Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-08-03
marce11a



certain house at the end of the street,
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 al
the sound Of weeping, which came from
the interior, his attitude changed. In
a moment he had crossed the street
and entered the house.
Good evening, Sonora Basilio. Good
evening, senorita," he said in greeting.
and turned somewhat wistfully toward
the younger of the two ladies'. A look
Of anger and seorn flashed at him from
out her dark eyes.
Mariana Saliva, is ii thus you prove
yourself a man of honor?" she ques-
toned. His expressive face colored
with annoyance. He drew himself up
TO his full height and answered with
quiet dignity: ''Senorita, when gave
you my word of honor to leave you I'M
molested by the unwanted demonstra-
tions Of my love, did not promise to
keep aloof in the hour Of your sorrow.
My intrusion must be excused on the
pure grounds of friendly sympathy.
Have ! exp, aimed myself to your salts
faction 2"
The girl turned away with a silent
gesture and a 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
ed in partially quieting the sonora.
my son, my only SON. she walled
softly. THAT he has ended 50 inglo-
riously. But, alasl II was well de-
served"
Mother, how can you say that?" in
,erposed her daughter holly, though
her voice was choked with tears. How
can you calmly say that Jose Basilio de-
served the death Of a spy" Under that
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-"take
care 70 whom you speak his praises.
True, he was my comrade. But-there
is no use denying the facts, senorita,
Jose knew well the consequences Of his
consultation with the enemies cf the
Spanish government. 1t was daring
thing for a Cuban volunteer TO under
take. We can only regret ="
Regret" exclaimed Marsslla scorn-
fully. "a tame word. No, no! Re
venge upon his murderers-oh! that |
we're a man."
Her wild grief cut into his heart. All!
he had loved her so long and so well.
"Be comforted. Marcella."
But she did not heed him. Forgetting
all but that her heart was wounded and
sore. he possessed himself of one of her
hands and passed his palm over her
hair with a soft caress.
DO not weep so, Marcella,' he i'm
plored. God knows, | would give my
he for thee"
She lifted her head as if under sud
len inspiration. Her gaze burned with
/ strange intensity. "And do you love
me still?"
always and ever, Marcella."
Upon one condition, then, ] will be
YOURS"
joyful expectancy lit up his every
feature. "And that condition"
Think well before you answer
rpon the day you become the avenger
Of my brothers death will be your
wife" -,
4 cry burst from the sonora. Mar
ella child-no, no! Would you have
him 20 to his certain death?
LET him prove his love. Words are
easily spoken"
aYou will not listen TO her, senior
saliva. You will not endanger your NE
for n woman's whim.' entreated the
mother.
Then. for the space Of few seconds
he silence remained unbroken. The
ewes Of both women were intent upon
Tie man. Evidently the 4ruggle with
II him was severe; for his head was
bent. his face pale, his lips set-a com
nlete contrast to his appearance a mo
ment since.
And have you nothing to say
Mariano?"
when he looked at the eager question:
.r IL was with a glance so proud anu
clear that it startled her.
cit shall be done, sonora.
And an the protestations OF the
sonora did not move him.
sin. there was that in his manner
which perplexed Mareella. You must
,,ail Yourself OF an your well-known
sapacitv. Mariana" she suggested aiter
81 awkward pause. You see, il IS 81
conrse. Of the utmost Importance TO Our
harrain that no harm come to you.
II, IS" he returned For the secone
time she was at loss TO interpret ms
conduct.
She leaned toward him, her voice al