Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-05-20
CHAPTER VI.

Several months had elapsed since Frank
had departed for the seat of war, and
Constance was still at Avondale Castle.
On this day she had gone out sailing with
'he duke.
The second dinner bell had sounded,
and most of Mrs. Meason's guests were
assembled in the drawing room before
Constance returned from her expedition
on the sea. Mrs. Meason, after one look
at the girls face, clearly OWNED X was
no ordinary circumstance which had kept
her absent SO long.
Constance" she said when they were
all seated at table, 'where is the duke?'
In a moment the girl felt that all eyes
we're upon her. She looked up, flushing
slightly, and replied as lightly as possible:
81 suppose by this time he is at home.
grandma. When he said he would dine
here he had not anticipated that in order
10 keep his word he would be compelled
to eat his dinner in clothes which were
saturated with salt water"
After dinner Constance pleaded head
ache. and Mt once sought her room. There
she remained until she believed that every
soul in the house had retired to rest; then
she came forth, looking very pale and agi-
tated, and hurriedly passed on to her
krandmother's room.
Are you not in bed, my childr' she
said, as the girl came hurriedly toward
her and knelt trembling at her feet.
mo, grandma" returned the girl, earn
,stly. 81 could not sleep until l had
,poken with you alone"
You have something important to say,
SonstanceT
"Yes. something very important, grand
fb, xtfh, Job l.
place between us a few months ago? You
asked me to swear that l would never
speak to any one of my engagement to
Frank without your express permission.
I did as you wished, and l have never
broken nv oath. To-day 1 was sorely
tempted to break 1t; therefore 1 want
ron to release me from twill you?"
"No: I cannot release you. There is no
reason why you should speak; there is
eyery reason why you should remain ST.
lent"
"I tell you, grandma, there are urgent
easons why 1 should speak. This Sc
rrecy placed me and others in faSse posi-
tiou; they think 1 am free, whereas l am
IS Iiuch bound as if l were already mar.
ried woman"
The old lady looked at her steadily, and
asked:
"Why do you wish to divulge this Sc
cret? Whom do you wish to tell?'
II wish to tell the Duke d'Azzegiio, be-
:ause-
"Yes, because?"
"He has asked me to become his wife"
1.-The Duke d'Azzeglio has asked you to
marry him." said Mrs. Meason.
"Yes, grandma. For some time l have
feared he would do so, and l have tried
every means in my power to prevent II;
but this evening he did me the honor to
,ffer me his hand"
"You say well, child" returned the old
iady, whose pale cheek had flushed with
excitsment: sit was an honor which has
been coveted by many great ladies. Well
Constance, what did you say?
"What did say2 Dear grandma, what
| could say? told him could never re-
spond to his wishes. ,,,
"And he accepted his dismissalT
! "Far from it. My refusal made MIN
nrge his suit the more. And now you VIII
allow me to tell the duke that 1 am en-
Ca. God TO Frank, and then he will cease to
pursue me-. IT,,
.,5 Iadv's face was as white as that of a
Icorpse-her hands opened and shut con
r,,lsivalv her breath came in short, quick
pants. g.; a.,
"Grandma," cried the girl, what Is the
matter? Is there more troubie-mors
misery?"
.sTrouble? yes, If you make 1t; misery
II you will. Constance, you must marry
the Duke d'Azzeglio.@
MARRY the duke? Am 1 not bound u
FrankY'
"No. On the very day he left / TOLD
him would nat have ssu bound, ] told