The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-05-22
JACQUITA.


Of Minorca Out of the beaten line o4
travel overlooked by energetic tourists,
1t holds its only direct communication
with civilization through tramp steam.
ers and an occasional yacht.
M1norca hos well nigh forgotten the
outside world. and with true southern
Itndolence dreams over its own petty in
forests unless Weakened to sudden but
Ievaneecent activity by some event out
CT the common
Tho largest city-Port Mahon-clam-
bers up and down the cliffs Of its lovely
harbor in an aimless way, and Oh first
approaching two things strike you, tho
hanaling whitcncss against the intense
blue f sea and sky and the monotony
of tho fiat rooted, chimncylcss houses
The oobblo paved streets arc marvel
ously Clean aud the people, in their
quaint. gay costumes stand out with
picturesque effect against the succeed
walls which limo the way.
On u cliff ovcrhanging the harbor and
the city is plaza called the Alameda,
where few lick trees afford grateful
Shado On ono of the low stone benches
many pleasant hour may be dreamed
away, watching tho shadows chase each
othor over tho swelling hills and mead
lows beyond. Now and again the soft
wind WATTS perfume from the almond
blossoms which lie like flakes Of SNOW
OH tho bare folds stretching away to the
blue water,
One evening not loM:; ago !, Young
girl was seated OH the low wall watch.
ing the sun sinking in the cloudlczss
sky. The usual three corncrtd man.
tilla dlaped her graceful head, and her
long, slender fingers toycd with the
ends hanging over her shoulders She
represented one Of the better class, with
the intense southern beauty OF the peas.
ant idealized Her black hair waved
of q low forehead, guiltlcss Of the
pointed ''friz" which disiigurcd the
lace OF those who ape the Partisan fash
ION. Her brows We're heavy, and her
dark eyes, rivetod on the harbor below,
seemod to reflect the sunset light She
was watching large yacht which
with all sails set, was gliding slowly
like some stately bird, to its anchorage
The rafting oi the anchor chains
Irouscd her and broke the long silence
which She had SO pcrsistcntly man.
talned with her companion, Il Young
man of Spanish type. y mixture of
northern blood lightcned his olive com
IplcXion and refined his Scnsuous southern
features His waist was circlcd by n
Fed sash, and his workworn hands twist
led bright colorcd turlanI, fashioned
from large handkerchief
His passionate gaze cuitrastcd
strangely with the girls Indifference.
LA Bella JaWuita" she was called,
land we'll did she deserve her m;:Iucl
What WAS Ire that he Should viii her.
after AL?
Jacquita looked up and smiled
AS when the sun, breaking through
Che clouds. bathos the fields il, warmth,
and light, 50 did that smile transfiyurc
the girls fair fucc
The distant church clock struck i.
Rising, she drew the folds Of her man,
tlla closer, and liftiig hcr oycs to his
said softly, "A Rivcrdcl, Folipcr
His gaze met hcrs--prdc, anger. pas
j,sion in his eyes Mastering his excite
mcnt he spoke: 'Jacquitil. Inc careful!
i am not like those silly lads WHO come
Iand go at Il girls nod Today offer
you my life, my hearth A mans dearest
hopes and desires have laid bare How
have you answered."
Ho waited Jacquita pushed tho
gravel pctulantly with her foot, watch.
Hng the pebbles fly. with Il half hooking
smile OF her lips. Again he spoke.
81 know You arc La Bella of Ma
hon, but |, too. have pride Keep your
ecoros of admirers, but know that from
today there is ono lcss-onc man more
lis nothing in the tale Of your conqucsts
You are Lit, Bella, and the man who
makes you love him must needs be more
than human-stronger than Felipe.
Never again will l be ridicucd, Knocked.
Eas have been today!''
Jacquita trembled slightly, but still
smiled. She waited. Then, looking up
che said, Felipe, | am sorry bu
Felipe had gone
That night Jacquita wept with fear
excitement and the triumph Of having
brought Felipe so low as to beg her a.
lhe had done THAI evening HE will re
tu;n," thought she, 'Thoy always do
u Next day the party from the zach
made the tour OF the town. A little boy
of about 6 years of age was the life anc
ccntcr OF interest of the group. Clad il
Ia sailor suit, his golden curls waving
under his white cap he formed a stronl
contrast 10 the dark skinned children
who stared ae he passed them by. 1