Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-10-15

tain fine nobility of outline which gave
a lofty expression to the countenance
that was only redeemed from haughti-
ness by the sweetness of the lovely lips
and the softness of the eyes, so large and
dark and splendid that they would have
sufficed to lift plain face into beauty
Somewhat above the average height, her
| figure was nodded in faultless lines, and
she walked with the unconscious grace
which all Mexican women display, and
proud dignity that seemed specially
her own. Dressed simply but richly in
black, with the lace mantilla draping
her beautiful head, she passed among the
throng like stately young queen among
her subjects.
"Of course you mean that lovely girl
in black" said Morell. "She is the most
beautiful woman in Mexico. and one Of
the richest-Dona Zarifa Ormond y
Cardella."
"Ormondf" repeated Derwent. Surely
that is not a Spanish manner!
"No. Her father-lucky dog-is an
freshman. The younger son of an Irish
baronet. he married Senorita Cardella.
an only child. and the heiress Of a prin-
cipality. Orlnond, who had little be-
sides good birth and good looks to recon-
mend him when he secured. by sheer
audacity it is said, the lady and the for
tune, has made himself very popular in
Mexico by heartily adopting the country
and managing his wife's estates admir-
ably. He is great swell when be comes
to the capital, but he spends the larger
part Of his time on some one or other of
his immense haciendas. His wife is
dead. and Dona Zarifa. whom you have
just seen. is sole heiress of one of the
greatest estates in Mexico.
Fate has given her too much" said
Derwent "Such beauty. and the for
tune of princessr
"But you must agree that the beauty
and the fortune are well matched. She
looks like princess. besides being dow
cred MS few princesses are. Be sure the
men who hope to marry her would not
have the least charm lessened." he added
with "A laugh.
..Some women should never marry,
said Derwent decidedly. THAT girl is
one of them, She looks too regal. too
fine, to stoop to any man Of ordinary
mold, and men of extraordinary mold
do not abound
Most Of those in sight would differ
with you. said Morell. did you ever
know man who thought himself OF
mold too ordinary for any woman to
stoop to? Dona Zarifa has suitors and
tospare. and. unless she is very unlike !
other women. she would not dispense
with one of them
Her looks are deceptive if she is not
unlike other women" said Derwent. |
II should like to glance into the future
and see what she win make Of the gifts |
fortune has showered on her so lavish
ly-what part she will play in the world;
but probably | should only be disap-
pointed il did
mot doubt of it." said Morell. "A
man is always disappointed when
woman whom he admires has the bad /
taste to marry another man. have
heard that Dona Zarifa win probably
marry her kinsman. Senior Cardella. that
will restore the estates TO the family. |
Now let me suggest that it is time for
lunch. and that we had better go and
secure a table at the Cafe Anglais or the
concordia before the crowd comes in"
Very WE'LL" said Derwent. rising.
He was a strangely strung, fastidious
being, and the last item Of information
about the dark eyed princess had taken
rom him the desire to linser for another
glimpse of her.