The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-11-05

T meant.
; Ernest Black aud Ernest Potte
bad been schoolfellows and cronies il
} early days; but their friendship hat
, long since decayed. Potter was
reckless spendtbrift, who had beef
obliged 20 Leave the plungers aud sci
: his commission, swamped with in
!, Vulnerable debts. He had been an
old friend of the Browns, too, anG
Constance had formerly been infstu
aled with him bat her father, who
vas very violent, self-willed old
fellow, swore that she should never
marry such scamp
| Constance had nice little fortune
OF her owu, and she bad just come OF
age, SO that if sne persisted in throw
ing herself asd her fortune away,
there WAS no help for it. Still Ernest
thought it was his duty to stop it il
ne could. He hattered himself that
be had SOME influence over Constance;
and if he couldn't put an end to the
affair altogether, he might yet prevail
upon Der TO have ell her money care
fully tied up.
The advertisement meant an elope-
ment, Ernest thought--a clandes,iue
marriage, and the sacrifice IF girls
future to a worthless scamp. He
would be there, too, and save her if
be could.
At all events be found himself on
the platform of Victoria station at
noon.
An, there was Captain Potter, as
be expected, stalking up and down.
evidently expecting somebody. Er-
nest didnt take any note of him; and
Potter seemed anxious Oh bis part to
avoid any recognition.
But there Was no Constance He
kept. howeeeF, sharp lookout on the
captain, aod, all Of sudden, he no.
tced thai his eyes lit up, aid, turning
quickly round, Ernest saw lady in
deep mourning pass into the booking
Office.
Potter new took up position close
by the wicket that opened 10 the de-
parture Platform, where the man
STOOD Who punched holes ia the tick
cts. Presently lady in black brush
ed rapidly past. Ernest followed
her a lev PAGES to assure herself it
was not Constance Brown. No; the
lady was OF quite different carriage
ana figure irom Coneianee-more
ike his own wife, be said, with q
Jealous pang that ne laughed al him
self the next moment for feeling
Whoever it vas, she Jumped into the
carriage, and the captain alter her
fne guard whistled OF the train, and
Efuest turned away thinking that
he had been rather fool for his
pains.
TDeu be saw another young widow
gazing eagerly about ber ana Funnipg
nere and there, evidently looking Tor
some one she couldn't hud. AT last,
appareatly oFercome with em0iioa or
fatigue, she aang herself upon bench
sno hastily threw up her veil, reveal
ing the pretty, agi.aIed face of Con-
stance Brown.
Ernest sprsng toward her.
Constance" be whispered, you
here and in this disguise F, what does
il meang"
Constance burst into tears, and
sobbed out that she didn't know
II know" be said severely, you
have al engagement With that imam
Gus Potter"
"ILfsmous, indeed, said Constance;
land be has gone off with somebody
else 5"
At this moment q man in livery sp-
preached and touched his ha, to Err
nesi.
Ii was his own cosehmaD, and an
old faItful servant who had been
eoscbmsn 10 Ernest's father
Beg your pardon, Mr Ernest, for
coming up here without leave, but
nave Yea seen the mistress, cir ?"
NO What do you mean 2"
well, sir, she drove to the station
after you left, sir, sud she seemed so
wild ike, and unsceountable that
mace bold 70 follow heI, for fear she
might come 10 harm AID l folio wed
her here, sir, where she changed her
dress for widows weeds, and 20. into
the Brighton train, sir. with Captain
Potter"
Ernest turned pale and tainted
He recovered himself with great
effort
Il know" be cried. Il sen. her to
Brighton, and have just seen her Of.
How dare you follow your mistress,
sir -
The man turned away in blank
dismss
Ernest" said Constance" we've
both been deceived
Stuff said Ernest; 'it was q
trick We played you, that's all We
found out The plot. and counterplotted
10 save you"
But sill there was terrible doubt
at his heart What could ii sll !
mean?
Come into the waiting room, Con-
stance lie said, 'snd let Us talk |
An, what misery" ne muttered to
himself.
Tney turned into 8 waiting room,
and Ernes,ly threw himself upon
seat, leaned bis arm upon The table, |
and groaned
What do you intend to do, Err
aess ~ said Constance, cl1tching him |
by the arm. "IE is all very well to
tell your servant such stories. / ad-
mire yon tor it, Ernest; bat know
better 1t is deliberately planned. !
We are both deceived
at IS impossible said Ernest
How blind you are" said Con-
stance. Il always mis.rssted Tner- |
ess /: she was my early friend, ro1 re-
member. and / believe that Potter
used 10 come TO our house on purpose
TO see her, 1sing me as blind Oh,
Ernest, what shall We do z"
Il shall call special train and fol- !
low them" said Ernest.
Then | will go witt you," cried
Constance
Ernest rose and staggered 70 the |
platform once more
"ErBest r. said decisive feminine
soice 81 his elbow.