The Monticellonian. [volume] (Monticello, Ark.) 1870-1920, 1918-05-17
CHAPTER II.
Spanish Gold.
Slave GIL,

The twins We're seven years old when
Donna Isabel's schemes bore their first
bitter fruit, and the occasion was a
particularly uproarious night when
Don ESteban entertained crowd of
his Castilian friends. Little Rosa was
awakened at a late hour by the laugh
ter and shouts of her fathers guests.
She was afraid. for there was some
thing strange about the voices, some
quality to them which was foreign to
the child's experience. Creeping into
her brothers room, she awoke him, and
together they listened. Rosa began TO
whimper, and when Esteban tried to
reassure her his own voice was thin
and reedy from fright.
In the midst of their agitation they
heard some one weeping; there came II
rush of feet down the hallway, and the
next instant Evangelina flung herself
into the room.
She fell upon her knees before them.
Little MASTER Little mistress !" she
sobbed. You will save me, won't you?
We love each other, Ell? See then,
what a crime this is Say that you
will save me
The children were frightened, but
they managed to quaver: What has
happened? Who has harmed you?"
Don Pablo Pea" wept the negress.
Your father has sold me to him-lost
me at cards. oh, shall die Sebas-
tian won't believe it. He is praying.
And AsenSio- But what can they do
to help me? You alone can save me.
You won't let Don Pablo take me
away? It would kill me-"
'Wait" Esteban scrambled out of
bed and stood before his dusky nurse
and playmate. "Dout cry any mare.
I'll tell papa that you don't like Don
Pablo"
Rosa followed. Eyes. come along,
brother she cried. shrilly. We'll tell
Don Pablo to go home and leave our
Evangelina.'
My blessed doves, But will they
listen to you?" moaned the slave.
Papa does whatever we ask" they
assured her, gravely. IF he should
the big wardrobe where nobody will
ever find you" Then hand In hand,
with their long nightgowns lifted to
their knees, they battered out into the
hall and down toward the living room,
whence came the shouting and the
laughter.
Don Mario de Castano, who was fac
ing the door, stopped In the midst of a
ribald song to cry: God be praised
What's this l see?'
The others looked and then burst
into merriment. for across the litter of
cards and dice and empty glasses they
saw dimpled girl and boy, as like as
two peas. They We're just out of bed j;
they We're peering through the smoke,
and blinking like two little owls.
80! You awaken the household
With your songs" some one chided Don
Mario.
Two cherubs from heaven" another
exclaimed
But the father lurched forward. a
frown upon his face. "What is this my
dears?'3 he inquired, thickly. Run
back to your beds. This is no place
for you"
I'VE love Evangelna," piped the
twins you must not let Don Pablo
have her-if you please"
"Eyangellna?"
They nodded. I'VE love her.
She plays with US every day.
We want her To stay here. She
belongs to u.s.
Accustomed as they were 10 prompt
compliance with their demands, they
spoke mperieusly but they had never
seen u frown like this upon their fla
Tiers face.
Go To your rooms, my sweethearts, "
Don Esfehan directed.
I'VE want Evangellna. She belongs
to MS they ehorused stubbornly.
Don Pablo shook with laughter, so
She belongs To You, Ell? And I'm to
be robbed Of my winnings Very well.
then, come and give me Il kiss, both of
yoa. and III see what can be done
But the children saw that Don Pab-
los face WAS strangely flushed. that
his eyes we're wild and his magnificent