The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-01
 .k.ta

know in what manner I can show my gratitude for the honor of this visit
 'Senor. I am the wife of the hand somest caballero in Spain. alas!'-
 An And the countess dwells-'
 "In Castelleno," she answered.
 Tn Castelleno2' The fact was perti- nent to the moment. Be seated, se- nora. You are doubtless acquainted with the governor of the prison!"
 The condessa started slightly.
 Why yes"
 'Ts he not an ugly, pimple-faced fell low?' questioned Don Q.
 She replied hotly: "On the contrary, he is an exceedingly handsome man. He cut her short. Pardon me, but are you sure? I have heard that ladies cried out at the mere sight of his smile!"
 With qualification, perhaps she an- swered and sighed impatiently.
 No, no, senora; you are surely mis- taken r"Hardly possible, Don Q He is my husbandl"
 You are then the wife of the gover- nor Don Hugo?" The chiefs smooth voice vibrated slightly with some emotion '1 would envy him. if 1 dared"
 ''Of what use is beauty if it does not secure love-" she cried petulantly. My husband
 You love him?"
 Not always" with charming pout
 At this moment?"
 "At this moment l hate hini' She leant forward with a swing of her 1.-the body, her eyes flashing. T heard a whisper-I suspeeted-I set spies-I fol- lowed him." She clasped her hands be- fore here breast, then flung them apart with a vehement gesture of range "O at this moment I could kill him."
 Proceed, l beg of you. What have to do with lovers quarrels?"
 Everything, If you will help me! Yes we quarreled. He laughed at my tears l vowed l would throw myself on your protection He dared me to do so and thougu I was indeed afraid (for your name is cause for shudderng in the plains, senor). l came. He must pay a ransom for me. Thus shall he be taught to value his wife"
 Nay, sonora. I could not have the heart to deprive him of your charming society. Figure to yourself his anxiety" was the unexpected reply. You shall be sent down to Casteleno tomorrow in safety"
 The beautiful face darkened. "I will not go." she cried mperiously. q did not fancy you would side against me with my husband Remember" with a witch Ing glance at the dim figure in the cor ner you promised to help me-
 q have not forgotten. Yet you must go tomorrow, though your departure will leave the mountains bleak indeed!"
 You are only man after allr' she ex- claimed angrly. "The sins of one man are not sins in the eyes of another man. perhaps you would feel less for him, if you knew more of what he says of you Only last Sunday he vowed you were a coward"
 Don Hugo takes much upon himself when he says that" A changed note in the low voice frightened her. He had an argument to back it. she ran on nervously. He said that it was easy to terrify a helpless captive up here when you have your men beside you. But he would wager-o l cannot go on, senor!'
 Favor me by proceeding, senora." The Condessa shivered and obeyed. "He wagered that I alone, unbacked by your comrades-I mean followers, you would prove yourself-oh how can I say it?n
 But you must, sonora. Having gone so far l regret to insist
 Have it them" she cried desperately. You would prove yourself as cowardly as you are hideous."
 Corpse of scullionn The ejaculation burst out with violence; then the voice resumed gently-.'but even now, lady, you have missed but one little particu- lar"
 "No, no" she sobbed, T recollect no more'
 "tThen listen. The governor of the prison of Castelleno was good enough to declare in public that I have but one