The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-12
The Spanish Necklace
BY BERTHA M. CROKER
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tcopyrshs. isss. ss B. M csoksr. Rights Reserved,


 s1t,s< not very exclusive or smart, explained Dona Luisa, pushing her way in front. 'but it's great fun: think Laura was foolish not to come"
 Dona Luisa Molina was Q parsonage fin cordova. and room was courteousiy made for her to pass. followed by her two guests. The last to bring up the rear was Captain Tudor. who looked about him with a grim stare He was by no means certain that 1t was the sort of entertainment to which one should introduce ones womenfolk. There was his barber supremely at his ease, with a cup of coffee in his hand as he put 1t down, he accorded his pat ron A graceful bow, for in Spain the humblest individual considers himself a caballero. and expects to De treated as such. There. too, were the Mar quis de Sarazin and Count Trunia not far from the platform, 1Lrgeriy otter ing their places to pona Luisa and Miss Forde.
 The Marquis procured more chairs, another table and coffee, and Hester noticed how light, quick, and decisive were his movements: in a second al most she found herself supplied with a seat, a footstool. and a yellow pro gram As she heard him issuing orders. and giving directions in his own tongue, it came home to her Tor the first time that Paul was snania I'd: although she had always known the fact. she had never real ized 1t until tonight Presently he approached and seated himself by her, and leaning his elbow on the table. asked in a low, deliberate voice
 'Is 1t now permitted to speak to Miss. Forde?"
 She blushed vividIy and nodded acquiscence.
 T was surprised to see you on the bridge this evening; nearly fell off my horse"
 'It would not be easy for you to do that" she said. with smile.
 s'Oh, Fl Cid is a handful; he killed rough rider last winter--ran away and threw him, and broke the poor fell lows bones"
 'sThen he ought to be shot"
 ''No! Why? It was not really his fault: the 'Remonta' could not ride, and was afraid of hirn." . And you can manage himP' - ''Yes, and he is afraid of me. Does not that seem stranger He added. with his charming smile. You cannot imagine anything being afraid of me. can y0u?" /
 She laughed. but her laugh dropped to silence under his look.
 And so some one has been telling taIesi--and you believed the liesl Oh, Miss Forde!" and he surveyed Hester with a world of reproach in his dark eyes--an expression of sad unrequited confidence. 'I may smoke, may notT producing cigarette as he spoke.
 -Of course--certainly."
 ''You do not smoke yourself-as yet?"
 She shook her head.
 "oh. but it will come; how much I should like to teach you! Permit me Co welcome you to Spain.''
 Thank you. We arrived ten days ago"
 Then my good will is a little late: but 1t is. unfortunately. my first op- portunity. I had no idea that you con- eemplated this journey. We might al- most have travelled together. only you thought I had gone-elsewhere;" here he paused significantly. T wish I could show you some of our sights; but am returning to Biarritz the day after tomorrow" ''oh. you areg' said Hester, and q sensitive gar might have detected a note of disappointment in her voice.
 You see. my mother is alone.T
 .She does not live much in Spain, believe, a-
 No; for her 1t is too dull and for nal; there Is too much etiquette. Now. El DEque. on the other hand, is miserable out of Spain; so there 1t is you see" and he knocked the ash off his cigarette. 'T see" and she nodded.
 My mother likes Biarritz, as do many of our people: it is to them but barIto or suburb of Madridy'
 Yet the distance is consf6erable.' ', argued Hester. t- ~only a night in the train. And now, Mademoiselle. that you see us at home" :" and he made little gesture with his NfOQFaffa tyvh dn you favor us. Do you?'
 Yes, like Spain-the land of sun and chivalryr Although I know but little of the people, merely seeing them in the streets and shops, they strike me as courteous. and grave. They do not laugh much"
 'No, certainly they do not laugh, since life. for many of them is a serious af- fair. They are poor, the wolf is often at the door; still. their wants are snall-a little soup. a few white beans"
 And always the cigarette" she add ed with a smile; do not leave out the cigarette. I saw some small children on the bridge this evening-alI were amoking."
 'Ah. the bridge" suddenly changing his lounging attitude to one of alert interest: T thought that was your double leaning on the parapet this evening; l have been picturing you in Biarritz all the time"
 And l." she rejoIned. believe I saw your double in Madrid"
 ''Oh, so you have been in Madrid ?'
 "Yes, and was in the Palace during the state procession; there was some one so like you among the Grandees '
 NO one could be more like me, dear Mademoiselle." he rejoined with a laugh; Tt was myself. Did you ap- prove of the procession, the CapeIIo Publico?'
 "Yes. 1t was most imposing indeed more than imposing-it was impres- sive"
 We are conservative here, and keer ID all the old traditions and customs
 hope this entertainment will amuse you-the real old Andalusian dances -