Evening journal., 1899-08-03
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narcel1a


In the late hours Of a summer after
noon. young man passed slowE
along the Gale del Ray in old HavanH
Now and then his eyes turned toward 4
certain house at the end Of the streeh
and the nearer he approached it 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
moment he had crossed tie street
and entered the house.
Good evening, Sonora Basillo. Good
evening, senorita," he said ia greeting,
and turned somewhat wistfully toward
the younger of the two ladies. A look
of anger and scorn fashed at him from
out her dark eyes.
mariana Saliva, Is IL thus you prove
yourself a man Of honor?" she ques-
toned. His expressive face colored
with annoyance. lie 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, l did not promise 10
keep aloof in the hour of your sorrow.
My intrusion must be excused on the
pnre grounds Of friendly sympathy.
Have | explained MYSELF TO your salts
faction?"
The girl turned away with a silent
gesture and q 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 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.
cd 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
teiposed her daughter hotly, though
her voice was cholled with tears. "HoW
can you calmly say that Jose Basilio de
served the death of a spy?' Under fhai
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 comrade. But-ther
Is no use denying the facts, senorita
Jose knew well the consequences of hi
eonspiration with the enemies of IA
Spanish government. 1t was a darinl
thing for q Cuban volunteer to under
take. We can only regret
Regret" exclaimed MarS-lla scorr
fully. "a tame word. No, mol Re
venge upon his murderers-Ohl that
were q man."
Her wild grief cut into his heart. All
he had loved her so long and so well.
"Be comforted,. Marcelia."
But she did notheed him. ForgettinI
d all But that her heart was,weuRded ass
n sore, ho possessed himself Of one Of I'D
II hands and passed his palm over he
hair with a soft caresz.
= "Do not weep so, Marcella," he in
, 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 loy
me stillY'
Q always and ever, Marcella."
"Upon one condition, then, l will b
: yours"
! Joyful expectancy lit up his ever
q feature. "And that condition."
], "Thinlk well before you answer
q Upon the day you become the avenge
Y Of my brothers death / will be you
: wife,"
A cry burst from the sonora. Ma
l. celia, child-no. mol Would you ha'
3 him 60 to his certain death?'
LET him prove his love. Words Al
5 easily spoken"
= "You will not listen to her, senc
Z Saliva. You will not endanger your ID
: for womans whim." entreated III
mother.
Then. for the space of few second
= the silence remnined unbroken. III
q ewes of both women were intent upo
the man. Evidently the struggle witt
@ I'm him was severe; for his head wi
bent, his face pale, his lips set-a cor
o plete contrast TO his appearance q m'
+. ment since.
"And have you nothing to sa
5 Mariano?'
When he looked at the eager question
er it was with o glance SO proud an
s. clear thatit startled her.
g 1T shall be done, sonora.
And an the proiestations Of Il
G sonora did not move him.
Still, there was that iu his mann'
= which perplexed Marcella. "lou mu
T. avail yourself Of all your well-know
u sagacity. Mariana" she suggested, aft
n an awkward pause. you see, it is,
o course. of the utmost importance TO OF
bargain that no harm come 10 you.'
s. 1T is" he returned. For the secor
u time she was at "a loss TO interpret b
), conduct.
u 80. D..