The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-08-23
cHAPTER XIX.
Wit 7 III 9s--N7
cArHERrxE pE MIDcI,s STORY.


said Catherine de AIidci, as Norman
was taken away by the officers OF the
law, while a scornful smile eurled her
lips, displaying once more those pearly
teeth.
The guests came forward and congrat-
ulated the bride and groom whose happy
bridal had terminated so abruptly; and
then, turning to Sonora, who lay reclin-
ing upon the arm of Blanche, each one
had some word Of comfort to offer her,
thinking that she at least must be the
one to feel the effects of this mystery
most, but, happy girl, sweet smile
rested once more upon her lovely face !;
and as a few Of her most intimate
friends endeayored to console her, she
exclaimed:
81 never was happier! Thank God,
my prayers are answered and am free
from that bad manr'
After partaking of some refreshments,
the company at last disappeared to their
home, some to pity and lament over the
unfortunate and half-made bride, and
others 10 wonder and comment upon
the handsome groom and the mysterious
stranger.
When they had all departed, except
Mr.. Golfer, whom Harry insisted upon
remaining, the Colonel came forward,
and seating himself beside the unknown
lady, said:
Madam, viii you now have the kind
ness to explain to us the nature of Mr..
McIntosh's offence? and to whom we
are indebted for its revelation? for /, as
father, have a right to know that
which is so intimately connected with
my daughters fate and with the honor
Of my family"
Certainly, sirn replied Catherine de
AIidci, rising, "all shall be explained to
your satisfaction, and give you cause to
be thankful that you are rid of villain
and a wretch so despisabler'
Mrs. Hewitt, who had recovered her
feelings somewhat, turned to Catherine,
saying;
"Let US first take some refreshments,
and then we shall all feel stronger and
more capable OF bearing any shock
which your recital may give" and ris-
ing, she led the way to the dining-room,
where a magnificent dinner was served
up.
For time all else was forgotten save
the health and prosperity of the happy
young couple, who were scarcely more
than the half-made bride, who equally
received her share of the toasts and
well wishes Of all present
AS soon as dinner was over, they
again repaired to the parlor, where,
having comfortably seated themselves,
they were prepared to listen to the
story which their strange guest had
promised to tell them.
"NIy tale is a true one" commenced
she, as she seated herself and reelined
one arm gracefully upon the table,
while in the other hand she nervOusly
grasped a small and narrow box, which
she had taken from her pocket, and
which seemed rather weighty for such a
receptacle. 81 was born of Spanish
parents in the early part of the year
IS at Madrid, the capital of Spain,
making me at the present time just
thirty-five. My parents name was Va
lerie, and / was their only daughter.
From my earliest childhood / was con-
sidered handsome, and my friends never
scrupled to tell me so, and thereby PAM
per my vanity. As 1 grew older / be-
came vain and selfish, and considered
myself a little superior TO those around
me. Ny dear but weak-minded mother
INDUCED my every wish, and 1 only
had to tease or bring a few tears to COM
pei her 10 obey my slightest desire. Ny
father was a true Spaniard, and hi.
wrath alone did fear. Ny two broth
ers, who were both younger than my
self, I cared little about
"When l was little over twelve year
of age, my parents took me to behol'
that cruel and most horrible spectacle,
bull fight. Though / was but twelve
still I had attained the growth of
woman, and considered those Of my ag
but children compared to myself ha'
also early attained the feelings of
woman, and was not a stranger to tn
realities Of love, though 1 had as We
never fixed my eyes upon one to whom
! had any particular attachment. Blu
in the arena I beheld my future hus
band, Lenard de AIidei, or Speedfas
as he was called among his people. Yes
he was one of the combatants. His tai
and muscular form was clad in garment
suitable to the feat he was expected [,
perform, and his magnificent locks wer
slightly covered by q tasty little can
decorated with bright crimson plume
which gracefully waved as he move,
his head. l thought as 1 gazed upol
him that ! had never seen his equal
My cheek crimsoned beneath his gaz,
and my black eyes flashed with the tru
fire of Spanish love, for, young as the
was, / resolved to win him, for 1 alread
loved him as few Of you colder-bloode
Americans can be aware Of My parent
noticed the interest which 1 that da
seemed to take, on account Of nev'
having done so before, for had a matt