Bradford reporter. (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, April 04, 1849, Image 1

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TOWANDA:
tikbncebag Stlorninn, April 4, 1849.
ECIiA - 01112.!
OR,
TIIE STUDENT OF MADRID.
A TALE OF SPANISH LOVE.
- Fourteen years. have elapsed since there dwelt
in Itladrid a certain student, who went by the name
of El Rojo, or the Red. Not by his acquaintances
and intimates alone was he thus designated, but
by all the various classes of idlers with whom the
Spanish Capital abounds: by the listless loiterers
at the coffee house doors, by the loqnging gossips
of the Puerto del Sol, and by the cloaked muffler.
brs who, when the siesta is over, pace the Calle
• Alcala, puffing their beloved Ilaianas, retailing the
latest news, discussing the chances of a change of
ministry, on the most recent and interesting scan
dalous anecdote current in that gallant metropolis.
It would be wrong to infer from his somewhat am•
biguous appellation, that the student's skin had the
copper hue 6f a Pawnee or an Osage, or his hair
the ruddy tint usually deemed detrimental and un
becoming. The name implied no sneer—it was
given and taken as a compliment : and Frederic°
was_at-feast as proud of it as of the al undaut golden
curls to which he owed it, and that flowed in-wav
ing luxuriance down his graceful neck arid over his
well-formed shoulders
In southern climes, where the ardent sun ern
browns the children of the soil, fair locks and eyes
of azure are priied in proportion to their rarity. No
wonder, then, that Frederico found f.rvor in the
sight of the dark browed and inflammable !viadri
, lenas. Many were the tender glancei darted at
him from beneath veil and mantilla, as he took his
evening stroll upon the Prado; oftentimes, when
- he passed along the, street. white and slender fin
gers, protruded through half closed ja/oustes, drop
ped upon his handsome head a shower of fragrant
jasmitt blossoms. Amongst the dames and dam
sels who thus signified their favor and partiality,
not a few—so it is certified by the veracious autho
lily whence we derive this history--dwelt in state
ly mayions, and went abroad in brave equipages,
drawn by prancing steeds and comely mules, all
glittering with trappings of silk and gold.. These,
it maybe thought, condescended over much thus to
notice an humble student. But the love-breathing
daughters of Castile reek little of rank or station ;
and Frederico, by all personal endowments, well
deserved the distinction he enjoyed Poor hidalgo
though he was, no count, or duke, or blue blooded
grandee, from Cadiz to Corunna, bore himself bet
ter. or had more the mein of a well born arid thor%
ough bred cabeilero. 'None more gallantly wore the
broad leafed sombrero, none more gracefully drap
ed the ample cloak:, and all Spain might hart:been
searched in yaks to match the bright and joyous
glance of the student's dark blue eye. Excepting
on the coast, and in certain districts where Mello
medan forefathers have bequeathed their oriental
phssiognomy and tall slender frames to their Chris
tian descendants, Spaniards are very rarely of lolly
stature. Frederico was from the fiat and arid pro
idence of La Mancha, where, as in compensation
for the unproduetiveness of the parched snit,
-hand
some men and beauteous women abound. Of the
middle height, his figure was symmetrical, elastic
and muscular, formed for feats of agility and
strength; his step was light, but firm ; his counte.
'Lance manly,—the expression of his regular and
agreeable features denoted a passionate nature and
lolly character. Like most of his countrymen, he
was quickly roused, WC:easy to appease. Gener
osity and forbearance were prominent amongst his
goodstinalities, and he had nobly displayed them,
in more than one encounter with antagonists whose
feebleness placed them at his Mercy, and rendered
them unworthy of his wrath. For in the. use of
arms, as in all manly exercises, Frederico was an
adept; and whether with Toledo blade, or Majo's
knife, there were few men in Spain who would not
have found in him a formidable and dangerous
adversary.
Strange to tell of so young a man, and of a Spa
niard: in one respect our student appeared passiop
less. He met the advances of his female admirers
with the utmost coldness--seemed, indeed to avoid
the society of the fair sex, threw love letters into
We fue, unread and unanswered, negle,cled
lions, went to no rendezvous. Favors which other
men would gladly have purchased with years of
life, he disdainfully rejected. The wrinkled (lami
nas, who under various pretext brought him tender
messages and tempting assignations, met, instead
of the golden guerdon with which such Mercuriel
are usually rewarded, harsh rebuffs and cutting sar
casm at the hands of The stoic of two and twenty.
And with so much scorn did this Nianch%mn Jo
seph repel on one occasion the amorous attentions
of a lady of birth and station, that her indiscreet
love was changed into bitter hate, and Frederica
narrowly escaped a dagger stab and a premature
death. From that day he was more inaccessible
than ever, not , only to women, but to men. Gra
dually he withdrew from his intercourse with •his
dormer associates, and was seldom seen . in the :F ' ---
streets or public places , sat at home buried
amongst bcioket, and diligently studying, with the
Intention, he was4teard . l6 declare, of going to Cui
dad Real, and pansiriehis examination as advocate
in the rOyat &Mete,. Ain) thus, little by thee, it hap.
Penii wish Ftederieo nit it dose with most perkms
" 4 gc an d , klrget the world, the world forgot
hini. Hi s ohi imissisites—.joyocus i light-hearted lads,
revelling in the enjoyment& and dissipations of the
a„, ) spoil-sport and a pedant, and
thought of him an more : friends, ice the trite epase
of the word, he had none ; and so, after a very
short fime, ihrsjist Fisitoup:„4 4,1 g/°°lnY bid
apartment in 'climb theieccentrsc youtiraussed and.
studied was reduced to one many and dustri enrlr
odd one, but whom Frederic° loved becansePheqa
=wins son owed hiM fits life;
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This second hero of our 'tale, was oni*of those
strange characters to be met with in Spain only.
Don Gerinomo Regan) was a little w:lerred old
creature, blind of fn eye, and with a very ugly face,
whose life had bean a series of extraordinary ad.
ventures and bustling incidents. Re bad served
his country in the most opposite capacities. In
1808, he fought the French in thestreets -of Mad
rid ; two years later, be headed a guerrilla band in
the wild passes of the Sierra Morena ; another two
years, and he too t the oath to the constitution of
Cadiz, and was sern'at Wellingtrm's head quarters.
as Colonel of the Spanish line, and delegate from
the . Cones. IQ 1814, be changed his colors ; and
was noted, after the return of Ferdinand VII., as , a
staunch royalist. Rut variety was his motto; and
the revolution of 1820 saw him in the rants of the
liberals, to whom he continued faithful until their
cause was ruined and hopeless. That was the
signal, with this Talleyrand on a email scale, for
another vuetto &masa: once more he turned his
coat; and as an earnest of penitence for past offen
ces, opened to the Royalist troops the gates of a
small Estreinadusan fortress. Notwithstanding this
act of tardy allegiance,.he was 'thrown into prison
at Madrid, and owed it entirely to the - intercession
and good offices of an old school fellow, the influ
ential Father Cyril)°, that his neck was not brought
inter..impleasant contact with the iron hoop. of ffie
garrote. Either warned by his narrow escape, or
because the eomparatively tranquil state of Spain
afforded no scope for his restless activity, since
1823 this political Proteus had lived in retirement,
eschewing apparautly all plots or intrigues; altho'
he waft frequently seen in the very highest circles
of the capital, where his great experience, his con,
versational powers, and social qualities sufficiently
accounted for the welcome he at all times met.
Returning late one night f. out a tertulia at the
house of Ferdinand's prime minister, Don Geronimo
heard the clash of steel, and sound of a scuffle, and
hurrying to the spot saw a young Irian defending
himself against the attacks of two bravos. Forth
with Regato set himself to shout words of command
as if he had a r&giment at his back, and the ruflir
ans, thinkingithapMml was upon them, instantly
took to fl ight; Frederico was the person. assailed
and although he boldly asserted, and doubtless ful
ly believed, that left to himself he would speedily
have defeated his cowardly opponents, he was still
not altogether sorry to be relieved from such odds
by the old gentleman's timely arrival and ingenious
stratagem. This was the origin of bisacquaintance
with Rega in. From that night forward they visited
each other, and soon Geronirao took particular
pleasure in the society of the handsome youth,
whoge earnestness and vigor of mind, he said,
were refreshing to contemplate in a century when
the actions of most men made them resemble beasts
and apes, rather thau beings formed in the image
of their creator. The young student, for his part,
found mach to intprest him in his new friend, the
only, person who now varied the monotony of his
solitude.
He listened eagerly to Regato's discourse, as he
alternately poured out his stores of knowledge anti
experience, 'and broke into a vein of keen and bit
ter sarcasm on tilt men, parties and circumstances
of distracted and Unhappy Spain. Federico - eiithus.
iastically loved his country, and his proud eyes of
4en filled with tears when the old min placed its
former - greatness in striking contrast with its pres
em degradation. In spite of all veering and weath
ercock variations of his political life, !legato was at
heart a liberal. He set forth 113 glowing.colcrrs . the
evils and tyranny of Ferdinand's government, expa
tiated on the barbarous execution of Rigo, Sorrijos,
and other martyrs to freedom's canoe, and ex
posed the corruption and villany of the men who
retained their country in the bonds of slavery and
fanaticism ; until Federico's cheeks glowed and
heart beat quick with patriotic indignation, and he
felt that he too, when the battle hour should strike
would joyfully draw his sword and lose his lite for
the liberation of the land he loved so well. At
times the student would take down his guitar, and
sing, with closed doors and windows—for Ferdi
nandls spies were a quickeared legion—the spirit
stirring hymn of the Constitution or the wild Tragla
—that Spanish Marseillaise, to whose exciting
notes rivers of blood have flowed. And then old
Regato beat time with his hand and his - Military
eye gleamed like a ball of fire, while he mingled
his hoarse end suppressed bass with .Federico's
mellow tenor.
Notwithstanding their. vast difference of age and
character, and although the one was but commehe
inn, whilst the other had nearly run, the up bill race
of life,, the more these men saw of each other the
strongergr, ew their sympathy and friendship.—Don
Geronimo's visits to the student became more and
more frequent, and often, forgetful 'or careless of the
time, they trould•sit talking till far into the night.
It seemed a relief to Rega, to to disburden his heart
and mind of their innermost secrets; and he re-
joined to have found a man to whew honour, truth,
and eecresy, he felt he could safely intrust them.
Fedrico repaid his confidence with one equally un
limited. He not only told his friend the history of
his short life from infancy upwards ; but he made
him his father confessor, informed him of the pro
gress of his studies, confided to him his douhts and
hopes, his religious creed add political aspirations,
and even his connexion with some of the secretor.
ders and societies, of vihicb, at that period, rtrit!
withstanding the If igilanee .of the police, a multi
tulle °sister' in Spain.
" And can it be, my young friend," said Geroni
nick one evening, Whet, a brief paw succeeded to
some of the fiery Federico's vehement political
diatribes..." can it be," be said, fiting his pewits.
ting eye upon the flushed and immesioned counts.
natiefi - of the student, "that yon hlve'reaehedrotti
present wend never loved trocrioo"
"PahawP replied lbe student, you have lislcz ,
ed the question before, and Thavelaunveted
"
But lie incomprehensible, enri out of nature,►'
cried the , tilit Don, " IVhy has ych a tient in your
+r not .
irriTtilr
_
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY, AT TOWANDA, BRADFORI:L COUNTY, n.;111, OWARA
stiltur`T
bosom, blood in your veins, strting - finite, and
bright eyes r 4
‘ 4 Was all that given me that I might lore, wo
men I" retorted Federico with a merry hthuh.
" Certainly : what is tile worth, without love to
sweeten it! Nothing, worse than nothing. It is
that gentle sympathy of hearts, that strange Amer
of the soul, those sweet hopes and joyoui trans.
ports, and tremors scarce less pleasing, that render
life endurable, and reconcile man to the vileness of
mortality. - The nearest approach to paradise on
earth, is found. in bright eyes thatbeam forusalone
—in gentle lips that murmur to-our ears words of
pure tenderness and unselfish affection."
" By she Vitgint" cried Federico, " I am neither
wood nor stone. Yes, there are men tares of helv
enly beauty whom coubf log e. But Tam like the
Moorish Prince of Orenada, who was to proud to
eat common food, and Jed' on gold. The metal
was over hard for royal stomach, and so be slam
ed.,'
"Which means that what you could have, you
don't like, and what you would like, you can't
gee
" Possible," replied Federico smiling, 1 . I strike
high."
" And why not I. To dare is often to succeed. For
the bold and the prudent, no aim is to lofty. hat
tell me more."
" Nonsense !" cried the student. " I did but jest.
It occurred tome that this very day I saw a lady
whose fair face I shall not easily forget. She was
richly dressed, and sat inan' open carriage, drawn
by m a,gn Seen t horses."
•
t , What color was the carriage I"
4 i Brown, lined with purple velvet The arms
on tltg panels were supported by coroneted'griffinri
and , On the luxurious cushions my goddess reclined,
in a robe of rose colored satin. A black lace man
tilla:floated- over her alabaster shoulders,- further
veiled by a cloud of glossy ' etxm hair; and her
eyelt i friend Gemnimo—her beauteous eyes, .were
soft and heavenly as a spring day in the almond
groves of Valencia."
" You are poetical," said Regato. " A good sign.
Federico, you are iu love; but by our Lady, you
are audacious in yourchoice."
Dorm know her ?•' eagerly exclaimed Fed
erico.
" Did she appear to notice you I." inquired Ger•
Quimo, leaving the question cournswersd.
"Paralysed brher exceeding. beauty," replied
the student, "1 stood dumb and modonless in the
carriage -way, and was nearly run over. I sprang
aside.but just in time. She observed me, and smiled :
I almost think she blushed. One thing I am sure
of, she could not help seeing that her wondrous
beauty had turned my head."
"And that is all?" said Regato slily.
"What more could there be?" cried •the young
lawyer, indignantly. 1, Would you have such an
angel throw flowers at me, or appoint a rendez
vous ? When - the carriage turned out of the street
towards the Prado, she looked back. Holy Moth.
er of Sorrows! even at that distance, the sunshine
of these eyes scorched my 'very heart ! But this is
folly, sheer folly ! Next week I go to Cindad Real,
and amongst dusty deeds and dry folios ?shall soon
forget eyes and their owner." _
Sepor Re gato assumed a thoughtful countenance,
took a large pinch of snuff, - and lit a fresh cigar.
After three or four puffs, emitted through his nos
trils with the declaration of a veteran smoker, he
broke silence.
" You will not izri to Cindad Real."
"And why not ?" cried Federico.
"Because, if lam not greatly mistaken, you will
remain here."
"Strange if I do'!" laughed the strident.
"Less so perhaps, than you imine.—Would
you go if the rose-coloured lady bid you stay
What if she sent a ten'er billet to the yourg wcs
'man-hater, and said, " Crime and love me, if you
have the heart and courage of a man." T think T
see you theta, though ten thousand devils barred the
way, Cindal Real and the royal courts would soon
be forgotten."
"Perhaps," replied Federico. " But you tanta
lise me with impossibilities."
Don Geronimo put on his hat, took his young
friend's hand, and said with great gravity—"
ing is impassible. :Ind as regards love, naught in
this world can withstand it—no bolt, or lock, or bar,
or rank, or power. Bear that in mind, and be of
good courage, if you fall in with her of the rose-col
oared robe. I should not wonder if you saw her
this very night. Be happy whilst you may, whilst
youth and beauty lasts. They . qiiickly psis and
never return; and in love be adventaronsand bold,
like a true Spaniard inulgathuit gentleman. Dar.
ing wins the day." Be departed, Federico re
mained alone.
With a smile at bis friend's advice, the young
man sat down to study. But he soon started up,
and gazed like one in a dream at the massive vol
umes encumbering his table. He knew not how ft
happened, but the well known letters of the alpha,.
bet seemed changed so inexplicable bieroglyphiqi.
The simplest passages were wholly unintelligible;
the paragraphs were all rose colored; black locks
and brilliant eyes twined and sparkled through the
q uaint arabesques and rngit . lar capitals that comp
meneed each - chaptet of the code,. enniesirqg and
dazzling his brain. - At list he angrily slammed the
itarciament bound volume, muttered a cause Orilitl
own folly, then laughed alotid la-the recollection
of that comical bid fellow, Genii - time Regatta,. and
went ki`bed: There to - found tittrero - L-Wheo fie
closed his eyes, the slendei form of
gilded before- hinr, Her =bite bandy extendedly/1m
beneath bet- air illa,lieckoned hint teltillewieway 4 "
he feh the prieture Of-the 'Ohl 1 1 O l gOt;j194:;i 6 10.
breath upon his cheek, 'her voles; iipo 6iptAi.k4
wins., and when be started ••• afeeppitwai
to fancy the rustle of *dress, naweetlow 'woke :
that timidly, uttered his pare,. ' . - the nigpt,
gab! 14 ?*irds, 444 :6 4iLt
'evader autt.mare refreshing onsberorgot Adieu!
be arose,. he found, to his coastiniaties l ibe. she:
atoszoirm or votrunctrhort neon um iastaanga'
=I
whotlred. haunted his dreams wet Nosily yiesent
to b traki" .. g imagination. The faseinafing image
of the beautiful stranger had establishid iteeif in his
-beast, Ind• Federico felt that all aid' a to dislodge
•
alveoli() be as , frnitless as painWC
" I believe To rsorcery," he soliloquised, " I should
think that old ,roue Gera:limo has Fast a charm
over me. He predicted that slit, would visit me
this nicht, end' truly sbe has d6ne an;airjd here re.
mains. Whether itbe for tint',best T gfeally , doubt.
Musing on the fair appamtion thai thus pertinaCi 7
•orisly immtled upon hint; the'yciore,. lawyer Areas.
ed himself, • ft 'Wilt lath en to iamb' fbt lagt time,
he resolved to remain at home,.and stpdy hard the
whole day, lint somehow or other, exactly at the
• me hour as on the previous one, he found him:
self in the Calle Aleala ; and scarcely %yes be there,
when the brown carriage and the splendid horses
came rattling by. And there, upon the porplocush
ions, sat, mote beautiful than ever, the divinity who
for the last twenty-four hours has monopolised so
large a share of the love-sick student's thoughts.
lie gazed at her with rapture, and involuntarily
bowed his head, as to a being not of the Noah. She
smiled her look had something inquiring and
mystericips: the:,, as if by accithint, she placed her
hand upon the edge of thecarriage, wallet a flower
fall. Almost before it reached the ground, Federi
co caught and concealed it-in his bosom, as though
it had been some precious jewel which all would
seek to tear from him. It was,an althea' blossom,
a symbol of love and hope. Like a criminal he
hurried away, lest his prize be reefs-hied, - *hen
he sudlenly found himsell face to lace With Geroni
mo, who gravely took off his hat and 'greeted his
friend.
"How goes it?" said the old-Don, his Widowed
eye twinkling sil,mifirtititly as be spoke. " Row
have you slept? Did the lady visit you or eat .?"
4, You saw her!" cried Federico'
a For F.eaven's sake, her name?"
gl BraIt!" repliedGercmimo; ; "I saw nothing. But
if ii be she who sits in yonder carriage, beware,
young man! 'Tie dangeronsl jesting with giants,
who an crush us like straws beneath their linger.
—Your life if in danger," he continued in a whis
per; f' forget this lolly. Them are plenty of hand
some laces in the world.--Throw away the silly
flower that peeps from your cent, and be offto CM.
(lad Beal, where scores of pretty girls await you...
He turned to depart; Federico detaiged him.
"Let me gt,n said Geronimo: lam in baste. I
will Call upon you presently, and yoti shall hear
more."
But notwithstanding his promise, and although
Federico remained all day at home impatiently ex
pecting him, I Geronimo came not. Never had the
student been' so out of temper. He bitterly re
proached himself as a dreamer, a fool an idiot and
yet there he remained, his thoughts fixed npon one
object, his eyes rivited on the almond blossom,
which he had placed in the water, and whose deli
cate cup, now fully open, emitted a delightful per
fume. And as he gazed, fancy played her wildest
pranks with the enamoured youth. Small fairy•-
like creatures glided and 'lanced between the rusty
stamina of the graceful flower —At:times its leaves
seemed partly to close, and from out the contracted
aperture, the lady of his thoughts smiled sweetly
upon him. Then the welcome vision vanished,
and was succeeded by stern frowning faces of men,
armed from head to heel, whO levelled daggers at
his heart.
"By StJago r the bewildered student at lasiez
claimed, "this is to much.—When will it end ?
What ails me? Have Iso long withstood the fas
enations of the black-eyed traitresses, to be thus at
last entrapped and unmanned! Geronirno
. was
right; at daybreak I start for Cindad Real. I will
think no more of that perilous ',Ten." He plucked
the almond blossom from its vase. "And this flow.
er," he pensively murmured, " has touched her
band, perhaps her lips! Oh! were it possible that
she loves me!" As he spoke, he pressed the flow.
er so impetuotisly hi, his month, that its tender
leaves were crushed and tarnished. He laughed
scornfully," Thus is it," hs exclaized, " with
woman's love; as fair and as fragile as this poor
btosom. Begone, then ! 'Wither, and become
dust, thou perishable emblem it,of frailty !" And ap.
preaching the open window, he was about to throw
away the flower, when something flew into the
room, struck his breast, and rolled u*ithe ground.
—Federico started back, and his eye fell upon the
clock that regulated his studies--The hands were
On the midnigtrkand for a moment, in his then ex
eited state, a feeling of superstitious feat stole over
hirm—he nest.instant he was again at tha,Win
dew, straining his eyes through the gloom. He
could see nothing. The night was dark : a few
large stars twinkled in the sable canopy, the jaarnin
bushes in the balcony rustled in the breeze, and
brushed their cool leaves against his heated tern-
Who is there r he cried. His question
was unanswered. Closing the jeknizies, he took a
light and sought about the room till he perceived
something white lying under the table. It was a
paper wrapped round a roll of wood, and secured
by a silken thread. Trembling with eagerness, he
detached the scroll. Upon it were traced e few
lines inn woman's handwriting. "If you isrewilb
ing," saran thei missive, "to enetroutejr-somer tin t
for an interview with her who writes this, yciti Win
repair, to-morroweVening.at nine o'clock, to , fee
western door of the chtfleh of St..Janses. Rim WI
ineetyOn therein whom you may.,conflde, .hp
%eke Youwkat.fiower yotElove best." •
"Arid though death-were in the rube" extlainsi
ed 'Federico with vehement passion-'-‘ l 'itluVr
thousariii sa4:4l opt i'' . rne, and, #inw.reriiii
mend hileseigTe".:RaPaileell ll l that eitfees W,lth this
habitusillealtion - ot Idainehtegan. 4 , 4 1 witgb;". he
iteezmOd' i liitit taimisebtkiiiknilltyr,lethretike!ie,lel
gO'i 'andibt r uggiirts4 ll . 'l6. 9 ' 1 11 44,P 1 4, 4'. 'at I f *
feet, Iw i l go.h
.4.apjit "Ar 11 ,I 3 9 3 thi gl l jqt
the:Oug. Pow; Ipi;cl . 4 3 A 4 . 4 4 1 .0 . r 6 4 41 .;r9,10.
l'esmented- by, sieteesedidoebOvente ow%
tette!, net the least of these araseirees: robe.'
1 , 15,
1 . f'l '. .)
ENE
H
41 1 4, 1 ***94 not 116 ti 9P
amlmaripperhapti, the work of soma toiselliev
onil jester,l6 send him tin a Tool's errand ukthe die.
iget 9 f Above aft 1144..4, he
utislied,iiiiee his frienkderarsitnn big although
he passed the day in invoking . his presence, and
heaping eunnieon his yead, that personage did not
appear =Evening came: the "sun vet &A L Ile.
hind the gardens of Boen Retire ; at last it was
quitedaril'."FLMerien-wrappedfiiinseiffn his cloak,
pressed his bat over his brows, concealed in - the
breast . of.his -coat one of these forbid:lett knives
whose abort strong triangular blade as six. terrible a
weapon inn Spaniard's hand, and crossing the Pla
za Mayor, glided swiftly through the streets awl
tastes, until, exactly asThe clock of Stiasne'schurch
stmck nine s he stood beneath the massive. arches
pf,the sestem portico. All was as still as the grave.
The dark enclosures of a convent *rose at a. 4120 Ft
distance, and, Gem a small high windoW a srditary
ray of light fell upon the painted figure of the Fir-.
gin that stood in its .grated niche on the church
wait .
.
His back againsiMe Mono parapet in :thee dark
est comer of the portico, Federico posteil himself,
silent aud motionless. He had, suit long waited,
when he heard the seuld ot footsteps upon the
_rough pavement., They came nearer ;.-a shadow
crossed the front of Um embed gateway and was
merged in the, gloom, as its owner, muttered huh*•
tinctly, to himself ,: entered the portico.- It as -a
man, closely mu ffl ed in a short cloak.• To
judge
from his high and pointed hat, lie belonged -the
lower class of people; a wild bluck,beard, u mo
ment visible in the light from &eel:moves wiintow,
was all of his physiognomy discernible by the stu.
dent, He might be anything; a Gallego, a mule
teer, a robber. .
After a moment, Federico made a slight noise,
and advanced a step from his corner: " Who is
there r cried the stranger.-.." Who is .there V' he
said. "Answer in God's name. What do you
here at this time of night e
" Who questions , me In boldly demanded . the
young man. And at the same time heapproaehed
the speaker.
For a moment these tiro men gazed suspicions.
ly at each other: then the stranger again spoke.
" Night and solitudaenjoin prudence', senor, said
he ; " and so, keep your distance. What brings
yon to this gloomy church door; At this hour such
gay catchers are often foaect in.the Prado or the
Delicate, plucking flowers for their mistresses,"
" I love flowers," replied Federieo l "but I also
love solitude."
" And what flowers, my gallant young gentle
man, do you lore best?" 0
" Enough ! Enough!" joyfully ecclaimed tie
student. - 'Tts you I seek :I am ready to follow."
Without reply, the stranger produced a long black
lEll
"What is that?" , said Federico, who diligently
observed his movements.
4 ' To blintifold you." •
it Why 'I"
"Senor, that you may not see whither I conduct
you.'
" Net so!" cried the student, suspiciously. h I
will follow, but with open eyes."
The Gallego shrew the skirt of his large clOak
over his left shoulder, touched his pointed hat bY
way of saluation : and said courteously ; "Buenas
noshes, senor. May you sleep well, arid live a
thousand years''
4, Stop !" cried Federico ; yOu are mad. Whith
er away !"
a Home."
%V ithout me ?"
" Without you, senor. The truth is you are wan
ted blind, or not at all ?"
The result of the colloguy.that ensued was, that
the Gallcgo twisted his cloth thrice round the stn.
dent's eyes, cars and more, and led him earefdlly
acrosathe Plaza, down a street and round sundry
corners and turnings, till at last he deposited him
in a carriage, which instantly set oft at a rapid pace.
A tolerably long drive, by no means a pleasant one
for our adventurer, a hose guide held his hands
firmly in his probably to prevent his removing the
bandage—the coach stopped, the two men - got out,
and Federico was again conducted for some distance
on foot. Ile knew that he was still in Madrid, for
he walked over pavement, and. in spite of the thick
cloth that impededhis heaving, he could distinguish
the distant sound of carriages and tbct hum elide.
Presently a door creaked, and he apparently enter?
ed a garden, forthere was a smell of dowers and
rustling of loaves ; thence 'be ascended a staircase,
and' was conducted' through-cool lolly aparthierits,
arid through doors which-seemed to open and 4ul
of themselves. Suddenly his companion- let,go his
heed. Federico stead fora minute in itilent ex.
pee -tenon, then gropitt round tam with eixtendid
arm, he said, in a low - - voice—" Am I. et unit:sem ,
ey's end Answer !" Bat nobody replied :
By ride 'decided pull, the student tore the b i aitd 7
ago from his eyes Ind gazed around him in weifi
der and bewilderment. He was, albeein a speci.
outland maztveifteent apartment, whose:walls -*ere
tapestried with striped bide., and White satin, and
whose carved ceiling was richly gilt and- decorated.
'she-tall Vepetian fulcra*, the costly furaimm, *he
beautifully fine Indian mimic, everythirtgiiv the
room, in shed cirvineed him that he itis'yvellie l i
favored mode of wealth, Ott rank, eutl kit tiy.f—
A lamp, evtuventled by silver Chides,. 1124, .. sk t fi
light over therepartment. Fedetiza's position- was
tr denbtfdl, probably a arterial; ofic„; but, lore
etnydeard,him, and he , Celt the ttithellf ) . sliying-oK
GerOnimo's, that coura g e grdws Wit% peOli,,gap.,
pen what might, there he wee, and be knew no
kW. ' The . intkpettepiible hi Meant them - ti - as
bi ltfe,.*Be l . t9 l te - 4, 6 4!:tt, i3 , 1 0:1 4 'f. 1 4'w0tt*..
ti t
ek,:l4-14.lf,Aefu - 700„reoc* co*,, L ilk
usalhetViLeuellmktd Atabiusdhetifiviviltrea Ilia
perhaps been thus cutoff. that he tail ' iv
,_ _ _slic!.- 020 4PL',-- Jill 1 - iiiii JP4- Nift_4.m.kfrkt;Y: -Pe • :Ira
ihiamplaukortunktgeoy , ..,4:withaniuitit _
ded from thi wall ; he pimps& .0, Alm' ,
liffiMlll
=EI
, .74
Pin
tv*itt .tirs-,?lp!Staaritt32l
v.:laq
.1$ 'lr. ViN "_,ll
lIM
1=
ME
IiZEMZEI
rilMr_WE
and. a Fry el astonishment4ruT, it F.,,,. *
Abe student. Beaming with - loroliness,,a binge up
•on her etreekFu soft smile ation-her rosy "-lixinthe.
lady' of his thaughtststood before film'.
For a ineinent the pair gazed tit . , ea& otlser in
silence. Melt looks teliinimore eloquently than any
words the lusce..that 41ntants. But swirl
Federico Started from his !Met' trance threti himself
at the - reet pf the - :144 sefiingfierhancli
Pressed it ardently toltis lips;stiremnria,g tile *tiler
iu and passionate 'advents, such torcilretiMul ,m
-pturous sentences} as only speak pod
helni
alone can compre . rads mood oVet kit?,
her graceful form slightly heaved, her laigis
rt us eyes alternately. fixed upon the ll,neeffeglottth
and ruittig ansionklY round the apartment
,
" Don Federico," . alle* said, ka twins w,hoge
sweelnetts thrilled his 'blood, it May the .ifely
gin forgive my , nnmaidenly befit - e'en. filler
yielded to arr itnpalse stronger "thau , ..mY reams, to
the (le:4're of seein4iMit,,uffiearing—):'
" - Mat T lore yorf,'Y interreptea retterico-Ji tint,.
I adore you Since `the first hoar gat I heitelkiyoß,
—that I toed die at your feel ifyithrefuse mehlope 1"
Bhe bent for , :ra'rd,
upon his - throbbing forehead._ The touch trait elec
tric, the fiery - glow carp-;ision
" Light of my eyes !' !she whispered, "It were in
rah' to deny flint rqy hrart Bird 9ktriov,
is 'a flowei on the
6 I fear nlitilekfalc''' KNlerigiririiiietuottsli es
•
etaistlO.
,••
sr flare yitu:risk everything ?"' •
6 , For yoit love, evetything t''. the euihusias-
tie reply.
" Listen, then, o difficult that be s etirsand
say if they are surntountable."
The maiden pas ed, startedi,greW pale.
"Hark exclaimed'--" what is that ? Ile
comes! Be still! be silent'." With Wild and ter
rified haste, she seized, Fedrricp's . lnul, dramed
Ern across-the room, and : ' opened a deur.
student frit a. burning kiss upon his lips, and be
fore he knew •where be was the gooi wait shpt, and
heowas in total dm - litter. bad *Oiled
since he entered the house. bad-occurred so rapidly
was so mysterious and stertiltel,:!hariryvas utterly
be w Ratite& For amorti d!t trhethtdiAit hiibiOr be
trayed, groped roued4ts ;prison, Which Was *nen
row closet, found the 4100r,-4ind; grasping Ids .atdi•
etto, was about ttifome bis. *av cOixlio*
when he suddenly heard bratty steps ; pit, the,piltat
side of the .tirstresl screen. ..aletiordirssi he Mr
teued. .
" Bring lights!" said a deep, commandivg voice,
"the lamp burns dim as in a bridal chapaer:.'
It anticipate* its office,""replied moth" wide
voice, with a laugh, "Is not your we4ingAloy
tiled ?"
" Not yet; in the course of next Week ; perhaps,'
answered the first speaker, binding, up and down
the apartment: • .
. •
" Yon ate in st - nall haste," returned his compaw r
4m, "to enjoy what all envy you. Never ,did I
behold beauty mow divine and captivating.°
" Beautiful shocertainly is," was ate reply ;
.but
what is wornatis beauty l—the vision of a day.;
snow, sullied and dispelled in a night."
You are in exceeding good Winer," said the
friend of this morose and moralizing bridegroom.
A pause ensned, during lirrhich Ferletneoisleart
beat so strongly that he thought it* , throbbing,
most sorely be audible , thmagh the slight berrfer
which new sepamted , him from . theipeulteree A
servantbrought lidos, anil a slender bright ref shot
through a lotion epening'in the tapestry, , previtsusly
unobserved by the student. Applying his eye , to
the crevice, he obtained a, view of the apartment,
and ot the persons whose conventatiorphe hadever•
heard. One of these wore a uniform glittering with
embroidery ; the pther was dressed in Neck With
several stare and orders on his breast. Both time
in the. middle period of Ide: the one • in uniform
was the youngest and most agreettbk?, looking! , the
dark features ot the other were of a-sombre and
unpleasing east.
The servant left the room, and the . mar. in black
suspended his walk and paused oppcishe his friend.
You had some things to communicator' he
raid in a suppressed voice. •
" Am we secure fminlistenersViasked •the al+
cer, in Freneh. ' • ' •
" Entirely, and doubly so, if we speak French
Ros.anra herself, she, oserh 9 ar us, would be
none the wiser."
- k Ceuta," said the so!a.iier,!i ishicenoly wish feu
joy of this' ntatime." • - r fli
" A thousand thanks•! But with , equal sincerity I
tell) on that latn , heartdy weary' of ipeh axigntu.
!minas. ; Iti , marrying. oar - gives andlitkes. Igive
Rosaum my name and rank, titles and dignities,
hOttnis and privileges." • • • •
' And inc. take ' , dal lovely' *int and's 'relr et;
stale. A fair elehange,' Viellbiag. 1 eati-nuty ,
say that The world itiondibil'ini4id deny nt eohitn.
able a Milt*: and even litAilineartti: t beliiffliitit
certain " ' •
!elite *odd - is' p.te,libiinidtaktM, 9 irite4iapted the
el I' ettlit . )lfy% reviittiittaura, andi haie biti
MajartiiilMtimint what fitot
men take-me foriit they lta ' '
Hd tifottel lolsgied
setiMfal • '
' " Welt Plaid the 136.er
"'Solve tfie fiddle ye emelf.""' k ' • '
" I understand ! your position' Tiiiiena.Yitit
tare &At thedeci 3 iNe Waite* ak4g4il WAl,fre
ta*aea a TalcaaaraMia 1 44-# 4 s )l ..almso44,ePlaY th
.
‘ 9 3l 4liThfri thn ASPICION:Pri4 ?MOP!**
Orjt . 4,4 4 945aukr*1i0 iAbeglo,lss, 4
b*Mkgre
a Bryskt...„PßlA**l4 44104 1 11 A 41,PMi
the luckless engineer -1-
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s uenuserlit ifulosolleda 7 u3f eribiltieuescrirspiso
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VII ,BLiwiroT
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