Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-23

SYN fI~SM HIN ana Hystlc IN its every
GM A5S ~ detail as that which has
6J15Nc Se-</S u come before me in this
NNRI ~ quaint old town, which
ZS& SA S3sgc started its existence
Wy &T centuries ago when
NSGs, an here was only group
0$S ~M of wigwams here from
-CS,N~N Z&lM which assembled climb
&SMIEEy | S>O ing spirals Of smoke, and
e. before the great vol
cano few miles away was convulsed by an
eruption laying waste the adjoining country,
then collapsing and remaining in silence ever
since Yet it is doubtful if ever more pro-
found thought has been given to any subject
in the great ineect ual ccnters of the world than
has been revealed to me here, where the quiet
restfuiuess of southern climate and influences
do not seem to urge on activity. The results
that have been attained have had their origin
from the inspiration of an old. old power. the
narrative of which il more or less than
accounting Of successful methods for winning
the affection OF a beautiful girl. of deformed
son OF humanity who. lacking every vesti,e of
personal attraction, whose youth had long fed
and whose outward appearance did not Zee
oinmend him to his fellows had turned TO
science for power to overcome the effect of lis
monstrosity, ard BY Vaccinations as strange
had attained his desire.
had lately arrived in Masava and was en-
1ovlng walks about the quaint village watching
the weaving of haminocks. shawIs saddle bags.
&C.. hunting up old pottery of the Indians or
enjoying strolis through the village streets
shaced by the luXuriant foliage OF tropical
trees. where everything seemed to combine in
etectto proclaim that here nature holds charms
for mere existence in the enjoyment OF her
gifts. Leaving the more modern portion Of
the town ! wandered toward the outskirts.
where the houses contained less and less of
civilization. and though the wigwam had given
place to q shelter of cane, yet the bare clay
moor and the fire on the ground for cooking
gave evidence than the life within had changed
but little from that of the olden days The SUN
having gone down and the short twilight passed
into night, found attraction in the GOODNESS
OF evening and the scene of habitations dotted
here ana there with Pickering lights, all indis-
unetiy revealed in faint outline by a crescent
moon making its way toward the zenith.
DANCE AT NIGHT.
A tinkling sound, blended with the strains of
stringed instruments, reached me from dis
lance, making a monotonous tune consisting
OF the repetition of a few chords more plaintiye
than gay, yet knew they LED a dance. and in
order to watch the merrymaking 1 followed
the direction Of the sound. Upon approaching
1t found back of the street space hung with
lanterns, whose faint. uncertain light showed n
party OF score OF dancers under the trees that
IN the daytime lent shade to the place. but now
only impeded the free movement of those
whose steps were guided by the strains of the
orchestra OF three or four stringed Instruments
the players keeping perfect time in the rendi-
ton OF the mourniui tune. There was no loud.
glad laughing that is so often the accomnanI
meut OF a lawn dance, for though wearing smiI-
Ing faces the nlaidens aud their admiring part-
ners glided silently through the maze of the
movement, which resembled what Is
known in America as square dance"
straight, coai-black locks OF most OF
them, the influence Of their Indian ancestry
seemed to add TO the weirdness Of that evening
revei The attire of the maidens was faultless
in snow white purity, all wearing frocks OF
linen, sleeveless and cut low at the neck the
corsage being fluffy mass of frills and furbe-
lows. Their glossy hair was fairly pasted TO
their heads by liberal use of oil, which thew
regard as indispensable to their toilet Their
shoes! Many were such nature had given
them, and the clumsiness shown by the lew
who wore foot covering made it seem a pity
that q bootmaker had invaded the neighuor-
hood, for tais gathering had wandered in
sight OF was composed chiefly OF girls who
picked coffee during the season in the neigh
borhood and OF men WHO wor keu on the lacien-
das near the town. The latter were neatly
enough dressed, generally bare-iooted also
and took what pleasure they had from the
dance stolidly. Unobserved had watched tic
moving figures for some minutes. rather
charmed by the quaint music and oddness of
the scene. when heard u murlnur OF admiration
La Be!lsima, La Bellisima'' (the mos: beau
tIful one), and saw step into the assemblago a
most lovely girl who truly deserved the adj
miring comments that went around. A pair
OF large coal-black eyes and hair OF the same
hue were strangely set off bya fair complexion.
q combination of beauty seldom seen here or
elsewhere. She was tall, of superb form, and
every movement appeared III unison with her
mood, AS reflected on the countenance that
seemed the mirror OF happy, contented mind,
these qualities icing rather the result OF a
high intelligence, guided by wisdom to appro-
ciate what Is at land rather than to fall into
misery from constant yearninS for what could
not be attained. Livery one seemed under the
spell OF her presence and all turned to gain a
smIie OF recognition, and found NV ewes fol-
lowing her rs she passed among the thr ong nv
| self apparently a. greatly charmed rs were the
Others was Illuminating II thousand thoughts
the strangely cultured manner the evident
beauty OF character that was portrayed IN her
modest bearing, the Intelligence and educa ton
that could not be lacking In being possessed
of such q face--when caught sight of tho com
panion at nor side. Until now he'd not no.
| tced that La Bellisi.Ila." as she was called.
gave the greatest part of her attention to this
person, and / shuddered invuuntarily as nv
eyes became rireted on him, attracted by the
intense misery OF his being, lor more dis
| tOrtcd defornlity had never seen. He MAS
| tall, though bumpbacged. and one OF his legs
was shorter than tine other, causing him to
bend and hcbble rs no moved about in the
| dance with his fair partner. 1t seemed that
every moment l looked at him l detected addi-
tioEal monstrosities 4 foo: bont out of shape,
| hands twisted. head held askew and features
| that were nodded after fashion that surely
no other human being has ever possessed and
! his gray iosks showed that his youth had long
since passed. When. finally, my eyes met his
l recognized the one redeeming feature Of his
being, for they were thoughtful, calm aud as
contented those OF his lovely CON-
paaion. For some time / stood won
derng who they could be; she
perhaps the daughter OF a rich planter and
patroness of the sports of the poor of the
neighborhood; he moro than likely, u faithful
domestic, q creature so hideous that the beauty
might we'll Oe trusted in his care. "Yes,"
mused. ~ safe chaperon for La Bellisima.'"
My interest increased and doubted whether
had exactly unrayeied the mystery to my salts
faction, as l noticed the evident respect with
which this monstrosity held by all about
him. for ne seemed to repulse no one and they
| showed the same eagerness to secure his recog-
| milton as his companion called forth. saw
exceptions in the cases Of several OF the beaus
| Of the gathering, young fellows who looked
on--and very handsome fellows they were evil
| IDENTIFY Of the leisure class. who did not freely
| mix among tho dancers, but showed plainly
feelings Of envy as they, too. under the spell Of
i the music and the moving ecana in tho uucer-