Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1875-06-04
meet her IN a few minutes at dinner

|
come great favorites in the aristo
cratic society of Baltimore.
Mr.. Kane was haunted by mothers
who had marriageable daughters
dlned by bashful papas, and on &C
count Of his popularity, wined at the
clubs by his numerous friends, while
the beautiful Juanita arose like a stal
above the horizon of the social circle,
and became at once a reigning belle
But amid all the admiration of the
outer world bestowed upon them
both Clarence and Juanita were bet
ter content to enjoy the quiet of the
old homestead, and were happiest
when left to themselves. And YET
neither of them knew the others feel
ings in this matter, but believed the
regard existing between them was
such as was right between guardian
and ward.
The merry days were soon over
and once again Juanita returned to
her school duties, but not for long;
as in the commencement of summer
she was to graduate and appear be
fore the worlds footlights as young
lady; and with joy She looked for,
ward to the day when again she
would be back to the old homestead
which Clarence found to be strangely
dark and dismal without her fail
presence.
But the months rolled by at last
and once again Juanita eladdcncd
the mansion with her sunny smile
and silvery voice, to the joy of her
guardian and the delight of the ser.
wants, for one and all Of them loved
her dearly.
A month after her return, she was
seated one moonlight evening enjoy
ing from the open window the
scene OF lawn, lake and forest spread
before her, when suddenly quick
step was heard, and Clarence Kane
entered the room and approaching
her said softly:
"Juanita, l am glad to find YOU
alone for | have something to tell
YOU"
Even in the moonlight the beauti.
full face was seen to flush quickly and
the dark eyes were raised towards
her guardian.
"Juanita, to-day is the first time
the thought of losing you ever came
forcibly upon me-"
"What mean you? Speak, i'm
plore yonw cried the impassioned
girl, startled at his words.
"Do not be alarmed, little girl,
merely want to say that Casper
Hastings and Colonel Hughes have
both asked me to-day to allow them
to lay themselves, their hearts and
fortunes at your pretty feet,"-and
Clarence spoke playfully.
81 love neither of them, and never
shall. Hence l will not have one or
the other; but what did you say?"
81 said / would speak to you on
the subiect?"
"You are willing to give me up
then?"
"Never!-no, l mean-but some
day you will love some man and he
will take you from me-"
"No, no, no. / will not 90 away
from you. l will not love any one;
l wish to be always with you.''
Clarence Kane sprang to his feet
and rapidly crossed the floor, and re-
turning, said quickly:
"Juanita, would to heaven could
keep you ever with me; but first ere
[ know my doom, let me tell you of
yourself; let me tell you of your
past lite.'
''Listen! You have believed your.
self left in my keeping by your par
ents, who, l told you, died in u for.
eign land; but to your life hangs a
story which now you must know, for
no longer are you child.
You know my life has been one OF
adventure, Of wandering, and thus
will begin by telling you that
sixteen years ago l was roaming
in Spain, and one night put up at an
inn by the roadside, where we're sta
toned number of Spanish officers.
while enjoying my supper in
quiet, a conversation occurred at a
table near me, between several
Spanish officers, that was most in
sulting to my own land, and every
vile epithet was heaped upon America
and Americans, until unable to stand
it longer, l arose to my feet, and
crossing over to the table threw a
glass of wine into the face of a young
man, attired in captains uniform,
and who had been particularly insult
ing in all that he had said.
Instantly there was commotion,
and making known my nationality,
the young captain demanded that l
should meet him in duel the next
day but one, in spot designated in
the mountains, and some IL miles
distant, the captain promising to have
friend present who would act rs
my second, for / was stranger in a
strange land, and knew not whom to
call upon; but do not be impatient,
Juanita, for all this bears upon your
life.
TO be in time, l procured guide
the next afternoon, and thoroughly
armed and well mounted, started for
the rendezvous, but a terrific storm
set in, we lost our way, darkness
came on, and after wandering for
hours, friendly light caught our
eyes, aud we eagerly sought it, and
found small mountain farm house,
from the inmates of which we re-
ceivcd warm welcome.
4 liked not the appearan ce OF the
place, and neither did my guide, for
we felt assured that there had been
some half dozen men in the house
when We called at the gate, for dis
tinctly had we heard loud voices, and
yet only an old man and woman
greeted us.
But a good supper was given us.
My guide looked after the horses,
and was assigned a place in the barn
to sleep; while was shown up
stairs to a room possessing but a
single door and window, besides the
trap through which l had entered
the chamber.