between the object of their worship and cruel Want. Truly, this is a queer old world, and at times it seems unequally divided; but occasionally there is a shaking up all around that evens things up somewhat. Possessed of a sudden notion Cleo dressed for the street. When she went out it was with a laughing remark to Miss Becky, whom she intercepted upon the broad carpeted main stairway, to the effect that a number of little shopping duties had to be looked after. However, M'lle Cleo's ideas of the shopping district must have become a little mixed, for she sauntered in the direction of that quaint mass of stone and glass with its spire and numerous minarets known as St. Patrick's Cathedral. She looked through the iron fence at the flat slabs and few monuments commemorating illustrious Irish dead, she studied the architecture of the historic building, and cast many a curious glance at those who passed in to late mass or came out from the interior. Her object seemed doomed to disappointment, for the face she sought was not seen. Once she eyed a lady closely veiled, who came out in company with a military looking gentleman sporting a shaggy head of gray hair à la Mark Twain, also a ferocious mustache waxed at the ends and giving the wearer the fierce appearance of King Humbert. As the couple passed Cleo she chanced to hear the lady make a casual remark, and two things struck the listener as singular. [45] [45] First it was pure Spanish she heard. Second, her voice was so very melodious it seemed to conjure up visions of rippling water, warbling birds and all those things of which poets love to rave. Cleo remembered—could she ever forget the pain that shot through her heart at the time—how Roderic had grown suddenly enthusiastic when he declared the voice of Senorita de Brabant as musical as the notes of a nightingale—she had doubtless sung for him many times those passionate serenades and love songs for which dark eyed daughters of old Spain have ever been famous. Cleo could imagine how those wonderful black orbs glowed with love's sacred
Prev.
Back
Top