Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-04-09
was arrayed in the rich uniform of Rosas'

Dy ner.
Again she sighed. He knelt by her side
and gazed upon her snow white hand which
with its taper fingers covered with jewels
hung down upon the arm of the ottoman
on which she recined. The cavalier
bent, and the lady started to her feet
as she felt warm kiss impressed upon hel
hand.
Not terror-stricken did she scream, Of
turn to fly, but with flashing eye, reddenee
cheek, and frowning brow, as she drew hel
form up in queenly dignity, proudly ex.
claimed-"W dare intrude-" but ere
she finished her exclamation she saw the
sad and respectful gaze of the youth wht
knelt at her feat, and her anger seemed tc
vanish and her tones softened as she con
tinued, "Ah, is it you, Don Eduardo? !?
might have known that none other woulc
have dared the liberty which you have ta'
ken p
Pardon lady could not gaze upon the
hand which | so long have coveted, and re-
frain from showing how much | loved its
mistress"
"Rise, Eduardo" said the lady sadly, %
wish you never again would speak Of love
to meat least while-while-"
The lady blushed confusedly, and paus
ed. The youth observing it, eagerly ano
passionately exclaimed
"WhilcS 2 Oh, what do you mean by tha
word ds-even it gives light to the hope:
which alone keep my heart alive. Oh, tel
me have l cause to hope? Am more tt
you than the many others
''Were you not, do you think that woulc
permit him to live who dared the familiari
ty for which you but now craved my par
don p
"Then am l blessed indeed But wher
may call you mine?''
"When l am free from my present en-
gagements."
Gree !-present engagements 1t il
cruel to triAe !''
81 do not triAe, Eduardo. am willing
to acknowledge that love you; but | have
duty to perform-a sacred, imperative du
(which love or pleasure, nor aught OF
earth, can induce me to forego. If you love
me, your love will not fade like summe
flowers. My father cannot alone bear th'
care and fatigues of his Office. He canno
spare me and cannot marry while ne l.
in power. Indeed, he never will consen
to part with me SO necessary have now be
come to him."
"Cruel would be the delay. Know yol
not that while he lives the people will have
no other President. He alone can pleas'
and govern them, they will have no other
Oh for the love you have but confessed
decide not so, else years and years mus
roll away. His death alone"
"Spedk no, of mat, Eduardo!" said she
as the large tears arose in her eyes, 81 low
my father"
Dolores, must away, and await m.
time" said the youth, but as he spoke
Wild strange light beamed from his eyes
as if some desperate conceit had entered hi
mind.
"She did not observe it, but rising sai'
-"You may escort me back to the city Ed
uardo. The evening dews will soon begin
to fall, and | must dress for the tertuli
which we give tonight. You will be there.
1t was midnight, and Gen. Rosas was il
his private chamber, seated beside table fill
ed with documents, now reading and sign
ing one, and then another.
His daughter was seated beside him, busi
ly engaged in copying private letter; bu
started as gentle tap at the door announc
ed a strange visiter.
"Who is there?" said the General, in
low respective tone.
"What is wanted?"
~ bear a present, which has just beel
left with strict orders to deliver to your e X
cellency alone.'
ENTER. This is strange hour for
present. From whom does it come !"
81 know not" said the soldier, as he lai
neat square box on the table, and placin
key on the card which was fastened to it
top, departed.
"Open it daughter; have not time" sal
the General, as he again turned his mind
military report.
"Oh, guess who it is from. 1t is lik
his handwrihng!" she said, as she glance
at the card upon its top. "But what pres
ent could he have destined for the father {
Dolores"
"H-Whom daughter.
"Father, the supcrscription is, think i
the handwriting of Eduardo Escudero, an
he has in this delicate way sent you som
superb present, I'll warrant me-"
"Well, well, open the box my child an
satisfy your curiosity
The lady took the key and turned it i
: the lock, but, as she raised the lid the re
/ port of a volley of pistols almosa1pf Meme
her, and with one wild scra< she reele
and fell fainting to the &c Ind cloud
) smoke from the now P5ox. In an instaI
the President l6 her side.
ooh, COD daughter is slain I" said h
in agony; but his heart was cheered agai
as she spoke
} "No-oh, not slain, my father, but he
he would have slain you to win mel" an
) again she tainted.
, BY this time the room was filled with so
diers and officers, drawn thither by the n
: port of arms, and hasty examination
the internal machine, for such it was, e,
planned the plot against their generals lif
5 A row of pistols had been so placed alon
the box, that any one standing in front Of
to open it, would receive the contents
: his body. 1t had been sent to Rosas at tn
5 late hour, in expectation that he would ope
: it himself.
e Narrow had been the escape of the daugh
d er. She had stood beside, instead of in frol
OF the box, when she opened it; but ii
hand which her lover had once been permi
ted to salute, was now stained in sever
places with blood, where the balls had gra
Y ed; her tar arms and laced sleeves we