The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-06-03
THE LADY'S BRIDGE.
A Legend of Toledo. Spain.


''The archbishop has determined to re-
build the bridget,
"The news is too good to be true"
Wills true, for am the messenger to
the architect to whom the work IS to be
committed
"Toledo will pray forever for Don
Pedro Tenorio. if he carries out this de-
sign.
Such was fragment of conversation
in the streets Of Toledo, in the year 1890.
The ancient bridge, broken down by the
floods OF 1908, and afterward rebuilt, was
now to be restored with great magnif-
cence. The architect was one whose
fame had extended far and wide, but this
promised to be the GROWING achieve
ment of his art.
"Spare mott said The archbishop, shut
let the bridge be worthy of the town, of
its artist and of its founder. Let it typi-
,fy my munifcence, thy genius, and the
strength and beauty of the city.''
ut shall be worthy of all three re.
sponded the artist.
Troops of workmen were now engaged,
piles were driven, immense stones select
ed with great care, were brought to the
river banks and wrought into shape. The.
architect spentmuch Of his time in watch
ing the gradual realization in concrete
form of his design. At first he was blithe
and cheerful, animating the men with
his own spirit, and full of devices for
smoothing away all the many difficulties
that arise to impede such undertakings;
but after a while his manner changed,
and IN proportion as the bridge advanced
to completion, he became sad and quite
moody. One day he sat and gazed for
hours at the bridge, wrapped in sorrow
ful thought, taking no heed of the by-
ISLANDERS, like one IN an evil dream. A
soft hand was placed on his shoulder, a
low, shy voice gave gentle utterance to his
name.
''Louis!"
"Juanita!''
1t was the girl to whom he was be-
trothed, and whose fate was to be linked
to his own on the completion of the
bridge.
'Why are you SO sad, LOUISE What is
the meaning of this sorrow that seems to
darkcn all your life? Am 1 the cause2
Do you no longer love me?''
II love you dearer than life"
She gave little sigh of pleasure and
relief.
II was afraid some stately dame had
stolen your heart away from poor Jua-
nita" i
impossible. I have no heart. It is IN
your Keeping
"That's pretty compliment, but it is
not true; for If I had your heart could
read In it the secret cause which has con-
verted my gayslover into a melancholy,
moody man.
h II will tell you the canse, Juanita, and
my confidence will show you how much
love you, for it places my lite and nv
honor in your hands. Both, alas, will
soon be blasted"
20, say not SO, Louis. / know you are
incapable of crime and everything else
Can be remedied."
"Find me remedy for this. In the
plans for the construction of the bridge /
have made fatal oversight. The mis-
take Is known only to myself, and I onlv
became conscious of it after all poss,bii.
ity OF correcting it was gone. The bridge
now is incased in network of scaffold-
ing, Snoring and supports of every kind
49, $50 AAASAAASAs SAV0O 01O ClCdTcu 8W8V
the centre Of the structure will tall into
the river, and that which was to have
been the monument of my skill will be q
hideous ruin, a itsymbol of nv tolly and
disgrace"
Juanita was stunned by this unexpect.
ed revelation. The vague fear insnired
by her lovers changed demeanor had de-
termined her question, but she had NOT
dreamed of a ruin so near and SO com.
plete. In moment she saw fade tom
view all the happiness of the future that
had been living in her day dreams and
giving roseate hue to the winding hor.
lions of woman-hood. The glowing col.
ors Of life changed before her eyes into
the blackness of death and despair. Their
with the woman's instinct that seeks tc
comfort others, regardless of her own
anguish, she sought to console him.
How cruel I have been to reproacl
! your sadness! How little did I think
u mad SO terrible cause! But tell me
Louls, can you devise no remedy2'