Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-04-19
A Romance Of ROnda.
by MRS. ROMER.

The inhabitants Of the mountains of RoTld;
still bear evident traces in their moral auC
physical qualities of tho admixiure Of MoorisI
blood, which daring the long period of the Ara
domination in Spain, was so largely infused
into the veins of the conquered people of the
southern portion of the Peninsula They arc
daring and courageous, devoted to those they
love, but at the same time obstinate and vim
diOtive, never fOrgiving an injury, and pur-
suing the infection of one with vengeance,
which too often ends in bloodshed. The noun
taineers are at once active and indoIent, pre-
ferring the exciting perils of occasional eOntra-
baRdista adventures to the prosecution Of some
more regular and creditable branch of ofindustry;
but there are exceptions to this lawless rule,
and when a native of Ronda turns his mind
seriously to business, the energy of his charac-
ter enables him TO succeed in the teeth of diff
culties which more plOdding patience could
never surmount.
OF this latter description was Isidro Valdes,
one OF the most prosperous pToprietors in the
immediate vicinity of the little mountain CITY
of Ronda. He possessed an excellent habita-
| ton in the town, and fourisblng farm in the
envirCns; his breed Of horses and Of game bulls
were in greater estimation than those of any
other proprietor in the mountain; he was hand
some, amiable, and only twenty four years of
age. His dark countenance possessed all the
animation and regular beauty, and his slight,
well knit form all the symmetry and grace for
which the Andalusians are celebrated; and
never was majO dress worn by one who SO hap
PLY knew how TO draw line between elegance
aBd coKcombry-dash and swagger; distinc.
sion rarely understood by the burly besux of
Andalusia. ALI that was wanting to render his
happiness complete was vile; and with his
natural advantages, that want was easily sup
piled. His choice fell upon a young girl of
Ronda, of his own class, more richly endowed
by nature than by fortune; but as he was
wealthy enough to marry g pOrtiOnless bride,
and too disinterested to make money the chief
end Of matTimony, he did not suffer tho obiec-
ton to interfere with his wishes. He rendered
his hand to the fair Carmen Diaz, and was &C
cspted by her with every demonstration of sat
islaction.
The marriage was to be celebrated at the
period Of the fair at ROnda, when the town is
one scene Of hustle and gaiety from morning
till night, and the population Of all the villages
in the mountains, as well as many English of.
icers from the garrison of Gibraltar, and gentry
from the more distant cities of Andalnsia, flock
into Ronda to attend the bull fights, which form
the great attraction Of the period, and always
Spain. At these times Isidro's house generally
afforded hospitality to some of the English
strangers whom the scanty accommodations of
the Ronda p0sadGS would otherwise have con-
demned to sleep ga Ia bella etOile," and they
Jared so comfortably inhis cool clean chambers,
that those who had once been his guests always
sought to return to him. One of these, more
especially, an officer attached to tho medical
staff at Gibarltar, was often led thither BY his
regard for IsidrO as by his partiality for the
sports Of Ronda. Mutual benefits had been
conferred, of nature to create no common re.
gard between them, and in a measure to neutra.
lie their differences Of station. Docter W.
had saved lsidro's life during the dreadful
period of the cholera; Isidro had rescued the
Englishman from the hands Of these desperate
bandits who infest the mountains of Andalusia,
and thus, when the young man had decided
upon becoming the husband of Carmen, he dis,
patched letter to his friend to apprise him of
the common event and to solicit his presence
at the marriage ceremony.
81 am, as you know, an orphan, (" he wrote
to him, ''and have not even any near relations
living; but since a fortunate chance has bes
slowed upon me such friend as yourself, I feel
that do not stand alone. Come, then, Senior
Doctor, and replace the father and the brothers
/ have lOst-come and witness the event that
is to insure the happiness of my future life
To all other guests but yourself my house will
be closed during the. periOd of the approaching
fair"
The invitation was accepted with all the
warmth that had dictated it; and on the dav
previous to the one that had been fixed uDon
for the wedding, the Doctor arrived at Ronda. |
BE was received by his young host with q |
countenanee beaming with the happiest hopes, |
and the first words addressed to him, after those
of welcome, were an assurance Of the ineffable |
contentment Of his heart
81 see that you are desperately in love-" oh. |
served his friend.
"IlOvs Oh, Doctor, ifgOu knew my Carmen;
but you will soon behold her, you would under |
stand my transport. yes, am marrying her |
for love alone. She possesses nothing but that
which surpasses sll the wealth in The world /
and which gold could never buy-beauty and /
grace that intozieate the senses-goodness and |
purity that captivste the soul Such are her |
periections, that l scarcely dared to hope she |
would have accepted me-"
''What young, rich, handsome, as you arc
you scarcely dared to hOPe?"
"Ah % replied Isidro, "YOu know not ALL It |
is because-"
Then, suddenly checking himself, he STAINS
mered few incOherent words, and became si-
lent.
His friend discreetly forebore to question him
farther, and the conversation soon took another
turn. The chamber Doctor W. was In the
habit of occupying, next to that of his host. had
been prepared for him; and after tete-a tste
dinner with Isidro, he pretexted some visitS
among the early tertulias of his fair friends At
ROnda, and went out in order to leave the vonng
man at liberty 10 pass the evening with bis
belrothed. At III he returned to the bonss
and was preparing 10 retire for the night, When
IsidrO entered the room, pale and agitated, and
threw himself apon a chair by his side:
@What is the matter with you Z" inquired the
doctor, fare you III I"
HAo," was the brief reply.
Have you had lovers quarrel, then ~
No-no," he repeated. @B1t, good God
who would have throught that" --'' -
Speak out ISidro; open your heart to me-
surely have right t5 your confidence"
lou have, said Isidro, pressing the doc
tors hands; land you shall know all. This
evening went to the house of the Viada Juan
DAG, Garments mother, and where ali the
family were assembled. Carmen watched her ,
opportunity, and at q moment when bsF moth
or and her brother were both so oecunied as
not to observe her, she whispered IN INV 'ssT
tIsidro will VOu be az homa To n;,ht - -.