence upon me. La mia bimba and Angela mio were not lost to me. Dark and darker became the room. The soldier entered with a lamp, but I would not let him set it down. All night long my thoughts thronged and crowded within me, till worn out I yearned for cessation from the turmoil, and Nature, ever careful of her children, sent a sleep that lasted till close upon the hour of my trial. CHAPTER XI IT was a magnificent apartment into which I was ushered. A table of carved oak, long and narrow, occupied the middle of the room. On tall-backed chairs sat my judges. The Vescovo was amongst them, but neither the Duca Visconti, nor his brother, the Cardinal, were present. Again all eyes were turned on me as I entered. Those who had escorted me hither, were dismissed and many questions were asked of me to all of which I could reply easily. My examination over, the door opened to admit of the priest to whom I had so rashly spoken. A soldier on either side guided his steps as he advanced, swallowing his fear in great gulps. " Don Nicolo, we want thy allegations against Carlo Giuseppe Testore, the fiddle- maker of Milano." He who thus addressed the priest, spake in a clear but hard tone. The Reverendo's lips twitched, his red face 106 TESTORE 107 grew mottled, the few words which he essayed to utter, were confused and indistinct. Gazing at him, his interrogator said mock- ingly, " It may be that Don Nicolo is weary from his long and sudden journey. We hear that thou hast but now arrived," he added, turning to the miserable man. " But an hour ago, Eminenza," stammered he. "And, doubtless, thou who dost serve thy church so well ate but little by the way. Soldier ! a goblet of wine ! " Almost immediately it was brought, and handed to the priest whose misery and fear grew apace. Poor Don Nicolo ! He dreaded drinking, yet he dare not refuse. He took the goblet, but so much his hand shook that several drops fell to the floor, some journeying there by way of his cassock. Again he tried to speak, then overcome by fright, he fell on his knees before the Vescovo. " Eminenza, I have no accusation against the prisoner. I have been mistaken." " Mistaken ! " repeated this one scornfully, " so our time is to be thus wasted through thy folly. Of a truth, thou hast committed a grave blunder. Mistaken ! " i o8 TESTORE Clearly and mockingly his voice sounded through the chamber, then he turned to me. " Carlo Giuseppe Testore, this cowardly groveller, who can scarce be called a man since his behaviour savours that of a beaten cur, complained to us that thou hadst refused to confess to him, fearing that absolution be denied thee. Therefore we deemed thee guilty of some great sin." He now addressed the priest. " Is there naught of the man left in you that you dare not face him whom you have so unjustly accused ? Shall coward as well as liar be writ against your name ? Arise, and let us hear that which you may have to say." With a ponderous effort, Don Nicolo stood upright upon his feet, and stammered forth some story to which all listened with but scant patience. When he had finished, one of the Council asked me whether I pleaded guilty, or not, to the accusation. " Don Nicolo speaks the truth," replied I, " in so far as I did say to him that a matter of heavy weight lay on my mind ; and although it was not spoken under the seal of confession, surely, had he wished to aid me, he would have acted differently." TESTORE 109 " And what so sorely troubled you ? " It was the Vescovo who now spoke, and his voice was cool and even. Calmly I made answer, " It was the death of the Conte Alfonso." " Your plea is good, friend Testore. Don Nicolo has shown a deplorable lack of wisdom. Moreover, he has proved himself to be a craven. Rome needs not such to serve her." He gave the poor crestfallen man a quick look as he said to him that they would speak with him on this affair at some other time. The soldiers led him away, and with his passing from that room, his part in my life came to a close. I saw him no more. After- wards I heard that he had been sent to a monastery, and there he suffered severe discipline. The spy was now brought forward. They attacked him at once on a charge of sorcery, and when he found that it was useless to seek to defend himself, he begged for mercy, confessing that he had acted mostly on suspicion ; moreover, he had been spurred on in his endeavours to harm me by the priest. Also he had found in the neighbourhood of the spot where the Conte Alfonso had met his death, a small saw peculiar to the art of fiddle- no TESTORE making. This he produced, and I knew it for mine. Don Nicolo had been stirred to action by hate alone, but the spy's greedy soul had much desired the reward offered by the Duca Visconti to him who should deliver to him, either the person, or the name, of the man who had lifted hand against the Conte Alfonso, and who had dared to rob the Abbess of her charge, the Principessa Elvira di Florenza. As my old friend in green proceeded with his tale, I became hopeful, for I felt sure that my part in the death of the Conte would be condoned, since he knew too much for the happiness of many, yet none had dared to strike at him. Tomaso, the spy, was soon dismissed ; and Caspar, my gypsy friend, gay and debonair, was the next to appear. He gave me an assuring look, bowed to those who sat around the Council Table, and awaited their pleasure. An oath was put to him which he took without hesitation, and to all asked of him regarding my wanderings, he gave satisfactory explanations. He, too, was speedily dismissed. My trial was over. Now was I conducted to the chapel, where TESTORE 1 1 1 my oath was to be sworn. It was lighted by several huge candelabras ; the altar was a mass of flowers, and the presence of the Holy Host was signified by the mystic red light which burnt upon it. Slowly and solemnly I repeated these words after the Vescovo " In the Name of our Saviour Who died upon the Cross for us ; in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Adored Lord ; by the lives of the Holy Apostles, by these bones of St. Peter, and St. John, and Joseph of Arimathea " here I was made to place my hand over these relics " and by the precious names of St. Gabriel, St. Michael, and All Holy Angels, I, Carlo Giuseppe Testore, do most solemnly swear that I have lifted neither hand, nor voice, against those of the One True Church, represented here on earth by 11 Santo Padre. "And I do promise to obey from hence- forth the commands of Holy Church. " May the curse of everlasting torment be on me if I keep not this oath which I have sworn this day before the sacred altar." Now followed a prayer in Latin, after which the Vescovo, placing his hand on my head, ii2 TESTORE absolved me. As his words died away, a priest touched me on the arm, bidding me accompany him. Without the chapel we were met by one who delivered a low-spoken message to my companion. Placing his hand again upon my arm, but this time in a tight grasp, he said, " II Pontefice wishes to see thee. Look to it that thou dost bear thyself in a fitting manner." I shook myself free impatiently, for I was so weary, and yearned to be alone. Along passages, through chambers, was I led, my guide being constantly changed till, at last, one robed in sombre black, relieved only by a golden crucifix, took me in charge, and he ushered me into the presence of II Santo Padre, who, seated in a chair of state, held an open book within his hand. He was not a man of great stature. His pale face possessed clearly- cut features. Great power, and much thought, lay in the depths of his eyes, which likewise had a kindly light in them. Much awed, I knelt, for there was something majestic about this man, on whose shoulders lay such vast responsibilities. " Rise, my son," said he ; " much have I heard concerning thee. Thou hast rid the Church of one whom time would have proved TESTORE 113 to be a traitor. Thus Heaven oft raises up as an instrument of help, many who otherwise might journey through the space of life allotted to them on earth without having fulfilled their true mission, that of performing an action helpful to those who nurture the soul." He paused, but I was speechless. His tones were suave, howbeit I fathomed not their meaning. Ill at ease in mind and attitude, I remained with bent head before him. " A friend," continued II Pontifice, " whose name thou mayst not know, petitioned for thee. We owe him much, therefore we have absolved thee of certain offences against us. And we command thee to walk warily from henceforth, for our eyes see all, remembering that we pardon but once, and that rarely. " Go in peace, my son, and shun those who make a mock of sacred things. We chastise but to save the soul from the pangs of ever- lasting torments." Of my departure from that august presence 1 have no remembrance, though all else remains clear in my memory. Ere I left the Vatican, I had a long talk with the Vescovo, and always I think of him with affection and respect. At length I was at liberty to turn my face n 4 TESTORE homewards. Without in the court, a horse, saddled and bridled, awaited me. An escort, too, had been appointed to accompany me on my way, whose captain gave me a missive, which when opened ran as follows " To him to whom I owe the happiest hours of my life. " The beast is yours ; keep him in memory of me. "These men will conduct you safely to within sight of your city. Their lives pay forfeit if harm befalls you. Their duty done, but not till then, give to their leader in thy handwriting, these words " * Ten toes, two feet, two hands, two eyes.' " By this I shall know that you have reached Milano in safety. "You have had a narrow escape. There are worse deaths than hanging or burning. Princesses are not for men who wear neither ermine nor a crown. I may not be able to aid thee again. Our path in life divides here. Resurgam." CHAPTER XII OF my journey homewards there is naught worth recording save the events of one day. We had halted for our noon-day meal and rest, and I had strolled a short way from the inn, for the village fascinated me. A brook ran down one side of the street, and children, the girls resplendent in bright kerchiefs, were paddling in the gurgling water, for the bed of this little stream was stony. Women, young and old, sat at cottage doors. Afar off the mountains looked grim against the sky, and between us and them lay a verdant land of fruit and fields. Eagerly my eyes gazed on this scene, for the merry voices of the children broke my moody silence, so that I even laughed and chatted with them. A bambino fell, and I, picking him up, carried him to his mother. Kneeling down I comforted him, for he had wounded slightly his chubby knee. His tears ceased, and he turned to his mother, saying, "5 u6 TESTORE " Madre mia, the Signore is as kind to me as Sister Marie." She kissed him, then bade him go and play. " He thinks of little else save this good nun since she nursed him a while ago. Everyone loves her. It is but a few weeks back that all our children were stricken by a fever, and she tended to them at the peril of her own life. Many a little one returned from the gate of death to thank her. You are a stranger here, or you would have heard of the wonders she performed. Look ! " Rising, she pointed to the distant hills. " Can you not see away to the left among the trees a building ? That is the convent where Sister Marie lives. She has not been there many months, for she came to visit us scarce a week ere our village was desolated by the plague." A rush of blood suffused my face, then receding, left me deadly pale. Alarmed, the woman inquired if I were ill. And when I answered that I was but hot and tired, she begged me to enter her little home and there rest awhile. This I gladly did, for I saw one of the escort, as was ever the case if 1 strayed too far, or too long, sauntering up and down the street. TESTORE 117 Within, it was quiet and peaceful. Sinking into a seat, I drank some wine which the woman brought me. Into her hand I dropped a piece of money, "For the bambino," said I. Many were the thanks that she would have showered on me, but, checking her words, I asked her to tell me more of this good sister, leading her to think that such an one had once tended me through a long illness. " Signore, my husband and 1 talk much about her, for I tell him that she was born to be a mother, since every child adores her. And her voice, surely, the Blessed Virgin herself could scarce have a sweeter one. She loves music, for she told me that her happiest hours were when she sang in the chapel. And, one day, she saw a fiddle in the house of Marcelli. His son was ill, for it was at the time of the sick- ness. My boy was out of danger, but his was dying. All night the sister had been with them, and when the little one died at dawn she stayed till it was laid to rest. Ah, the grief of the parents, for they had no other child. Gladly they would have given all they had, even their lives, for her, since she had eased the last moments of the dying babe, but they were poor and could not reward her. Therefore they showed her a fiddle, and begged of her to ii8 TESTORE accept it, saying that she could sell it, and with the money pay for masses for the dead. She took it, but she gave it to me to keep for her. Some day, she said, she would part with it, but for a while she wished to have it near her." Quickly my heart had beaten at these words, yet I spoke not till the tale was ended. Then asked I to see the fiddle. And she brought it to me. " It is mine, mine ! " I cried ; " the first that I ever made ! " I clung to it tightly, for the woman, alarmed, tried to take it from me. " No ! no ! " I repeated, wild with excite- ment. " I tell you I made it, and it is mine. Give me the bow ! " And when I held it in my hand, and drew it across the strings, I knew of a certainty that Sister Marie was my beautiful lady. CHAPTER X11I THERE was a rush of footsteps, followed by loud exclamations, but I heeded them not. I had a friend to whom I could pour forth of all my yearnings. And, as 1 played, heedless of all which passed around me, a voice was heard to say, " Make way ! " The Captain and his men entered the cottage, but they did not stay my music, but, even as the others who had crowded about the door- way at my first notes, they listened intently. Children were hoisted on to the shoulders of their fathers ; work was forgotten ; and I was Testore the fiddle-maker, his soul, freed of pomps and ceremonies, soothed and comforted. At last my exaltation passed ; I was on earth with sorrow and loneliness for my boon com- panions. No one spoke. Many of the women wept sadly. The air of the room was unbear- able, therefore I essayed to go forth, but my progress was impeded by the peasants, who implored me to continue playing. Some lifted 119 120 TESTORE their children to touch me, but to all their entreaties I shook my head. Once outside I quickened my steps, and soon left the village behind me. Amid some trees which bordered a wood I cast myself down, and, burying my face in my hands, I gave way to the fierce frenzy of passion that tore me in twain. Angelo mio so near, yet out of my reach for ever. I lived again that night so long ago when our two souls were as one, for Love acknowledges no difference in rank ; prince or peasant it is the same. My senses ran riot ; tumultuous were my thoughts ; almost it seemed as though unholy spirits spake to me, prompting me to commit actions, base and wrong. And then, just as on a sultry day a clap of thunder will suddenly dispel the sulky humour of the atmosphere, my passion died, the evil within me departed, peace fell on me. A little bird near by sang joyously to his mate, and I took for my owVi his message of faith and hope. Lifting the fiddle, so dear to me since her hand had held it, I pushed my way into the wood. Soon the dense growth ended, and a great rock confronted me, and at its base a lesser one lay. Above this boulder a streamlet had its source, and falling on either side, parted but to TESTORE 121 meet again in a pool on the ground. Bending, I laved my face with the water within it, then refreshed, I sat down upon a fallen trunk of a tree and played again. A rustle of leaves, an exclamation, betrayed the presence of a listener other than the dumb creatures of the place. Turning quickly, I saw the sombre dusk of a nun's garb. Uttering a glad cry of " Angelo mio," I hurried towards her, and though she sought to evade me, I took her in my arms. Hastily she freed herself. " Angelo mio ! " I repeated. She paled, and for a while neither of us spoke. " Testore," said she at length, " I serve the Blessed Virgin, and she has answered my prayer that I might look on thee but once again ere I pass to my life of solitude and silence. Carlo mio, help me to be brave, for thou wouldst not in the days to come think on me as having broken my vows." Our hands met. We could not help it, only she would not let me kiss them. So very beautiful and pure she looked, as she stood before me, that I could but obey her. She was not for me. 122 TESTORE " Testore mio," her voice, though gentle, was full of determination, " if," pointing to the fiddle, now lying forgotten on the ground, *' if that will comfort thee somewhat, take it with thee. I must have bidden farewell to it soon." " But the woman who keeps it for thee ? " I asked. In reply she handed to me a leaflet which she drew from within her robe. On it were a few signs which, she explained to me, the woman would understand. In the distance the sound of the cracking of twigs warned me that the Captain was in pursuit, and would drag me back to the mockery of life in the world without my beautiful lady. She heard it too. " Testore, we must say farewell." " Angelo mio ! " Faint and husky was my voice. I pointed to the crucifix which she wore. She, com- prehending the glance and gesture, hastily removed it and, together with the chain, hung it around my neck. Swiftly I hid it, for the snapping of brushwood sounded nearer. Ah, death would have been more welcome to me. My lady's eyes were full of supplication ; she TESTORE 123 thought but of my danger, yet her heart, even as mine, was torn with agony. Now heard we a man's voice, exclaiming angrily, " Peste take this musician." The words stirred me to action. I turned and left that spot. Another minute and it would have been too late, for almost immediately the Captain with two of his men came within view ; but I, as though unaware of them, pushed forward in a different direction with such speed that they had difficulty in making my pace. Then, in seeming surprise, I stayed my steps. " I am music mad," said I, " and I knew not how far I had wandered. Come ! Forgive my humour, for I am minded to hold a feast to-night which shall drive away the memory of your hot walk." Relieved at having found me, the Captain fell into the light mood that I had adopted, and on our way back to the village I told him much of my life as a maker of fiddles. " I would see that woman again," said I, as we passed down the street,