Year: 1876

less, if it's any consolation to you to think so.


CHAPTER II.


The steamer "Gen. Jackson" on which the
bridal pair embarked, was, in those days, one
of the finest which piled between New York
and Aspinwall; and Esther found herself pro
vided with so many comforts as almost to dc
away with the inconveniences Of sea.life. She
was fortunately good sailor, and did not
therefore, suffer from that most distressing and
depressing malady, seasickness; so that al.
though they encountered some rather bolster
Gus weather on the way, she was never debar,
red from enjoying the freedom of the vessel
or from partaking Of the bountiful and really
sumptuous fare which the captains care had
provided. When the rough winds abated,
and the moon, shining out at night in its full
glory, shed an enchanting sheen over the
"waste of waters" around them, she would sit
on deck at her husbands side, for hours, rev.
cling in the beauty of the scene, and 10th to
leave it for the cramped walls of her state
room, which, in the daytime, she seldom en-
tered at all. During these tranquil night.
watches, many were the fond vows poured
softly by Raymond into her willing ear. He
was more lover-like now even than in the
days of their brief courtship finding in their
present surroundings more scope for the ex'
preston of his devotion than he had done
amid the adverse circumstances Of their pre-.
vious intercourse. Each added day of their
mpanionship seemed to draw them nearer
together, and convinced Esther more entirely
of the wisdom of her choice. How often she
smiled at the remembrance Of the fears and
doubts her friends had entertained, and the
endeavors of her aunt to dissuade her from
taking the step which, she felt assured, would
result in the attainment of her highest earthly
happiness! Her quiet but deep nature yield
ed itself absorbingly to the claims Of this first
sacred passion and those peaceful days on
ship-board, when they two were all in all to
each other, learning each others inmost hearts
and exchanging sweet condolences, without one
untoward Influence to mar the completeness
of their enjoyment, we're full Of the most pure
and perfect happiness she had ever known
and often recurred afterwards to her memory
as days of golden light set apart from much
overwhelming darkness and gloom.


Nothing of interest is to say, nothing
unusual, for everything was new and interest
ing now to our heroine, who was in the mood
for culling a charm from the most common
place events-occurred during the first part
of the voyage, which terminated prosperously
at the Isthmus, after duration of four weeks
Here they crossed to Panama, and were trans
ferred, with their belongings,t to the "Queen OF
the West,'' waiting there to receive them.


Among the passengers who embarked on
this vessel, was an individual from the inte'
ror, who Immediately attracted the attention
of all on board. He was apparently of Span
ish extraction, speaking that language fluent
ly, though expressing himself with tolerable
accuracy in Eng glish also, and never losing an
opportunity of conversing with any one who
would give him a chance to do So He was
almost gigantic in height, powerfully built
with a swarthy complexion, jet black hair
and eyes almost as dark, with heavy, over
hanging brows. His face was closely shaved,
with the exception of short peaked beard
upon his chin His features, though large,
were rather symmetrical than otherwise, but
Will Il uGClucNlJ SllIlSICl CAPiSo"iOh1 "hiSi
was not modified, but rather made worse, by
frightfu scar extending over his left cheek
from the corner Of his mouth to his eyebrow.
This was apparently the result of cash made
by sword or other sharp weapon; and, in
deed, to judge from the appearance of the
Senior Pedro Alasquez-tor such he all
nounced his name to bet seemed not un'
likely suppostion that he had, in the course
his life, been engaged in more than one con-
test of no childish character. There was an
air of defiant recklessness and braggadocio
about him that indicated readiness not only
to stand on the defensive when occasion re-
quired it; but, perhaps, to rush with unc llled'
for ardor into an afray. Yet on the other
hand he was superhously ceremonious and po-
lite, especially to the ladies, who for the most
part regarded him with mixture of amuse'
ment and awe. Before many days had elapsed,
it became evident that he had selected the
Raymonds as the objects of his special atten-
ton. At table he waited asslduously upon
Esther, offering her every dainty within
reach, and at other times would seek the So
ciety of her husband and herself, and endeav.
or, by the most polished arts of conversation,
to ingratiate himself in their favor; Yet all
this was done with an appearance of such pro-
found Difference, and almost ostentatlous hu-
miity, that it was next to impossible to re-
sent his advances as intrusive, or regard his
behaviour otherwise than as that of we'll
meaning but eccentric person, not sufficiently
versed in the customs of society to restrict
himself to the limits which bound casual
acquaintanceship. Esther conceived an in
stinctve dislike to him, and would gladly
have kept aloof from him but her husband
rather child her for this sentiment, declaring
that the man was nothing but an inoffensive
savage and that it would be pity to wound
his feelings by the display of an uncalled for
prejudice on their part: Willing to accept
his Judgment, in this as in most cases, as su'
perior to her own, she tried to conquer her
dislike, and to reciprocate, in some degree
the advances of the singular being who testi
fed 50 much anxiety to establish himself in
bor r-noI orooo,