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

By Captain O. A. CURTIS, q. 8. A.
Copyright, 1894. by American Press Assocts

and left with her maid for her cabin,
the lieutenant sat for long time gaz-
ing into the expiring embers, going
over for the hundredth time all the in
cidents connected with his acquaintance
with Dona Teresa-the incident in
church, the graduating exercises, the
encounter with the wagon master, his
futile attempts to meet her In Albu-
uuerque, the report of her engagement
and the singular chance which had
brought her into the valley and left her
alone in his camp. How long she might
yet be compelled to stay was a question.
While the lieutenant mused in soli-
tude the midnight wind was roaring
around the corners of his cabin and MUIR
muring in the chimney. Icy crystals
dashed in rattling gusts against the
window panes, and the gray wolves,
drawn by hunger to the kitchen refuse,
howled weird refrain. Certainly there
was no immediate prospect of Teresa's
departure.
If she continued to stay, how far
would he be justified in taking advan-
tage Of the intimacy chance had afford
ed? He was we'll aware that his future
happiness was in her keeping, but was
she animated by similar interest in
him? he was obliged to confess that the
only circumstance he could interpret in
his favor was the doubtful one shown in
the girls reluctance to reveal her iden-
tity.
Since then she had been the we'll bred
young lady, making no reference to any
previous knowledge of her host. although
be had given her several opportunities
to do so. The little prayer book which
she had dropped from the carriage in
Santa Fe had lain on the mantel this
evening, and she had listlessly handled
1t before taking her seat by the fire, but
she exhibited no interest in it, nor did
she show any consciousness Of having
seen it before.
Then the engagement to young Orte-
ga Was it possible her heart had gone
where her parents had pledged her hand?
He would wait. Perhaps this blessed
storm might continue long enough to
settle all these questions.
Teresa had also sat for long time by
her freside, busy with reflections upon
her present plight. At last she arose,
and turning to her yawning maid said,
"Jenny, you may tell Cain in the morn
ing that will hereafter take my meals
in my own cabin, and you will hold no
communication with Mr.. Raymer about
it."
eyes. miss.
Next morning Jenny delivered her
mistress message to the lieutenant.
Raymer was astonished and puzzled and
attempted to recall any possible offense
he might have given his guest. He
could remember none, and at first he
felt inclined to seek Dona Teresa and
ask an explanation, but after little re-
fection he decided to 90 into the wood
with the fatigue party.
Two days passed, during which he
caught no glimpse of Teresa. On the
morning Of the third the wind ceased,
the sun shone brightly, and the melting
snow soon began to drip from the caves
of the cabins Raymer was about to
leave his quarters when a gentle rap
was heard upon his door. Opening it, he
found Miss Valencia and Jenny stand
ing there. At his invitation they entered,
and Teresa asked:
''Do you not think the weather suffi-
ciently mild for me to start for Jemez?"
1.-THE weather is mild enough, but
how can you pass the drifts?" replied
Raymer.
'They must be passed. I can stay
here no longer"
II fear you will only repeat the expe-
rience of your late attempt "
'No, Mr.. Raylner. You can certainly
open the way if you undertake it."
But" said Rayn:er in Spanish, a
language not well understood by the
maid, suppose I do not wish to under
take it?''
II do not understand you"
''Do you not know that, once out of
the valley, may never see you again?"
"Quien sabe! Does that matter? You
know m1st 60"
''True. suppose it can matter little
to you. I did not mean to take advan-
tage of your unwilling presence here. l
did but reflect that, once out of the val
ley, I cannot expect to meet you again
and have an opportunity to speak. l
would have been pleased to have met
you as have met young ladies at home,
but the usages of your country have pre-
vented. When Oh duty in Albuquerque,
tried every proper means to make
your acquaintance and failed. I asked
your father"--
"You asked my papa what?"
The lieutenant glanced at Jenny, but
that discreet damsel, if she understood
anything, looked uninterested and
busted herself in arranging furniture
and other articles. So he went Oh:
81 asked permission to call upon yon,
formally making your acquaintance,
and, if agreeable to you, to pursue it
further. You know dined at your house
several times?"
'No; never knew you were there,
answered Teresa, looking into the face
of the earnest speaker, all unspoken
question written in her beautiful eyes.
''He said it could not be; that You
were engaged to marry Ignacio Ortega.
This occurred in your library. After