The Argosy — page 292: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

271 MARIONETTES. a is venti-quattro, the hour of sunset, and through the town the bells are ringing out, one after the other, a clash of sweet sounds. In the west the sun has sunk below the horizon, but the afterglow remains—a gorgeous sight. ‘The whole of the sky is painted in deepest gold, shading off above into the blue of an Italian sky. Against such a background the cypresses stand out dark, and the tower and roofs of the houses on yonder hill are well defined. It is late in November, in the year 188—, and already the days are beginning to shorten. Along the streets, and by the river which runs through the town, carriages are hurrying. ‘There is a little crowd at the corner to watch them as they pass, and to admire the brilliant toilettes of the fair occupants. Behind it all, leaning against the wall, is the slender figure of a young man. To look at him is to feel certain at once that he belongs to the very poor. His hat is slouched over his eyes, but the face looks pale, with good features ; his dress is very shabby, and his attitude is one of listless weariness. He moves at last, and, turning to the left, passes into a back street. Here it is almost dark. The lovely afterglow does not penetrate into these narrow streets ; only a strip of blue sky is to be seen above, with a few stars twinkling. On he goes; up one street, down another, half across the big town, until he comes to a little open path. There is a sound of music, a noisy drum being played with intense vigour, and a pipe rather out of tune, but still effective. There isa structure which looks quite imposing by this uncertain light, though by daylight it is shabby enough ; and on the front is a large placard, proclaiming that inside are to be seen the famous Marionettes. As the figure approaches, a little boy runs out from between some curtains at the back. “Why, Mimi, what is it?” says the man, stopping. ‘ Babbo, come, come,” shouts the little fellow; “‘ there are ten people inside. ‘Three grandi signori in the best places, and mamma has dressed the Queen of Sheba in her new dress. She is beautiful in white, with a real gilt paper crown. We are waiting for you, and then we will have macaroni for supper.” It is late at night, the performance is over, the poor little theatre is in darkness, and the Marionettes are all safely put to bed in a great big trunk. And now in the little room at the back there is joy and content, for on the table stands a steaming dish of macaroni, flanked by a flask of thin red Tuscan wine. Round the table are gathered the little family. COMMICOOOKS.c©