The Argosy — page 32: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

224° ; THE ARGOSY. bowing caballeros in somber black, interweaving, separating, swinging and turning in the figures of the always beautiful Spanish dance. But to the lone prospector, standing in the outer darkness, it brought memories, sadly contrasting with the present, of two years before, when, in luck, with money and good clothes to sport, he was a welcome guest at the house of the alcalde, who showed high approval of his attentions to Lola. Now in his poverty Don Albino gave him the coldest of cold shoulders, and did not invite him to his house, or even to drop in for a chat at his office. It was the way of the world, Campthorne knew, and he would not have minded it were it not for Lola. His misfortunes made no difference with her, to be sure—they drew her to him the more strongly—but with her father against him, and the cross old aunt, who acted most vigilantly as her duenna, it was difficult for him even to exchange a word with her in those bad days. And now here was Don Enrico, rich and handsome, favored both by father and aunt, with every chance to make his court to Lola. Who could say that she night not be badgered and commanded into a marriage with Don Enrico at last. It was with a heavy heart that Campthorne turned his back on the music and lights and went over to the modest home of Pablo Martinez, the teamster, where he knew he should be made welcome to the hospitality the house afforded, a pair of blankets and a place on the floor to sleep. Merrily the dance went on, and Don Enrico was often the partner of Lola, who being of southern blood and feminine, with all her loyal love of Campthcrne, could not help feeling flattered and pleased at the preference of the young 7zco who had found no girl in his own-county to keep him from coming over to Los Majones to.dance with her; and she knew what it meant—to ask her hand in marriage. By Mexican custom the real pro- posal, of course, would be made to her father, who would assume to settle the matter out of his own wisdom. But as a matter of courtesy Don Eurico would make a formal and elaborate proposal to her, with her’ aunt on guard in the background, so that she might have the pleasure of saying yes, in an affair already decided. — | At supper Don Enrico sat opposite Lola at the head of the table, and the guests looked upon them as already an engaged couple. Later when the dance broke up and the guests had departed to their homes, or gone to the rooms assigned them in the alcalde’s house, Don Albino called Lola into the reception room to inform her that Don Enrico had formally asked her hand In marriage. ‘‘T have given -my consent,’’ he said. ‘‘ Your aunt also approves. When does it please you that the wedding shall be? I wish to consider your wishes in the matter.”’ . He looked at Lola as if having no doubt that his announcement would be received with blushes and delight. But there was an expression on his daughter’s face that caused his own to take on a shade of stern surprise. Her cheek was pale as she answered him, but her words were plainly to be understood—and they were astonishing to a Mexican father’s ears. ‘But, father, I don’t want to marry Don Enrico. Why should you talk of my appointing a wedding day, when I want none—not yet ?.”’ Eomicbooks ‘co