The Monticellonian., 1899-06-16
marce11a


\ the late hours of summer after
 | noon. young man passed slowl aong the Calle del Ray in old Havana Now and then his eyes turned toward certain house at the end of the street and the nearer he approached it tn more hesitating became his steps When quite close he stopped, seeming uncertain as to his next move. But q the sound of weeping. which came iron the interior, his attitude changed. Il a moment he had crossed the stree and entered the house.
 Good evening, Sonora Basilio. Coco evening. senorita," he said in greeting and turned somewhat wistfully toward the younger of the two ladies. A lool of anger and scorn flashed at him iron | out her dark eyes.
 Mariana Saliva, is fl thus you proy' yourself q man of honor?' she ques tioned. His expressive face eoloret with annoyance. He drew himself IT to his full height and answered witt | quiet dignity: 'Senorita. when l gay, you my word of honor to leave you un molested by the unwanted demonstra tions of my love, l did not promise to | keep aloof in the hour of your sorrow | My intrusion must be excused on the 1 pure grounds of friendly sympathy Have l explained myself to your satis | faction?'
 l The girl turned away with a silent gesture and half-suprpessed sob Do not scruple yourself about your welcome. senor." said the older woman in her gentle way. Friends are few in these sorrowful times, therefore they are doubly valued. Stay and be seated, although l fear you will find us but poor entertainers tonight" The visitor was completely in sym pathy with the mood of the two ladies, and through his gentle words succeed ed in partially queting the sonora My son. my only son. she wailed softly. That he has ended SO inglo- riously. But, alas! it was we'll de served
 Mother. how can you say that 9ee in terposed her daughter hotly, though her voice was choked with tears How can you calmly say that Jose BasIlio de served the death Of a spy?" Under that cruel word the sonora broke down anew.
 "Senorita. Mareella," began Mariana. rising. spare the sonora such needless agony as your words must bring her. As for Jose"-he came closer and low cred his voice that the weeping woman might not hear all that he said-"1ake care to whom you speak his praises. True. he was my comrade. Rut=there is no use denying the facts, senorita, Jose knew well the consequences of his conspiration with the enemies of the Spanish government. It was a daring thing for Cuban volunteer 10 under take. We can only regret
 Regret" exclaimed Marcellr scorn- fully. "A tame word. No, mol Re Nenge upon his murderers oht that | were a man."
 Her wild grief cut into his heart. Ah, he had loved her so long and so we'll.
 Be comforted. Marcella.'
 But she did not heed him. Forgetting all but that her heart was wounded and sore. he possessed himself of one of her hands and passed his palm oven her hair with soft caress.
 Do not weep so, Mareella. he im- plored. God knows, l would give my life for thee"
 She lifted her head as if under a sud den inspiration. Her gaze burned with strange intensity. And do you Love me still?'
 Always and ever. Mareella.
 "Cpon one condition. then. l will bt yours
 Joyful expectancy lit up his every feature. And that condition?
 Think well before you answer Upon the day you become the aSenge' of my brothers death l will be youl wife"
 \ cry burst from the sonora. Mar celia. child-no. no, Would you have him % to his certain death ,?
 Let him prove his love. Words art easily spoken"
 You will not listen to her. Seno Salva. You will not endanger your lift for d woman's whim." entreated th' mother.
 Then. for the space of a few second l the silence remained unbroken. h eyes of both women were intent npol the man. Evidently the struggle with in him was severe; for his head Wa bent. his face pale, his lips set-a com plete contrast to his appearance a mo meut since.
 And have you nothing to say Mariano?'
 When he looked at the eager question er it was with glance so proud an clear that it startled her.
 "It shall be done, senora."
 And all the protestations of tn sonora did not move him.
 Still. there was that in his manne which perpleNed Marcela. "A'ou mus avail yourself of all your weIl-know sagucity Mariano. she suggested, afte an awkward pause. You see, it is. c course. of the utmost importance to ou bargain that no harm come to you.
 "lt is" he returned. For the seeon time she was at a loss to interpret hi conduct.
 She leaned toward him, her voice q most a whisper as she said: And listel , Mariana; il must -be-Blanco, the cal ' tain general"
 5 Well said, il must be Blanco.' he al ]. swered low, and afterwards-' Sl