Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-08

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 calls thy name! By St. Jago, sir, have you dared to offer violence to this lady?'
 His hand went to his sword. To draw it was the work of moment. He menaced the young soldier with the point.
 T could kill you as you stand there" he cried in growing rage. But the memory of our ancient friendship stays my hand. You shall have a chance. Where is your weaponv'
 Strike, if it please you. I want nothing but death," answered Alvara- do, making no effort to defend himself. 'Hast deserved it at my hands, then?' exclaimed the now infuriated De Tobar. !. "Stay" interrupted the viceroy, re- entering the room. What means this assault upon my captaA? Donna Mer- cedes?'
 "She revives," said the duenna.
 "Is it thou, senora ?" said the viceroy. T sought thee unavailingly." "Your highness," said the old wo-' man, T missed the senorita and found her here."
 And how came you unbidden into my private cabinet, Don Felipe"
 "Your excellency, Sonora Agapfda found me in the corridor. She was dis traught over her lady's absence. We knocked. There was no answer. We entered. I crave your pardon, but 1t was well I came, for found my be- trothed and my best friend alone here," he pointed gloomily. "A Spanish gen. tleman alone at this hour of the night with"- 6;s < "Silencew thundered the viceroy. "Wouldst asperse my daughters name? Darest thou By heaven, you hold weapon in your hand. am old, but Guard thyselfy he called, whip ping out his sword with astonishing agility.
 T cannot fight with you," said De Tobar, lowering his point. "But ex- plain!"
 "The Donna Mercedes is as pure as heaven" asserted Alvarado.
 "Then why did you bid me strike and stand defenseless a moment sincew tF Because love her and she is yours" !"
 "Deathw shouted De Tobar. "Take up thy swordv'
 Stay" broke in the old viceroy quickly. Keep silent, Alvarado. Let me tell 1t all. am her father. I would consult with the captain upon the jour- ney of the morrow and other matters of state. With us here was my daugh- ter. Is there aught to provoke thy Jealousy or-rage in this? Overcome by -er-the events of the day, she faint ed. One of us had to go for aid. Twas not meet that the young man : should go to the women's apartments; l left them together"
 "Alone?" queried De Tobar.
 Aye, alone One was my daughter, De Lara, and ,he was senseless. The other was almost my son. l knew him. He had proved himself. I could trust him."
 Your excellency, I thank you!" cried Alvarado, seizing the hand of the old nobleman and carrying it to his lips.
 You said you loved her," said D< Tobar, turning to Alvarado.
 "And so l do," answered Alvarado But who could help it2 It is an in lection have caught from my friend
 Have you spoken words of love tt her? Have you pleaded with herf Did you meet here by appointment"
 "Don Felipe" cried Donna Mercedes who had kept silent at first, hardly comprehending, and then holding hel breath at the denouement, near me Captain Alvarado's manner to me hal been coldness itself-nay, he scarcely manifested the emotion of a friend"
 She spoke with a bitterness and re sentiment painfully apparent to Ava rado. but which in his bewildermen Don Felipe did not discover.
 T swear to you, senor," she went oI cunningly, until this hour I neve heard him say those words, I lov, you But this scene is too much fo me. I cannot bear it. Help me hence Nay. neither of you gentlemen. Witt Sonora Agapida's aid can manage Farewell. When you wish to clain me, Don Felipe. the betrothal shall b carried out, and I shall be your Good night"
 De Tobar sprang after her and caugh her hand. raising it respectfully to hi lips -r ts
 "Now. senor." he cried. turning baci i've can discuss this question unhin dered by the presence of the lady. To said you loved her. How dare you, man of no birth. whose very name an assumption. lift your eyes 90 high
 This from you. my friendr erie Alvarado, whiter than ever at this ir suit.
 Sir" interposed the voice of th viceroy. restrain yourself. 'Tis tru we know not the birth or name of thi young man whom I have honored wit my confidence. upon whom you hay bestowed your friendship. but he hat ever shown himself-and have watcf ed him from his youth-a gentleman. , Spanish gentleman whom all might en ulafe. You wrong him deeply--
 But he loved her.
 swhat of thatg-' answered the vic< roy.