Evening journal., 1899-08-28
marce11a


noon, a young man passed slowly
along the Gale 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 the
more hesitating became his steps
When quite close he stopped, seeming
uncertain as 10 his next move. But at
the sound of weeping, which came from
the interior, his attitude changed. In
moment he had crossed the street
and entered the house.
Good evening, Sonora Basilio. Good
evening, senorita," he said in greeting,
and turned somewhat wistfully toward
the younger of the two ladies. A look
of anger and scorn flashed at him from
out her dark eyes.
Mariana Saliva, is it thus you prove
yourself a man of honor?" she ques-
toned. His expressive face colored
with annoyance. He drew himself up
to his full height and answered with
4uiet dignity: "Senorita, when ] gave
you my word of honor to leave you un-
molested by the unwanted demonstra-
tions of my love, did not promise TO
keep aloof in the hour of your sorrow.
My intrusion must be excused on the
pure grounds OF friendly sympathy.
Have l explained myself to your salts
faction?"
The girl turned away with a silent
gesture and a 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 quieting the sonora.
my son, my only son." she walled
softly. "That he has ended so inglo-
riously. But. alasl it was well de-
served"
Mother, how can you say that?" 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, Marcella," began Mariana
rising, spare the sonora such needless
agony as your words must briRg her
AS for Jose"-he came closer and low
ored his voice that the weeping womaH
might not hear all that he said-'takr
care to whom you speak his praises
True. he was my comrade. But-ther'
is no use denying the facts, senorita
Jose knew well the consequences of his
conspiration with the enemies of th'
Spanish government. 1t was daring
thing for a Cuban volunteer to under
take. We can only regret"
Regret" exclaimed Mar0slla scoRn
fully. "a tame word. No, mol Re
vsnge upon his murderers-Oh! that
were a man."
Her wild grief cut into his heart. All
he had loved her so long and so well.
"Be comfortsd, Marcella."
But she did not heed him. Forgetting
all but that her heart was wounded AMI
sore, he possessed himself of one of he
hands and passed his palm over he
hair with a soft caress.
do not weep so, Marcella," he i'm
plored. "God knows, / would give m.
life for thee"
She lifted her head as if under a sud
den inspiration. Her gaze burned wit
a strange intensity. And do you Low
me stin?"
Always and ever, Marcella."
"Upon one condition, then, l will b
yours"
Joyful expectancy lit up his ever
feature. "And that condition."
"rhink well before you answer
Upon the day you become the avenge
Of my brothers death I will be you
wife"
A cry burst from the sonora. 'Mai
celia, child-no, mol Would you hav
him go to his certain death7"
LET him prove his love. Words ar
easily spoken"
"You will not listen TO her, Seno
saliva. You will not endanger your If
for woman's whim," entreated III
mother.
] Then, for the space OF rev second
the silence remained unbroken. In
eyes of both women were intent upo
Z the man. Evidently the struggle Will
] in him was severe; for his head wa
2 bent, his face pale, his lips set-a con
plete contrast to his appearance m'
ment since.
"And have you nothing to sa.
S Mariano?"
J When he looked at the eager question
er IL was with a glance so proud an
4 clear that it startled her
!. 1T shall be done, sonora"
= And all the protestations of II
t sonora did not move him.
B, Sin, there was that in his mann'
= ! which perpleNed Marcella. "You mu
avail yourself of all your well-know
e sagacity. Mariana" she suggested, aft
an awkward pause. you see, it is,
/, course. of the utmost importance 70 OF
bargain that no harm come TO you."
e at is" he returned. For the secor
5, time she was at loss to interpret b
d conduct.
d She leaned toward him, her voice q
most a whisper as she said; "And liste
q Mariana. IL must-be-Blanco, the ca