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Lucia Rudini - Somewhere in Italy by Martha Trent
page 31 of 149 (20%)
The paved streets of the town rang with the heavy tramp, tramp of men
marching, and before long they appeared before the gate. The order to
walk four abreast was given. The men took their places, and then at a
brisk pace they marched through the old gate, a sea of bobbing black
hats and cock feathers.

The townspeople followed to cheer them excitedly. Lucia and Maria
leaned dangerously over the edge of the wall in their attempt to
recognize the familiar faces under the hats.

The soldiers looked up and called out gayly at sight of Lucia. She had
taken off her flowered kerchief and was waving it excitedly. The wind
caught her dark hair and blew it across her face, and her bright skirts
in the sunshine made a vivid spot of color against the stone wall. The
men turned often to look back at her as they marched along the wide
road.

Maria did not lift her eyes from the sea of hats beneath her. She was
waiting for one face to look up. At last she had her wish. Roderigo's
place was towards the end of the column; when he walked under the gate
he looked up and smiled. It was a sad smile, full of regret.

Without exactly meaning to, Maria dropped the flower she was wearing in
her bodice. Roderigo caught it and tucked it, Neapolitan fashion,
behind his ear, then he blew a kiss to Maria and marched on.

Lucia watched the little scene. She was half amused and half
contemptuous. Her little heart under its gay bodice was filled with a
fine hate that left no room for pretty romance.

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