Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-03-04
A PRINCESS OF SPAIN.


" lettered, with some attempt at or
namentation- by no means unsuccessful
either. 1t was tackled at the left-hand
side of the door, between it and the first
of the five rows of dirty windows, wink
ing sleepily in the face Of the hot sum
mer's sun; and it bore these words:
'Dressmaking and repairing neatly done.
Inquire within"
The within" looked dubious. The
long, dark hall wore treacherous air,
limiting at stumbling blocks for the
thoughtless, and traps for the unwarY.
Nor were the fears of timid venturer ct
oil allayed by the instantaneous appear
ancc at each door-there were twelve,
six on a side-of fvouzy-looking head
of hair. with face somewhere below
that showed brave disdain Of soap and
an equal contempt for water
-Four flights up, mum; turn sQuar'
around and 60 to the left, would be the
responding chorus should the explorer,
plunged into fresh perplexity as to
which of the many interiors was the
'swithin," venture an interrogation for
enlightenment. Should THE voyager be
rash enough to brave further dangers
no voyager ever was, but we are suppos-
ing case--he would desperately begin
the perilous assent with the sundry re-
Elections as to the uncertainty of human
life, the shrill vociferation of voices still
unitedly proclaiming flour flights up,
like the chorus of Grecian tragedy.
Moreover, as before remarked, no Wis
itor ever sought to effect an entrance to
the penetralia of this mysterious do
4nw
the would-be dressmaker and repairer
must have expended her energies upon
the apparel OF herself and royal high
ness; for in this room, ''four flights up
and turn to the left, !" dwelt the princess
of Spain.
It was near the close of an unusually
sultry afternoon, that young woman
might have been seen toiling up the
steep heights, slowly. yet with a care
lessness that bespoke familiar knowledge
Of the way, or disposition to place her
own life ut less than par value. Having
reached the summit in triumph, she
paused a moment to recover breath.
The hall was small and narrow. They
all began long aud narrow, and shrunk
gradually with each fiight---a curious
fact that seemed to be applicable equally
to the occupants. Light falling through
the skyight above revealed a slight,
graceful figure, somewhat too thin to be
considered strictly beautiful; and face,
pretty, though colorless and careworn,
by no means young girls face; rather,
just now. the face of an old, old woman,
who had long passed hope, and laid hap
piness by for ever.
But such countenance for q moment
only. As her hand turned the handle of
the door, a complete metamorphosis took
place She had recovered her breath,
and, with merry snatch OF song upon
her lips entered the room. The room
boosted two windows, one q vain and
inglorious subject for pride, since the
ungainly tenement opposite completely
excluded light or air. The other COM
mandcd q sweeping vista of unswept
doorvards and disconsolate ash-heaps.
with a wide horizon of ole clothes line
and tattered linen, each garment cling
ing 10 its neighbor for mutual support
in devoted manner touching to behold.
A small bed was placed between these
two windows. and upon It lay a wee
morsel of humanity; or rather, at the
moment she was propped up on one arm,
with her face 10 the door. 1t was
strange face: in fact, it was not face.
but eyes. They were so large and weird,
set IN such small, thin features chat one
forgot there was face at all. The hand
she rested upon was transparent the
arm which supported the hand was
transparent: in fact. the small ELF was q
transparency complete-any campaign
club could have utilized her with but
eight difficulty.
And this was the princess Of Spain.
Pm 50 glad you've come. !" said her
highness, sinking back upon her pillow,
with transparent little smile
Was long gone, dearG Well. see
now what / have brought you" The
speaker placed parcel upon the counter
pane; removing the wrapper, was dis
closed small wicker basket, loosely
dlled with fresh cut flowers
" on, bTeathed the princess, and her
hands clashed rapturonslv
Al. knew that would please you,
smiled the other, and can get some
more On Thursday
But they cost 20 much, whispered
the princess. ia quite "a unpTincess like
way
Her attendant laughed. Ruth Trevor's
laugh could not fail to strike the dullest
ear as singnlarly sweet and pleasant
music, though ! weary minor note 81
pathos vibrafed through even ifs most
Joyous chords
.Tt il mission. dear. she explained
some beautiful ladies have made L.
They give The flowers away
ts41r11 hfnne fhmen ~ 1r1sextarnz &kn