Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-03-19

always and-to be silent. The bat
tered, brOken-down curate was looking
at them with a faint surprise in his
dim eyes. He began to wonder whether
there was anything wrong in this early
marriage and what he ought to do if
it was runaway match. However,
he reflected, il was too late to do any
thing now and the handsome fee that
De Mars9c gave him had some effect in
sitting his misgivings.
And now, darling" said Rene. as
they drove back again to Hurst. you
must be very careful what you do.
You must not let anybody suspect
Il shall be careful, OF course" Con-
stance answered, composodly. But
wish I were going away with you at
Cnce."
De Marsac looked somewhat alarme d.
That is quite impossible for the
present" he said, with decision. You
know We must wait until you are 21'
oh, yes, I know that" said Con-
stance. My uncle could revoke that
deed of gift if he liked; but when |
am of age the money will be in my
own hands and | can do what [ like. y
perhaps you can soften your aunt's
heart and bring her to give her con-
sent" said Rene, softly.
Constance shook her head with de-
cision. Il should be afraid to try.
You do not know my aunt. And you
know, Rene, there is that girl Madeline
Despard in the background"
How do you mean?" said Rene,
though he knew perfectly we'll.
Surely you know that she is my
aunt's great-niece? She is the grand
daughter of Gen. Armstrong, Lady Es-
ler'S brother. If [ were to get out of
favor she might supplant me, you
know. She is nearer to Lady Esler
than I am. | have always been rather
surprised my aunt did not adopt her
instead of me-
She did not like the girls parents,
I suppose?"
''She hates the father. And no won
der. He is thorough-going scoundrel,
believe. Still, Madeline herself is
rather pretty and she might make an
impression if my aunt were to see
her"
''You must keep them apart Don't
let that little vixen get footing at
Hurst. Constance"
eff she did, I think I should make
her lose it again." said Contance, with
a curious CLEAN in her eye. But /
don't suppose that I shall ever have
the chance. Should you not like to
LAY her out for her meanness to us
that day?'
ct certainly would give me pleasure
to see Miss Madeline suffer a little"
said De Marsac, Ticking his whip at
the horses side. But you need not
be afraid can always put spoke in
her wheel if I choose"
Can you, Rene? How"
"Ah, that is my secret. But ret us
not talk of her. We have better things
to think of now. When can we meet
AGAIN."
And they plunged into eager talk of
their future meetings and their love
for one another-a love so strangely
mixed with the baser passions of am
bition and vanity and greed.
Constance was only a few minutes
late for breakfast. She came into the
dining-room glowing with health and
suppressed excitement, so that even
Lady Esler noticed the brilliance of
her eyes and cheeks.
"Have you been out?" she asked, in
some surprise.
For a turn in the garden" said
Constance. "It is such a lovely morn
ing. Aunt Selma"
with your tendency to neuralgia,
my dear, I think you ought not to go
out before breakfast" said Lady Esler.
cit is not very good for you. Pray
don't make it a practice"
CTo Be Continued)