Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-07-05


the valley of the Jemez affords some
forage, and it forms section of one of
the routes to their country. But really
there is not one chance in thousand
that we shall meet an Indian
II hope not" replied Teresa, with
much earnestness. Jenny, you may
serve the supper. We have made this
something of dinner, Mr.. Raymer, as
you have been out since breakfast. f"
''The hour will seem more homelike
too. We early risers cannot follow fash
ionable usage"
Host and guest sat down to their last
meal together in the camp. Raymer, in
very desperation at the thought of los
ing sight of this lovely girl, launched
into a sea of commonplaces, avoiding
the subject nearest his heart. When tea
was served, Teresa made some remark
which showed familiar knowledge of
American society, and Raymer asked:
"How does it happen that you know
so much of our customs and are SO diff
ferent from Mexican young ladies in gen.
eral?"
"Is that so surprising? Your question
shows your society experience must
have had it's limitations, and that your
notions of Mexican young ladies were
not gathered from association with the
gente finas."
II cannot claim intimate acquaint-
ance with either extreme of Mexican
life"
"Do you know any Mejicanas?"
"My acquaintance is limited to pres
ent company.
"Then 1 am unwilling to consider
you judge of our people. Mexican Ia
dies are often highly accomplished.
You condemn or criticise without
knowledge of them. What are these su-
perior American manners? Are they in
digenous?"
Imported, perhaps, and improved
upon.
II recall that some severe criticisms
have been passed upon them by eminent
English authors and travellers, and that
Americans abroad are still made sub
jects OF criticism by Europeans. Good
manners have no nationality, Mr.. Ray
mer."
"That is true. did not refer so much
tC manners as to your knowledge Of our
customs and the usages of our society. I"
Residence in New York did some
thing for that. 1 suppose you think be-
cause speak your language we'll and
am somewhat familiar with its itera-
ture that I am superior to my associ-
ates.
Thought you their superior in many
things. As for English, doubt if any
classmate of yours could speak it SO
WE'LL"
"No, but many could read it as
well.
"Was there one who could have writ
ten an essay-as you did-on the 'Lit-
erature of the Elizabethan Era?'"
"You mean and have done as well as
I?' said Teresa laughingly.
eyes"
"Perhaps not.
"Then are you not little more
American than Mexican to that extent?"
''That depends upon what you mean
by American. If you mean that have
had better educational and social ad-
vantages than my companions, reply
yes. If you mean American in the
sense of residence on this continent,
then l claim to be more American
than you. That Plymouth Rock date
is quite recent when compared with the
settlement of New Mexico. The old
palace in Santa Fe was the scene of stir
ring events before William Penn treated
with the Indians Supposing that a
Raymer was among the Pilgrims, the
Valencias were on American soil nearly
century before. Who is the most
American-you or I?''
II will concede it to you. I was un-
fortunate in my expression, or you did
not understand me- 1t is true, know
little of Mexican domestic life, but |
recognize in you many New England
pcculiarities of manner and expression
without their stiffness. Then, too, you
do some things in way that suggests
all intimate knowledge of the customs
of eastern society-the society of our
seaboard cities 1t is that which puzzles
me- s"
well, you are welcome to my lee
ture on American history" said Teresa.
II owe to papa whatever of eastern
manners may have been engrafted upon
my Mexican breeding. He was sent to
Massachusetts school when boy and
staid there until he nearly forgot his
mother tongue. He greatly admires the
system of educating boys and girls to-
gether and the manner in which eastern
children are reared"
"And yet he makes contract for the
bestowal of your hand just the opposite
from the custom prevailing there.
81 have mother. "
"And she does not agree with him?'
"She believes in Mexican usage. "
"After living some years in New
York too?'
cit was her life there and some OBJ
servations Of American domestic life
that confirmed her in the opinion that
our way is best.
"Does your father agree with her?'
"In many things, yes. His own mar
riage was arranged by his parents and
mas proved happy one. That is a
strong plea for mammals wishes in my