AN ITALIAN ROMANCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1235, 30 October 1885, Page 3

AN ITALIAN ROMANCE.

Max O'Rell ■who contributes a London letter to the ‘ Montreal Witness,’ writes : It is seldom that one reads in a novel a more Interesting story than one that was unfolded at a trial which took place in Italy at the beginning of the week. A young sub-lieu-tenant, hearing the illustrious name of Poma, was in garrison at Prescia, when he made the acquaintance ef a beautiful young seamstress, and fell madly in love with her. He resolved to make her his wife, but, un< fortunately for the lovers, his family would not hear of such a mesalliance. Meanwhile the regiment left Prescia to go to Piedmont. The lovers were greatly distressed, but, after arriving at the new destination of the regiment, our Romeo soon obtained two month’s leave, and fled hack to his beloved Having failed to obtain tho consent of his parents, and being nnde.r 25, he could not get a civil marriage performed, hut had to content himself with the religious ceremony, Holding the young girl to he his legitimate wife, he took her back to Piedmont. Bnt the trouble of the young pair had only just begun. Tor a small breach | of military discipline young Foma was put

- mrderwTßst fora fortnight: - -A ttheend of a week so ero it was tho poor fe'low’s longing to see bis.w fe thaf ho ran away from tile barracks to join h-r, which eacap.ukc ist him two mouths’ Imprisonment iu the fortress of Exill s. tide the story grows thrilling. Exiles is situated hi hj iu the Alps, and for eight montha - 'in-the year is buried in the snow. The young woman resolved to rejoin her husband. She went to the nearest village, and, by making inquiries as to what communications there were with the fortress, learned that, when a message arrived from any of its inmates, a young shepherd was employed to carry it through the seven miles of snow. She immediately procured a telegram form, wrote on it the name and address of Lieutenant Foma, and, disguised os a shepherd,, set oat for the fortress. She passed the sentry witftout hindrance, and the (overs were soon in each other’s arms. But, after the first joy of meeting, they bethought themselves that, as a shepherd had come into the fortress, a shepherd must go out, and the devoted wife was resolved not to leave her newlyfonnd husband. However, the difficulty was surmounted by patting the shepherd’s disguise on the young soldier, and the dark cell became a paradise by love’s radiance. Bat, alas ! the course, of true love never'did ran smooth. Suspicious were aroused, and one fine morning steps were heard near the door. The young signora quickly disan-i peared under the bed. The governor of the prison entered, and, having made a thorough inspection of the place, abruptly said to Foma—“ lieutenant, there is a woman here somewhere ; give me your word and honor that such is not the case and I will believe you.” “It is true, sir ; there is a woman here,” said Foma, “but, the woman s my wife.” Out came the pretty lolgeir from her hiding place, and threw herself sobbing at the feet of the governor. “Be not afraid signora, no harm will be done to you; only you cannot stay here,” said he raising her courteously. “ I authorise Lieut. Foma to take you to Ivrea, where his chiefs will deal with him:” The youna couple got to Ivrea on the 23rd of August, hut the young officer was immediafe'y put un ler arrest in a room situated on a second floor. Seeing there was no hope of a peaceful settlement, Foma had not been a few hours in his quarters when he jumped from the window, pro* tected, I suppose, by: the God of lovers, went to fetch his wife, and fled with her to France, from whence he soon sent in his resignation. After residing a few months in Lyons they went to Genova. On the 22nd of April last, Foma, having attained his 251h year, remarried his wife immediately (this time civily). Thinking that all was now perfectly regular, and that no more breakers were ahead, the young couple returned to Italy. Unhappily his resignation was not accepted, and the poor young lieutenant was tried at the beginning of this week as a deserter, and condemned to 13 months’ imprisonment. I should not be surprised if the brave and beautiful young heroine were. to go and supplicate King Humbert for her husband’s pardon. That monarch is well known toi’ be kind and chivalrous, and he ought to be allowed a chance of ending this little romance appropriately.