The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-11-05

back Of a chair, her hand shook, her face grew
colorless, aud her effort 20 stiae the mother in.
| stinct oyercame her for one instant. She
| swRyed, but recovering added in a broken
voice; lyon forget that Eleanor Romano has
disgracod me aud my family. Good morning
Who has disgraced you and your family!
am the lawful, welded husband Of Eleanorl
| - The physician now stepped forward and
abruptly cut short the impulsive words of Ray.
mond Douglas, who had suddenly rushed into
/ the room. lie was tall, young and manly, and
stood there flushed and excited.
Your wife is very ILL., Come Immediately
to her and there may be a chance Of recovery.
! am her physician"
But whore are you goingH Not out Of this
housey" exclaimed Raymond, rs the Doctor
led the way 90 the front door.
Dr Melville shook his bowed head.
oh God, what does this mean." came IN
slow, measured terms from blOOdless lips as the
younger man heard the order, TO the hos
pltai, John, as quickly as possible" aud they
stopped into the Doctors coupe.
Neither man thought for an instant Of the
mother whose presence aud home they haI 50
abruptly left Her pride controlled every nat
ural instinct. The name Of Romano would be
eyerlastlnRly disgraced il the world knew she
had Inundated herself by going 10 the bedside
oil Wayward child. She had received no proof
Of marriage.
+" Clarence must attend TO this at once" wss
her mental conclusion as she assembled the
stairs.
The day waned and still Clarence was sleep
ing on the effects Of his recent carousal. But
a. : p m. he languidly entered the dining room.
where his mother awaited him. The table.
with All that quiet elegance could suggest. was
sot Ter two. Az this meal Mrs. Romano had
resolved 20 cOnfde 10 her beloved son an that
had passed, aud 20 interest him in asceraining
Uhe reasons Tor secret marriage aud all details
OF the mystery.
Clarence, dear, am glad you are better.
Serve dinner, James,
" am better; yes. Mother, you will have TO
excuse me. ! have really an important en-
gaRement TO dine ont tonight"
Where, CareRcel" regretfully.
Now, my sweet mother, what a question.
out, dearest As 10 where c'cst n'imp porte.
Adleu, cherie,' aud with touch Of his pol
luted lips upon his mothers brow he hasteDed
out OF the house il had now became quite the
exception for him 10 dine at home.
Iwenty-eght his last birthday Surely,
Clarence will soon settle down. Such noble
boy These thoughts ran through the moth
ers mind as She slipped her delicate soup.
Meanwhile the coupe had stopped at the hos
pital door and the men alighted Not a word
had been exchanged on the rapid ride. The
evident mental torture Of the young man by
ms side had prompted a respected silence on
the part OF the kind hearted physician. He
knew Raymond Douglass family. Honor
and integrity is born in every vein Of a Doug
las am satisfied these children will explain
away every doubt. God bless them = and from
this mental conclusion the Doctors mind re-
verted 70 his many patients aud the remedies
advisable 10 use la some stubborn cases.
They entered the main door, aud hinging
their coats and hats on hall chair made their
way 60 Eieanors room.
"Al depends upon your absolute selfcon-
troll, and they crossed the threshold as the Doc
tor whispered these words 10 Raymond.
The beautiful girl was sleeping. How the
young lover yearned TO rush forward, after long
separate on. aud awaken his bride with kisses
and explanations Of bis absence But no; for
Der sake absolute selfcontrol His heart
thumpod and bounded against his side. Then