The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-02-18

"N on have the hospitality VI tno ""0
Californian, Don Reinaldo. 1t gives me
pleasure to accept 1t.
Would, then, thy pleasure could
equal Miner Course himw he added TO
Chonita as Estenega went mp the steps
20 greet Don Guillermo and Dona Trini-
dad, Il have just received positive infor-
nation that it was he who kept me from
distinguishing myself and my house in
the departmental junta, he who cast me
in a dungeon. Ii poisons my happiness
to sleep under the same roof with him"
Aver exclaimed Chonita. why
canst thou not be more sincere, my
brother? Hospitality did not compel
thee TO say so much to thine enemy,
Couldst thou not have spoken a few
simple words like himself. and not
blackened thy soulT
my sister, thou never spokest to me so
harshly before. And on my marriage
Forgive me. my most beloved broth
er. Thou knowest ! love thee. But 1t
grieves me when thy eloquence coaxes
thy tongue from the truth"
When they ascended the steps not
woman was TO be seen; all had followed
Prudencia TO her chamber to see the
donas of the groom, which had arrived
that day from Mexico. Chonita tarried
long enough to see that her father had
forgotten the family grievance in his re-
vived susceptibility to Estenega, then
went to Prudencia's room. There wom-
en-. young and old, crowded each other,
labbering like monkeys The little iron
bed, the chairs and tables, every article
OF furniture, i'm fact, but the altar in
the corner, displayed to advantage ex-
quisite materials for gowns, mass OF
elaborate underclothing, white lace
mantilla to be worn at the bridal, lace
founces fine and deep, Grape shawls,
sashes from Rome. silk stockings by the
dozen.
On a large table were the more deli
cate and valuable gifts-a rosary OF to-
paz, the cross fine piece Of carving; a
jeweled comb; a string OF pearls; dia-
mond hoops for the ears; large
Din painted with head Of Guada-
lupe the patron saint OF California,
and several fragile fans. Quite apart,
on little table, was the crown and
pride Of the donas six white, cob
weblike smocks. embroidered. hem
stitched and deshiladoed Did any Cali
fornian bridegroom forget that dainty
item he would be repudiated on his we'd
ding eve.
God Of my lifer calculated Valencia.
''he has taste as well as gold. And all
to 20 on that round white dollw
There was little envy among the other
girls. Their eyes sparkled with good ma
ture as they kissed Prudencia and con-
graduated her The older women pat
ted the things approvingly, and between
religion, donas to satisfy an angel and
prospective bliss Prudencia was the hap
piest little bride elect in all the Califor-
Mas.
Never were such smocks!" cried one
Of the girls. AYE. he will make good
husband. That sign never fails"
Thou must wear long, long trains
now. my Prudencia, and be as stately as
Chonita."
"Ayel" exclaimed Prudencia. Had not
every gown already been made with a
train longer than herself?
Thou needst never wear mended
stocking. with all these to last thee for
years." said another; never had silk
stockings been brought to the Califor-
Mas in sufficient plenty for the dancing
feet of its daughters.
"a shall always mend my stockings" |"
said Prudencia-"l myself"
- NA.~z la
thou wilt be good wife and waste
aothing."
Valencia laid her arm about Chonitas
waist. II wish to meet Don Diego Este
sega," she said. wilt thou not present
tim TO me?"
Thou art very forward" said Chonita
roldly ''Canst thou not wait until he
comes thy way?"
No, my Chonita; wish to meet him
now. My curiosity devours me-"
Very well; come with Inc and thou
! shalt know him. Wilt thou come, too,
Eustaquia2 There are only men on the
corridor"
We found Diego and Don Guillermo
talking politics in corner, both deeply
interested Estenega rose at once.
Don Diego Estenega," said Chonita
II would present you to the Senorita
Dona Valencia Menendez, Of the Rancho
del Fuego."
Estenega bowed. III have heard much
Of Dona Valencia and am delighted tc
meet her"
Valencia was nonplussed for mo
ment; he had not given her the custom
AIRY salutation. and she could hardly
murmur the customary reply. Sh,
merely smiled and looked so handsom,
that she could afford to dispense will
words
"A superb type" said Estenega to mt
as Don Guillermo claimed the beauty
attention fer moment. But only ,
type. nothing distinctive"
Nevertheless ten minutes later Valen
cia, with the maneuvering of the genera
of many battle, had guided him into
seat in the sala under Dona Trinidad
sleepy wing. and her eyes were flashing
the language Of Spain to his. saw
Chonita watch them for moment il
mingled surprise and doubt, then saw