Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1894-02-16
An Injured
Woman's Fate

There could not have been found in
all Peru more fresh and desirable
bud than SebaStiana de Mendoza. A
perfect houri, and sixteen! What an
admirable prescription against ennui!
Her father, the richest man in the
three crowned city. committed the fol
ly of dying, leaving his heir, Dona
SobaStiana, under the guardianship Of
Don Bias Medina. a grave old fellow
with more crest than brains. In his
fear of unworthy suitors he kept his
charge secluded, but allowed his own
son, boy of eighteen, free access to
the eye, ear and heart of Sebastiana
Carlitos was Il seminary youth under
the strictest discipline of the converts
of mercy.
Dona SebaStiana was older by half
Il year than when she came under the
guardianship of Don Blas-six months
in which to listen to the dulcet tones
Of her own privileged swain. Don
Carlitos, abandoning the cloister every
Sunday. passed the day under the
paternal roof In the evening, ut the
close of prayers, Il negro slave accom-
panied the guileless youth back and
delivered him safely to the watchdogs
of the seminary.
AT the end of five years the old don
died, and Sebastiana entered upon the
full enjoyment of her rich inheritance.
In his youth Don Bias, having filled
one of the most lucrative government
positions in CuZcO, laid the foundation
Of vast fortune which, afterward
augmented by successful business ven.
lures, he bequeathed to his son.
Then DOna Sebastiana saw her quon-
dam lover only at intervals; she saw
him engrossed with the duties and
pleasures of his new position, but did
not as yet imagine that his affection
for her had ceased. She was beautiful,
still young, and more than his match
in wealth and name. Hence it was
with q feeling of rage and humiliation
that she one day received courteous
note from Don Carlos giving the in
formation that he had contracted mar
rage in facia ecclesia with DOna Dol.
orosa. daughter of Captain Don San
tiago Pedrosa.
Imagine the effect of this billet
doux upon the proud and passionate
heart of Sebastiana. For some time
her honor had been upon the whisper
ing lips Of the gossips, had been wink
ed and shrugged away in the saloons
but the longed-for marriage would set
all right Meanwhile her love for the
g. - It'll l,1I
throttled and slain shame Now, how
ever, came resurrection, and shame
formed an alliance with wounded
pride.
Three years passed away, when one
day she met Don Carlos.
"Do me the favor, senior, Of listen
ing to few words which I wish to
say to you for the last time"
Turning, he bowed CALAMITY. II am
at your orders, senorita MIA" he re-
piled, always providing you do not
speak of certain subject which would
be crime now, as / am no longer a
free man."
Il have a little son, as you know,
StuOl. I1c Will luucIlL a considerable
fortune, and it is only just that he
should be educated in a manner befit-
ting his rank and merit. This is not
possible in Lima, and in my care. So
have decided to send him to my rela-
tiyes in Madrid. Tomorrow he goes
on the ship which leaves Callao. and
the favor I desire is this: Will YOU
not, as his father, bless him before
he goes and advise him for his future?
Your benediction will ensure him a
prosperous voyage"
''Your demand is but just, senorita."
The sun rode high in the heavens as
they entered the patio of the senorita's
dwelling and passed into the shaded
salon. Immediately the children were
sent for and appeared, fascinating In
their rich dark beauty. Don Carlos
ate and drank, gayly pledging his chill
dren, nor in his gallant speeches did he
omit his old love, who seated some
what apart and silent, watched him
with eyes sparkling with brilliancy.
Before many minutes had gone by
Don Carlos began to show signs OF
WEAKNESS, his WORKS came slowly and