Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-02-04
NUMBER 5.

tonight and, let Us believe, for all time.
Mrs. Stockton will be delighted to learn
the result of her plan. Have you told
her what you have told mei"
"Mrs. Stockton-and her plans" said
the astonished lieutenant 81 do not un.
derstand l have told her nothing"
1T is simply this" explained the
judge. "She thought you were interested
in Dona Teresa, and she secured your
detail here TO afford you an opportu-
nifty"
II still do not understand. How could
she get me detailed on detached serv.
ice?'
Nothing easier-commanding Off
GERS wife, you now. She heard that
lieutenant was wanted here, and she
suggested you When / was leaving
Santa Fe 10 hold court here, she told
me. jestingly as / supposed, that II you
wanted my services for marriage cere-
mony 10 be sure to give them. Queer,
wasn't it? When you camo here tonight,
il seemed as if il was by appointment. F"
Really | am at n loss what To think
Mrs Stockton has learned nothing OF my
adventures from me since the wagon
master encounter before the convent
gate. told her that. -
"She has other sources Of information.
She il n frequent caller at the governors
palace, where Dona Teresa must have
told her cousins and aunts Of the La Roca
Grande, Los 0jos Frios and FL Rio
Jemez affairs. She doubtless heard Of
them and lent her aid 10 further tho one
proper and inevitable conclusion-the
one consummated tonight "
Perhaps you are right. | had over
looked the palace connection. am
grateful for her assistance. You have
known Teresa for some time, have you
notg'
Il have long been one Of her ad-
mirers. Being q married man as well
as an elderly, Mexican households have
not been so jealously guarded against
me- | have frequently met her at her
fathers home and at the governors !
have always thought that Valencia had
educated his daughter out Of Mexican
life, and, in fact, once told him ne
had so Americanized the girl that he
ought to marry her to an American and
afford her n wider social sphere. Lately
he has been inquiring about you, your
family. education, means, etc. Every
thing seems 10 have managed itself for
you and given you beautiful wife
beautiful ia person and mind.
The manner III which Teresa was
spirited away by her mother makes me
almost doubt my title, " said Philip.
"You have no cause for alarm, OBJ
served Benedict. mo one can deprive
YOU Of her Have patience for few
days. | think. while Don Hunfredo may
feel nettled at the manner Of the mar
riage, he Is not displeased at the fact.
Next 20 his wife, his daughter is the
dearest thing in life 10 him, and he will
do anything reasonable 70 insure her
happiness. The circumstance OF his
making the inquiries | mentioned and
that he allowed his daughter 10 meet
you without la senora's knowledge.
looks favorable think 10 will not be-
many days before you hear from him,
and all will be- we'll. In the meantime
tell 10 one you are married. Valencia
and his family will say nothing, and
will see to Patrick. "
Little more was said. and a few min
utes before midnight the lieutenant de-
parted for his quarters. The next day
the officer whom he had temporarily re-
lieved returned 10 duty, and few days
afterward Raymer returned 70 Santa re.
One week later Padre Gutierrez and
Senor Valencia arrived at the capital
and sought the lieutenant at his rooms.
MIR. Raymer, " said Valencia after the
formal greetings Were passed, permit
me 10 see your marriage certificate.
The officer met the speakers eye in
quiringly, but without hesitation went
10 his desk for the paper and handed 1t
20 him Senior Valencia unfolded 1t,
took up pen, signed rs second witness,
"Hunfredo Camilo Valencia y Perea +"
Refolding the document, he held it out
70 the young man. But with choked ut
terance Raymer said:
"Keepit, sir. 1t is Justly the property
Of your daughter. see by your act that
you have forgiven me- "
II will acknowledge, Mr.. Raymer,
that the undress character of that cere-
mony in Albuquerque shocked me, but
! have no desire to undo il. | had all
along favored my daughters attach
ment, as you may have guessed from
some favors | granted You. also ac-
knowledge that your gallant conduct IN
several times protecting Teresa when in
danger entitled you 10 her gratitude
and love, but expected that you would
wait upon me for my consent To your
suit did not take into account your
military ability to achieve results. My
desire now is to bury that civil mar
riage under more imposing one. My
brother, Father Gutierrez, will ex-
plain.
The padre advanced, took Raymer's
hand, and after shaking il for the Sec
ond time heartily said:
You we're born under lucky star,
my son. Everything seems 10 yield to
your dash and confidence. Well, think
you deserve the prize you have won,
and | believe it a fair exchange OF prizes
too How will a wedding in the cathe-
dral, the bishop to officiate, with
groomsmen, bridesmaids, etc, suit
you?"
Padre mio, l place everything in
your hands and the hands Of Teresa and
her parents. Do as you please. only
reserve the right to name the best
man. -
Two months later the marriage sacra-
ment was celebrated. No society event
had in years created such whirl Of ex-
citement in the New Mexican capital.
With military ushers, the regimental
band for the wedding march, the bishop
and vicar general to conduct tue cere-
mony, it was grand wedding.
After the marriage. In the parlors OF
FL Palacio del Gobernador, La Sonora
Valencia embraced and kissed Philip
and told him he was splendid fellow
and deserved the heart he had Won. She
did not blame her child for loving him,
for he possessed many qualities dear 70
a woman. He was gentle, brave, honest
and handsome.
THE END.