Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-04-01
AT THE ALTAR.
ny MARY C. PRESTON,

els this true, Constance? Are YOU
indeed betrothed. going to marry an
other tomorrow"
Constance Ashley was white to her
lips, and trembling like a reed. She
loved the man before her with love
that made her chafe madly against
the morrow's sacrifice. Was it any,
thing less? Shewas giving acold hand
and colder heart to the man whose
money had saved her RATHER from bank
ruptcy.
One year before she had been so
happy, for Charles Vincent, her fathers
bookkeepcr, had taught her to love
him with the best love of her young
heart.
Then a position had been offered
him in a distant city that promised
rapid advancement, and he had ac-
cepted, leaving Constance free save
for the bonds of loving faith he
placed about her in the hour of their
parting.
~ will work very hard" he said,
when holding her hand in their good
bye. at may be years before can
come to you as could wish to, but
may carry with me the memory of
your dear face; the touch of your
hand; the precious hours have spent
with you, and will be made stronger
by the thought that am not forgot
ten by YOU"
"Forgotten?" Constance repeated.
looking up through tears that gath
cred thickly in her glorious eyes.
"Never forgotten; but thought of in
every hour every moment - with
hopes for your welfare and PRAYERS
for your safety. When you return,
Charlie, you will find that time can
not change me-"
'"rhank you, dearest, he whispered,
bending to touch his lips to her white
hand. II leave you without a fear.'
And that was but one year before
the embarrassment. the threatened
failure, that had driven her father al
most wild with fear and ended, almost
without her realizing what she was do
ing, in the promise of her hand to one
whose generosity had placed the firm
OF Ashley & Ashley beyond danger.
She had not forgotten, had not been
about her from which she could not
free herself; and tomorrow she would
become the bride of Ernest Riviere.
Rumor had brought the informa-
ton to Charlie that Constance was
promised to another-about to be-
come a bride; and he had left his post
of labor to satisfy himself ofthe truth
OF thereport.
The servant had said he could not
see Miss Ashley.
''Tell her | am a very old friend. I
will only detain Miss Ashley g. mo-
ment, but I particularly wish to see
her."
And, not knowing who awaited her,
Constance had descended to the par
lor-to meet his cold, half-scornful
eyes and turn white as a corpse at the
sight of his handsome face with it's
wealth OF accusation.
at is true" she said, answering his
question simply.
"Then | have trusted you in vain"
he cried, his eyes taking a look of deep
suffering; II have worked and hoped
and built my fond, foolish castles,
while you were forgetting me in the
new love you were winning"
"Charlie, you are very cruel!" Con-
stance said, in low, broken tones ::
"you do not know-how can you?
You did not see my father as l did,
on the very verge OF despair, given
lie and hope by the man who was his
friend; you do not know how un-
generously that friend claimed, as re-
ward for his kindness, the reluctant
hand OF my fathers daughter! Spare
me l. single reproach; am sad, very
sad-hearted, Charlie; now go; wish
-ah, Heaven! how l wisl-you had
not come"
And she wrung her white hands in
agony. AS the young man made a
movement toward her he was checked
by the opening door, and Constance's
father entered, bent and white-haired.
"Glad to see you my boy" he said,
holding out a cordial hand. "You
are going to remain for the wedding,
OF course? Nonsense !" as Charlie
muttered some word OF apology; ''you
must. Why, it is only a day off, and
my daughter will carry off the seasons
prize"
The brilliant parlors were ablaze
wi, h the glitter OF jewels and odorous
with the perfume of dollhouse bloom.
There was an actual "crush' of the
very cream OF the city who were anx-
ious to behold, for the last time in her
maiden freedom, the fair daughter of
the house.
She came at last, in the flowing
bridal draperies, orange buds upon
her, and dainty bridal roses that were
not winter than her girlish cheek.
She took her place at the side of the
expectant bridegroom, who was him.
self rather pale; and silence fell sud-