, 1859-01-14
THE FLowER-GIRL OF MADRID.


CHAPTER ].
II was one delightful evening in August, when
the plaza of Madrid was crowded with elite
promenaders and gay cavaliers, that a young
girl dressed in the anciful attire of the peasants,
was observed by all, as she presented for sale
some beautiful flowers which she carried in her
basket She was apparently not over sixteen,
but the sparkling intelligence Of her large black
eyes, and the vOluptuous development Of her
form, pronounced her older. None, it would
seem, could be better adapted to her vocation,
for her strange beauty attracted all eyes, and the
pleasant fascination of her smile caused them to
pause and buy her flowers.
Among the promenaders was tall, 1.-THE
young man, of commanding figure, but pale, ex-
pressive cOuntenance, and dark, restless eyes.
lie was evidently a cOmmoner from his dress,
and q close observer would have at once conclu-
ded him to be student of the public university.
As he approached the AOwer-girl the smile
beamed brighter on her face, and he recognised
her with an equal degree Of pleasure. The hand
which she extended to him did not contain
flowers.
"GoOd evening. AzOle !" said the young man,
as he took her hand. "HOw are you succeeding
to-nightI"
"oh, excellent she replied, smiling AIN
deed, I will not have flower left when reach
home; so will go no farther down the plaza"
"Then turn back and walk with me, }" said the
young man.
"No no, Eugene" she said, timidly, there
are too many abroad; would be afraid; come
to the house this evening at seven. Stay let
mo fasten this flower in your broastl" And
with all lovers pride, she selected one Of her
prctticst sprigs, and pinned It to his lapel, smi-
ling happily.
AT that moment tall, noble-loOking cavalier,
dressed in light tunic, and wearing sword and
the cross Of honor, passed them, with slow and
measured steps, and glanced at Azole with an
expression Of the deepest admiration. This was
nothing unusual for noble-to do with hand
some AOwer-girl; but it brought blush to
AzOle's cheeks and frown to the brow Of Eu-
gene.
"Who is that cayalcr?" asked the latter,
quickley, as the don went on.
II know him not" said Azole, timidly; "he
belongs to the court, and few days ago, the
queen, in returning from pleasure party in the
country, bade him purchase my flowers. ! do
not like his looks, even though he is so hand
some?"
at cannot bc the prince, Don Philip" said
Eugene, musingly.
"No, think not, though he was very near
the queens person." replied Azole.
." His face is not familiar one have never
seen it at any Of the great .tetes. By heaven, Il
he should harm you, Azole-"
The little hand Of Azole closed over his mouth,
and cut short the imprecation.
/ "Dont swear, Eugene" she said, TREMENDOUSLY
"what fears can you have Of me! Beside,
you forget that we are on the plaza, and are at
tracing attention"
"True, true, Azolc; forgot" he said.
But these mobiles are becoming SO insolent and
tyrannical toward the peasantry that none are
safe il they once excite their lust"
"Speak no more Of IT," she replied, smiling
again. "Come to tho house at seven. There
go now. Adios, Eugene"
"Adios, dear Azolc."
The student, Eugene Gonzalo, stood looking
aflcr her as she glidcd down the street holding