Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-01-21
''PerI,aps not. ,


American than Mexican to that extent?"
That depends upon what you mean
by American. If you mean that have
had better educational and social adj
vantages than my companions, reply
yes. If you mean American in the
sense of residence on this continent,
then I claim to be more American
than you. That Ply mouth 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 q
Raymer was among the Pilgrims, tho
valencias were on American soil nearly
century before. Who is the most
American--you OF Il"
II will concede it to you. was un-
fortunate in my expression, or you did
not understand me- II is true, | know
little of Mexican domestic life, but |
recognize in you many Now England
peculiarities of manner and expression
without their stiffness. Then, too, you
do some things i'll way that suggests
an intimate knowledge of the customs
of eastern society-the society of our
seaboard cities. 1t is that which puzzles
me. "
well, you are welcome to my lee
cure 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 q
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 ara reared. "
And yet he makes contract for the
bestowal of your hand just the opposite
from the custom prevailing there. "
Il have mother.
"And she does not agree with him"
"She believes in Mexicm usage.
after living some years in New
York too?"
1T was her life there and some oh.
scrvations of American domestic life
that confirmed her in the opinion that
our way is best
Does your father agree with her?'
I'm many things. yes. His own mar
riagc was arranged by his parents and
has proved happy one. That Is n
strong plea for mammals wishes in my
case "
And yoa do not even know your af-
iianced intimately. SUPPOSE"
Il havc met him only III the presence
Of Others, and rarely.
But does not Senior Valencia SEQ that
such a union may provo unfortunate"
Papa rarely interferes in matters
concerning me, except 10 insist that !
shall understand English well. He al
ways speaks to me i'll that tongue, and
he arrangcs my reading in American and
English books"
But why does he take such pains TO
thoroughly unfit you for the marriage
contemplated"
You have no right to question me
on this subject, Mr.. Raymer. | have
been answering Your questions because
your services TO me seemed tn give you
a right 60 my confidence. but you seem
10 forget that ours is an accidental ac-
quaintance; that am an involuntary
guest and entitled to respect and protcc-
tion.
Il forget nothing. Teresa, said the
lieutenant, for the second time address.
ing the young lady by her Christian
name. II remember everything, from
the moment | first saw you III Santa Fe
until now. have endeavored 10 take
no advantage of your situation, con
stan,ly reprcssing the many things that
spring TO iny lips while in your pres
ence, but | feel, as the time approaches
for you 70 leave, that l shall do myself
a wrcng If do not speak e.
4 noise Of trampling hoofs and the
sound of voices interrupted the conver-
sation. A loud knock shook the door.
The bushes which had begun to mantle
the face Of the girl at the words Of her
host were arrested and fed away rs the
tones of familiar voices fell upon her
ears. Raymer went 10 the door and
opened il. The sergeant Of the guard
stood there.
Il come to re port to the commanding
officer" said he, that Padre Gutierrez
and a stranger have just arrived from
Jemez and are inquiring for the young
lady.
"Let them come i'll, sergeant, was
the reply. and out of the darkness and
into the light of the cabin stepped two
gentlemen. At sight of the priest Ray
mer extended his hand and greeted him
cordially.
Enter, Padre Mic. am glad to
see you Come 10 the fire and remove
your wraps. "
Father Gutierrez took the offered
hand, but there was no cordiality in his
grasp His eyes were fastened graveiy