The Newtown bee., 1899-10-20

him our secret" replied the old women. You will say to him that you wish to climb the tower in order to enjoy the view of the city and the surrounding country. It is a sight more to be desired by young girl than by an cid woman" |" "VerY well, it is agreed" assented Carmen.
 At dinner she put the question to her uncle. "HaVe you ever been to the top of the tower of Santa Cruz?'
 ''Certainly, many times," he replied.
 "What & magnificent view one must have from there !" she exclaimed.
 Ut is the highest structure in Madrid" |" said the curaCe. From it's summit may be seen parts of three or four provinces" ,"
 "Oh, what sight it must bel" cried the girl with enthusiasm. "WiIl you let me go up with Mime Ciriaca?'
 "If she has the strength to undertake the ascent, have no objection," replied the uncle.
 What fancies young ladies nowadays do haveW murmured the housekeeper, dissimulating her satisfaction. "But ] suppose 1 must go with you, if you are really bent on it."
 An hou rlater they were in the tower, counting the steps as they ascended, and Carmen wrote down the number with 8 pencil. On reaching the top they drew back in fright at the sight of the abyss which opened at their feet. Little by little, however, they gained confidence and contemplated the spectacle which the greater part of the people of Madrid have never seen. Travt lers ought tc visit this tower at the very first, if they wish to see the noteworthy sights of the capital. l ho fha 11fT upon which rises the city of Madrid ''you can see the whole world from herei"
 "Oh, no, not even all of Spain," I'd joined Mime Ciriaca, proud of her knowi edge of geography.
 "And does Queen Isabella rule all this reRion?" asked the girl.
 "Ies, and many more besides"
 "How happy she must be!'
 What would you do in ecder to have such a kingdom:" asked Cirisca.
 Why, l would throw myself down from the top of this tower, head first, J asserted the girl.
 II.
 Up to the age of Is years Carmen ap- peared like 8 little glrl, and very pretty little girl, too. But after that she devel oped very rapidly, so that she was reck' oned among the most beautiful women of Madrid.
 A young man of humble station, but of resolute character, began to fire quent the street in which she lived, his eyes constantly directed toward her balcony Carmen, on her part, would come out on the balcony, ccquettishly attired, and return the glances of the eDamored 1 youth, and smile. The curste, having observed these movements, questioned his niece one evening.
 "You know that love you like fa- ther," he began, tand that wish to see you happy. Who is this young man who passes 80 often and smiles when he sees you2"
 At this question Carmen turned az red as pink and stammered Sn evasiVe an- swer. 1E
 HCome, come," remOns trated the good uncle, "tell me the truth. There is noth- ing to be ashamed of iu inspiring an hon. est and pure affection. Does the young man please your'
 "Yes," murmured Carmen
 "Aud do you know his condition in lifeP"
 "No."
 ''Or what his name is. l "No."
 tg''VerY well. Don't puzzle your little head. I win find out who he is, and if he is worthy of you, you shall marry him. We must not forget that you are poor, and the day die you will be left destitute"
 On the next day the curate informed his niece that the young man was jour