The Grenada gazette., 1889-02-07

responded Philip. 81 have to tell you
then, Gaspar. that young man, il
whom am interested. has conceived
a passion for your daughter and would
fain receive her hand in marriage"
"A court gallant thought Gaspar
proudly. at is the very thing that
have been longing for"
"Have you any objection to the al
liancep" queried the Duke. ''or are her
affections engaged"
NAY, my lord
But methinks | have heard OF an
attachment between herself aud q cer-
tain young man"
ut is quite broken nup, said Gaspar,
hastily. He was unworthy of her. "
Then you have nothing to object TO
the alliance propose9'
May inquire who is the young gen.
tleman?"
"Is it not enough" said the Duke.
haughtily, that it is one in whom |
take an Interest,""
Yes; certainly" responded Gaspar.
hastily. fearing to offend the Duke,
'How much are you willing to give
your daughter as dowrye" asked
Philip.
"One-half OF all that possess" said
Gaspar, who. though covetous, was
ambitious for his daughter.
at is enough. l wish the marriage
to take place tomorrow"
"To-mOrrow So soon?' repeated
Gaspar. II fear me-you know young
girls are full of whims-that my daugh-
ter may object She may fancy that she
loves the other young man.
Send her Immediately to the palace,
and the ladies Of the court shall SO
present unto her the advantages OF
this union, tn at | warrant me all her
scruples will vanish as the morning
dew"
1t shall be done, said Gasrar, bow
ing.
And mind you breat he no word to
her of the purpose for which she is
called to court"
Il will obey your lordship in all re-
spects,' said Gaspar, glad to have the
task of persuasion, which he foresaw
would be troublesome. taken of his
hands
DO then as you are hidden. Send
your daughter TO me forthwith, and
be in attendance yourself tomorrow at
twelve TO witness the marriage.
Gaspar bowed profoundly and hast
enod home, his heart swelling with
exultation, at what he considered the
prospective greatness of his family.
For who knows he thought, but
the Duke will ennoble me- when my
daughter is welded to noble of the |
court and he privately decided TO
urge upon his daughter, at a proper
season, to use what influence she |
might be able to bring to bear upon
Philip for the attainment OF this high |
Undesirable result.
My presence required at court"
exclaimed tli1 beautiful GunstauI't An
her father communicated the Dukes |
message.
"Ies, my daughter
"And wherefore?h
That know not; but as Philip is
fond OF beauty, he has, perhaps, re.
solved to make you lady of the
court"
Il know not whether that be desira
Bile said Constance, thoughtfully
"but | will at least obey the sum.
mons"
"Good,' thought the father, well |
satisfied. "I would give something to |
know whether the Duke will be sue
cessful in accomplishing what have
not been able to do-reconcile her TO
giving up Henry Dumont."
The next day. mindful OF his en-
gagement, Gaspar took his way to the
palace to his daughters wedding.
II wish | knew who is to be the
bridegroom, he said to himself. 1T
may be De Courcy, Or again, young
Beaumont"
Entering the palace, he was again
ushered into the long audience-room.
\ curtain concealed from view the
lower end. There were present, be-
sides himself many noble lords and
ladies attached to the court, and his
heart swelled when he considered that
all this pageant was assembled for his
daughters bridal.
As the clock sounded, the curtain
rose, and displayed upon a raised dais
the bridal party. Gaspar glanced
anxiously at the bridegroom. What
was his dismay when he recognized
Henry Dumont, richly dressed. Tho
ceremony commenced, but such was
Gaspar's bewilderment that he did not
think to interfere, and the twain were
declared man and wife.
Let the rides father come for
ward proclaimed the herald.
hdspei adEdhceu mechanically 10
table, whereon he found awaiting his
signature, an instrument conveying
one-half his goods to Henry Dumont
II will not sign it," he said, hastily.
"Would you rather have it wrested
from you2"
But is that justice?' said Gaspar,
sulkily.
at is just that he who defraud.
should make restitution was the stern
reply.
Gaspar seized the pen and affixed his
signature. The consciousness Of guilt
made him coward.
Need it be said that Henry Dumont