Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-12-05

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Just one dspirotcd breath OF surprise es-
capped him.
three OF the tables were in operation.
rcndleton did not bcstow so much as
glance upon any Of them, but strobe
the length Of the salon, passed out
again upon the piazza and down
among the network Of graveled paths
which dissected into every conceivable
design the luxuriant vegetation of the
garden. He followed one of these
paths until it ended abruptly at rus
tic summer house.
December nights, even in and Eea
the City of Mexico. are chilly If NJ
cold, and the fur lined coat that Pc
dleton wore was by no means a bu
den. AS he approached the SUNNI
house he drew the collar around h
ears and passed inside. Perceivi,
that he was the sole occupant. |
lighted a cigar and stood with his bao
against section OF the framewol
while he awaited the absent party
the tryst. Ten minutes later his !
thence was rewarded
Pendlcton could hear the sound
approaching footsteps on the gray
and presently the vine shrouded do
way was darkencd by the figure of
woman closely yelled. Behind her, g
feet away, was another. but instead
the lace mantilla which decorated Il
head while 1t concealed the features
her companion she was covered by
dark colored serape. and even in til;
dim light which was almost darknes
It was easily perceivable that she file,
the capacity of duenna.
Pendleton cast his cigar aside and
lifting his hat, bowed low.
81 am glad. senorita, that I arrived
before you did, since it has spared you
the unpleasantness of waiting he
said Your message assured me that
you speak English and that your scrv-
ant does not. from which l decided
that you preferred me to use that
tongue. VIII you be seated. senorita!'
She was silent n moment before re-
! plying. as If she lacked the courage to
speak, but Mt last, in a low voice that
Wa indescribably sweet, she said slow
ly;
81 thank you q thousand times, Sc
nor, not only for your kindness in com
ing to me here, but also for the secrecy
that ! feel assured you have imposed
upon yourself at my request"
You may be assured Of that much.
senorita."
IF YOU will indulge me still further,
/ will remain in the doorway as | am
now. My position serves two purposes,
since remain in full view of the serv-
ant and at the same time screen you
from observation. l asked you to meet
me here, senior, because | knew that
was less likely to be recognized In this
place and also because the grand opera
in the city has attracted nearly If not
quite all of those who might identify
me"
Pendleton bowed. but made no reply
Presently she continued;
"You are 10 engage in n duel in the
morning, Senior pendleton. l have been
SO Informed
- our lil1GrnlallOn is correct.
81 commit an impertinence, but may
inquire the causcI"
at grievcs me- senorlta, that 1t Is out
OF my power to enlighten YOU"
do you mean that you cannot OF
that you will notf'
POSSIBLY both. senorita. 1t would
scarcely accord with my idea of ethics
to do so i'll any case, but happily an
spared the necessity for discrimlna
ton, for do not know the reason my
self. at least not the real cause. OF
course the gentleman who compelled
mo TO challenge him insuted me gross.
ly before | did so, but am utterly un-
aware of his reason for seeking the
quarrel
"And he is"-she whispered tho
name evidently to prevent the duenna
from hearing it-"Captain Ignacio Ro,
nero"
Pcndlcton bowed again
"You fight with pistols?"
1--WE are expected to do So"
"May | ask the name of your second
IN this affair."
captain Agramonte."
She took one impulsive step forward
md then, MS II remembering that the
eyes of the other woman were upor
her as hastily withdrew to her former
position, but her voice was keyed q
tone lower, and it was plethoric with
intensity when she spoke again.
81 nm the cause Of your duel, Senol
Pendloton," she said.
Your he responded insredulously
Il have not even the honor of knowing
your name, senorita. | am Elite SURE
that | have never heard your voice be
Fore, because it is one that | could mo-
forget. ! do not know If | have evel
seen your face, since ! cannot see i
now and | am very sure that ! have
given no man cause for such meeting