Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-25
CHAPTER XIV.
Miss Forde Makes a Purchase.

Marietta was privately enjoned to
amuse the courier and engage his atten-
ton while her mistress proceeded to in
spect the sight of Cordova at her own
time and in her own fashion. She liked
the life in the Casa Molina: there was
no formality and much simple enjoyment.
She rambled alone in the morning to the
cathedral or the gardens Of the Alcazar-
a thicket Of flowers, orange trees. ruins
and baths: in the afternoon there was
always a drive into the country; In the
evening cards and music. Hester played
well at sight. Capt. Tudor had a nice
little baritone voice, and over the songs
they had become great friends. and this
sight of the two figures at the piano
gratified the chaperons. Occasionally
some of Dona Luisa's circle came In after
dinner. and there were coffee, cigarettes
iced drinks and Spanish conversation.
quickly with the help Of Dona Luisa and
her nephew, and could string together
quite a number of phrases and make
known her wants for hot water or coffee
or ink. She was SO enthuSias tically in
terested in her surroundings that her
hostess declared 1t did her good TO see
her. The girl seemed so happy exploring
the picturesque old town and absorbing
it's splendid history.
"I feel proud that you are pleased with
Cordova." said Dona Luisa. LA flor de
saber de caballeria. Would you like to
inspect very, very ancient house that
has story?"
Yes. 1 certainly should of all things"
she answered.
Every we'll, then: this afternoon, when
Mrs Tudor and / go for a drive, you.
Marietta and Freddy shall visit the Casa
del Marques de Quebrada. It's all tum-
bling down, but it was once the mansion
of a noble and celebrated family. now all
but extinct. Two old Condesas live there
with one servant, so poor they are almost
starving-so proud, that none may help
them. The maid accepts fees on the SLY
for showing the house to strangers. and.
upon my word, l believe that is all they
have to live upon. One. however. can
live on so little in Cordova-some bread
and beans and coffee. / would thankfully
assist them and go and visit Them but
they no longer receive.
sOh, what a tragic story" exclaimed
Hester. Il am SO sorry for them"
YES there are other cases-Spain Is
now so poor These proud old women
have the best blood in the land In their
veins. That ruined castle we passed yes
terday was the home of their race. Well.
as we drive out presently. we VIII drop
you near the Casa del Marques de Que
brada."
Yet. in spite of Dona Luisa's offer. most
of the expedition was made on foot. The
street was too narrow for carriages-so
narrow that one could place hand on
either wall--it was a street where the
paved footway and white walls had
echoed for centuries with the tramp OF
Moorish feet-the holes and the cobble.
stones made unpleasant walking. The
Gale Romano wound and twisted. and
then suddenly turned into an open square.
one side of which was filled by digni-
fled gray bulding-not by any means q
ruin-with a carved stone front, with
muIlioned windows ard a massive en-.
trance: above the door was an elaborate
coat of arms. which displayed the motto.
Fortune infortune." This was the house
of the Marques de Quebrada.
Marietta rang the bell; it was unex-
pectedly large and powerful and Changed
far Presently thin, elderly woman ap-
reared and her melancholy face bright.
ened when she beheld the visitors.
ITO see the house?" she asked, eagerly.
eff you please" said Marietta.
Certainly" and she led the way
through an arch. past a stone mounting
block into a great entrance hall. vaulted
and empty. through another where there
were broken chairs and several ancient
sofas without seats, various marble and
carved tables, a number of gloomy pic
lures: others, which had fallen out OF
their frames. stood piled against the wall.
From this dilapidated salon they were
piloted into an open court, with the usual
stone stairs and galleries, but instead or
orange trees here were only few dead
plants: instead of the fountain, an an
cient draw-well, on which was carved 2
coat of arms-a mans head with closed
visor a battle AK and the date 1890
ITO be continued next Sunday