The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-03-09
THE BELLE OFSANTIAGO;
s AV E D BY FIR E
ICoNCLUSION.l


me-grant me absolution-at least say
| go in peace.
"Never.'
The silken curtain that hung between
themwas torn away ,and behind it Ugarte' S
face confronted her, livid with wrath
that terrified, grief that enlightened
her.
co.. he cried, as she shrunk away ;
"go and take with you the malediction
of heaven. Love like yours will be a
curse, not blessing, and your fate a
darker one than that you dread. Go,
and break your fathers heart, doom
your mothers soul to endless woe, and
leave me to sit in darkness all my days,
for with you departs the light of my
eyes, the one joy of my miserable life!'
Startled by the passionate despair that
burst the bounds of self control, Dolo-
res fled from the church like frighten-
ed doe, and hurried home to bewail her
lot, and send for Philippe to comfort
her.
What consolation ne offered may be
guessed from the fact that Dolores con-
sented to fly with him on the night of an
approaching festival, when the confusion
reigning in the city would conceal their
movements.
There seemed no other help, for Ugar
te's wild confession of his love left no
hope of aid from him, and nothing re-
mained for the poor girl but fight or the
convent.
The festival at the great church of the
Jesuits was to be unusually grand this
year in honor of guests from Rome,
was to last several days, and close with
general illumination Of the cathedral,
which was hung with thousands of
lamps, and fluttered with clouds Of gauze
drapery, wreaths of artificial flowers,
and every device for lightning that in
genuity could suggest. The great isis
terhood of Mary took an active part in
the ceremony, and all the women of the
city prepared to grace the sacred pa
geant. A.. 49,.
Dolores lived in constant fear of her
fathers return, for till then she was safe,
since Ugarte would dare take no steps
till he had been told of her rebellion.
1t needed some time to prepare for
flight, as caution was necessary to es-
cape detection, and Philippe worked Sc
cretly while apparently absorbed in the
general excitement. ...-. ,.
At twill yht on the day Of the fete the
young girl repaired to the church with
her little maid, as if to enjoy the pa
geant. Philippe, disguised as priest
was to meet her in one of the outer
chapels, and while all were engaged
within, they were to leave the city un
suspected.
1--WE are early; I will rest here till
my friends come. Go and watch fol
them, Nilla," she said, as they entered
the side door of the church, already
swarming with eager throngs.
Having rid herself of the child, Do
lores slipped away to the chapel, bu
finding it quite dark, paused on tht
threshold, whispering:
'Phillippe, art thou here"
In moment he was at her side
shrouded from head to foot in sombre
gown and hood. She could just SEE
his tall figure through the gloom, ant
gladly clung to him, feeling that now
she had nothing more to fear.
"Hush we must watt he whispered
wrapping her in his arms, and covering
her soft face with passionate kisses, fol
the two days separation had been hare
to bear.
She laughed softly, but shrunk little
from his ardor, saying, reproachfully
even while she caressed him.
"Nav; remember where we are. St
Mary. what devotee thou wouldst
make"
"St. Dolores is my goddess, and
where can l worship more fitly thar
here" he whispered from beneath his
hood.
"Is beard part of thy disguise?'
she asked, putting up her hand to fee
his face, for Philippe wore none.
Eyes, l would wear the livery of Sa
tan himselfto win the core of my heart,
he answered, in tone of such devotion
that Dolores thrilled with delight
thinking, as she felt his lips upon hel
little hands:
':Ah, he never dared to show how
much he loved me, but the darknes:
gives him courage. What heart of fir,
he is. Heaven bless us both %
"Let us go. Is all ready2 I feel :
sudden sense of terror here. Take me
away, Philippe" she whispered anxi
ously.
Come, then" -......
And he led her through q narrow pas
sage, down which the fresh night air wa'
blowing. ..r. -.
Just as they reached the entranc'
opening upon quiet street, man bear
ing a torch advanced to meet them.
Dolores uttered low cry, and Philli
ppe muttered an imprecation betweeI
his teeth, caught her up, sprang back
and dashed into cell-like room at th'
far end of the corridor, locking the doc
behind him.
In the act the hood fell off, and, b,
the dim light burning in the cell, Dolo
res saw not her lover, but the priest.
"Ah, heaven, all is lost" she cried
tearing herself from his hold.
"No, all is wonr' and Ugarte turned
upon her with smile that completed
her bewilderment. "Phillippe laid hi
plots well, but nothing escapes our spies
He will not keep his tryst; yet you shal
fly tonight with ono who loves with
love that thou canst never feel. Yes,
, have cast off all ties, all fear, all doubt
for, as you told me, love is heaven upo
earth. will enjoy the blessed present
and leave the future to eternal expiatio
if it need be" e..
, Where is he ?" was all her answer
as she turned her pallid face beseechins
ly toward him.
'In the hands Of the Brotherhood
l They will deal gently with the hereti
5 who would have snatched a lamb frol
: the fold," lie said, with grim laugh
2 "You betrayed him! Then, hear m
. / will never pardon that treachery, nc
trust man again. Fly with you! Ne