The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1875-01-13
LOVE-MAKIHG TN CUBA.
A Very Pretty Picture Of the Pro,
ceSs-ROnlanee Oftile OzOtea.
Havana Letter to Chicago Tribune.

Havana Letter to Chicago Tribune.
Last summer two sisters, who lived i'm
mediately opposite-there in that low
house-used to come to the terrace nearly
every evening at sunset. They were
about Is and Is years of age, and both
very pretty. The eldest, Lola, was a
black-eyed, raven-haired beauty, with
the well-grown, well-developed form so
common among Cuban women and so
rare among Cuban men. The youngest,
Panchita, was more delicate in make,
with flowing chestnut hair and blue eyes
the blue of the pervenche-and COM
plexion Of the purest white.
There is something peculiarly lovely in
fair skinned Habanesa; the perfect oval
of her face; her long almond-shaped eye;
the total absence of rose-color in her
cheek, make her type of blonde beauty
unknown to Northern chimes. The orig
inal, L believe, is to found in Andalusia,
whence came, also, the fairy-like feet
which distinguish Cubans generally.
The pretty sisters used to pace the azo-
tea with nonchalent grace which it was
enchanting to watch; Lola, with a cigar
In her mouth, putting vigorously; both
nodding and making signs with fingers
and hands to the young people, also
smoking, on the roofs around Sometimes
Panchita would indulge in a paper ci-
garlic, and it was very pretty to see the
dainty fingers hold it a moment to the
coral lips, and then the light smoke curl
up round the delicate little nosel
A week or two passed thus in few simple
salutations and pretense of taking exer
else, when discovered that young gen,
tleman, who frequented the roof OF that
three~storied house on the right,
REMAINED sUsPICIoI SLY STATIONARY
in corner Of his azotea during the whole
time the sisters remained on theirs. Soon
| was certain that Panchita smoked her
cigarito with an embarrassed air, very
different from her former natural, thought
less grace; then it was evident that she
fingered moment behind her sister when
they prepared to descend, and never failed
to cast parting look in the direction of
the stationary young man. At last, /
surprised signals with fan and fingers,
and then blown kisses from the admirer,
and soon ell the evidences Of passion that
tall individual on house-top, withshis
silhouette distinctly drawn against the
sky, can dare to give. And then, when
Panchita was fairly out of sight, Pope
descended also, and, half an hour later,
would be found in the street posted OUT
side her parlor window, waiting patiently
for a stray smile or word from his lady
love within.
You see how convenient the windows
are constructed in this country for love-
making, reaching down to the ground,
without glass, and only the perpend cular
iron bars, six inches apart, to defend
them, there is absolutely nothing TO pre-
vent the tenderest conversation between
the gallant on the side walk and the belle
inside the grating, or reja, as j; is called.
1t is, then, outside this reja, that the
Cuban lover begins his courlship, and
signs HIS PRETTY NOTHINGs-
"Alma de mi viva" (soul OF my life),
"Cucullo de mi corazon" (freiy OF my
heart), etc.-to the willing, euchanted
ears within. After period Of out~door
love making, longer or shorter according
to the ardor and sincerity OF the wooer,
he requests to see papa or mamma, and
begs their permission to be allowed to
continue his courtship indoors. If he is
considered a suitable match, he is asked
how long a time he intends to pay his ad-
dresses before he determines or is able to
marry. If his term be too long, he viii
probably not be permitted to visit Gt the
house; but, if all is right and smooth.
gracious leave is given to come every
evening. From that hour the young
lady's society belongs exclusively to him;
he and she sit side by side in the parlor,
whispering and gigsling togeiher-inter-
4 aetinCr Ohisefa tn those who love Them.
| great bores to those who do not.
Such was the course of Pepc's and Pan
! chita's loves; at the end OF three month";