Evening journal., 1899-07-06
marcel1a
is1aas'si'aa.sa1aassa aEaaaaS


noon. 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 il the
more hesitating became his steps
When quite close he stopped, seeming
uncertain as TO his next move. But at
the sound of weeping. which came from
the interior, his attitude changed. In
a moment ne 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
quiet 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 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 fear you win 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. "rhat he has ended so inglo-
riously. But, alasl 1t was we'll 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 bring her
As for Jose"-he came closer and low
cred his voice that the weeping woman
might not hear all that he said-"tak'
care to whom you speak his praises
True, he was my con4rade. But-ther'
is no use denying the facts, senorita
Jose knew well the consequences Of hi
conspiration with the enemies of tn
Spanish government. 1t was a daring
thing for q Cuban vonnteer TO under
take. We can only regret
Regret" exclaimed Marsella scorn
fully. "a tame word. No, mol Re
venge 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 comforted, Marcella."
But she did not heed him. Forgettin
all but that her heart was wounded an
sore, he possessed himself of one of he
Z hands and passed his palm over he
, hair with a soft caress.
"Do not weep so, Marcella," he i'm
+ plored. God knows, 1 would give m
/ life for thee"
e She lifted her head as If under a sud
: den inspiration. Her gaze burned wit
t a strange intensity. "And do you lov
Y me still?"
always and ever, Marcella."
. Upon one condition. then, ! will b
r yours"
r Joyful expectancy lit up his srer
4 feature. "And that condition.
+ "Think well before you answe
Upon the day you become the avenge
OF my brothers death will be you
wife"
A cry burst from the sonora. Ma
n celia, child-no, mol Would you ha'
him go to his certain deatb?"
LET him prove his love. Words al
easily spoken"
n .'You will not listen to her Senc
e SALIVA. You will not endanger your iii
? for woman's whim," entreated Il
s. mother.
e Then, for the space Of few SECOND
IS the silence remained unbroken. ~
IS ewes of both women were intent upo
l. the man. Evidently the struggle wit
d in him was severe; for his head WI
r. bent, his face pale, his lips set-a cor
e, plete contrast 10 his appearance IN
II ment since.
@ "And have you nothing TO sa
Mariano?"
n- When he looked at the eager questio
C. er il was with q glance so proud az
e clear that it startled her.
n 1T shall be done, sonora"
s. And all the protestations OF u
lie sonora did not move him.
g Still. there was that in his mann
J. which perplexed Marcella. "Iou mu
a avail yourself Of all your well-knov
Of sagacity. Mariana" she suggested, aft
s an awkward pause. "You see, it is,
)" course, Of the utmost importance TO o
s, bargain that no harm come TO you.
re 1T is" he returned. For the secoi
ar time she was at n loss 10 interpret
p, conduct.
" She leaned toward him, her voice
ly most q whisper as she said; And liste