The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-03-26

quarter, without avail, ana nnally
given up, as 1t was supposed that
he had fed from the island,
The idol of her fathers heart was
Louise, who had been his constant
companion since the death of her
mother, two years previous. She
vas a pronounced creole, through
her veins the rich Castilian blood
flowed and dyed her cheeks a deep
olive, while large onyx eyes, through
which her soul looked, made cap
tive of all who came within their in
huence. Her presence WAS as g
sunbeam, and equally as cheering.
Her daily visits to the cabins were
looked forward to with eagerness
the old negresses made their lowest
courtesies to the ''Signorita'' as she
bestowed some passing favor upon
them, while the negroes danced with
joy at her approach. IL seemed
impossible to couple the name Of
this joyous girl with anything in
which love was not the motive
power.
Ricardo Chayis, = young Cuban,
son of an ancient family, was among
her captives, and happy in the
knowledge that she might bestow
more than a passing thought upon
him. Long strolls in the palm
groves, quiet talks in the cool grot-
toes, or by the lakes side, conduced
10 deepen the other, and a happier
handsomer pair of lovers could not
he found on the island. Gen. De
Costa sanctioned the intimacy, fol
the families had been friends long
years. Louise, who was just six
teen, promised her father that she
would not marry until she had
reached her twentieth year. This
seemed a long, weary time for Ric
ardo to walt for his little bride, but
he was content with the promise, az
he was permitted to sec her every
day. when they discussed their fu
ture, which always appeared il
rainbow hGes. Doubt never came
to see these young lovers to ripple
the current of their happiness
Neither had thought which the
other did not share, and life seemed
one long summer day.
A ball was given at governmen
headquarters by one of the general
friends in honor of Louise's nine.
teenth birthday. 1t was the first
ball to which her father had eve
given his consent to have her at
tend. Great preparations wer'
made for it, and she looked radiant
" beautiful, when, dressed in pur'
white, with a circlet of orienta
pearls about her throat, she entered
the ball room, leaning upon the arm
of her father, who, after making hi
compliment to the host and hotess
trans ferred her to Ricardo, wh'
anxiously awaited the transfer.
We'll" said an old friend of thu
general, who was standing near hin
as the couple moved away, 'if
wanted a picture of happiness, Il
have that pair of lovers painted"
eyes" he replied, perfect in
noceAce, perfect trust, and .perfec
confidence-what holier trinity az
you want? But" said he, with
sudden look of anxiety, elf tina
sunbeam should be taken trem me
life would go out in one endles
night"
As be said this his eyes tollowe
the graceful figure around the room
and in their gaze his whole sou
seemed to be poured out.
| Dancing continued until q lat
hour, the ball was pronounced
brilliant success, and the one
whose honor 1t was proclaimed til
belle of the occasion.
AS the carriage containing Ger
De Costa and Louise turned to e1
ter the avenue leading to the house
a dark object retreated from tn
roadside. Louise did not obserV
this, fearing to alarm her, he KEEP
silent, but he determined to invest
gate before retiring.
Worn out with the tatiguss of tn
evening, Louise, after kissing he
father, soon disrobed, with the al
, sistance of her maid, and wa
sound asleep in few minutes.
The general went out to reco 4
noltre, but was unable to get an
information or make any discover
relative to the dark figure. He fe
uneasy, but placing his pistol III
der his pillow, he retired.
Although usually an early rise
the sun was high the next mornin
when the general was awakened b
the most unearthly shrieks comm
| from Louise's apartments, Hurry