The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-14

find word Of TIE little English that he knew; and
what was worse, he could not find . carriage.
although there were ten before him. Constance had
already seen that she had not to deal with r0us
she called to the driver OF carriage and drove into
It.
They crossed the East river on the Brock
Ign ferry boat, ard drove to the solitudes Oh
Greenwood After an encouraging smile, Con-
stance perctiving that Leon was unable to
recover his presence Of mind, began slowly and
langushngly to describe the scenes and enjoyments
of her youth, the gardens where she bad sported;
TIE first tears and the first pains Of her heart. Her
voice became more pathetic as she approached the
then period Of her existence.
Leon was deeply moved, although the grand dis
closure had not yet been made to him. Constance
Interrupted her narrative for few moments she
seemed plunged in painful meditation. ado you
suffer n asked Leon. Yes" she said, putting her
on Leon tender look, which galvanized him at
once, ard restored to him his ard0r and his el0-
quence He tell at the feet OF the fairincognito and
passionattly exclaimed: Receive, Miss, the enthu-
siasic homage If ran who has been captivated by
your beauty. your misfortune and your youth.
Deign TO have confidence in me, open to me your
soul and count upon my entire devotion
He took the hand of the beautiful girl, kissed 1t
respectfully and resumed his seat.
please, what clock is it," inquired the young
girl. with deep sigh.
1T is Just four O'clock" answered Leon, with an
ther sigh no less deep.
These tender words were followed by silence
which em,iaced world of mysterious happiness.
ave must go back to New York." resumed Con-
stance, SCR our people take tea at Six, and my
mother would feel uneasy not seeing me come
back"
Leon communicated this order to the coachman,
who changed his direction and returned towards
New York. The two lovers spoke little. Constance
continued to preserve unbroken silence in regard
to the secret which had urged her to write to the
young man. Leon began to-, to find !. this M
liant hau fundo thn fairy uOu hav
conf ience in me; You do not venture to speak to
me with an open heart Well, no matter; respect
your secret; but, pray, will you frankly answer
simple question: DO you believe that you will ever
Constance smiled, and, putting her hand in that Of
the young man, said to him, in very low voice,
"Wbat fool you are! love you already The
boat had arrived; and the two lovers, separating,
fixed day and hour for second rendezvous.
Leon, jealous of his good fortune, did not
breathe a word about it to anybody A month
time, SO that ] saw him but rarely. Besides,
our relations had been but the slight one OF CASTRO
nomica conpanionship, and did not care to trouble
myself about his conduct 1t is to be presumed,
however that the hasOn continued without obstacles,
for one day he told ne in mysterious way that he
wanted to speak to me, asking me to come up to his
room. When there he narrated to me what have
just stated, and added that ne had often seen sne
Young girl since. He could never, however, get her
to confess her secret and he began to feel anxious
about the turn the affair was taking in consequence
of letter be had just received and which he put
into my hand. II was as follows = ,
sr-For the Las, month have remarked the frequent
absence OF my daughter Cor stance Her mother, too,
has spoken 10 about certain symptoms as strange as
inexpicable IN Young girl. You understand me, !
suppose have followed my daughter ana have had
her watched by friends: am satisfied as to your being
in company with her. am father, sir and boun1 70
watch over ibe honor Of my family therefore, inform
honor 70 me By marriage, shall summon you before
aiibuna which viii do me justice In the event OF its
ardly ana immoral conduct W. i. H. Il.
This sfair is taking rather a tragical turn, my
dear Leon In what trap You have fallen!'
Il uIdeIstard the matter as little as you" was
bis reply This father of family is la6oring un-
der a singular delusion. ] do not know what he
IA the times OF miracles, and, without miracles,
swear .tat SO far as am concerned, the good man
is raying."
"Indeedf"
"On my soul am in earnest"
'Then It is a snare which has been laid for you.
Take my advice, aud do not again try to see this
young girl Ii you have nothing to do in New York,
would further advise you TO leave the city as soon
as possible: your departure will solve the question"
At this moment some one knocked at the door,
Leon went to open 1t.
Mr.. Leon Z" asked the new conner.
:" am the person. SIR
Il should ike to speak to You in private for few
moments. / am the agent of Mr.. r" added the
stranger, looking al Leon with a glance Of ntelli-
gtnCe.
He took me apart and told me to 60 into the next
ROOM from whence would be able, without being
sen to hear the whole conversation.
listened attenfiyely.
letter from Mr.. r., and explained his mission.
al an q lawyer, sir, and charged by Mr.. r., who
is not only my client but also my friend, to learn
your intentions relative TO his daughter. You have
ssdrced this child, sir, and in requesting an imme-
date marriage We do not CAIN anything more than
sin pie justice. Miss Constance is OF good family,
and well educated; you cannot, therefore, oppose
any serious objection to what we demand"
"lou are mistaken, SIR replied Leon, II have a
very decided to offer TO IL. In the first place,
LET me sag that am absolutely ignorant OF what
YOU understand BY seduction. IL there are dsquief-
ing symptoms in the air. cannot help IL: for so
lernnly swear that am entirely stranger to them.
Therefore. cannot marry Miss Constance, and now
less than ever
THE young lady eill testify against you, sir and,
aocc riding TO our laws, which, you will learn by
ard by, are the best in the world, you will have
TO do her this Justice You have been seen several
times with her, and that is enough 10 prove your
cupability. People In America do not Joke in this
matter, biz. However, II you have an nvincible re-
pugnancy to marry Miss Constance, and II You
should like TO enter into other arrangements, ]
might, perhaps, be able to propose to her father
Il DO not understand you, sir" remarked Leon.
II mean" said the other. ian amicabIe trans
action in which both sides, concessions might lie
ui'tr. Vu Ntaithy, WIN thiNc hhVu7ahu
dollaIs"-
at Is enough" said Leon IL understand the
whole affair perfectly now; You are the mediator in
speculation Of which my purse Is to cover the ex.
penses. You are mistaken, sir; you shall not have
0 dollar"
Then, sir, we shall attack you, and your name
viii lie exposed before the public
"Do as you please, but take yourself at once out
Of this ROOM
Tie lawyer made profound bow, and left the
apaItn ent.
The snare manifest. and the speculation was not
without ts chances of Thanks 10 that impru
cent law which considers the oath OF woman a sufi
Gent proof Of cupability in such matters. Witnesses
not necessary, because In cases OF the kind
witnesses are not easily 10 be found.
However this may be, Leon found himself in
critical position. lie must either marry, pay, or fly.
There was no other way Of avoiding the scandal Of
o suit.
lad heard everything from the room where
was ! advised Leon Immediately 70 pack up ard
leave He followed my advice, and started without
=. u. H.. L. IA -