The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1885-04-04
AT THE ALTAR.
BY MARY r. Preston.


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? She was giving acold hand
and a colder heart to the man whose
money had saved herfather from bank
ruptcy.
One year before she had been so
happy, for Charles Vincent, her fathers
bOokkeeper, 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.
II viii work very hard" he said,
when holding her hand in their good
bye. 1T 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-"
Thank 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
untrue; but web had been woven
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 Il 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.
TEL her | am a very old friend.
NH ,pl,- MIC A~l -
ment, but | 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 its
wealth OF accusation.
1T is true, she said, answering his
question simply
''Then | have trusted you in vain;''
he cried, his eyes taking look of deep
suffering; Il have worked and hoped
and built my fond, foolish castles.
while you We're forgetting me in the
new love you We're 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 | did.
on the very verge of despair, given
life and hope by the man who was his
friend you DO not know how I'm.
generously that friend claimed. as re,
ward for his kindness, the reluctant
hand Of my fathers daughter! Spare
me a single reproach; | am sad, very
sad-hearted, Charlie; now go; | wish
-ah, Heaven. how | wish-you had
not come, -
And she wrung her white hands in
agony. As the young man made q
movement toward her he was checked
10y 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. "Yor
are going to remain for the wedding
of course2 Nonsense :" as Charlie
muttered someword of apology; '.vor
must. Why, it Is only dav off. anC
my daughter will carry off the season,
prize.
The brilliant parlors We're ablaz,
with the glitter OF Jewels and odorou.
with the perfume OF dollhouse bloom
There was an actual "crush" of tn,
very cream OF the city who We're anx
ious to behold, for the last time in heI
maiden freedom, the fair daughter o
the house.
She came at last, in the flown,
bridal draperies. orange buds unor
her, and dainty bridal roses that wer,
not winter than her girlish cheek.
She took her place at the side of tn,
aNnaar ant t.ufr,sF,,D,,
self rather pale; and a silence fell sud
denly upon those about them. Will,
outside the evening gloom half hid &
woman, crouchlngundero one oftheIow
untastened windows, over which vel
vet curtains fell, but through which
the clear tones OF the clergyman,
voice reached the listener.
If any one present can tell of q
gust cause for the two STANDING be-
tore me not becoming man and wife
let INN speak now, or forever after
hold his peace =
There was a slight pause, but no re.
Spouse came from the guests. among
whom Charlie Vincent stood calm and
proud, but very pale.
ne clergyman resumed, proceeding
with the ceremony, when suddenly the
curtain that concealed one Of the win
dows was thrust aside. the sash was
pushed further up, and woman-a
stranger to them aII-stepped into the
room. She advanced toward the
clergyman, the guests making way for
her. IN wondering surprise.
Hold, she said, LAYING n hand
hrnnly on the c5ergyman's arm. her
voice ringing with authority. hold.
your words are a mockerv-a bias
phemy | know OF a reason why Won
der man, pointingto the BRIDEGROOM.
should not become the husband OF
The black eyes OF Ernest Rivi.re
flashed upon the speaker. a glance
mat II vas hard to read; but his
and the hand at his side was c1ancbaJ
SO tierceIy that the glove upon it was
rent in pieces. ''''