The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-11-15
From Hoods Magazine.
TTOW IlOOu ; NIH8dzIHe'
THE GAMBLERS LAST STAKE.
A SCENE IN EADRID.

A SCENE IN EADRID
In an inner room his counting-housc, which
occupied whig of his splendid mansion in the
Gale Acaa, sat Don Jose Soano, one OF the rich
est bankers in Madrid, Illuminating with much self
complacency upon the profitable results OF a recent
speculation. He was interrupted in his medta-
tons by the entrance OF one of his clerks usherng
in a stranger. who brought letter OF introduction
from banker at Mexico. with whom Don Jose
had had occasional transactions. The letter stated,
that the bearer, the Count de Valleja, was ola
highly respected family of Mexican nobility, that
he was desirous Of visiting Europe, and more es'
pecially the country of his ancestors, Spain; and it
then went on to recommend him in the strongest
terms to the Madrid banker, one whose intimacy
and friendship could not fail to be sought after by
all who became acquainted with his many excel
lent and agreeable qualities.
The appearance of the count seemed to Justify,
as far as appearance do, the high terms in which
he was spoken of in his letter. He was about
eght-and-twenty years of age, dark complexioned,
with high, clear forehead, short, crisp, curling
hair, an intelligent and regular conntenance, aud
a smile Of singular beauty aud fascination. His
ewes were the only feature which could be pro-
nounced otherwise than extremely pleaing; al
though large, black, and lustlous, they had cer-
tain xity and hardness of expression that produced
an unpleasant impression upon the behoder, and
would, perhaps, have been more disagreeable, had
not the mellow tones of the counts voice, and his
suavty and polish of manner, served in great
measure to counteract the effect of this peculary.
Doing due honor to the strong recommendation
of his esteemed correspondent Don Jose welcom-
ed the young Conde with the utmost hospitality;
insisted on taking possession of him for the whole
fthe day. and, without allowing him to return to
his hotel, dragged him into the house, presented
him to his son and daughter, and charged them to
use their utmost exerlions to entertain their guest,
while he himself returned to his occupations till
dnDer-time. At one O'Clock the old banker reap
peared in the sala, where he found Rafael and
Mariquta Solano listening with avidiy to the
agreeable conversation of the count, who, in his
rich and characteristic Mexican Spanish, was Civ
ing them the most interesting details concerning
the country he had recently left The magni6-
cence Of the Mexican scenery, therpeculiarites of
the Indian races, the gorgeous vegetation and
strange animals of the tropics, formed the subjects
ofhs discourse, not little interesting to ayoung
man of three-and-twenty, and a girl of eighteen,
who had never as yet been fifty leagues away from
Madrid Norhad the stranger $ conversation less
charms for the old banker Valleja had been at the
Havana; was acquainted with scenes, if not with
persons, with which were associated some of Don
Jose's most agreeable "reminiscences; scenes that
he had visited in the days of bis youth, when he
laid the foundation of his princely fortune TO
be BRIEF the agreeable manner and conversation of
the count so won upon father, son, and daughter,
that when at nghall he rose to take his leave the
banker put his house su disposition, and follow
ed up what is usually mere verbal compliment
by insisting upon VaIleas taking up his abode with
him during his stay in Madrid Vaeja raised
many difficulties on the score Of the Inconvenience
or trouble he might occasion; but they were all
overruled and the contest Of politeness terminated
in the counts accepting the hospitality thus cordi-
ally pressed upon him. The very next day he was
installed in splendid apartment in the house of
Don Jose. =
Several days, even weeks elapsed, dur ing which
Valleja continued to be the inmate of the Casa
Solano, He appeared very well pleased with bis
quarters, and on the other hand his hosts found no
reason to regret the hospitality shown him. He
soon became the spoiled child Of the family; Don
Jose could not make meal without Valeja was
there to chat with him about the Havana Rafael
was the inseparable companion of his walks, rdes
and out door diversions; while the blooming Mar
quta never seemed SO happy as when the hand
some Mexican was seated beside her embroidery
frame conversng with her in his low soft tones,
or singing, TO the accompaniment of her guitar,