The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-27
LOVE SPANISH OFFICERS.
Two American Girls are to Wed Cap
tives at Annapolis.


Washington. d. c. Aug. 27-The most
romantic story of the INSTRUMENTATION
war has just leaked out through a letter
received here today from one of the prin-
cipals concerned, announcing the engage
ment of a couple of young officers of Ger
vera's demolished squadron to two fair
daughters of the state of Maryland. The
scene of this pretty romance is laid in
Annapolis, the quiet old town where so
many American heroes have spent years
of their life in study at the United States
naval academy, for the nonce the prison
The two officers who viii take to Spain
with them American brides are Lieuten-
iIas, the latter being in the pay branch
81 81 me sefvlce' 5ne mrst named mas round
w Duff, an heiress, a popular beauty
and the idolized daughter of most re-
spectacle family.
Lieutenant Cavanillas, one of the hand
soonest Of the captured officers, has won
the heart and promise of her hand from
Miss Mamie Hays of Annapolis, whose hos
pitable home has entertained the. Spanish
oIncers almost constantly since their ar
rival She is the daughter of Mr.. Joseph
Instruments at liz Church Street. She is
the close friend and intimate of Miss Duff,
and the latter has visited Miss Hays at
her home in Annapolis since the arrival
of the Spanish officers.
The story of the meeting and courtship
between these Spanish officers and Ameri-
can girls is of such nature as to please
cessful against the Americans in the
Steiner pursuit OF arms, these Spaniards
ors in the subtle game of love.
Upon their arrival at Annapolis the
Spanish officers were not Immediately re-
ceived at the homes of the residents, but
enjoyed the liberty of the village during
rounds about the stores, shopping, they
drifted into the musical esta blishment of
visitor were. They came to purchase a
guitar to help while away. the time about
American girls diverted their thoughts in
to channels other than commercial.
Mt 1IGhG
musician, seated himself at an open piano,
and expressed in music what his limited
vented him from saying in words. It was
the old story OF the serenade, and its 70
American girls that it was answered in
nia3o At the coneiusion OF the Young Of
lad that did not depend upon the words
for it's meaning to be understood.
The impromptu concert was repeated the
next afternoon and for several days, the
Spaniards bringing their brother officers
became the Favored resort of the prison
ers Admiral Cervera himself visiting it
several times to listen to the music.
introductions and Invitations, and the
the public store to Miss Hays home.
There entertainments were provided for
young ladies Of the little town. With the
rest it was an amusing game, those among
the officers who spoke English translat-
ing for their brothers and laughing at
selves understood, but with Miss Duff
and Miss Hays and Lieutenants Lacierva
and Cavanillas it was a more serious
game. 1t was love at first sight, and
there was no need of an interpreter be-
tween them
For one short month the courts9ip last
ed, and with the approach of peace and
the daily possibility of the prisoners be-
ing released and allowed to return to their
homes, came the declaration on the part
of the two officers and the surrender on
the part of the two American girls. Spain
These facts were disclosed in a letter
written by Miss Duff to a friend in this
city. The two Americans want their
prospective husbands to remain in this
country, but they think they should re-
turn to Spain, and so a double wedding
blushing brides will return to Spain with
the surviving officers of SPANS destroyed
armada
We viii do your laundry work on