The Osceola times., 1885-11-14
A MEXICAN STORY.
Her First Love Letter. and How It
Was Answered.

IN those Cuban families which have
no, held themselves aloof from inter-
course with foreigners, the gradual in
fluencc of modern ideas has done much
TO soften the rigor of the old system
which debarred the maidcns of Span
ish family from intercourse with the
opposite sex; bu. in many families the
old regime is still maintained, and the
umdnte dc U.ntdnd is still common
sight in Havana. He may pour forth to
his mistress, sitting within the window.
his most impassioned vows; she is the
star Of his life, the light Of his soul, the
hope of his existence; But with these
abstract delights he must rest contented.
Toward n favored swain tiny hand
may be extended between the bars, a
ribbon or other love-token entrusted;
but the barred window is always be-
tween them, and the duend always
within earshot.
While was in Cuba was fortunate
enough to form the acquaintance Of n
lady of noble Mexican family, who had
been settled in the island for many years
She must have been between sixty and
seventy; but except that her hair was
snow white and her form somewhat
bent, she showed little sign of age, while
her skin still preserved its smoothness
and her eyes sparkled with the vivacity
Of youth. She was one of the most charm
Ing takers ! have met One evening,
In conversation with her, alluded to the
passage In the 'Barbiere. where Don
Bartolo examines his niece's fingers to
see if she has been writing to Almavive.
"Surcl,,n | said. ii, is out of the nature
Of things to suppose Don Bartolo would
exercise so strict watch upon his ward. "
pona Juana smiled.
well, she said. after moments
pause, Il will tell you of n case in
point, which shows that, when was
girl, such extreme vigilance was by no
means uncommon. / was educated
with my sisters at convent near Mex
leo. | was the youngest, and when |
was fifteen | returned to my fathers
house. My sisters had married. and l
was alone with nv father and duena. l
led very happy life; whatever ] wished
for was mine at once; and was careful
not to give utterance to unreasonable
desires. In the morning ! sat in the
house or walked with my duena; in the
afternoon we drove, my father riding
by the side of the carriage. Four
things only were denied me; pen, ink,
pencil, paper. But had no one to write
TO, and did not feel the restriction
hard one, indeed, Inever thought much
abont it. So you see, senior, that your
Don Bartolo is not such an exaggerated
character; for my fathers views were
but those of his countrymen.
"But tell me, senora," said /, 'did
the time never come when you found
these restrictions burdensome?'
you shall hear" she said; THAT is,
II YOU care to listen to the love story of
an old woman like myself. was seated
one morning at the window, when no.
ticed young cavalier come riding up
the street. He was supurbly dressed
and mounted; he wore broad-brimmed
sombrero. trimmed with silver lace; his
large black riding cloak was lined with
scarlet, and his heavy silver spurs jim
gled as he rode. thought never in
my life had seen so handsome cavalier.
He saw me sitting at the window, and
looked so tixedly at me that drew the
curtain in my embarrassment He must
have turned his horse at the head OF the
street, for while | was still trembling
With excitement, he came riding past
again. and this time as he passed he
look Of his sombrero and bowed.
scarcely slept that night. Next morn
ing accompanied my dlesd TO mass at
the cathedral. As We left the church,
raised up my eyes and saw the cavalier
who had bowed to mc the day before
Standing at the entrance. Senior, lneed
not tell you that had never had any ex-
perience in affairs of the heart; l was
fresh from the convent, and had scarcely
spoken to any man except my confessor
and my father; but | felt instinctively
That this handsome gentleman had come
sshere TO see me. As wepassed felt his
hand touch mine, and little note was
placed between my fingers. :.
when we returned to the house,
managed, not without difficulty, to open
and read my letter alone. II is flfty
years since received it, and have 1t
mll--my first love letter. Can you en-.
Nr into the feelings of Mexican girl
shen she is told for the first time that
ser eyes are brighter than the stars,
more tender than the gazelles, and that
SSer heart surely can not be colder than
aer smilep But | will not weary you
rma the repetition Of my precious little
seuer, every line of which | still know
Ssy heart. l read and re-read it, and
saen sat down to consider how l was to
Answer it,"
There your difficulty must have been
'nslrmountable."
A. Truly IL did at first seem SO. WIT
~ materials l had none. Conide 10
aas"a | dared not. She was reia-