Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-02-11

three Of the tables were In operation.
Pendleton did not bestow 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 luxurlant vegetation of the
garden. He followed one Of these
paths until it ended abruptly at rus
tic summer house.
December nights, even in and near
the City of Mexico, are chilly If not
cold, and the fur lined coat that Pen
dleton wore was by no means a bur
den. AS he approached the summer
house he drew the collar around his
ears and passed inside. Perceiving
that he was the sole occupant, he
lighted cigar and stood with his back
against section of the framework
while he awaited the absent party to
the tryst Ten minutes later his pa-
thence was rewarded.
Pendleton could hear the sound OF
approaching footsteps oD the gravel
and presently the vine shrouded door
way was darkened by the figure of
woman closely yelled. Behind her. six
feet away. was another, but instead OF
the lace mantilla which decorated the
head while 1t concealed the features OF
her companion she was covered by
dark colored serape, and even In that
dim light which was almost darkness
It was easily perceivable that she filled
the capacity Of duenna.
Pendleton cast his cigar aside and.
lifting his hat, bowed low.
81 am glad, senorita, that l arrived
before you did, since 1t has spared you
the unpleasantness Of waiting" he
said. "Your message assured me that
you speak English and that your serv-
ant does not, from which ! decided
that you preferred me to use that
tongue. Will you be seated, senorita" "
She was silent moment before re-
plying. as If she lacked the courage to
speak, but at last. in a low voice that
was indescribably sweet, she said SLOW
ly:
81 thank you a thousand times. &C.
nor, not only for your kindness In COM
Ing to me here. but also for the secrecy
that l 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. NV position serves two purposes
since remain In full view Of the serv.
ant and ~ 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 II moi
quite all Of those who might Identity
me-"
Pendleton bowed. but made no reply
Presently she continued:
"You are to engage In duel IN the
morning, Senor Pendleton. l have beer
so Informed"
"Your information Is correct"
81 commit an impertinence, but may
I inquire the causep
ut grieves me. senorita, that 1t is ou'
Of my power to enlighten you"
"Do you mean that you cannot OF
that you will not?"
POSSIBLY both. senorita. 1t would
scarcely accord with my idea Of ethics
to do so In any case, but happily an
spared the necessity for discrimina
tion. for I do not know the reason my
self. at least not the real cause. Oi
course the gentleman who compelled
| the to challenge him insulted me gross
| " before did 30. but I am utterly un
| aware Of his reason for seeking th'
quarrel"
"And he is'-she whispered th'
name evidently to prevent the duenn'
from hearing it-"Captain Ignacio 20
Nero"
Pendleton bowed again.
"You fight with pistolsr
"We are expected to do 60"
MAY ask the name Of your secon'
IN this AFFAIR.""
Captain Agramonte."
She took one impulsive step forwar'
and then, as II remembering that tn
eyes Of the other woman were upol
her, as hastily withdrew to her forme
position, but her voice was keyed
tone lower, and It was plethoric Wiz
intensity when she spoke again.
81 am the cause Of your duel, senc
Pendleton," she said.
your be responded incredulousl1
'T have not even the honor Of knowin
ysur name. senqrita. am quite su!