Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-03-15

FernapS It WILL nOt Do necessary to gly( your naIhe until the rite is completed. '
 "Sh-h-hl Somebody is calling" and the panel slid back.
 Philip Raymer closed the curtains, TO, stunned his seat and listened. Hearing nc further sounds. he passed out locked the door and repaired to his quarters.
 Sunday the lieutenant saw the Alcalds Vicentio and secured a positive promise that he would perform the marriage ceremony between him and Mexicana for liberal fee and ask no questions. He said it would be necessary to know tho girls name in order to register and give certificate, but that it need not be given until the end of the ceremony. Raymer assured him that the name would be given in full at the proper time. Satisfied that the alcalde would not fail him, he returned to tho plaza, spending the evening with friends at the fonda.
 Monday evening Philip reported what he had done to Teresa. It was arranged that they should meet in the library at half past $ the following evening, go to the alcalde's, and after the marriage re- turn homo. Afterward, when pressed to set day for the union with Ignacio, she was to declare herself the wife of Philip and show the Gel tificate as evil dence.
 Tuesday came at last, and tho young officer managed to worry through the days duties until evening. After supper he walked along the barren, cactus bor- dered highway beyond the town, en- deavoring to shorten the hours until the time appointed. Turning to retrace his steps, he had walked but a short dis tance when he heard the rapid galloping of horse behind him, and presently the silver bespangled Ortega dashed past, evidently on his way to the Valencia mansion. "Bueno noche" shouted the Mexican and disappeared around turn.
 Ten minutes before the time appoint ed Raymer entered the library. The moment which was to give him the treasure he had coveted for the past two years ho felt was near at hand. The manner of securing it was not what he would have preferred, but there had been no other way. Teresa had said in t1eir last interview that, her happiness and his being at s,;.ao and being of lawful age, sho woH!l not hesitate to take the step he urged; that it was her self and not her dear mother who was chiefly interested ill tho bestowal of her hand.
 Half past arrived and wont by, and the silkcn curtains had not opened. Raymcr began to fear tho arrival of Or toGa had confused his plans, and that Teresa would find it impossible to keep her appointment. He held his watch in his hand and saw the timc creep slowly along to throe-quarterS past s. He be- gan walking norvously back and for ward, gradually yielding to feeling of dcSpOndClNy.
 Within the house, ill the sala, Teresa and Ortvga were standing in a curtained recess before n window which looked into the placita The young man was urging with Uil the eloquence of love and passion an carly day for'their union. Teresa responded by saying that She 'could not give him promise that Cven- ing ar nanlo the day. Sonora Valencia, Aunt Brigida and Senor Valencia looked on from other parts of the room. tho two first impatiently and the last indff- forCntly.
 TCrCsa glanced at n clock Il the man, tel and picked a flower to pieces as she answered the pleading lovers argu, mrnts chiefly in monoSyllablcS. At last sho said docisivcly:
 No 1gnacio. I cannot answer you otherwise tonight Come tomorrow evening. and will reply. Give mo one moro day to consider your request. I will give you definite answer tomur- TOW.
 "Yes, carida, I will wait if you de- sire it.'' - Teresa thanked him and walked across the room to her father, who sat by the grate looking into the fire Stopping be- side him and placing on arm about his shoulders she whispered, Papa, dear. "
 "Yes, darling"
 ''I have met Philip Raymer in the li- brary at other times besides the evening when you were present.
 II suspected it, dona mia"
 ''Oh, you dear papa" leaning for ward to look into his eyes and kissing him rapturously. And I am going to meet him thore now.''
 l eS, dear.
 "You will not allow any ono to think 1 am not ill my room?''
 ''You shall not be disturbed, but do not stay too long. will tell Ignacio to call on Father Gonzales as he rides through town and send him up for a game of malilla."
 Teresa was half inclined to tell her father all, but refrained, and kissing him again she left tho room.
 In the library half desperate young officer was crushing his hat upon his head. with gesture of despair, when the panel moved aside and Teresa, wrapped ill black reboso, appeared be- tween the curtains. Raymer lifted her to the floor and held her in his arms while she explained the cause of her de lay. But she said nothing of her fathers knowledge of her visits to tho library.
 keep up your courage, darling" said Philip as he turned tolock the door after they had passed out. Everything will turn out as we desire.'
 Ut must, Philip, or can never for give myself for so deceiving mamma, but the alternative awaiting our failure to marry emboldens me to take this step. Are you sure you esteem me as much for doing this?'
 If it were possible, I esteem you the more, dearest, for know what it is costing you.'
 II am sure papa will forgive us. He has recently developed an extraordi- nary taste for mammals favorite game, malilla, and is playing tonight with the others. as if purposely affording us this opportunity.
 Perhaps he is. Let us hope to be soon forgiven by both your father and mother
 The young couple hurried through the unlighted streets which bordered the plaza, for they feared to cross it lest they should be recognized by some of the