Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-03-29

~
JStst one dsptroted breath of surprise Is
cdped him
three OF the tables were In operation.
Pendleton did not bestow SO much as n
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 a 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 no means a bur
den. AS he approached the summer
house he drew the collar around his
ears and passed inside. Perceiylng
that he was the sole occupant, he
lighted 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.
Pendleton could hear the sound OF
approaching footsteps on the gravel,
and presently the vine shrouded door
way was darkened by the figure of a
woman closely yelled. Behind her, six
feet away, was another, but instead OF
the lace mantilla which decorated the
| head while ii concealed the features OF
her companion she was covered by a
! dark colored serape, and even in that
dim light which was almost darkness
it was easily perceivable that she filed
the capacity OF duenna.
Pendleton cast his cigar aside and.
lifting his hat, bowed low.
Il am glad, senorita, that 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 serv-
ant does not. from which l decided
that you preferred me to use that
tongue. Will you be seated, senorita 2"
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:
Il thank you a thousand times, Sc
nor, not only for your kindness I'm 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."
'Tf you will indulge me stin further,
will remain In the doorway as / am
now. My position serves two purposes,
since 1 remain in full view OF the serv-
ant and at the same time screen you
from observation. 1 asked you to meet
me here. senior, because 1 knew that 1
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 to engage IL a duel In the
morning, Senior Pendleton. have been
so informed"
Your information Is correct"
81 commit an impertinence, but may
/ inquire the causeP'
1T grieves me, senorita, that it is out
of my power to enlighten you"
do you mean that you cannot or
3 1t you win not?"
Possibly both, senorita. 1t would
scarcely accord with my idea of ethics
to do so in any case, but happily am
spared the necessity for discrimina-
ton, for do not know the reason my
self, at least not the real cause. OF
course the gentleman who compelled
me to challenge him insulted me gross
~ before did so. but am utterly I'M
aware Of his reason for seeking the
quarrel"
"And ne is''-she whispered the
name evidently to prevent the duenna
from hearing it-"Captain Ignacio Ro-
Nero"
/ Pendleton bowed again.
'You fight with pistols?'
"We are expected to do So"
MAY / ask the name of your second
in this AFFAIR."?
Captain Agramonte."
She took one impulsive step forward
sand then, as If remembering that the
eyes Of the other woman were upon
her, as hastily withdrew to her former
position, but her voice was keyed a
tone lower, and it was plethoric with
Intensity when she spoke again.
81 am the cause of your duel, Senior
Pendleton," she said.
Your he responded incredulously.
II have not even the honor of knowing
your name, senorita. am quite sure
that have never heard your voice be-