The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-09-21

fernorship there was young Creole girl.
named Miralda Estalez, who kept little
cigar store in the Gale de Mercaderes.
and whose shop was the resort OF all the
young men OF the town who loved a
choicey made and superior cigar. Mi.
ralda was only seventeen, without mother
or father living, and earned an humble
though sufficient support by her industry
in the mandatory we have named, and
by the sales OF her little store. She was
a picture of ripened tropical beauty, with
finely rounded form, a lovely face, Of
soft olive tint, and teeth that Tuscraofa
might envy her. At times, there was a
dash Of languor in her dreamy eye that
would have warmed an anchorite; and
then her cheerful jests were so delicate
yet free, that she had unwitingly turned
the heads, not to say hearts OF halt the
young merchants in the Gale de Mefca
deres. But she dispensed her lavors
without partialty; none OF the rich and
gay exquisies Of Havana could say they
had ever received any particular ackowl
edgment from the fair young girl TO Ihier
warm and constant attention. For this
one she had pleasant smile, for another
few words Of pleasing gossip, and for
third snatch of Spanish song; but to
none did she give her confidence, except
to young Pedro Mantanez, fine looking
boalman, who piled between the Punta
and Moro Castle, on the opposite side of
the harbor.
Pedro was a manly and courageous
young fellow, rather above his class in
intelligence, appearance, and associa'
lions, and pulled his oars with a strong
arm and light heart, and loved the beau
tiful Miralda with an ardor romantic in
its fidelity and truth. He was sort OF
leader among the boatmen in the harbor
for reason of his superior cultivation and
intelligence, and his quick-witted sagaci.
ty was often turned for the benefit of his
comrades. Many were the noble deeds
he had done in and about the harbor
since boy, for he had followed his call
ing Of waterman from boyhood, as his
fathers had done before him. Mira!da,
in turn, arden,ly loved Pedro; and when
he came at nigh and sat in the back part
of her little shop, she had always neat
fragrant cigar for his lips. Now and then,
when she could steal away from her shop
on some holiday, Pedro would hoist tiny
sail in the PROV Of his boat, and securing
the little stern awning over MiraIda's
head steer out into the guilt and coast
along the romantic shore. b..
There was famous roue, well known
at this time in Havana, named Count
Almonte, who had frequently visited
Miralda's shop, and conceived quite
passion for the girl, and. indeed, he had
grown to be one of her most liberal GUS
toners. With a cunning Sbrewdness and
knowledge OF human nature, the Count
besieged the heart of his intended victim
without appearing 10 do so, and carried
on his plan of operations for many weeks
before The innocent girl even suspected
his possessing partality for her, unIll
one day she was surprised by present
from him of so rare and costly a nature
as 10 lead her to suspect the donors in
tentions at once, and TO promptly decline
the offered gilt. UndSmayed by this,
still the Count continued his proiuse pat,
ronage in way TO which MiraIda could
find no plausible pretext of complaint.
At last, seizng upon what he consider
ed favorable moment. Count Almonte
declared his passion TO Miralda, besought
her to come and be the mistress OF his
broad and rish estates at Cerito, near the
city. and offered all the promises OF
wealth, favor, and fortune; but in vain.
The pure minded girl Scorned his offer,
and bade him never more 10 insult her
by visiting her shop. Abashed, but not
confounded. the Count retired, but only
10 weave new snare whereby he could
entange her, Tor he was not one 10 be so
easily thwarted.
One afternoon, not long after this, as
the twilight was setting over the town,
file Of soldiers halted just opposite the
door, of the little cigar shop, when
Young man, wearing Lieutentant's in.
sigma, entered and asked the attendant
Iif her name was Miralda Estalez, 10
which shs limidly responded.
Then you will please to come with me- ,
BY what authority?' asked the trem.
bling girl.
The order Of the Governor. General
Then must obey you, she answered,
and prepared to follow him at once.
Stepping to the door with her, the
Young officer directed his men 10 march
on; and, getting into volsnte, told Mi.
ralda they would drive to the guard
house. But, to the surprise of the girl,
she soon after discovered that they were
rapidly passing the city gates, and i'm
mediately after were dashpg off on the
road 10 Cerilo. Then it was that she be
ran 10 fear some trick had been played
upon her; and these fears were soon con.
frmed by the volante's turning down>the
long alley of palms that led to the estate
of Count Almonle. 1t was in vain to
expostuate now; she felt that she was in
the power of the reckleS nobIeman, and
the pretended officer and soldiers were
his own people, who had adopted the
disguise OF the Spanish army uniform.
Count Almonte met her at the door,
told her TO fear no violence, that her
wishes should be respected in all things