Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-07-06
CHAPTER XVII

i WOnuCF, Thought lHeZ W ntISSll,
eff | shall ever see that face again"
She had seen so few strange faces,
that a young and handsome one was
sure to interest her. No visitors
ever came to SerrantO. Madame Mon
teleone had never even during her
daughters lifetime visited herself for
she knew no one in or near Seville.
The friends of her youth were all far
away; most of them resided in Madrid.
She had not cared to make new ac-
quaintances when she brought little
Blanca to Serranto so many years
ago. She saw no use in it. There
was no one there likely to help her in
the object for which she lived. Iso
lated from the world, she had found
her happiness in the discharge Of her
duty and in planning the restoration
of the Monteleones Isolated from the
world, lnez found her sole pleasure in
longing for it and dreaming Of it.
This face, that had smiled at her
with such vivid admiration shining in
the dark eyes, was the first of it's kind
she had seen. 1t was dream coming
true. The heroes she had made for
herself were brave and courteous like
him. Would he remember her?
Would he ever think of her again?
Perhaps not, for he saw beautiful
ladies every day. eff ever he rides on
the highway again, I wonder whether
he will look for me?" she thought.
That wonder increased until Inez
felt it must be gratifed. When even
ing came she went out to the bound
airy line. Up and down the hard road
those beautiful, wistful eyes wan
dered; but there was no sign this
evening of the gallant rider and his
horse She could not tell if she was
disappointed: she had neither hoped
nor expected to see him; she had only
wondered if he would pass by again.
Suddenly upon the calm evening
breeze there came the sound of a
horses rapid gallop. Even in the far
distance Tnez knew the plumed hat
and dark face
With a crimson face and heart beat
ing loudly she concealed herself be-
hind group Of trees. She heard how
the driver slackened his pace as he
drew near the shrubs where he had
seen her. He drew rein there, and sat
for some minutes looking over the
grounds of Serranto. She could see
the disappointment that clouded his
face; then he turned and gallOped
back to Seville.
"He came on purpose to see me-
she cried to herself. HE looked and
waited for me. He has thought of
me. just as | have of him."
Where have you been, signorina ?"
cried old JuGoita, when she saw the
young girl entering the house. How
we'll you look, You have a color like
a damask rose, and your eyes are as
bright as two stars. What has come
over your"
'Is mine really a nice face, Nita?'
asked Inez simply. Tell me, if you
were to see my face once, would you
think of it, and want to see it again?'
Listen to the child,' cried the ole
servant. in affected horror. Did ever
any one ask such questions. Your
face is we'll enough. signOrina. 1t is
the mind, not the body, we must care
for Then, seeing something like
disappointment in those questioning
eyes, she said, ct is a bonnie brigh
face. young lady You will know it
value some day she added, smiling
as she spoke.
1t was break in the monotony a
last There was something to dream
about: real incident had happened
more interesting and exciting thai
any she had ever dreamed of, and sh
was the heroine.
Impatiently enough IneZ waited 70
the next day. 1t rose at last brigh
and beautiful as its predecessor ha
been. Her first thought was, shall
see him? Will he Gomez"
Even Madame Monteleone remarke
how bright and radiant the young fac
was that smiled upon her, how fires
the musical voice that gaily babe he
good morning.
How beautiful she isl" said th
lady to herself, with deep sigh
more lovely by far than her mothe
ever was If were but we'll now a
would be safe
When the hours reading was ende,
Madame Monteleone kissed Inez MOI
tenderly than usual as she dismisse
her
This long day." said Inez to he
self,-"I have this long day before m
Will he oome7"