West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1894-03-15

IN announcer part or the hotel sat Mrs
Blythe by the bedside OF her daugh
ter: She was waiting for the girl t,
wake up from the few hours slumbe
she had taken that afternoon. IN,
mother was strikingly handsome
woman OF about 45, tall and graceful
in figure, and with an air of refine
ment In her features which was some
what heightened by the hdtueur OF hel
expression. So habitual was this proud
look on her face that even now, while
bending over the sleeping form OF heI
own child, the strongly marked char.
acteristic was distinctly observable.
The girl was unquestionably beauti-
ful, but the ravages of a long sickness
were plainly visible in her white and
drawn face as she slept.
Mrs. Blythe had seen the Colonel
and Claude, and a 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 curtain
thrown loosely over it.
The society woman's feelings had
fought between pride of caste on one
other, and the latter had won the
battle. Her firm resolve now was to
endeav0r 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 p0r-
trait OF Constance as she used to be-
The contrast between the merry,
ptnk-cheeked maiden of a year ago
and the pale-faced invalid lying before
her now was so great that 1t 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 1t should take place, even
II IL were death-bed wedding. Her
daughter should have the wish OF 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 nice, long sleep,
dear" she said gently, "nearly four
IT, Had you pleasant dreams?"
"Dreaming of Claude, as usual,
mother" replied the girl In low
voice. you must not be angry with
me, cannot forget him either wax
ing or sleeping. AS for my looks, /
looked
'sIf 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.
Mr. Dlufb a
with maternal smile.
You must promise me-" she said,
as she pressed fervent kiss upon
Constance's lips, otherwise 1 won't
show you"
"All right, I promise willingly" re-
piled the girl, with a puzzled express
Mrs. Blythe moved the ornamental
easel close to the bedside and drew the
curtain away.
An Involuntary start, an exclama-
ton OF glad surprise, slight flush Of
color in the cheek and then the inva-
Ids face became riyeted upon the pic
ture. There was few minutes of
complete silence, which Constance
broke by saying:
Mamma, Claude painted that"
How do you know, dear?"
II know he did-he must have done;
nobody else in the wide world could
have done! Did he send il TO you.
mamma, tell me, did hep
Remember your promise, dear
child, or shall give you no informa-
ton at all, J" answered the mother with
g playful laugh. Nov, just keep per-
fectly quiet, and I'll tell you little
secret. have sent for MIR. Reming-
ton to come back"
s.S,enf for him noannoao TIovv conld
you be guilty of such an indiscretion?"
mo indiscreti0n about IL, my dear
child. 1 sent him away from you and
II 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.
sOh you dear, sweet kind mamma,
how good OF you TO do that when you
don't like Claude
Il do like Claude, and I admit that
l have made foolish error i thought
pride was stronger than love, but I
ind that am mistaken"
when did you send for him? 1t is
a long way to New York" Constance
spoke eagerly, -questioningly.
he is on his way here now, darling,
and A want you to try and get strong
again before he comes, won't your"
Il am strong, mamma, quite strong,
and your blessed words give me extra
strength. j already feel much better. I"
Would you feel well enough 10 see
Claude II he should arrive tonight,
dear2-femember, the doctor cautions
you against the least excitement, and
be would not let you see him unless
you promised to be calm"
But / ON calm, mamma It would
not injure me. feel IL would give
me strength II l could see Claude
again"
Then, Constance, prepare TO have
your wish gratified 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 70
the servant who answered the bell.
Then she returned TO her daughters
bedside and took the invalid's hand.
"Consfance," she said, in a some.
what broken voice, II must ask your
forgiveness for the shOrtsighted cruel
~ ] WAS guilty Of when ] sent yOui