Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-11-05

Inc lake, Keeping sometimes near enough
lhore TO be almost within the shadow Of
the hills, and at last entered lovely
miniature bay, where an opening in the
heights gave a glimpse of cultivated
fields and the group Of buildings belong
ing to ranch. Here they disembarked
and, while Don Maurizio went to trans
act his business with the ranchero, Der
went found shady nook, arranged the
boat cushions in seat for Dona Zarifa,
md placed himself at her feet, while
Juan kindled fire at a little distance,
where he proceeded to make coffee, to
warm chicken (bv holding it on a pointed
stick to the fire. and to toast bread in a
very deft manner.
"And what do yon think Of our lake,
Senior Derwent." asked Zarifa at last,
for the spell of silence seemed still to
hang over Derwent.
He reused himself with a start at the
sound of her voice.
II think" he replied, 'that it is like
everything else at Mirafores-simply
perfect. Do not laugh; do not believe
that am speaking in exaggerated com
pliment. mean just what l say.
Whether the place is enchanted or
whether | am don't know, but GER
tainly there seems to me no flaw or
blemish anywhere have never before
known anything half SO charming. and
1t makes me almost sad to feel that /
must soon go back to the commonplace
world, where all thisn-he made com
prehensive sweep Of the. hand-"will
seem as distant and unreal as a vision of
sleep"
Il am glad that you think so we'll of
Mirahores," she said, smiling. las for
going l suppose that after awhile
you will have duties to call you away.
But you can surely return again: Our
gates are always open to our friends"
at is very good of you to include me
in that class" he said, flushing little.
II feel it deeply; for what do you know
Of me? | may be the merest adyenturer,
man unworthy of your notice or nc
quaintance, for aught you can tell.
Why. Your father has not even once
asked me who / am since | have been in
his housed Such hospitality is fairly
Arabian
''Oh, no. she said. tits only Mexican.
And why should he ask you such ques-
tion? In the first place. you We're in need
of help; that was reason enough for
opening his doors to yon. And in the
second place, do you think that he does
not know a gentleman when he sees hims
My father has not always lived at Mira
flores, senior
"Your father is the truest and the
finest gentleman | have ever seen, said
Derwent, quickly. II think that with
one glance he could judge man. But
such is his courtesy that il the Judgment
were unfavorable the subject Of it would
never be made aware that it was So"
Not without need, but with need no
man can be more frank than my father"
Il am sure Of that too. And frank
ness is a virtue l so much admire that
can do no less than practice it. Don
Maurizio has asked me nothing, as
said, but hope that he viii feel interest
enough to listen to an account of how
and why l chance TO be in Mexico
~ am certain that he will listen with
interest to whatever you care to tell
him, said Zarifa, ''but You must not
suppose that there is any neel for yoa 10
explain Did you not say-or imply
when speaking to Padre Francisco and
myself that there was something in the
nature Of an affair Of honor in what
brought you heraf Ia that cae no one
would even wish You to-speak Of H."
a said that desired to make money,
and make it quickly, in order to pay a
debt Of honor he answered. "But l |
must not leave You under a mistaken
It is debt Of honor mas
much as honor is deeply involved in it, /
but it is also debt that will ruin my
mother and myself if we must make it
good ont Of cur fortune. So that have
to consider the happiness Of one parent |
and the honor or
He paused abruptly. Had he spoken
the two words trembling on his lips: /
He hardly knew. He only knew that he
met look of what seemed to him divine /
and comprehension in the eyes |
that rested on his own for an instant
and then gazed away over the broad,
dazzling surface of the lake.
Il see-I understand said the soft
voice very quietly. There is double |
save both fortune and
honor Well. senior. ! hope that Mexico
may give You the means to do both.
And it may be well that you should |
speak openly to my father Of your wishes.
He may be able to direct your attention
to something as good as the Buena Is
peranza."
Il could neither ask nor expect that
said Derwent quickly. 1T would seem
like specializing on his kindness"
The dark ewes met his now with a
glance of reproach. DO you know a
greater pleasure than that Of helping an
other over some obstacle or tronblesr
She asked. s.Can any one know a greater
pleasures Why. then. should You wish
10 deny It to my father II he can help
you he VIII. am sure Of that.
Derwent did not reply for minute.
Then he said lrea1niIy. ~ find II strai4,ra