The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-02-15

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these questions, but | would wait-wait
and hope.
The next day Don Miguel came to me
and asked me to go with him to look at
very valuable silver mine-the San Maril-
lo-a distance of some ten miles away
He was about to purchase an interest in
it, he told me, and said it was considered
one of the most valuable mines in Mexico
We went down into the mine and
brought back specimens of ore which, the
Don assured me, were worth four thousand
dollars per ton.
| The days went by One morning Don
| Miguel came to me and said he was about
to purchase half interest in the San Ma
rillo mine, and if | wished to make an in
vestment that would pay me largely, |
could go in as partner with him, and we
could purchase half interest.
readily consented to his proposition,
and became one of the owners of the San
Marillo mine. This took large share of
my fortune; but, as Don Miguel was to be
a partner, I felt secure in the investment.
And would not this afford me better op
portunity of being near Mercedes
1t was quite disagreeable surprise to
me, however, to learn, on completing the
purchase of the mine, that it had belonged
solely to Don Mariana Gracia.
The day preceding the one when Mer
cedes was to rive me an answer arrived at
last. [ almost counted the minutes that
separated me from the hour when I should
know my fate.
When night came it was many hours
before I fell asleep. 1t must have been
nearly midnight when suddenly | awoke.
| could not at first tell what had awakened
me- listened. Presently heard voices
in the garden. The first / recognized as
belonging TO Mercedes, the other was that
of man. The hot, impetuous blood of
anger and jealousy surged through my
veins as | recognized the voice of Don
Mariana Gracia
What did it mean? Why did he visit
the place by night? And what was his
business with Mercedes? Had she been
meeting him in this way all along while
| fancied him away in the city :?
"Why will you insist on this 2 heard
her say.
sIt's S matter of business that need not
concern you,'' answered the voice of Don
Mariana.
'sBut it might, she persisted.
'sWhat p he said, fercely-'' do
you mean? By heaven one would think
that you were in love with-
A breath of wind stirred the leaves on
the branches near my window into trem-
ulous murmur, ard the words were lost in
the sound then heard her say
stHave you not already harmed him
enough? Will you not have some pity?
/ ssWhy should | have p he rejoined.
'sBut you will = she said.
sBut | will not 7 and his voice
1 grew louder.
ssYou forget YOURSELF she answered.
Gone word from me and-
A bitter oath from Don Mariana inter
rupted her.
s'Would you have me commit murder
he hissed, iercely, and, before she could
reply, | heard steps on the porch, and the
voice of Don Miguel saying, softly
"Come, come-this will not do A
house that divideth against itself can t
stand.
The sound of the voices then grew in
distinct, and they all entered the house
Presently | heard the tramp of a horse $
feet, and saw the form of Don Mariana
ride off in the gloom.
What did it mean? Was Don Mariana
her lover, after all? And whom was he
to 'shave pity on % Or did he have a
rival of whom | knew nothing?
Perhaps he had referred to myself.
The thought startled me. But she had
said, ''Have you not harmed him enough
already p And Don Mariana had GER
tainly never harmed me that know of.
Why had he visited the place by
night
All these thoughts rose in my mind and
set my brain in mad whirl of perplexity.
The next morning found the Don in ex-
cellent spirits, and Mercedes appeared, as
usual, only she seemed paler than | was
accustomed to see her. How longed to
speak to her of my love But | waited
Slowly the sun sunk behind the towering
peaks, the golden glow above their bar
rem SUBMITS grew dim and gray. The
clock struck eight.
| stepped into the garden. There was
no one visible Would she keep her
promise?
Yes; even at that moment [ saw her
emerge from the porch and come slowly
down the walk How beautiful she looked
in the rich, tropical twilight
Neither of us spoke until we were seated
on rustic bamboo seat, shaded by some
clustering vines There was solemn hush
in the atmosphere. A few yards from
where we sat, along the eastern boundary
Of the garden, ran deep gorge, and from
its black depths below came family the
sound of falling water.
Suddenly she turned to me and spoke
hurriedly, impulsively:
s'You must never speak to me again as
you did before; you must go away from
here-at once; you must never see me
again; remember, this is for the best.
''Then you are promised to another?'
I asked, trying to speak calmly.
She inclined her head, but did not
speak.
els it Don Mariano?''
''Yes,' she answered, almost bitterly
I was terribly calm now.
II will do as you advise, | answered,
coldly. s'I shall leave here Immediately. J"
| arose from my seat.
II wish you happiness. Good bye, "
| said, and held out my hand.
She did not look UP, but took my hand
and held it without answering. Then she
turned her eyes to mine-eyes full of an
guish and mute supplication.
"You will ot-not-blame me for
this p she asked.
81 shall try to forget it, answered,
with an effort "Why did you not tell
me this at first p asked
81 could mott dared not, she an
swered.
Mercedes, said, calmly, ''you have
acted strangely with me.
at know it know IL. but believe