The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-05-04

vice of his country. From his small
salary he saved enough to pay visit
every few years TO his sweetheart in
America. and OF course, they main
tained a steady correspondence. Other
suitors for the hand Of Miss LOwery
came and went. Time passed and still
the case Of the faithful lovers seemed
as hopeless as ever But few years
ago the hand Of some good fairy chang
ed the whole complexion of things. and
the sweethearts were united.
BRUNETTI'S RICH UNCLE.
"Brunetti had an uncle, the Duke
ARGOS, whose rank was equalled only
by his wealth. Together with a string
Of titles, he possessed lands. mansions
and other property without limit. The
uncle at this time conveniently died
Brunetti's father became Duke of ARGOS
and Brunetti was lifted from a penni-
less man TO the position OF heir TO a
proud title and great wealth. The news
was flashed across the Atlantic. and, in
the face Of the change, the parental op-
position, weakened by the long seige,
gave way. But before the match could
be arranged Brunetti's father died, and
ne, in turn, became the Duke d. ARGOS.
1t was as such he came to claim his
bride, and old Judge Lowery finally
consented TO the wedding Mrs. Low
cry had died some time before, her pre-.
diction that her daughter should never
marry Brunetti in her lifetime having
been fulfilled.
when the wheel of fortune revolved
for Brunetti it was not content until 1t
landed him at the top. 1t would never
do for the Duke ARGOS to occupy the
modest place in the Spanish diplomatic
service filled by plain Juan Brunetti, so
with lis titles and wealth came promo
tion TO the position of minister to Mex
leo. When he went to the Lowery's
summer home, at Manchester by the.
sea, TO claim his bride he was on his
way to Mexico. After the quiet we'd
ding ceremony and a short trip the
Duke and Duchess took up their resi-
dence in Mexico.
In the meantime what of Dewey?
he had long been resident of Wash
ington as chief of the bureau of equip
ment Of the Navy Department. Scrup-
ulous in regard to his appearance almost
to fastidiousness. he was great favor
ite with the ladies whom he met Care
ful and thorough in his work, he was
greatly liked by his superiors in the
department. He occupied bachelor
suite Of rooms, and while his son was
at college he lived the life of a club
man of steady habits.
DEWEY SENT TO AsIATIC STATION.
About the time of Miss Lowery's
marriage. however, Dewey was sudden.
ly ordered to the command of the
Asiatic station. While the Duke and
Duchess were in the early stages OF
their Mexican life the flame OF war was
smoldering, and few months later it
burst into o blaze. The Duke returned
to Spain, carrying his wife with him,
and war was declared. The first, and
one of the most telling blows dealt her
adopted country came at the hands OF
her rejected lover.
"There has been speculation as to
whether or not Admiral Dewey did not
feel some quiet satisfaction when he
demolished the Spanish ships. II he
could not conquer his countrywoman'
heart, he could knock out the nation OF
his successful rival. During the war
the Duke and Duchess lived in mag
nificent mansion in Madrid, entertain
ing according to their position.
when the war was over and the
treaty signed each country began to
look over its diplomats with view OF
selecting the one most agreeable to the
other and so most likely to be able to
renew cordial diplomatic relations. The
United States selected Bellamy Storer,
a man Of wealth. long public service
and with a talented wife. who had the
additional qualification of being Oath.
olic. Spain fixed upon the Duke
d'Arcos. He had been attached to the
legation in Washington long enough
before the war to have escaped the IN.
pleasantness which preceded its decla-
ration. He was rich and could enter
tain handsomely, and above all, his
wife had been popular Washington
belle. SO the Duke is coming as the
Spanish minister.
THE IDOL OF THE PEOPLE.
"On the other hand, Dewey, by his
victory, had given to his country
splendid principality and by his conduct
afterward had maintained it's possess.
ion against all comers. The idol. one
might say, of the people, Congress and
the President bestowed on him the
highest honors at their command. He
Is the ranking officer In the naval SER
vica of the United States aud will hold