The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-12-06

common youth on the plaza. Lately
her mother had notived the Senior
Americana passing the house, and she
was well csntent that he should pay
sourt TO her pretty daugI er and end
all the trouble.
"senor," came In soft Mexican Span.
ish, has he money 10 buy the wedding
clolhesf"
lie has enough 10 buy the finest
any bride could wish"
"And does he loves me we'll senorT
ITO distraction, oh. divine oneF'
She drew back and shivered a little.
but the dimples played in her cheeks
Anita must love and be loved and
would make a good. true little wife for
any man who would only love her
enough.
"Senor." She leaned far out into tho
silver night, pulled rose and threw II
down TO him. "senor. whenf"
IIe picked up the flower. kissed II
and pressed II to his heart. He was
80 coldly, artinclally Mexican. II
frightened and attracted her
Now he answered. Now. Anita.
VIII you come with me nowf"
The realization came 20 her like a
shock. Leave her father and motheri
Go with this manf TO American Love
and romance were her guiding stars,
poor little soul Yes, she would 80.
I'm two minutes senor," she whis.
pered. 4sl taa
A victoria sped away from the house.
The girl kept up soft giggle az tho
carriage bumped over the stones that
covered the street. but as they reach
cd the outskirts Of the city she turned
silent.
"senorita." that was the first word
her strange lover had spoken. lie
now leaned forward in the darkness.
"senorlta. are you afrnldf'
Ills EnSs NHH Nulb Hit bA'uhS'
"Are you afraid, gentle senorltaf" he
repeated. m she did not answer.
Moo, senior. But why are you So
so still? You do not love mef"
Her voice shook.
'SenorIta, have loved many beau
tiful ladies'. ! ambah"-he seemed
10 be talking TO hlmself-"tired OF Il
ALL"
Tired of lover A cold hand knock
ed at the door Of her heart The car
rIage was on a lonely, white country
road now.
"Senorita. cnnnot-I-er-well, you
see, | cannot marry you-l"-
"you cannot marry mef Then why
did you bring me herey'
"wait. senorta. DO You love mef'
She was dazed by the sudden. prac-
tical question, then she shuddered and
answered; mo. ! hate you, ! hate You,
senior! oh. take me back to my moth
er. Take me home!'
Have you ever loved any mani
Ever truly lovedf" he asked without
needing her,
In her heart arose the vision OF a
pair OF faithful. gentle eyes that had
sought hers on the plaza and form
that bent over the guitar at twilight.
she burst into tears. ''oh, yes" she
moaned. raphael, dear Raphael
The carriage stopped The lover
climbed out. then, leaning on the win.
dow ledge, he whispered, "lf you are
wise. keep still"
And she obeycd The horses stirred,
the coachman dozed and the time grew
long. Then tho night quiet was broken
by the twangy voice OF the American,
mingled with the soft tones OF her ma
tive tongue. The carriage door opened,
and there before her stood Raphael.
'Now," said the American, 'lf you
want TO 10 home I'll take you back. II
you want TO go with your lover go"
For answer she threw herself Into
Raphaels arms, and caste and pro-
prlety were forgotten in the bliss OF a
trst kiss OF love gratined.
Here's a purse for you and your
girl, Raphael, Hope you'll like mar
ried life"
He told the driver to drive to the
station with the pair and stood watch
Ing them disappear down the white
road. Then he took out q cigar, bit on
the end and laughed as be said aloud;
II always thought Miles Standish was
a fool. Half my mine gone too. The
fool and his money are soon parted.
Well, it's the only fun Ill ever get out
OF t."
Then be went down the road toward
the city alone. .. ... ...-, ,--,. .,...