The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1902-01-24

Just one aspiratcd breath Of surprise Is
capped him.
three OF the tables were in opcrat ion,
Pendleton did not bestow so much as q
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 1t ended abruptly at rus.
tic summer house.
December nights. even in and near
the City Of Mexico, are chilly IL not
cold. and the fur lined coat that Pen
dleton wore was by 10 means a bur-
den. AS he approached the summer
house he drew the collar around his
ears and passed inside. perceiviug
that he was the sole occupant, he
lighted a cigar and stood with his back
against a section Of the framework
while he awaited the absent party TO
the tryst. Ten minutes later his pa-
thence was rewarded.
Pendlcton could hear the sound OF
approaching; footsteps Oh the gravel,
and presently the vine shroudcd 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 it concealed the features Of
her companion she was covered by a
dark colorcd serape, and even In that
dim light which was almost darkness
1t was easily perceivablc that she filled
the capacity Of duenna.
Pendleton east his cigar aside and,
lifting his hat. bowed low.
II am glad. senoritn, that l arrived
before you did, since it has spared you
the unpleasantness of waiting" he
said. "ioUr message assured me that
you speak English and that your serv-
ant does not, from which l.. decided
that you preferred me to use that
tongue. Will You be seated, senorita ~
She was silent Il moment before re-
plying, as If she lacked the courage to
speak. but ct last. in low voice that
was indescribubly sweet, she said slow
ly:
II thank you thousand times &C.
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,
"lt you will indulge me still further,
will remnin in the doorway us l am
low. My position serves two purposes,
since | remain in full view of the scrv-
mt and at the same time screen YOU
rom observation. asked you to meet
ne here senior, because l knew that
vas less likely to be recognized in this
'lacc and also BECAUSE the grand opera
II the city has attracted nearly II not
Iutc all of those who might identify
ne"
Tendleton bowed. but made no reply.
PRESENTLY she continued
you are to engage IN duel in the
forming. Senior Pendleton. l have been |
0 Informed"
"Your information Is correct"
Il commit an impertnence, but may
inquire the causc?'
ut grieves mo, scnorita, that it Is out
my power to enlighten you"
"I)n VDn mann that yn,, ap,,,k ~ |
nat you will not?
"TosSibly both. senorita. 1t would
'arcely accord with my idea of ethics
Go SO in any case, but happily am
JARED the necessity for discrimina-
on. for do not know the reason my
'lf, at lenst not the real cause. OF
'nrsc the gentleman who compelled
G to challenge him insulted mo gross
before did So but am utterly un- I
ware OF his reason for seeking the
lalrcl"
And he is'-she whispered the
me evidently to prevent the duenna
ON hearing it-"Captain Ignacio Ro-
ero."
eHNIttoH DoWeu upaIH.
You fight with pistolsI' ]
we are expected to do so.''
May ask the name of your second I
this AFFAIR."" {
Captain Agramonte." a
She took one impulsive step forward $
d then, as If remembering that the j
rs of the other woman were upon b
:, as hastily withdrew to her former b
sition, but her voice was keyed a u
lie lower, and il was plethoric with
cnsity when She spoke again.
am the cause Of your duel, Senior !,
ndlet0n," she said. :,
iou"' he responded incredulously, "
have not even the honor of knowing AZ
II name, senorita. am quite sure M
t have never heard your voice be- IL
e, because 1t Is one that could not Ii
get. l DO not know IL l have ever X
Il your face, since l cannot sec It Ii
V, and | am very sure that / have an
an no man cause for such q meeting
account of any woman since I have A..
u IN Mexico" W. ~.
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