Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-03-16

most harmonious fashion. TO the east
theGrenada life exhibited its admirable
gardens, all gushing with water which
sprang up in jets, fell in little cascades
or seemed to sleep in the marble basins
Miguel and Carmen, absorbed in their
thoughts, saw nothing of this splendid
picture, which besides was familiar to
them, nor did they admire that plain
of the Vega covered with vineyards, fig
trees, mulberry trees and orange trees,
vast orchard which, beneath the blue
sky of Andalusia, produces the effect
of an immense emerald set in sapphire.
They perceived not in the distance the
huge masses of the Sierra Nevada bor
dering the horizon, casting their severe
aspect over the splendors of the plain
and communicating secret languOr to
the soul.
The two Young people finally tore
themselves from their reflections and
rejoined their families. From that day
they were happy only when together,
and when they were separated they
thought and dreamed but of each 9TH
er. All that was not Carmen was in
different to Miguel, all that did not
concern Miguel had nointerest for Car
men.
This happiness lasted two months.
An unforeseen catastrophe suddenly
put an end to their joys and hopes, a
reverse of fortune fell upon the Ortega
| family it speedily found itself ruined.
Garments father would no longer hear
of his daughters union with Miguel.
| But the young man persisted, his cOur-
age, energy and resolution were equal
| to the occasion.
Your father, said he to Carmen, de-
| clineS me as his sOn-in-laW because |
am poor, but l love you and no power
on earth can make me give you up.
Since fortune separates us | am going
to Brazil, l will create position for
myself worthy of my beloved, and when
l have it | shall return to demand your
hand. Until then, Carmen, be faithful
to me-
Faithful unto death!' answered the
young girl.
Remember your oath. That l may
succeed l must be sure of your love.
| Carmen, swear to me that no man shall
replace me in your heart
Il swear it. You along shall be my
husband-I will have no other. l will
wait for you Go without fear, my
Miguel; have faith in the word of your
betrothed.'
1t was one Sunday morning at the
door of church that Miguel and Car
men exchanged their oaths; the young
man put all his soul in the supreme
embrace which he gave his fiancc, and,
while with eyes Redeemed by tears she
went in to kneel at prayer, he fled de-
!. .sperately; broken hearted and with
brain on fire, toward his fathers dwell
ling.
A few days afterward he embarked at
CadiZ on vessel ready to set sail for
South America. The Ortega family
Quilted Grenada. Carmen no longer
heard Miguel mentioned, no one could
give her news of him.
An old custom exists in Grenada.
Every yeara grand ball takes place for
the benefit of the poor. Not only do
all the members of the city's high So
ciety consider it duty to be present,
but also a great number of persons of
distinction come to Grenada on that
occasion from the other towns of An
dalusia and even from Madrid.
The attraction of the fete consists in
the right which each cavalier enjoys Of
soliciting of lady the honor of dane
ing with her. He buys this privilege
with sum of money which is imme-
diately paid into the treasury of the
poor. Several claimants can contest
simultaneously a veritable auction is
then established, and it is with them
and highest bidder that the laly is com
PEELED to dance.
No woman can escape this obligation,
no husband can prevent his wife
from dancing with stranger unless he
offers a larger sum than his rivals on
the moment.
Such is the law of the fete, all are
aware on entering that they will be
compelled to submit to it. Don Ramon
Moreno was not ignorant of this when
he took his young wife to the annual
charity ball. 1t would have been a
great disadvantage, in truth, had she
not appeared there so remarkable were
her grace and beauty. Nevertheless
in her dreamy eyes one saw shade of
sadness which accentuated still more
the pallor of her complexion and the
delicacy of all her person. She replied
only in monosyllables to the questions
addressed to her by her husband and
with smile of deep melancholy to the
compliments of her numerous ad-
mirers.
My love-, said Ramon, offering her
his arm to take her upon the terrace
that she might enjoy the cool evening
air, can nothing divert you from your
thoughts ?
She arose without answering, placed
her hand upon her husbands arm and
was preparing to accompany him when
she was shaken from head to foot by a
violent commotiOn; her eyes opened to
their widest extent, were fixed on a
stranger whom she had not noticed
until then, but whose ardent and
passionate glance had not quilted her
since her arrival at the ball.
He = muttered she, with joy mixed
with fright. "He Miguel p
And she sank down upon the chair
she had just quilted.
What ails you: Carmen? asked
Ramon Moreno. Are you ill?'
Why did you deceive me ? cried the
he was dead? Oh, what you have
done, Don Ramon, was unworthy of an
honest man-you bought my consent
at the price of a lie y
of what are you talking, Carmen,
and what signifies your language
1t signifies that | did not wish to
marry you; that wished to remain
faithful to my old and sole affection
My father insisted that it was my duty
j to renounce it. You know to what
threats, to what prayers he had re-
course. His fortune and his honor
were at stake. For long while | re-
, sisted and never would L have yielded
had not he and you affirmed to me
Miguel's death. Well, Miguel is not
dead, since there he standsr'
And her glance shot toward the
stranger. Don Roman had no time to
: answer, for Miguel had quilted his
, place and was advancing with a calm
but resolute air. When he reached
| them he said, bowing respectfully to
Carmen:
3 Madame, will you do me the honor
4 to dance with me?'
She grew faint and put her hand to
her heart as if to restrain its throbs,
, then realizing that all eyes were fixed
upon her and feeling her husbands
arm tremble, but resolved to have an
immediate explanation with Miguel,
she demanded of him according to the
usage.
How much do you offer?'
E A thousand piasters, replied he.
1T is |, senOr who will have the