Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1873-01-18

come more rccOncilcd TO their will
In the interval thus granted the time
for the return of Carlos would expire, F.
and Marcillina prayed daily for the ar
rival of her betrothed, with the fortune
that was to find him favor in the eyes
of her parents. The two years were
rapidly drawing to Il close, and yet no
sign or token had come, save what she
found in the vigorous growth Of her
cherished vine. At length her parents
pressed with poverty, and weary OF the
prolonged indulgence to what they CON
sidered an idle fancy, fixed the day for
the wedding, with the s,litor Of their
choice, whose only recommendation was
his wealth
The eve Of Marccllina's wedding day
was the second anniversary Of the part
ing in the olivc-Tove, when Carlos told
her that if he didnot return 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 beneath
the shadow Of her beloved vine, which
was now large enough to shelter her
from casual observation in the uuccr-
tain cleaning, she sobbed and wcpt,
calling upon the Virgin, IN hopeless an
guish, to take her away to the spirit
world. where she believed Carlos to be.
Approaching footsteps arrested her at
tcntion. She started guiltily and at
tempted to hide her tears, for she darcl
not let her parents know she stll
moumed her absent lover
Lina-Lina!" greeted her ears III
familiar voice, and stayed her flight
Trcmblingly she awaited the near ap
proach of the intruder, when, with on
wild. JOYOUS cry of " Carlos" she drop
ped into his arms, her beautiful hca'
pressed close to his throbbing heart.
1t was indeed, Carlos, returned a
last, faithful to his promise, bringing
a fortune at least equal to that OF he
aged and dctcsted suitor,
: Carlos, with faith in his love an
confidence in his ultimate success, 10
- lowed the Indian across the Coast Rang
q, into the heart of the Sierras, where Il
proved the honesty of his guide and tl
-. truth of his promises by the mmvellor
depositsof goldtowhich hadlcd then
r Two wears sulliced 50 gain the fortul
for which they So earnestly sought al
stroye.
And other things being equal, Il
Don and Dona consented that the
G daughter should choose between Il
' suitors. and the next day, instead OF b
l. ING led to the altar wretched sacrlll
Il to their ambition aud ayarice, she we
'' as the willing and happy bride OF h
!, adoring Carlos.
!" Years passed away; Don and Do
II Foliz died, and rcycrses deprived Carl
'' Of his wealth. But, strange to say, t
% faithful vine, once token Of tidell
~ between the lovers, now became the
~ ~ means of support; for 50 prolific had
, ~ become, and So little did the lndolt
IL Spanish about them turn their attentl
~ j., to the culture of the grape, that
o fruit brought them an income sutliclt
=, for their maintenance.
Lo About twelve years ago a second v
nt sprang up near the original one a
III yrew rapidly, until now it nearly equ
NO. it in size. A large dancing floor
erected beneath the shadow Of the vi
nj and here the Spanish youths and II
~ dens united in the merry dance
os Sabbath evenings, according to IL
NJ national custom,
.ed Carlos and Marcellina died at g
nv. old age, leaving behind them three h
III. dred lineal descendants, and the
bv grapevine, which will keep green Il
lgc memory and the story of their love
rhe faithfulncss long after children
M grandchildren cease to tell the story
nv. Hundreds of tourists annually
uld the place, and wonder while they 6
her upon its vast proportions, and hstel
the accounts of marvellous product
sist ness.
two Yet, to me, the heart history
and which it is living momento Is
ma greatest charm: and | love to dire
ot while standing beneath its sprea'
branches, and gazing far out upon
-, q broad blue Pacific, whose waters S
Lor klc in the distance, of the true-hea
- q Spanish maiden who planted it Ill
,od faith which springs from an imm'
,vod love, and Tho watcred it with her t.