The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-01-08
WE HAVE HoRsEs; ME-

upon the laws Of morality in the United
States, where q woman is nobly guarded
and protected.
In future paper l intend to say more
about the uncomfortable state, sometimes
bordering on frenzy, in which an honor
able loving courtship is apt to keep one
on account of the strict rules which render
an intimate interview, so dear to all
lovers (being the very essence Of joyful
Bliss next to impossible. AS l married
4 Mexican girl of good family myself, l
know exactly how it is myself" the more
so rs she belonged to n family containing
more elderly female members than any
have known before or since.
Under these circumstances it Will be
readily understood that Miss Eulalia could
not be approached except in 4 relatives
presence. In fact, / heard later on during
the day that on account of her being con-
stantly under her mothers wing, so to
speak, she was known in the whole town
as ia pollita," the little chick, and in
course of time (of which more heieafter)
was always mentioned as lei Sargento
de In pOllita'' Qhe Sergeant of the little
chick. / soon understood the situation,
and saw that Wooster must be already ac-
quainted with this Mexican custom Of chap
eronage, although lie had not mentioned
it to me, for reasons easily ina gined.
However, eyes may speak and so may in
direct insinUations, and from various indi-
cations / soon perceived that Miss Eula-
liza was not altogether Indifferent to my
more than modest advances when during
the evening Mrs. Warner gave small
dance in our honor, to which q few Senior
itas were invited and at which, of course,
q large contingent of watchful female
relatives attended. When we retired l
was as much in love with Miss Eulalia as
any young man ever was with a beautiful
maiden.
CHOOSING A MOUNT.
On the following morning we were up
quite early, and | heard Mr.. Warmers
voice in the yard giving orders to keep in
certain horses. Soon after he called me
and pointing to n bunch of horses in the
corral, said: Here, pick one out; you
know l promised to give you one" They
were all good saddle horses, but l began
looking at once for the black gelding that
Mendoza had mentioned to NE, and soon
found him. He was, indeed, n beautiful
animal Of middling hight, young, clean
limbed, with glossy black coat, long,
flowing tail and name, and perfectly gen
tie. They called him "Tinto" Qhe ink
black one). l patted him on the back and
stroked his fine neck, whereupon he ac-
tually made up to me- in the manner of
affectiOnate horses, and looked at me with
his beautiful clear eyes.
May l have this one?" l asked Mr..
Warner.
WELL" he said, somewhat hesitatingly,
as l thought, yes, l think you may; in
fact, yes, you may. We will have an
early breakfast, and then you can try him.
He is very easy in the saddle; Eufemia
rides him often; he is quite gentle. Pedro,
saddle up Iinto after breakfast for the
Sergeant" Then he went into the house.
''All right, SIR" said Pedro, but not
cheerfully, as thought.
in the meantime Mendoza had Joined
US. and | saw him hold some conversation
apart with Pedro, during which they both
seemed looking at the horse and at me in
turns. Presently Mendoza stepped up to
me and said: you have selected the black
hose, l understand, and, of course, l do
not blame you; but l just found out that
Miss Eulalia has constantly ridden hin, oil
late, and has become very fond Of him."
felt very, very sorry. and Immediately
proceeded towards the house to tell Mr..
Warner that ] letracted my choice, and
under the circumstances could not think
OF accepting Tinto, when he, Mr.. Warner
and Euialia and her two aunts came to-
wards me. l began Immediately to ex-
plPin my total ignorance as to the young
kdy's prediction for the horse, and beg
geo that she would not think for a mo-
ment could be capable of so discourteous
\ an act as to deprive her of her aiyorite
ApddIe horse. had, however, hardly FIN
ished my somewhat lengthy apology when
she smiled sweetly and said: II am so
GLAD you like my horse;, he. is so gentle.
Please take him; papa wishes it, and de-
sire sit; but treat him well, be good to
him, be kind to him; see how well he
knows me and how well he repays kind
ness" She walked towards him and the
horse came to meet her and-kissed her,
as well and as plainly as horse may be
said to perform that act Of affection.
HAPPY horSel