Sacramento daily record-union., 1890-09-06

there was any justice in Galicia that
woman would end on the gallows.
Years came and went. The suns Of
twelve summers had scorched the old pier
at Corunna, when one morning a ships
boat, rowed by two sailors, grated its keel
on the beach, and a young man, the only
passenger, sprang lightly ashore.
He was a TALL graceful young fellow,
with wavy auburn hair, frank blue eyes
and handsome face, but his garments
we're threadbare His trousers were, OF
course, gray cloth and too long for him
his coat, shiny with much usage. was but
toned up to his throat as if to conceal the
lack of starehed linen; his straw hat,
broad brimmed, like those worn in the
South American plains, was frayed at the
edges, and his heavy shoes were covered
with patches, although they had been
polished until they shone like mirror.
The utter poverty of his appearance COM
bined with its cleanliness and neatness
was extremely pathetic.
The young man stood still for a moment
running his eyes over the different streets
which led from the water, as if striving to
recall old memories. Then turning into
one of them he bent his steps toward the
main street of the town. The main street
was where all the life of the small seaport
centered. Here were the handsomest
houses, and before one of the largest the
stranger stopped and timidly rang the
bell.
''Does the widow Sanchez live here p
he asked, as servant opened the door.
Yes, she lives here" was the enrt reply.
Tell her that Jose Benito wishes to see
her." said the young man.
Without asking the stranger to enter,
the servant turned away, when from the
interior of the house came sweet, eager
voice:
"Jose Benitol Can it be true? ?"
$50 true, Senorita, that | am here to
prove il" said the young man, lifting his
tattered straw hat as a beautiful young
girl appeared in the doorway.
aWhere is Jose Benito? Where is he p"
she exclaimed.
"Here, senorita,o he replied, with a
graceful bow.
.sYoul But-but-Jose Benito was a
boy when" she hesitated.
"Yes, Senorita, he was boy when Maria
bade him good-by, but that was twelve
years ago."
"When l bade him good-by! True it
was years ago." she said with weary
sigh.
"You, Senorita-are you Maria ?"
Il am Maria
az am Maria. Those were the very
words you said when poor old Antonio
asked your name"
'sYes, yes, remember. Are you, then,
Jose Benito! | am sure of it now" cried
the girl, her lovely face radiant with de-
light.
She seized his hand and drew him into
a small reception room near the door. at
is such a long time since we parted" she
said, catching her breath. As she looked
at his handsome face her cheeks were COW
cred with bushes.
Eyes, Senorita, twelve long, weary
years." he replied, without raising his
eyes.
"Senorita! Why do you address me as
Senorita? Am l not always Maria to
you~
The young man could not refrain from
seizing and pressing the little hand which
she extended to him. Then drawing away
from her, he said, sadly:
"In those days long ago Jose Benito
was boy and Maria was little child.
Now Jose Benito is a man, but he is as
poor as when he wept at parting with the
child who is now a beautiful woman"
"Supposing you are poor, that is moth
ing" she said, blushing. II knew by your
dress that fortune had not been kind to
you before you told me; but for all that,
dear old friend, you have improved. You
talk better and have better manners than
many man who has gold in his purse"
Jose Benito's handsome face flushed
crimson.
"Still, after so many years man ought
to bring money to show for his work" he
said, with sigh.
"Your hands are soft and white, still l
am sure you have been Industrious" she
said, smiling sweetly.
He made noreply he did not even raise
his eyes to her face.
Tell me, where is that sailor with the
ugly face who was going to carry me away
with him ?" she asked.
"He had an ugly face, it is true, Seno-
rita, but he had good heart. Poor old
Antonio was noble man.
"Oh, yes, / remember how kindly he
spoke to me. Where is he ?"
"Ah, Senorita, who can tell? In so
many years the wind blows a sailor in all
directions"
'.Poor old man / should like to see
him again" she said.
There was rustling in the hallway, and
tall, elderly woman entered the room,
followed by two girls, who resembled her
so much that it was evident that they were
her daughters. All three were richly
dressed in trailing silk attire and covered
with iewelry, in striking contrast TO Maria,
who wore cheap cotton gown and no or
naments.
"What is this? Who is this man, Ma
riaT' exclaimed the woman in sharp, dis
dainful voice.
Before Maria could reply, Jose Benito
came forward.
'Is this Sonora Sanchez ?" he asked, po-
litely.
THAT is my name" replied the woman,
tossing her head proudly.
II am Jose Benito," he said.
''May the Saints have mercy on US !" she
exclaimed Then turning to her daugh-
tiers, she added:
"What do you think of this good-for-
nothing ?"
"That he has come back as poor and
shiftless as he went away" said Petra.
And as big fool" added Ramona, with
a scornful laugh.
eyes, more stupid than ever" said their
mother; ''look how he stands there like a
log. He scarcely hears what we say"
"And you, what are youdoing here alone
ward Maria.
81 was only wishing him welcome, said
the poor girl, blushing violently.
"You cannot call this fellow man, y
said Ramona, looking at him with con-
temptuous toss Of her head.
81 should think Maria would remem-
Der toe well the trouble she had for say
ing good-by to that boy to ever wish tc