The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-09-01

serious difficulty, for a senorita even OF
Andalusia does not fancy invoking the
assistance of her patron saint toward Sc
curing husband in the preseuce of her
escort. If the gentleman at hand be
only an aspiring loverand the more IA
vored rival be referred to in her prayer,
visions of a meeting and fight with
knives would haunt the maiden. Nc
ladder has been erected, however, so as
to bring visitors within reach of 'The
Bell of the Merry Thought" because
that would interfere with the perquisites
of Sapolio.
The old woman of the tower greeted
me pleasantly and asked me to be seat
ed. Every house on the Alhambra hill
is place of refreshment if the visitor
introduces the subject in the proper
manner.
"Let me have pot of tea, mother,
I said, tossing a peseta into the old
danes lap.
Certainly" she answered, rising
cheerfully.
The daughter was dispatched in search
of hot water, and after long search re-
turned with a Jug full. The tea leaves
were put into smoke-begrimed pot, and
the water having been added, it was set
among the dull Goals in the brasero be-
fore me ito draw" Luckily, heard
this faithful daughter say to her parent
that it was wash-day at the game-keeper's
they cannot beat their clothes in a
stream up there as they do in the town
below or in the Manzarines at Madrid
otherwise could not have accounted for
the strange taste that the beverage pos
sessed, but then one jug of water more
or less from o clothes boiler full would
never be missed.
Meanwhile, time, which goes for moth
ing in Andalusia, had enabled me to
draw the hostess conversation on the
Bell of Merry Wishes.
"There is real virtue in the bell ,then?"
I suggested, after the historical rigma-
role given to every visitor had been re-
peated to me, as was usual each day l
called.
"She who comes must needs trust
its power" was the diplomatic answer.
"Give me proof, and, although can.
not personally test the efficacy of the
charm, I shall not fail to speak in its ia
vor to any ladies' who may ask my
opinion"
well, 1 had cousin. She did not
marry when young, but, finally, be-
thinking herself of this charm, came
here from Antiquera and struck the
bell"
"And her wish was gratifed?"
ear beyond her hopes. She married
a diligencia driver on the road from Ma
laga to Granada"
"And she was very happy?"
go VOC inIoa1. bo1 tv,ns for nar
first birth, and again her face beamed
with satisfaction at having convinced
herself anew of the virtues of the charm
through the medium of my presence"
"But, mother" suggested the daugh-
ter, this gentleman does not know our
cousin"
ga shadow of sorrow crossed the old
face, seeing which, fastened to say:
Tisn't necessary; your word. madam,
is quite sufficient. Tell me more"
TITS quite imperative that the girls
should extract loud ring from the bell,
and when was young we did not spare
our knuckles."
"Oh! I understand" I exclaimed;
''you are going to speak of your own
personal experience. By all means
that would be conviction"
"You are too quick, Senor," retorted
the dame, blushing about as much as q
choice bit of curled walnut when q
servant rubs it with a damp cloth. II
only meant to say that of late years the
maidens have become less courageous,
and will insist upon ringing the bell by
pulling the rope from the room above
this. They get "a good ready and give
the rope such jerk that sometimes
fear either for the rope or the bell; but
as the visitors are more generous than
they used to be, I am glad to let them
have the worth OF their money"
1.-THE saints do bless the generous,
tbs said," ventured to rejoin as the
speaker rested for breath.
Occasionally I receive q peseta, and
then, if the young lady be unsuccessful
in ringing the bell properly encourage
her to try again"
"You were raised here?" l asked.
"Yes, senior. I was married from here
and after my husbands death returned
to this place, and have since been
joined by my daughter and her boy. I
have no brothers and never had q son.
We three are all that remain of my
fathers line. Cemillo--"
''--Sapolio!"
"-Camillo is heir to the place He
will be supported during his life by the
"propinas" which the blessed bell will
bring"
Happy Sapolio !" I murmured. rev.