Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1894-03-16

WOulu Hnu Clduue OF nOU, ana Qlu not
like to even hint at his coming until
they were sure he was there.
n II n n
In an elegantly furnished bedroom
in another part of the hotel sat Mrs.
Blythe by the bedside of her daugh-
ter. She was waiting for the girl to
wake up from the few hours Slumber
she had taken that afternoon. The
mother was strikingly handsome
woman Of about as, tall and graceful
in figure, and with an air Of refine
ment in her features which was some
what heightened by the hdute,r of her
expression. So habitual was this ~roud
look on her face that even now, while
bending over the sleeping form Of her
own child, the strongly marked char
acteristic was distinctly observable.
The girl was questionably beauti-
full, but the ravages Of long sickness
were plainly visible in her white and
drawn face as she slept.
Mrs. Blythe had seen the Colonel
and Claude, and consultation, with
the physician as adviser, had resulted
in the determination to prepare Con-
stance for the surprise of seeing her
lover back at her side,
The picture which had been a work
of loyal love on Claude's part, was
moved into the invalid's room in a
conspicuous position, with a curtain
thrown loosely over 1t.
The society woman's feelings had
fought between pride Of caste on one
side and love for her child on the
other, and the latter had won the
battle. Her firm resolve now was to
endeavor to undo,as far as she could,
the evil she had done. She never
seemed to realize the enOrmity of her
action until she was shown the por-
trait Of Constance as she used to be.
The contrast between the merry,
pink-cheeked maiden Of year ago
and the pale-faced invalid lying before
her now was SO great that it made her
tremble for fear her ridiculous pride
had killed her only child. A reaction
set in and now, much as she had for
merly opposed the union, she deter
mined that it should take place, even
If it were death-bed wedding. Her
heart before she died at least.
When the sick girl at last moved
restlessly. and then opened her eyes
with that tired and weary look pecul-
lar to confirmed invalids, her mother
stopped and kissed the pale forehead
affectionately.
"You have had a nice, long sleep,
DEAR" she said gently, "nearly four
hours, and / think you look better for
it. Had you pleasant dreams?"
dreaming of Claude, as usual,
mother" replied the girl in a low
voice. "You must not be angry with
me, l cannot forget him either wax
ing or sleeping. AS for my looks, |
have almost forgotten how l ever
looked"
"If you will promise me to be calm
and not get in the least excited, will
show you how you looked not long
ago." said Mrs. Blythe in an affection
ate tone.
Constance gazed on her wonderingly.
Mrs. Blythe met the questioning look
with maternal smile.
"YOu must promise me-" she said,
as she pressed fervent kiss upon
Constance's lips, otherwise | won't
show YOU"
GAN right, promise willingly" re-
piled the girl, with puzzled express
sion.
Mrs. Blythe moved the ornamental
easel close to the bedside and drew the
curtain away.
An involuntary start an eXclama-
tiOn Of glad surprise, slight flush of
color in the cheek and then the inva-
lids face became riveted upon the pic
ture. There was few minutes of
complete silence, which Constance
broke by saying:
Mamma, Claude painted that"
GLOW do you know, dear?"
81 know he did-he must have done;
nobody else in the wide world could
mamma, tell me, did he?"
Remember your promise, dear
child, or | shall give you no informa-
tion at all, answered the mother with
playful laugh. 'Now, just keep per-
fectly quiet, and I'll tell you little
secret. l have sent for Mr.. Reming-
ton to come back"
'Sent for him, mamma? How could
you be guilty Of such an indiscretion?"
"No indiscretiOn about it, my dear
child. | sent him away from you and
it was my place to recall him" Mrs,
Blythe put her arm around her daugh-
ter's neck and kissed her. AS she did
so Constance felt the warm tears drop
on her cheek and saw that her mother
was crying.
ooh you dear, sweet, kind mamma,
how good of you to do that when you
don't like Claude"
81 do like Claude, and / admit that
have made a foolish error. l thought
pride was stronger than love, but l
find that / am mistaken.
"When did you send for him? 1t is
a long way to New York" Constance
spoke eagerly,-queStioningly.
Gle is on his way here now, darling
and l want you to try and get strong
again before he comes, won't your"
Il an strong, mamma, quite strong,
and your blessed words give me extra
strength. i already feel much better"
"Would you feel well enough to see
Claude if he should arrive tonight,
dear?-remember, the doctor cautions
you against the least excitement, and
he would not let you see him unless
you promised to be calm"
"But am calm, mamma, 1t would
not injure me. feel it would give
me strength if l could see Claude
again"
"Then, Constance, prepare to have
your wish gratitled at once" said Mrs.
Blythe softly, as her finger pressed
the electric bell
There came an old time sparkle in
the eyes of the sick girl as she heard
her mothers words, the cheeks flushed
again, her bosom heayed perceptibly
Mrs. Blythe whispered few words L
the servant who answered the bell