Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-01-21
!
BY Captain @. A. CURTIS, 0. S. A.
Copyright. 1904. by American Press Associa-
tion.l
CHAPTER VII.

4
CHAPTER VII.
The firelights shone brightly through
the cracks and crevices of the window
less cabins of the soldiers when Raymer
rode into the parade and dismounted.
| Passing the reins TO the waiting Cain,
| he went in the direction of his quarters.
and through the windows saw Jenny
preparing the table for supper. Before
the hearth sat Dona Teresa pcnciling
| something ON flyleaf of the little mis-
sal
Pausing until she had finished writ
| ing, the lieutenant stamped the snow
from his feet and opened the door.
| Teresa was standing near the fire, look
ing into the blaze, and the missal occu-
| pied its old place on the bookshelf.
Tho road is open, Miss Valencia,
said he, approaching the fire and spread
ing his hands to its genial warmth.
Tho sky is clear and still, and my pre-
diction of this morning is likely 10 prove
true. "
Thank you so much. Aren't you
cold after whole day in the snow
moving a chair toward the hearth and
taking his overcoat, gloves and cap.
Hands aud feet slightly chilled. II
was not uncomfortable in the sunlight
during the day, but it became Il little
cold after sunset.
"Was il necessary for you to superin.
tend the work.
Perhaps not. Ii would have been rs
well done III charge of a sergeant or cor
poral, bat | wanted 10 explore the road
a half dozen miles into the forest 70 see
If we shall meet any obstacles tomor'
row.
Need you accompany me tomorrow.
1T is better that should go on many
accounts. IL is not likely that Indians
will be on the trail, but | should fear
for your safety if remained behind. -
Indians do not 20 on the warpath III
winter have been told. y
Not generally. Government is car.
yying on the war through the winter,
tho troops having an advantage now
the Indians ponies are i'll their best con-
tiitiun. OF course il Is impossible for
them 10 operate in this snowy waste, but
the valley Of the Jemcz affords some
forage, aud il forms "A section OF one of
the routes 70 their country. But really
there is not one chance in thousand
that we shall meet an Indian. -
Il hope not. replied Teresa, with
much earnostnesS Jenny, you may
serve the supper. We have made this
something Of dinner, Mr., Raymer, ~
you have been ont since breakfast "
Tho hour Will seem more homeliko
too We early risers cannot follow fash
iouahle 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 4 sea Of commonplaces, avoiding
the subject nearest his heart When tea
was served, Teresa made Somo 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
fcrent from Mexican young ladies in gen
eral:'
% Is that so surprising! Your question
shows your society experience must
have had its limitations, and that your
notions Of Mexican young ladies Were
not gathered from association with the
gente finas. y
Il cannot claim intimate acquaint
ance with either extreme of Mexican
life.
do you know any Mejicanas:"
My acquaintance is limited 10 pres
eut company.
Then l am unwilling to consider
you "a Judge Of our people. Mexican la
dies are often highly accomplished.
You condemn or criticiso without
knowledge Of them. What are these su-
perior American manners: Are they in
digenous;'
Imported. perhaps, and improved
upon.
Il 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
TO manners as to your knowledge Of our
customs and the usages Of our society.
Residence in New York did some
thing for that | suppose You think be-
cause | speak your language we'll and
am somewhat familiar with its litera-
ture that | am superior to my associ-
ates.
Il thought you their superior in many
things AS for English, l doubt if any
classmate of yours could speak it SO
we'll "
mo. but many could read it as
we'll. "
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 rs well as
r. said Teresa laughingly.
"Yes.