Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1895-12-18

fVS\N de u q Gly, ano
!" smiled de-isively al
the insulting epithets and grimaces
which the lower classes heaped upon
them, especially in the vicinity of any
officers residence. The better class
of the Havanese showed their sympa.
thy in striking contrast to the ieers
and gibes of the baser sort-the men
by their sullen. indignant looks; the
women by frequent sobs and tears and
smothered EXPLANATIONS of clos des.
graciados!' 'sQue lastima!" "Dios
los ayude!"
The time was 1851, directly after
the capture of Crittenden, Lopez's
brave lieutenant, in his ill-starred ex.
pedition to Cuba. He and his Spar.
tan remnant we're these forlorn pris.
oners.
When they reach the Gale de Ia
Lamparilla, one OF the narrow streets
of the old city, the guards suddenly
halted the column and reverently
barred their head. A funeral process.
sion was approaching from the oppo.
site direction, and the line was pushed
close toward the houses iutting on The
narrow footway, scarcely worthy the
name of a sidewalk.
A youth among the foremost pris.
oners, who, evidently, had not the
fortitude of his older companions,
judging by his bowed head and deep
detection, now looked up with wan
smile of recognition as a pair of dark
eyes brimming with tears gazed
through latticed window at the pitt.
full sight.
.iAmalia, lie whispered.
"Robercitol Is it indeed you.
Oh. how terriblel / did not dream
you were with them.'
dearest cousin, saye me-" he re-
piled in Spanish as fluent as her own.
1--WE are all condemned to be shot in
two days, perhaps sooner. am toe
young to; die. !.
"Wou1d that I could, piho qlerido,
but, alasl I am powerlsss as iFmb
among wolves
"Amalia, don't say thst. You have
friends. lovers. among the Spaniards.
For the love of my mother"
Forward march!" rang on the air,
and the weary column passed on to
the dungeons of Moro Castle.
That night the Senorita Amalia de
Valdez was dream OF loveliness as
she reclined listlessly among the
cushions of o lounge in her handsome
salon. Tall, exquisitely formed, with
jetty tresses framing softly rounded
face, with midnight eyes" 80 large,
SO liquid, SO iustrous that her admir-
ers exhausted the influence OF their
honeyed tongues in praising them :
with mouth whose twin carnations,
perfect in repose, we're still more en-.
chanting when her smile disclosed the
dazzling teeth within-is is no wonder
she was considered to be the beauty
OF beauties in capital famed for the
grace and loveliness of its women.
The young Captain Antonio de
Ramon, who presently entered, was
80 enraptured with her appearance
that only the presence OF theinevitable
duenna restrained him from throwing
himself at her feet in reality, as we'll
as in the formal salutatiop with which
Spanish gentlemen greet all ladies.
"Beso a V 10 pies, senorita. !"
She responded in the same fashion,
only kissing his hands (6gurativelyl
instead of mis- feet. But she looked
preoccupied, sad, despondent. he
seated himself near her, while the
duenna, her gentle Tia Maria, retired
to distant corner, and, opening @
prayer book, was soon entirely Ito all
appearances, at least) absorbed in its
perusal.
"Tell me, my SOUL" said he, "why
are you SO melancholy 2"
A sigh vas the only response.
"Ah, yes! I know your tender
heart aches for the prisoners you must
have. seen to-day. Poor fellows
Theirs is a terrible fate. But, tell me,
what is it you wished to ask me? Can
there be wish of yours / would not
crafty at the risk of my life, if need
be? ] have your precious billet safe
here" and he pointed to his heart.
'You have bat to command and I will
obey"
At these words Amelie looked up,
and wave of color flowed over he1
fair face as she read the passionate de.
votion in his eyes. Used as she was
to admiration-homage, rather, in the
impetuons, tropical style-she had not
before beheld such ardor as Antonio
now vainly struggled to repress. He
had long been one of her train of ad.
mirers, but though she secretly pre-
ferred him, she had never betrayed
that preference by single word. For
her sake, though brave and loyal
Spanish officer, he had been led to
sympathize with the patriots, and. il
time. to acknowledge the justice oi
their grievances.
"Iia Mia," said Amalia. turning to
her aunt, ~ have mislaid my pear
bracelet upstairs. Will you kindly
look for it?"
The duenna vanished as if she hai
expected the request. On the instant
Amalia said to him:
s'You have often sworn that you
love me to distraction, Is 10 not 30
Antonito?"
What happiness it was for him tc
hear from her lips the diminuitivt
'sito" added to his name, which, in it
self, is caress in words.
"My life, with ali my heart ant
soul," he exclaimed, seeking to en-
brace her. But she drew back.
mo, give myself only'to him VIII,
proves his love-"