Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

FRIGHT @F SENORA MANCHA. 23 of marble statuary grouped here and there. It needed but the flashing of the lighted candelabra to give a bewildering effect to the scene. An hour later and the rooms were revealed in their full magnificence. Soon there was heard the rattle of volantes—by couples came the gay beauties; diamonds, lus- trous drapings, bright eyes, nodding plumes, and airy scarfs, with the fluttering of innumerable, gorgeous fans, gave a fairy- like brightness to this vision of Cuban lovelincss. Among these throngs, celebrated for their various attractions, moved the elegant Don Carlos, and the stately little general. On this hand and on that, beautiful, eager eyes awaited them, for each was, in Yankee phrase, esteemed a great catch. Many inquiries were made for the Senora Minerva, all of which were skillfully parried or answered. The lady had begged to be ex- cused till a late hour—she would soon make her appearance, etc., etc. Music abounded—the dance went on—the whist-ta- bles were full—singing sounded bird-like, from one of the dis- tant rooms—groups were partaking of ices in anether. Sud- denly appeared upon the gay, human parterre, Senora Mancha, her yellow face, puckered with wrinkles—her black eyes gleaming a desperate dissatisfaction. Here and there her gay head-dress went bobbing, and more than one remarked that there was trouble somewhere. * “Where was the general? Oh! where was Don Carlos? Had any one seen either of them ?” Yes, the general had been last seen going into the conser- Yatory with a countess, rich and distinguished. Possibly he might be found there. Distractedly Senora Mancha hurried to the conservatory$ distractingly she gazed about. No general. Then she plunged into the crowd again—caught a glimpse of Don Carlos, and made straight up to him. He felt a pull at his coat-sleeve, and looked round frown- ingly. Dismay fell upon him when he caught sight of the yellow Mancha, working her toothless mouth. “In the name of all the saints, what is the matter?” he asked. ~ _ i x ” was the mu response. x whe who 2” exclaimed Don Carlos, who had not the most distant suspicion of the truth. _ “ Minerva, your bride.” comiclooolks.comhn