Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-01-23

perfect view of his countenance; but he
was both youthful and beautiful.
The commander OF the Sparrow Hawk
was still upon his feet. but the stranger
had not yet put aside his sombrero; aud,
though ne had been twice requested to
seat himself. he returned not a syllable in
reply, but stood with downcast eyes and
clasoed hands, in an attitude that might
be one Of bashfulness or supp,ication.
The singularity Of the strangers con-
duct at first created no other sensation
in the breast of Sutherland than that of
surprise: but his continued silence, and
apparent neglect of everything like cour-
tesy. at length brought the angry spot to
the commanders cheek.
IF You have business with me- said
he. and his voice sufficiently indicated his
displeasure. although he wished it other
wise. Il am awaiting your pleasure to
make it known.
The newcomer said not a word. but
the vexation of Sutherland was changed
to establishment; for sob that was
heart broken burst from the bosom of tile
addressed. and for the first time Suther-
land observed that the youth had been
weeping.
in voice that was mild as it was re-
spectful; whoever You may be. you are
safe while here; and if it is your wish to
remain unknown. | shall make no at
tempt to penetrate your disguise"
But scarcely had he finished when the
sombrero fell from the visitors head and
disclosed the beautiful features of Car
lotta. The maidens cheek burned with
the glow of shame: and. screening her
face with her small. white hands, she
wept on. her bosom heaving with an
guish. and the tears gushing through her
alabaster fingers, like diamond dew
drops along the spotless stem of the
snowy jasmine.
'Dona Carlotta." exclaimed Suther-
land. has anything happened to your
father?'
There was silence of a moment be-
fore the maiden replied.
''Senor no.
''Your mother, exclaimed he, stin
installing the cause of her grief.
rs well, senor.
what then" but ne stopped short,
for the truth came upon him like bless
ing from Paradise. and he felt ashamed
of himself for not having discovered it
at first. Then, sweet Carlotta," re-
sumed he, dry up those tears! for am
sure you have no cause for this unhappi-
ness. Nay, nay, why give yourself so
much pain. Carlotta. when there exists
not the shadow of reason for it? Come,
now, seat yourself here, and smile away
those tears, whose source, my dear Car
lotta, would be about as difficult to dis
cover as the prime fountains of the
Nile"
But the maiden. though she suffered
herself to be conducted to the sofa, made
not an effort to suppress her sorrow.
.Carlotta, dearest Carlottai Why do
you indulge in this unwarrantable Attic
tion!'
''Senor. l have too much cause for it y
responded she. II have deceived my faith
er and mother have performed that
which every maiden should blush to think
of. and have forfeited my own self-re-
spect forever. And you, Senior Captain,
how will you esteem the woman who for
gets the delicacy of her sex, defes the
| opinions of those that have grown up
with her, and throws aside the garb of
modesty, in wild obedience to a passion
which she is in honor and in duty bound
to Suppress"
'Carlotta,' said Sutherland, and his
| voice was the voice of one who is about
to utter a grave and impressive truth
it was full of tenderness-it was melo-
| dious with affection-and there was in
! it a feature of deep-toned sincerity that
caused the maiden to forget her grief that
she might gather every word that fell
from his lips-''if for one moment you
suppose that my esteem for you is less
ened in the least, you must egregiousy
deceive yourself But why should | des-
| ignate my feelings toward you by the
cold appellation of esteem, when that SEN
| timent scarcely existed in my breast be-
| fore it gave way to a far more endear-
ing passion? Yes. Carlotta, l loved you.
dearly, devotedly. madiy loved you! bat
! was told you were the promised of an
| other-I was told your affection had been
| long bestowed upon him-that your par
| ents approved the union, that your rela-
| tives desired it; and under these circum-
| stances | was bound to conceal passion
| that | thought utterly hopeless. Nor,
! Carlotta, did | then presume to suppose
/ that being SO surprisingly beautiful
as yourself ever gave other than a
! thought of friendship to me. | dared rot
aspire to the bliss of being loved by such
! a one; but now, Carlotta, L may nope
that | was thea in error; speak, dearest.
may not?"
Senior, you were.
Sweet Carlotta, those words have
made Inc happy beyond all the hopes /
over yet INDUCED. Yes! were the wild
and romantic fancies of my boyhood real
lied at this moment. or were the graver
expectations of manhood ali verified,
could not have been more blessed than |
am now!'