American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1872-12-28
love, and bcco re more reconciled to their

u II
will.
In the interval thus granted. the time
| for the return of Carlos - Ould expire; and
| Marccllina prayed daily tor the arrival of
her betrothed, with the fortune that was
to find favor IN the eyes of her parents.
The two years were rapidly drawing to a
| close. and vet no sign or token had come.
save what she found in the vigorous
growth OF her CHI rished vine. At length
| her parents, pressed with poverty and
weary of the prolonged Indulgence to
| what they consider, d an idle fancy, fixed
| the day for the wedding with the sutton
of their choice, whose only recomner da-
| ton was his wealth.
The eve of Marcallina's wedding-day
was the second anniversary of the parting
| in the olive grove. when Carlos told her
| that if he did not turn or send her word
within two years, she might know he
was dead. She had crept away from
the scene of busy preparation within
her home, and, hiding herself Leneath
was now large enough to shelter her from
casual observation in the uncertain
gloamng-she sobbed and wept. calling
upon the Virgin, in hopeless anguish, to
take her away to the spirit world, where
she believed Carlos to be.
Approaching footsteps arrested her at
tention. She started guilty and attempt
ed to hide her tears, for she dared not let
her pare ITS know she still mOurneu her
absent lover.
.Lina-Lina!" greeted her ears in
familiar voice, and stayed her flight.
Tremblingly she awaited the near APP
proach OF the intruder, when, with one
wild. joyous cry of Carlos ~ she drop
ped into his arms. her beautiful head
pressed close to his throbbing heart.
1t was, indeed. Carlos, returned at last,
faithful to his promise, bringing with him
fortune at least equal to that OF her az. d
and detested sutton.
Carlos, with faith in his love and conf
dence i'm his ultimate success, followed
the Indian across the Coast Range into
he heart of the Sierras, where he proved
the honesty of his guide aid the truth of
his promises by the marvellous deposits OF
gold to which he led them. Two years
sufficed TO gain the fortunes for which
they so earnestly sought and strove.
All other thin s being equal, tie Don
and Dona, C, nsented that their daughter
should choose between the suitOrs, and
the next day, instea'! of being led 10 the
altar wretched sacrifice to their ambi-
ton and avarice, she went as the willing
and happy bride of her adOring Carlos.
Years passed away; Don and Dona
Feliz died, and reverses deprived Carlos
If his wealth. But strange to say, the
faithful vine. once Il token of fidelity be-
tween the lovers, now became their means
of support; for so prolific had it be-
come. and so little did The indolent Span
ish about them turn their attention to
the culture of the grape, that its fruit
brought them income sufficient for their
maintenance.
About twelve years ago a second vine
spran9 up near the original one, and grew
rapidly, until now it nearly equals it in
size. A large dancing-floor was erected
beneath the shadow of the vine, and here
the Spanish youths and maidens united in
the merry dance on Sabbath evenings, ac-
cOrding to their national custom.
Carlos and Marcellina died at a good
old age, leaving behind them three hum
d, cd lineal descendants, and the big grape
vine, which will keep green their memo
ry and the story of their love and faith
fulness, long after children and grand
children cease to tell the story.
Hundreds of tourists annually visit the
place. and wonder while they gaze upon
its vast proportions, and listen to the ac-
counts of its marvellous productiveness.
Yet, to me, the hearthiStOry of which it
il a living mementO is its greatest charm;
and love to dream, while standi g be-
meath its spreading branches, and gazing
tar out upon the broad, blue Pacific, whose
waters sparkle III the distance. of the
true hearted Spanish maiden who planted
it in the faith which springs from an inn
mortal love, and who watered it with her
tears.-Orertand Monthly for December.