Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1905-12-30


! any assurance, however dreadful He
| had often thought with longing upon
his father, his mother. He despaired
at last of ever finding out anything
What mattered it now? He might be
of the proudest and most honorable
lineage in New Spain, Sotomayor,
a Bobadilla, even De Guzman 1t
would advantage him nothing since he
had lost Mercedes. In spite Of him,
self he groaned aloud, and the girl rid;
ing a little distance behind him heard
the sound of anguish in his voice
Her heart, which had been yearning
toward him with increasing force, was
stirred within her BOSOM
ride thou here she said suddenly
to Sonora Agapida. II go forward to
speak with Captain Alvarado''
But, senorita, thy father
SIS it not permitted that l speak with
the captain of the soldiery who escort
me?"
Certainly, if l am by"
81 do not choose to have it So" re-
piled Mercedes, with all the haughti-
hSSo VI uCL hSululu mere.
will return presently"
Brushing her aside with an imperious
wave Of her hand and a threatening
glance before which the poor duenna
quailed, for her charge had never
shown such spirit before, Mercedes
struck her Spanish jennet with the
whip she carried, passed around the
intervening soldier, who courteously
gave way to her, and reined in her
steed by Alvarado's horse So close,
indeed, was she to the captain that she
almost touched him. 1t was good to
see the light leap in his eyes, the flush
come into his pale cheek, as he became
aware of her presence.
Donna Mercedes!'' he cried in sur
prise rs anything wrong? Where is
the Sonora Agapida?'
Nothing is wrong. l left her there"
"Shall summon herY
cart afraid to speak to me, to a
woman, alone, Sir Captain?"
'Nay, senorita, but tbs unseemly"-
"Wouldst thou lesson me in man
ners, master seldier?" cried the girl
haughtily.
Sod forbid, lady, but thy father"
"He laid no injunction upon me that
/ should not speak to you. sir. Is that
forbidden"
''Of course not, but
"But what, sir? It is your own
weakness you fear? You were strong
enough last night Have you by y
chance repented?"
There was such passionate eager
ness in her voice and such leaping |
hope for an affirmative answer in the |
glance she bent upon him that he could |
scarce sustain the shock Of it. His |
whole soul had risen to meet hers, COM |
ing as she came. He trembled at her |
The voice of the girl |
thrilled him as never before.
The sergeant who followed them out |
Of respect for their condolences checked |
the pace of his troop horse somewhat,
and the two advanced some distance
from him out of earshot. The unhappy
1uenna watched them with anxious |
eyes, but hesitated to attempt to join
hem. Indeed, the way was blocked
FOR such an Indifferent horsewoman as
she by the adroit maneuyers of the ser
yeant. He was devoted to his young |
and he had surmised the
state Of affairs also. He would have
lad no scruples in facilitating meet
ng, even an elopement. The two low
Frs, therefore, could speak unobserved,
'r at least unheard, by any stranger.
LADY said Alyarado at last, Il am
indeed afraid. You make the strong
weak. Your beauty-forgive me-mas-
ers me. Tempt me not! | can stand
70 more!' he burst forth with vehe
nence
What troubles thee, Alvarado?" she
aid softly
''Thou-and my plighted word"
s'You chose honor and duty last night 1
rhen you might have had me- Art still
q the same mind r.
''Senorita, this subject is forbidden"
sStopr cried the girl. II absoiye you
rom all injunctions of silence. I, too,
m De Lara, and in my fathers alb
ence the head Of the house. The duty
hou hast sworn to him thou owest me-
lrt still in the same mind as last night,
sayw
Last night I was a foolp'
"And this morning?'
II am slave"
"a slave to what? TO whom?'
Donna Mercedes" he cried, turning
n. imploring glance upon her, press
lie no further. Indeed, the burden is
reater than / can bear"
A slave to whom?' she went on in
silently. She laid her hand upon his
srong arm and bent her head close to-
ard him. They were far from the 9TH
rs now, and the turns of the winding
BAD concealed them.
"a slave to whom? Perhaps lo-me?'
ne whispered.
..Have mercy on me!'' he cried. 'sTo
But honor, duty
again those hateful words!v she in
her dark face flushing with
lger. Were a man, loved / d WON
q who loved me as las las one
NJ1 know 7 y0lIid ha4ya e,S.,,o5z r,,,..-S