The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1885-10-01
AT THE ALTAR.

Is CnlS true, COnStance? Are YOU,
indeed, betrothed; going to marry an
other to. morrow"
Constance Ashley was white to the
lips and trembling like a reed. She
loved the man before her with q love
hat made her chafe madly against
the morrow's sacrifice. Was it any
thing less? She was giving a cold hand
and colder heart to the man whose
money had saved her father from
bankruptcy.
One year before she had been so hap
Ply. for Charles Vincent, her fathers
book keeper, had taught her to love
him with the best love OF her young
heart
. Then a position had been offered
him in Il distant city that promised
rapid advancement, and he had &C
cepted, leaving Constance free save
for the bonds OF loving faith he plac-
ed about '..r in the hour of their
parting.
II will work very hard" he said,
when holding her hand in their COOL
bye. 1T may be years before | can
come to you as could wish to, but
may carry with me the memory of
your dearface; the touch OF your hand;
the precious hours have spent with
you; and will be made stronger by
thcthought that lam not forgotten by
you,
'Forgotten?' Constance repeated,
lookinsupt through tears that ga >hered
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 cannot change me-"
"Thank you, dearest, "he whispered,
bending to touch his lips to her white
hand. l leave you without u fear.
And that was but one year before
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 4 Ashley beyond danger
She had not forgotten had not been
untrue; but Il web had been woven
about her from which she could not
free herself; and tomorrow she would
become the bride of Earnest Riviere.
Rumor had brought the information
to Charlie that Constance was promis-
ed to anOther-about to become a
bride; and he had left his post oflabor
to satisfy himself of the truth OF the
report.
The servant had said he could not
see Miss Ashley.
"Tell her | am very old friend. l
will only detain Miss Ashley Il mo-
ment, but particularly wish to see
her"
And, not knowing who awaited her
Constance had descended to the parlor
to meet his cold, half-scornful eyes
and turn white as a corpse at the sight
OF his handsome face and wealth OF
accusation.
1T is true" she said, answering his
question simply.
Then | have trusted you in vain,"
he cried, his eyes taking look TO deep
suffering; Il have worked and hoped
and built my fond foolish castles, while
you were forgetting me i'll 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'd
not see my father as did, ON the very
verge OF despair,g given life and hope by
not know how anonymously that f&end
claimed, rs reward for his kindness,
the reluctant hand OF my fathers
daughter! Spare me Il single reproach;
am Livery 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 move
ment toward her hewas checked by the
opening door, and Constnace'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 NUT
tered some word OF apology; "you
must. Why, its only day off, and
my daughter wllcarry off the seasons
prize"
+
The brilliant parlors were ablaze with
the glitter of jewels and odorous with
the perfume of dollhouse bloom.
There WAS an actual sscr,,sh'' of%bo