Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1894-07-09
JACQUITA.

1ts SHORES washed by the blue waters OF
the Mediterranean, lies the little island
of Minorca. Out of the beaten line of
travel, overlooked by energetic tourists,
it holds it's only direct communication
with civilization through tramp steam
ers and an occasional yacht.
Minorca has we'll nigh forgotten the
outside world, and with true southern
Incidence dreams over it's 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 it's lovely
harbor in an aimless way, and OH first
approaching two things strike you, the
dazzling whiteness against the intense
blue Of sea and sky and tho monotony
of the flat 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 the way.
On cliff overhanging the harbor and
the city is plaza called the Alameda,
where a few lick trees afford grateful
shade On one of the low stone benches
many a pleasant hour may be dreamed
away, watching the shadows chase each
other over the swelling hills and mead
ows beyond. Now and again tho soft
wind watts perfume from the almond
blossoms which lie like flakes Of snow
OIL the bare fields stretching away to the
blue water.
One evening not long ago a young
girl was seated on the low wall watch
ing the sun sinking in the cloudless
sky The usual three cornered man
tilla draped her graceful head, and her
long, slender fingers toyed with the
ends hanging over her shoulders. She
represented ono Of the better class with
the intense southern beauty of the peas
ant idealized Her black hair waved
off a low forehead, guiltless of the
pointed "friz" which disfgured the
face of those who ape the Partisan fash
ion. Her brows were heavy and her
dark eyes, riveted OH the harbor below,
seemed to reflect tho sunset light. She
was watching a large yacht which,
with all sails set, was gliding slowly,
like some stately bird, to its anchorage.
The rattling of the anchor chains
reused her and broke the long silence
which she had SO persistently main
tanned with her companion, young
man of Spanish type. A mixture Of
northern blood lightened his olive COM
plexion and refined hissensuous southern
features. His waist was circled by q
red sash, and his workworn hands twist
ed a bright colored turban, fashioned
from large handkerchief.
His passionate gaze contrasted
strangely with the girls Indifference
'La Bella Jacquita" she was called,
and we'll did she deserve her name!
What was he that he should win her,
after all?
Jacquita looked up and smiled.
As when the sun, breaking through
the clouds, bathes the fields in warmth
and light, so did that smile tralsfgure
the girls fair face.
The distant church clock struck g.
Rising, she drew the folds Of her man.
tilla closer, and lifting her eyes to his
said softly, "a Riverdel, Felipe!'
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 come
and go at q girls nod. Today I offer
you my life, my heartl A mans dearest
hopes and desires have laid bare. How
have you answered."
He waited. Jacquita pushed tho
gravel petulantly with her foot, watch
ing the pebbles fly, with half mocking
smile on her lips. Again he spoke:
II know you are La Bella Of Ma
hon, but I, too, have pride! Keep your
scores Of admirers, but know that from
today there is one less-one man more
is nothing in the tale Of your conquests
You are La Bella, and the man who
makes you love him must needs be more
than human--stronger than Felipe
Never again will I be ridiculed, Knocked,
as I have been todayp'
Jacquita trembled slightly, but still
smiled. She waited. Then, looking up,
she said, "Felipe. ! am sorry but
Felipe had gone.
That night Jacquita wept with fear,
excitement and the triumph of having
brought Felipe SO low as to beg her as
he had done that evening. "He will re-
turn" thought she. "They always do. /"
Next day the party from the yacht
made the tour Of the town. A little boy
Of about years Of age was the life and
center Of interest Of the group. Clad in
sailor suit, his golden curls waving
under his white cap, he formed strong