The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1896-01-14

votion in his eyes. Used as she was
to admiration-homage, rather, in the
impetuous, tropical style-she had not
before beheld such ardor as Antonio
now valnly struggled to repress. He
had long been one of her train of adj
mlrers, 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, in
time. to acknowledge the justice of
their grievances.
lila Mia, said Amalia. turning to
her aunt, az have mislaid my pearl
bracelet upstairs. viii you kindly
look for ito"
The duenna vanished as il she had
expected the roquests On the instant
Amalia said to him:
''You have often sworn that you
love me to distraction, is it not so,
Antonito?"
What happiness it was for him to
hear from her lips the diminuitive
''ito" added to his name, which, in it.
self, is n caress in words.
'My life. with all my heart and
soul," ne exclaimed, seeking to en-
brace her. But she drew back.
''No, | give myself only to HIM who
proves his love"
"What can do for you, beloved !?
Dispose of me as you will for life"
cit is life | ask. Sit here beside
me, dearest, and ! will tell you.
She then related the scene of the
morning, her discovery that Roberto,
who had passed the previous winter in
Havana with his family, was now
among the prisoners.
"He IS the son of my favorite aunt
so young, barely sixteen. He came
here to perfect himself in Spanish, and
inspired him with my own enthusi-
asm for the Cuban cause. He mas re-
turned, alas! to die, unless Won will
save him for my sake. Should he per-
ish, | can never know another happy
moment"
Antonio grew pale as he listened.
"You know thnt | would yield nv
life ut your commanl willingly, but
III this, even were it possible, my
honor is involved. l cannot betray
the flag ! serve"
Even when it sanctions butchery,"
she exclaimed, passionately. $50! If
Roberto dies, / will never see your
face again-cold, cruel, so you are
"AmHlia, Won cannot break my
heart thus. Ask me anything else. "
"You are prodigal of words, senior, "
she began, scornfully, but with q
rapid change o. manner ana tone, rose
and threw her arms round his neck.
'Antonito mol ! love YOU" she
sobbed. "For you 1 would give up
home, relatives, country. Grant me
this one favor. Save that poor child,
and I swear to become your wife in
another month. Yoa have said that
IL would marry You you would re-
sign vour hateful commission in the
army and seek n home in Mexico.
will follow YOU there and to the end
Of tine eartn.'
The last words were sobbed en- his
ficrcely- beating heart, as ne tenderly
embraced her with an anguIshcd look
that nil his rapture could not disguise.
''Eou have woD,' ne said, after a
pause. ''For you | will dare anything.
They will die day after tomorrow. I
have but a short tima, and now must
leave you, dearest. If / fail, YOU will
forgive me, will you not? for 1 will
not survive my Disgrace"
''You will succeed, beloved. It is
n righteous act. They will nave
enough victims. You shall never re-
pent your sacrifice"
He smiled sn lily.
"Ah. if this had only happened after
my resignation"
4 discreet cough was heard Mt the
door, and Tia Maria, entering, said:
81 have searched everywhere for
your bracelet, Amalila, but cannot
find it,
"Oh, how stupid o; me here it is
on the SOFA.