The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-08-19

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whispering, lednetiva voices.
Presently Ada stopped and her COM
paniOn'a wild eyes saw at some dis
lance from them two figures, upon
which the Hight from one Of the win
doWB fell Rodrigo, In his red cloak,
with the mask removed fromshla face,
and Mariana, With her head upon his
breast.
Pedro pushed forward with q cry like
that OF q madn1an.
Startled for q moment. yet ever alert.
from his military discipline. Don Rodri-
30 pushed Tie trembling girl behind
him and, quickly drawing his sword,
held Pedro ~ 10 point. stand back,
or I'll run you through" he cried.
Pedro holilated. He was not 4 cow
ard, degpita che superiority Of his op.
p0Dent e q BWprdsmAn, but he had no
sword. only 9 knife. and was wonder
ing how best 70 reach this man who
had stolen from him his love-When he
felt hand upon his arm and a voice
Of command, yet one exceedingly Bor-
rowful. said; NY children, what 10
the meaning Of thisY' II was the
padre. Rodrigo lowered his sword.
while Pedro hung his head. Father
Crosby, though not a spanlard, but q
native Il Ireland, was a man Of such
noble. gentle. tolerant nature that he
was beloved By young and old Of every
class and Btatioi. Quick Of perception.
he took u the situation at a glance, for
he had surmiged what poor, blind Pedro
had not seen, for some time before.
These drawn weapons, and angry
looks tell % hatred and murderOus
thoughts. u this the brotherly love
have 90 long urged upon your am
deeply EFieved and shocked to have
found you thus. Pedro, put up thy
knife. for them q murder In thy heart.
Rodrigo, my con, why hast thou come
between two souls that are united by
sacred promises Of faith toward one an
other2 Are thy desires holy, or
wouldBt thou rob an innocent maiden Of
all that life holds dear? Thou art her
superior By birth and education-was II
thy Intent to WOO her for a wife?'
The young olicer stood silent and
condemned before his spiritual adviser.
He felt himself q moral coward and his
lips refused 70 speak The girl rushed
from behind him and threw her arms
about his neck. ''oh. Rodrigo. speak,
pray you, tell him that you loved me
and would not Nave wronged me" Don
Rodrigo shook like leaf. II love you,
Mariana, a. the eyes Of my head-but-
God forgive me" He did not finish
for the girl fSnk at his feet with q
groan. she knew what he would say
and he had not really loved her after
oil.
Pedro made q sudden move forSard,
but Father Crosby held him back. RE
main here. my SON. Mariana, come to
me" YEARLY the girl rose and came
with tagging step. The padre placed
his hand upon her head. "Thou hast
trlfied with 1t0nder. loving heart. my
child. and treated lightly thy betroth-.
ed vowsF Forgive me, father" she
murmured husicily, and pray Pedro to
forgive me" Pedro did not answer,
There was Q struggle going on within
his breast, Between his pride and sense
OF injury and his love for Mariana. ''If
thou wouldst have divine pardon for
thy sins, my SON." said the PADRES
grave voice. thou must forgive those
who trnn8grolg against thee" Pedro
heard MaTiana's quick breathing near
him and his love gained the mastery
With a sudden movement he took her
in his arms. Mariana, adore you, but
/ would not make you my wife against
your will" For an answer she sobbed
out her penltence on his breast. Faith
er Crosby took them by the shoulders,
your homes, my children, and make
your peace with one another.
As they left the garden he turned to-
ward Rodrigo. who stood alone. for the
Lady Aida, frightened at her mischief
making, had disappeared some time
before. my sou" he said. gently but
gruvely, "as thy spiritual father, L
must reprove thee. Thou art young,
talented and Of noble birth. For thee
the world holds much. This adventure
has been for. thee but IN escnpRde Of
thy youth, 70 be lightly thrown aside
when thou vert WearIed OF II, and yet
two broken hearts and ruined lives and
murder might have followed in its
wake. The world r. full enough Of sin
and sorrow. b not tempter OF iRno-
cence. There n woe PRONOUNCED
against him by whom offenses come.
Next week the ship sails for Cuba. Thou
knowest what influence thou hast with
the governor. Ask him to send thee
back TO the regiment there. The human
heart is frail and deceitful above all
things. Not that do not trust thee,
lions fail. wit thou go?" Rodrigo
kneeled at the PADRES feet. 81 will DO
ag YOU desire, father, only let your
blessing 60 with me-" Forget not thy
manhood again my SON." the PADRES
hands rest N blessing upon the young
mans head, "and may the blessing OF
the Lord 60 with thee"
Slowly the young Officer rose and fol-
lowed the priest out OF the garden,
leaving behind him at the foot Of an
orange tree a bright red mask that
glowed deep. dyed like a spot Of blood.