The Red Cloud chief., 1894-07-06
JACQUITA.

Its shores washed by tho blue waters of
tho Mediterranean, lies tho little island
Of Minorca, Out of the beaten line Of
travel, overlooked by energetic tourists,
1t holds its only direct communication
with civilization through tramp steam
ers and an occasional yacht.
Minorca has well nigh forgotten tho
outside world, and with true southern
Incidence dreams over its own petty in.
terests unless Weakened to sudden but
evanescent activity by some event out
Of the common.
The largest city-Port Mahon--clam-
bers up and down the cliffs of its lovely
harbor In an aimlcss way, and OH first
approaching two things strike you, tho
dazzling whiteness against the intense
blue Of sea and sky and the monotony
OF the fiat rooted, chimneyless houses.
The cobble paved streets are marvel.
ously clean, and the people, in their
quaint, gay costumes, stand out with
picturesque effect against the succeed
walls which line tho way.
On q cliff o~verhanging the harbor and
the city Is u plaza called the Alameda.
| where n few lick trees afford q grateful
shade. On one OF tho low stone benches
many u pleasant hour may be dreamed
away, watching the shadows chase each
other over tho swelling hills and mead
ows beyond. Now and again the soft
wind watts perfNme from the almond
blossoms which lie like flakes of SNOW
ON the bare fields stretching away to the
blue water.
One evening not hong ago q young
girl wal seated on the low wall watch
ing the sun shaking IN the cloudless
sky. The usual three cornered man
tilla drapcd her graceful head, and her
long, slender fingers toycd with the
ends hanging owe her shoulders. She
represented one of tho better class, with
the intense southern beauty Of the peas
ant idealized. Hor black hair waved
of a low forehead, guiltless Of the
pointed. 'friz" which disfigured the
face of those who ape the Partisan fash.
ion. Her brows were heavy, and hey
dark eyes, riveted ON the harbor below,
seemed to reflect the sunset light. She
was watching q large yacht which,
with all sails set, was gliding slowly,
like some stately bird, to it's anchorage.
The rafting of tho anchor chains
reused her and broke tho long silence
which sle had SO persistently main
tanned with her companion, q young
man Of Spanish type. A mixture Of
northern blood lightened his oliye com
plexion and refined his sensuous southern
features. His waist was circled by Q
red sash, and his workworn hands twist
ed q bright colored turban, fashioned
from a large handkerchief.
His passionate gaze tontrastet
strangely with tho girls indifference
"La Bella %Jacquita" sho was called
and well did she deserve her name
What WAS he that he should win her
after all?
Jacquita looked up and smiled.
Az when tho sun, breaking through
the clouds, bathes tho fields in warmth
and light, so did that smile transfigur,
the girls fair face.
The distant church clock struck 6
Rising, she drew the folds of her man
tilla closer, and lifting her eyes to hi
said softly, "a Riverdel, Felipew
His gaze met hers-pride, anger, pas
sion in his eyes. Mastering his excite
ment, he spoke: ~"Jacquita, be careful
! am not like those silly lads who com,
and go Mt q girls nod. Today i offe,
you my life, my heart! A mans deares
hopes and desires have l laid bare. How
have you answered."
. He. waited. Jacquita pushed tn
gravel p~etulantly with her foot, watch
ing the pebbles fly, with n half knocking
smile on her lips. Again he spoke:
, II know you are La Bella Of Ma
hon, but ], too, have pride! Keep you
scores Of admirers. but know that from
today there is one less-me man NOR
is nothing in the tale of your conqucsts
You are La Bella, and the man VIII
, makes you love him must needs be NOR
than human-stronger than Felipe
Never again will l be ridiculed. Knocked
as ] have been today!'
Jacquita trembled slightly, but sfYi
!, smiled. She waited. Then, looking up
I she said, Felipe, / am sorry bu
. Felipe had gone.
0 That night Jacquita wept with fear
9 excitement and the triumph of having
0 brought Felipe SO low as to beg her a
y y he had done that evening. "Ho will re
Q turp," thought she. ''They always do.
Next day the party from the zach
made the tour Of the town. A little bo
Of about O years of age was the life am
0 center Of interest Of the group. Clad Il
! o sailor suit, his golden curls wavinI
! under his white cap, hc formed n stronI
q contrast to the dark skinned childreI
who stared as he passed them BY. 4