Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-01-07

~ tuiliOt pc! cACidinhtu Lcicsts,
her beautiful eyes dilating. 1T is in
deed Jenny Sullivan Oh. Mr. Raymer,
how fortunate!" taking Jenny's hands,
with an involuntary gesture Of relief
and pleasure.
II the young man could have enter
tanned lingering doubt concerning his
own state of mind, it would now have
been dispelled forever. That lovely face,
flushing with emotion, the beautiful
eyes filed with tears, but beaming with
trust and gratitude. completed the con-
quest.
.Ah. Jenny" added Teresa, ''if /
had only known Mt first that il was you
whom Mr. Raymer wished to attend me
You and your mother could have aided
me in maintaining the character Of La
Sonora Vieja until l found opportunity
to leave the valley" "
"Oh. yes, miss, We would have been
glad TO-, answered the delighted Jenny.
II trust may be pardoned for ex-
pressing my satisfaction at the result Of
your oversight, said Raymer II can
aid you better in your own character
than in that Of another, particularly so
reticent person as the old lazy.
Il will try TO be more communicative
in future, Mr.. Raymer. Come, Jenny;
let us 70 to my cabin"
Let me exchange cabins with you,
Miss Valencia. urged the lieutenant,
following his departing guest TO the
door. This is much the most comfort
able and convenient.
Thank you, but my own is very
sozy and will do for the few days
shall remain here. Besides, you know,
sl comandante should have the best
quarters.
Not at the expense of lady's COM
fort" replied Rayiner. 1T will tako
but few moments for the men to pre-
pare for III exchange. "
THANK you, but my present quarters
are good enough. l am perfectly salts
fed" "
"will you dine with me, please!"
Hesitatingly, "Yes, thank you. E"
Teresa took up the long cloak which
had hitherto concealed her features and
started with Jenny for her cabin, but
the lieutenant observed that she did not
now throw the hood over her head, nor
did she again affect the decrepit gait or
STOPPING form, but walked with maiden
grace, her blond tresses exposed to the
winter breeze.
The sentinel at the guardhouse was
surprised out Of his soldierly equanimi-
ty as the young woman passed along
the path. He halted and faced outward,
and the lieutenant half expected him T.
present arms, but he recovered himself
and walked on with suppressed whis-
tie of astonishment
Through sentinel and laundress it was
soon known throughout the camp that
La Sonora Vieja had been miraculously
transformed into beautiful and grace
ful maiden.
Half an hour later Jenny appeared
at the officers cabin with the request
from her mistress that he would accom-
pany her to the bedside Of the wounded
boy, Ramon, thing she had been unl-
BILE 10 do in her character of an old
woman. Raymer replied that he would
be- pleased to do 80 at once and sent
Cain 10 notify the boy and his nurse Of
the proposed call. A little later the Off
Ger aud lady stood at the bedside As
Teresa stopped over Ramon extended
his thin hand 10 clasp hers and said
feebly in his mother tongue:
"Ah, Dona Teresa, you have revealed
yourself ="
YES, Ramon. by a silly accident
but perhaps "A fortunate one.
81 think it bettey my mistress. FL
comandanta and the soldiers are brave
men and kind. "
"But. my poor Ramonito. how you
have suffered i'll aiding me! You are
very brave. "
1T was nothing. dona 1t is privi-
lege 10 be wounded in your service. "
"Gallantly said, my lad, interrupt.
ed Raymer. lyon are born chevalier. "
HE is indeed, Mr.. Raymer, said
Teresa. HE took fearful risk when
he left Los Ojos Frios for the valley,
volunteering when the men refused. "
ut was nothing, dona. You needed
help, and quickly"
Nothing to risk your life for ours:
am very proud Of you, Ramon, and
You shall be my brother always. How
thin and worn you arel' and the young
lady cast look of inquiry toward Ma
sou, whom she recognized as the chief
attendant. She hesitated 10 put her
question in words for fear the answer
would be unfayorable, but the soldier
read her thoughts and said III English
to the lieutenant:
"You can tell her, sir, that there Is
little doubt but the boy will get well
and in time recover the use of his leg.
He is weak and thin from homesickness
and the great loss Of blood. "
THANK you, DOCTOR. said Teresa IN
the same tongue. THAT is good news.
feared he might not survive his
wound "
1T was close call, miss, but ! did
my best, and the boys pluck and con
stitution have done more. +"
'How long before he can travel, doc
tori
beg pardon, miss, but you give me
title to which ! have no claim. l am
plain Private Mason Of the army"
"Are the men Of the army usually SO
skilled in the treatment Of broken
limbs?" asked the puzzled Teresa
Mason, Miss Valencia, replied the
lieutenant. did considerable service III
field hospitals the two first years Of the
war, acquiring a good practical knowl'
edge of gunshot wounds. He has been
of great use to Us in the valley.
''When do You think Ramon can be
moved, Mr.. Mason?'
MAY correct you again, Miss Va
lencia? have as little right to be called
mister as doctor. That title in the army
belongs exclusively to the lieutenants-
About the boy, think he can leave the
camp in month if he can 90 III o car
riage."
TO BE CONTINUED.