Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-04-06
NO. s3.
Gales and Sketehes.
THE ROSES MISSION.
BY JAMES MARTIN.
from Yesterday

One June afternoon, the Sonora, Inez,
and their guest, drove to the Cathedral.
lnez pointed ont places of interest, and
they passed carriages filed with the fash
ion of Seville. On the right flowed the
Gaudalquiver and steamers of many ma
tionalities piled its waters. Landward,
the exquisitely kept gardens, the artisti-
cally trimmed trees overhanging arbours
and shaded walks which wound out of
sight, presented scene of surprising
beauty. The white dresses of the ladies
who reclned on rustic seats contrasted
with the black-coated Seniors who sat at
their feet attuning guitars or chatting gai-
ly. The younger wandered in the shadows
of the groves. sought the seclusion of the
bowers, or strayed near the fountains.
One group little remote, is silent. This
quiet company suppose Spirit is hover
ing near, Ga Spanish superstition.) Now
they think the vision past, and they are
all talking again as If unaware Of having
entertained an angel.
Soon the party reached the crowded
GALES. They were not free from the i'm
portunities of horde of beggars, who
beseeched them fer the love of Dois, to
give them aims, Dudley threw them
handful of small coin, in return they be-
slowed upon him the most extravagant
benedictions. Turning into another Gale,
they came very near driving over sever
al peasants. The sudden refining up of
the horses, and the collection of curious
crowd, seemed to alarm them; apparent
y they feared publicity. The peasant
who came nearest accidently scowlea at
Dudley. and revealed, though partially
concealed by a closely drawn cloak.--a
familiar face. He tried TO recolect where
he had seen this person. Suddenly he
started. An exclamation was on his lips;
but he repressed it. He glanced at Inez
and her mother to see if either had no.
ticed his agitation. Plainly not. Dudley
had been struck by this mans resemblance
to Pedro Garta A moment afterward he
smiled at his credulty. "Why," he thought
to himself. "he left the city long ago;
and even had he not, he would not thus
be prowling about in disguise" The Sc
nora cautioned the coachman about his
careless driving, and they wound slowly
along the intricate way. Striking the
broadest avenue they caught sight OF the
cathedral as they drove through plaza
faced by tall buildings. In the centre a
fountain sparkled in the afternoon sun
light, and the silver tide in the basin was
all tremor from the falling spray.
Inez had some taste far art and brought
Dudley to the cathedral that he might en-
joy the pictures with her. Dudley was
impressed by its magnificent interior.
Nearly one hundred richly colored win
dows let the light in softly, mellowing the
splendid high altar and rendering the tos:t
ensemble more solemn. In one of the
chapels he was struck by Murillo's Angel
dc Ia Guarda. 1t represented Sersph
with out-spread wings, leading child by
the hand and directing him to look into
the heavenly light which flooded the can
vas. Inez turned to Dudley and said:
Il often think how much this picture
symbolizes the mission OF our good Pa
dres; for do they not teach us OF Heaven
and point the way ?"
Dudley answered; ait is q holy office
and only those most aptly qualified should
assume its duties" lnez said with some
little asperity: "Senor, there has been an
| advancement in our clergy, everything
| Objectionable has been eradicated," They
gazed at St. Antonio. He knelt in his cell.
| All the details OF arcade and cloister we're
seen through the grated door. Above
him the Holy Child appeared. drawn hith-
er by his prayer. Dudley ventured to re-
mark: This is an example of personal
suppication, unaided by an intercessor."
Looking where he supposed Inez stood.
stood, Dudley met the mild rebuking look
of the Senora,-he had not hitherto no.
ticed her since entering the Chapel, she
said, in kindly persuasive tones: "You
must know poor sinful mortals can never
hope to commune with the unseen. The
saints may, but we are earthly and need
publication. They are purified already
and have divine commission" Dudley
made no rejoinder, A Huguenot ances-
try had imbued him with those orthodox
views against which contrary reasoning or
continental maxims could not prevail.
They moved on together until they met
Inez. Then they all slowly left the
church.
For moment they stood at the base of
the Giralda, looking up at Its curiously fig
ured sides which have so Successfully re-
sisted the ravages OF Time. Far up on its
summit they saw the figure OF Faith, inap
propriately chosen as weather vane. As
the day declined, they took their way
homeward by more circutous route
for they would be able to drive rapidly.
III.
Duuley was possessed OF u new passion.
Inez had peculiar charm. His eyes fol-
lowed her everywhere, and in her socie-
| ty he was perfectly happy. 1t seemed as
ii she were surrounded by an invisible
halo, "A magnetic atmosphere of her own
creating; tor, whenever he came within
its attractive influence, he was wholly
captivated. 1t enlisted his affections. he
forgot himself and knew none but her.
When away from Inez. he was lost, dis
prited and unhappy. She was perfect.
and at her smile how delighted he was,
To him it was more than sunlight. 1t
quickened his pulse, and life looked rose
| colored. Nature, too, smiled in sympathy
and everything lived for him alone. Ii
she frowned or chided him, it was well
| for he deserved it In word, in her was
blended every feminine charm.
| Dudley could not sleep one night. and
when all sounds were hushed, he arose
and went to the window overlooking the
city; the moon rode high, and . light
softer than day prevailed. He saw. far
down the river, some vessels sailing sea-
ward with the favoring tide. Lights
| o olimmered from windows far and near.