Evening journal., 1899-08-16
marce11a


Tn the late hours of summer after
noon. a young man passed slowly
along the Gale del Ray in old Havana.
Now and then his eyes turned toward
certain house at the end of the street,
and Che nearer he approached it the
more hesihting became his steps.
When quite close he stopped, seeming
uncertain as to his next move. But at
the sound of weeping, whichScame from
the interior, his attitude changed. In
moment he had crossed the street
and entered the house.
Good evening", Sonora Basilio. Good
evening, senorita," he said in greeting,
and turned semewhatewstfully toward
the younger of the two ladies. A look
OF anger and scorn flashed at him from
out her dark eyes.
mariana Saliva, is It thus you prove
yourself a man of honor?" she ques-
toned. His expressive face colored
with annoyance. He drew himself up
10 his full height and answered with
quiet dignity: "Senorita, when gave
you my word of honor to leave you un-
nolested by the unwaDted demonstra-
tions Of my love, did not promise to
keep aloof in the hoW of your serrow.
My intrusion must be excused on the
pure grounds Of friendly sympathy.
Have l explained MYSELF to your satis-
factionF'
The girl turned away with a silent
gesture and halfjsaprpessed 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 viii 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
ed in partially quieting the sonora.
'Afy son. my only SON." she wailee
softly. "That he has ended SO inglo
riossly. But. alasl it was well de
served"
'Mother, how can you say that?' n
terposed her daughter hotly, though
her voice was choked with tears. "iov
can you calmly say that Jose Basilis de
served the death Of a spy?" Under tha
cruel word the sonora broke dow
anew.
"Senorita, Marcella," began Mariana
rising, spare the sen'ora such needles
agony as your words must bring her
/ As for Jose"-he came closer and low
cred his voice that the weeping womai
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 deAying the hcts, senorita
Jose knew wen the consequences Of hi
eonspiration with the enemies Ct fh
Spanish government. 1t was DARN
thing for a Cuban volunteer 10 uRde'
take. We can only regret
''Regreti" exclaimed Marsella SCOTT
fully. "H tame wsrd. No, mol r.
venge uRon his murderers-sAl that
were a man"
Her wila prief cut into his heart. Al
he had loved her 50 long aad 50 well.
'Be conforted, MarceilaT'
But she did notshesd him. Forgettin
all but that her heart was wounded an
sore, he possessed hinrselfof one of,h'
haAds and passed his palm over he
hair with a soft caress.
do not weep so, Marcela," he in
plored. "God knows, would give m
life for thee"
She lifted her head as il under a SUI
den inspiration. Her gaze burned wit
a strange intensity. "And do you 10y
me still?"
always and ever, MareeHa."
, "Upon one coRditisn, then. I wih
yours"
Joyful expectancy lit up his sve'
= feature. "And that condition.
"Thiak well before you answe
Upon the day you become the aveng
| of my brothers death will be yo'
! wife"
! A cry burst from the sonora. Ma
: cola. child-no, mol Would you ha'
him 90 TO his certain death2"
"Let him prove his love. Words a
5. easily spoken"
e "You will not listen 10 her, Sen
J. saliva. You win not endangeNyour il
r for woqnans whim," entreated 4
mother.
Then, for the space of few secon
Il the silence remained unbrolSen. II
ewes of both women were intent up
/ the man. Evidently the struggle wit
n IN him was severe; for his head W
! bent, his face pale, his lips set-a col
Il rlete contrast 10 his appearance a "a
y ment since.
1t "And have you nothing to So
& Mariano?"
. When he looked at the eager questio
< er it was with a glance so proud a
clear that It startled her.
1T shall be done, sonora"
70 And all the protestatons Of I
senora did not move him.
& Still, there was that in his mann
ie which perpleNed Marcella. "You mi
avail yourself of all your well-kno'
sagacity, Mariana" she suggested, aft
an awkward pause. you see, it is,
d course, Of the utmost importance TO Q
l. bargain that no harm come to you."
a, 1T is" he returned. For the seco
D. time she was at n loss TO interpret
conduct
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