The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-06

, edges to torture the wearer. | really no
longer wonder at the violent moods of
women"
The presence of the Duquesa d'Orava
at the splendid entertainment given by
the Santolas was regarded as second
only in Importance to that or the great
general himself. After midnight her non
appearance began to breed comment. Fol,
although she rarely missed a ball. she
as rarely staid at the Castillo Negro,
spending most of her time in Madrid and
at other resorts where people of her
world congregated according to the sea-
son of the year.
AS the Duauesa's well-known carriage,
with its sweating horses, drew up in the
patio, servants ran to open the door ana
usher the guest into the house with all
the ceremony due to her rank; but the
lady swept away the fingers of the near
est
mo, no, no.! she cried in hoarse. ex-
cited whisper. have you heard nothing =
Gen. Ubrique?'
THE flustrious general is here said
the man. who had thrown open the car
riage door.
"What-here? Is he then still alive?
Alas, poor general"
The choked words amazed the man.
He stared stupidity at the great lady who
seemed to be trembling with agitation
in the dusky interior or the coach.
Come, come" eroaked the voice, AN
answer, your rogue, or | Will deal with
you'll mean / will request some cabal-
lero to beat you soundiy in my name.
Come, answer me, IS the general sui
alive?'
'.Illustrissima, he was but now dancing
In the saloon" stammered the servant.
II am in time! Quickly, go and beg his
excellency to speak with me here. Be
off. or | wish make you regret
But the man was gone
we write. a parsonage wnom Spain de-
lighted to honor. Risen from a lower
rank of life, he had already attained
eminence. Suave, strong, INSCRIPTIONS
perhaps but both courageous and able.
On receiving her message, he hurried
out bareheaded to see her.
Come, my friend, come" moaned the
duuuesa, get In beside me- / dare not
risk descending! Come, l will relate to
you the whole plot" she added In a
whisper. 20. how frightfel have been
my sufferings, lest | should be too late
to save you!'
Ubrlque hesitated. He hardly knew
what to think of the Information the du-
quesa had sprung upon him.
'I have no words to thank you"-he
began.
But the duquesa stopped him.
II have no need of words. Come, gem
eral. enter" She laid her slender hand on
his wrist. Looking down at 1t, he recog-
nized the blazing diamond In the mar
ouise ring on her forefnger. After all.
he must humor her
He bowed his dark head and got into
the carriage taking the seat opposite to
his old friend with her inconvenient tears
and anxieties.
"Don Ermolo. plot has been formed
against you. The Duquesa bent forward
and laid her hand affectionately upon his
as the carriage rolled slowly out of the
patio and took its way back through the
Alameda. II could not exist without Civ
ing YOU"
There was a strange muffled sound
for the Duquesa had flung the cloak
with its insufferable feathers over her
companions head, unseen hands had
drawn his feet from under him, and he
fell into the bottom of the carriage,
half smothered, but struggling desper-
ately
Meantime the coach increased its pace.
Far outside the town on a wooded hill
side 1t stopped, and in the darkness Gen
ubrique found himself, still gagged and
bound. carried through the trees and laid
on the ground In a little choza where a
lantern burned dimly.
wrapped closely In a cloak. in the man
ner of all Spanish men after nightfal.
came to the doorway and stood looking
down at the PROSTATE figure. Then he
stopped and slipped the gag from Ubri-
que's mouth.
what is the meaning of this outrage?"
Ubrique exclaimed.
ut means that there is small matter