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Updated: June 4, 2025
"About sixty leagues from here, in the heart of the Indian country, there is a placer of gold of incalculable richness; it was discovered by my adopted father. My mother on her death-bed gave me full directions to find the place; and all this gold may be mine, Rosarita, if you will only love me. Without your love I care nothing for it. What should I do with such riches?"
"Oh! Senor Don Estevan!" again exclaimed the Senator in an earnest voice, "do not keep me in suspense; the divine, the rich Dona Rosarita is it possible I am to have her for my wife?" "One word from me, one promise from you, and the thing is done. I have her father's word. Within fifteen days you may be the husband of his daughter." "Agreeable as easy." "A little later you will be rich."
Hence it was that he formed the resolution to put an end to the painful suspense which he had now a long time endured; and that very night, if possible, he intended to ascertain his position in the eyes of Dona Rosarita. Come what might, he resolved to ask that question, whose answer might render him at once the happiest or the most miserable of men.
Another source of anxiety to the haciendado, was the absence of all news from the Duke de Armada; and to this anxiety was added impatience. The projected marriage between Rosarita and the Senator had been devised by Don Estevan. Tragaduros had urged its fulfilment. Don Augustin had laid the proposal before his daughter, but she replied only by tears; and her father still hesitated.
His love was unreciprocated the coolness of Rosarita, almost assured him of the painful fact and some secret presentiment told him that he was encompassed by enemies. While thus sadly reflecting on his situation, an object came under his eyes that attracted his attention. It was the gleam of a fire, which appeared to be kindled under cover of the forest at no great distance from the hacienda.
There was a short moment in which he regretted being so advanced in his opinions, and during this time the great dowry of Rosarita and her rosy lips had but slight prestige for him. "It is now twenty years," continued the Spaniard, "since I took up my real vocation in the world.
At these words Cuchillo turned pale, impatiently grinding his teeth. His arm was no longer restrained, Don Estevan grasped it no more, for he saw that the hand of Rosarita was still pressed by that of Tiburcio. "Here me further!" continued the young man.
"May God pardon him!" repeated Don Augustin, earnestly, "the noble Don Estevan was no ordinary man, or rather, that you may now know it, Rosarita, Don Antonia de Mediana, who, in his lifetime, was Knight of the Grand Cross, and Duke de Armada." "Mediana, did you say, my father?" cried the young girl, "what! he must then be his son?"
I did you the honour to believe you above certain prejudices; and even if there was anything in the past life of the beautiful Rosarita for instance, any prejudice to be trampled under foot is a million of dowry, besides three millions of expectation, nothing in your eyes?"
The melodious voice of Rosarita was now heard in a tone of disdainful anger. Tiburcio had wounded her pride. "Comprise me in his projects of ambition," said she, her beautiful nostrils curving scornfully as she spoke, "and who has told you, senor, that it is not I who condescend?"
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