The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1873-01-16

Barbara, her first act was to plant the
cutting upon the hillside, with many
tears and prayers to the Virgin for the
success and safety of her lover.
The vine grew and tlourished with
wonderful luXuriancc, and gladdencd
the heart of the waiting maiden, who
could hardly have borne the burden of
anxiety and suspense without its silent
encouragement; for Don and Dcna had
found, as they thought Il suitable conn
panion for their daughter, in Spaniard
of reputcd great wealth, who promised
thom liberal compensation for her hand.
He was short, OF good circumference,
and gri2zled with years, but, to counter
balance these defects i'll II lover, his fin
gers and shirt front shonc with gems.
Marccllina' violent opposition, however,
while it did not move them to renouncc
their purpose, induced them to post
pone the marriage, in the hope that she
would forget her former love, and be-
come more rcconclcd to their will.
In the interval thus granted the time
for the return of Carlos would expire,
and Marcillna prayed daily for the ar-
rival of her bctrOthcd, with the fortune
that was to find him favor in the eyes
of her parents The two years We're
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-
sidcred i'm idle fancy, fixed the day for
the wedding, with the suitor OF their
choice, whose only recommendation was
his wealth.
The eve of AIarcellinas wedding day
was the second anniversary of the part
ing in the olive-grovc, when Carlos told
her that if he did not 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 1mccr-
tain gloaming 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 ut
tcntion. She started guiltily and at
tempted to hide her tears, for she dared
not let her parents know she still
mourmcd her absent lover.
Lina-Lina' greeted her ears in n
familiar voice, and stayed her flight.
Trcmblingly 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 ut
last, faithful to his promise, bringing
fortune at least equal to that of her
aged and dctestcd suitor.
Carlos, with faith in his love and
confidence in his ultimate success, fol
lowed the Indian across the Coast Range
into the heart Of the Sicrras, where he
proved the honesty of his guide and the
truth Of his promises by the marvellous
dcpositsOf goldto which he had led them.
Two years suniccd SO gain the fortune
for which they so earnestly sought and
, strOvc.
And other things being equal, tho
, Don and Dona consented that then
daurhtcr should choose between the
suitors, and the next day, instead Of be-
ing led to the altar wrctchcd sacrifice
+. to their ambition and avaricc, she went
as the willing and happy bride Of hcl
, adoring Carlos.
Years passed away; Don and DOni
FcIiz died, and rcvcrses deprived Carlo.
! of his wealth. But, strange to say, til,
faithful vine, once n token of fidelity
between the lovers, now became then
means of support; for SO prolific had il
= become, and so little did the indolcnt
Spanish about them turn their attention
| to the culture of the grape, that its
fruit brought them an income sufficient
for their maintenance.
, About twelve years ago second vine
sprang mp near the original one and
grew rapidly, until now it n"1rly equals
it in size. A large dancil. floor was
erected beneath the shadow of the vine,
and here the Spanish youths and mai
dens united in the merry dance on
Sabbath evenings, according to their
national custom.
Carlos and Marcellina died at good
old age, leaving behind them three hun
dred lineal descendants, and the big
grapevine, which will keep green their
memory and the story of their love and
faithfulness long after children and
grandchildren 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 accounts Of marvellous productive
ness.
Yet, to me-, the heart history Of
which it IS living momcnto is its
greatest charm; aud 1 love to dream,
while standing beneath its spreading
hrnnchcs. AND razing far ont npOn tho