Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-18

Time passed. No longer could the Tole-
dams say, on approaching the Tagus across
the rugged cliffs and solitary places where
in former times stood the Garden of Flor.
linda, "Here once stood the bridge of
San Martin" Though the new bridge
was still supported by solid scaffolding and
massive frames, yet the center arch already
rose to view, and the whole was firmly
planted on the ruins of the former.
The Archbishop, Don Pedro Tenorio, and
the Toledans were heaping gifts and praises
on the fortunate architect whose skill had
Joined the central arch, despite the furious
power of the surging currents, and who had
completed the gigantic work with con-
summate daring. 1t was eve of the
feast of San Ildefonso, the patron saint of
the city of Toledo. Juan de Arevalo re-
spectfully informed the Cardinal Arch
bishop that nothing was now wanting to
conclude the work, but to remove the wood
work of the arches and scafolding. The
joy of the Cardinal and of the people was
great. The removal of the scaffolding and
frames which supported the masonry was a
work attended with considerable danger;
but the calmness and confidence of the
architect who had pledged himself to stand
on the keystone and await the consequences
of success or lose his life inspired all with
perfect trust.
The solemn blessing and Inauguration of
the bridge of San Martin was fixed to take
place on the day following, and the bells of
all the churches of Toledo were ioyously
ringing in announcement of the grand event
appointed for the morrow. The Toledans
contemplated with rejoicing from the
heights above the Tagus the lovely Cigar
rales, which for many years had remained
solitary and silent-indeed, almost aban-
doned-but which on the day following
would be restored to life.
Toward nightfsli Juan de Arevalo
mounted the central arch to see that all was
ready for the opening ceremony. He went
humming to himself as he inspected all the
works and preparations. But, suddenly,
an expression Of misgiving overspread his
couEtenance. A thought had struck him
"a thought that froze his blood. He de-
scended from the bridge and hastened
home.
AT the door his wife received him with a
joyous smile and merry word of congrat-
ulation. But on beholding his troubled
face she turned deadly pale
Good heavensp she cried affughted,
care you i'll, dear Juan?"
mo, dear wife," he cried, striving to
master his emotion.
DO nOG deceive me! your race tells me
that something ails your
''Oh! the evening is cold and the work
has been excessive"
''Come in and sit down at the hearth and
1 will get the supper ready, and when you
have had something to eat and are rested
you will be at ease again.
'tAt easep' murmured Juan to himself, in
agony Of spirit, while his wife busted her
self in the preparation of the supper, placing
the table close to the hearth, upon which
she threw faggot.
Juan made a supreme effort to overcome
his sadness, but it was futile. His wife
could not be deceived
"For the first time in our married life.'
she said, ''you hide sorrow from me.
Am l no longer worthy of your love and
confidence"
s'Catherine!'' he exclaimed, ''do not, for
heavens sake, grieve me further by doubt
ing my affection for your
"Where there is no trust" she reioined
in feeling tones" there can be no true
love"
''Then respect, for your own good and
mine, the secret l conceal from you
"Your secret is sorrow, and 1 wish to
know it and to Tighten it.
''To Tighten it? That is impossibler'
"To such love as mine" she urged,
nothing is impossible "
Every well; then hear me. Tomorrow
my life and honor will be lost. The bridge
must fall into the river, and L on the
keystone shall perish with the fabric which,
with so much anxiety and SO many hopes, / |
have erectedr'
"No, nor cried Catherine, as she clasped
her husband in her arms with loving tender |
ness, smothering in her own heart the an
yuish of the revelation.
eyes, dear wife! When 1 was most con-
fdent of my triumph, L discovered that, |
owing to an error in my calculations, the |
bridge must fall tomorrow when the Frame |
work is removed. And with it perishes the |
architect who projected and directed it."
''The bridge may sink into the waters,
,ut not you, my loved one. On bended |
Knees l Will beseech the noble Cardinal to |
'elease you from your terrible engagement"
"What you ask will be in vain. Even |
hould the Cardinal accede to your entreaty. |
refuse life destitute of honor"
'You shall have life and honor both. dear |
husband, replied Catherine.