Morris tribune., 1905-12-23
CHAPTER x.

his excellency held him gave
aim access at all times.
He had ridden all day over the rough
road that winds over the mountains
from La Guayra to Caracas. The
storm which had rushed down the
mountain side all afternoon matched
the tumuit in his soul, and the sheets
Of rain blown upon him by the fierce
wind had not cooled the fever of his
agitation The unusual tempest was one
Of the most terrific that had swept over
the coast in years. He had marked
as he rode huge ship far to seaward,
staggering along under shortened can
vas and labering tremendously in the
heavy seas. But his thoughts were SO
conferred upon the situation in which
he found himself Yhat he had not par
ticuIariy noticed the vessel, although
passing ships were infrequent sights
off the port of La Guayra. Pale, bag
gard and distraught from his mental
struggle, he had crossed the pass at
the summit of the mountain and de-
seconded into the fertile valley now
cold under the gray sky and had pre-
scented himself at the palace of the
vieeroy
lie had changed his apparel after his
reception, and his old sergeant had
polished his breastplate until it fairly
ltlazed with light, for though the occa-
siea~Was one Of peace he had felt that
he could better sustain his part in the
Military uniform in which he had won
ais only title to consideration. Con-
.'equentiy his appearance in the brill
sianfly lighted hall of the palace among
tile gay courtiers respondent in mag
ltifieent attire. blazing with jewels,
brew somber note over the pro-
A3eefaings
1t was as a soldier he had won fame
and the consideration of the viceroy;
in no other capacity, SO far as any
man knew, had he the right to enter
that assemblage of the rich and well
born. 1t was as a soldier he would
perform that hardest Of all duties
Which had ever been laid upon him by
his friend and patron, the governor
Pale, Stern, composed, he stood an
ron figure of repression. So severe
f|as the conStraint that he put upon
himself that he had given no sign OF
his emotion, even at the near approach
OF Donna Mercedes, and the hand
which s..gned his name beneath her
2'ather's IS the principal witness was
rs STEADY as if it held merely the sword
n some deadly combat He endured
nassiyely the affectionate greetings Of
he happy De Tobar, who was intoxi-
Gated at the assurance afforded by the
5letrothal of the coming realization of
I'll his hopes. He sustained with firm
less the confidence of the viceroy and
Sttle admissions De Lara made to him
in private of his pleasure in the suit
able and fortunate marriage which
was there arranged. He even bore
without breaking one long, piteous APP
zeal which had been shot at him from
the black eyes of the unhappy Mer-
ssedes.
To her he seemed preternaturally
wold and Indifferent He was so strong,
SO brave, SO successful She had count
I'D upon some interposition from him,
out the snow capped Andes were no
colder than he appeared, their granite
e1des no more rigid and unsympathetic.
It was with feeling almost of anger
nd resentment at last that she had
.stgned the betrothal contract.
But the restraint on the man was
more than he could bear. Pleading in
disposition, he early begged leave to
ssithdraw from the festivities which
-,,leeeeded the completion of the be-
srothal ceremony and the retirement
$ff fIle ladies' At the suggestion of the
iceroy, who said be desired to consult |
18th him later in the evening, he went |
INTO the deserted cabinet of the latter.
The palace. was built in the form Of ,
j quadrangle around an open patio. = |