Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-05-27
CHAPTER VII


inmate OF Avondale Castle became aware
OF the fact that on the preceding night
terrible scene had been enacted be-
tween Mrs. Meason and her granddaugh-
yer, and that, as Il consequence Of this,
Lazy constance was seriously ILL.,
II was from no very ardent wish to stay
AZ Ayondale that Mrs. Meason remained,
she had simply a desire to arrange mat
ters Tor Lady Constance-in other words,
10 compass her engagement to the Duke
d'Azzeglio.
Her ardent wish to make the duke her
grandson led her to do a questionable
deed; she determined to call upon him,
and, if possible, put matters right between
him and Constance. She found him at
home, and was ushered Immediately into
his presence: he received her courteous
", and when she spoke of Lady Constance
his face grew grave.
You will pardon me, madam" said he,
'but this is q subject which must decline
to discuss. even with you. The lady has
given me her answer. I suppose, as q
gentleman, L should accept it. and say nc
more"
Lady Constance" pursued Mrs. Mea.
son, 'is fully sensible of the honor which
you conferred upon her when you offered
her your hand; she refused that honor,
not from any feeling of aversion toward
yourself, but because she believed that she
was not at liberty to accept it."
The duke started.
''Not ut liberty? he said. "Are. then,
her affections engaged? And, if so, why
have you kept the matter secretT
my dear duke said Mrs. Meason,
''there has been no concealment because
h,c 10
Constance is not engaged, but she is the
soul of honor, and until short time ago
she believed that she was bound by a
foolish promise, given half jestingly in
childhood At one time she was thrown
much into the society of her cousin. who
has now gone to the war. She gave him
sisvv444-pToInise, which she now regrets,
lice it can never be fulfilled"
Having once aroused the dukes curl
osity and gained his ear, Mrs. Meason
continued to talk to him confdentially.
When she left she had extracted from
him promise to call personally at Avon
dale Castle and inquire for Lady Con-
stance. The duke accompanied her to the
carriage, and, with a sinister expression
upon his face, watched it roll away.
"She hates these Howarths," he said,
"and although she does not love me, she
wishes to have me for her grandson. 1t
will answer my purpose to fall, In with
her wishes in this case. Let me see;
there was a story about Mrs. Meason and
the Howarths. What was it? l must
know"
He returned to his room, touched a
amall hand-bell which stood upon ms
table. and his Spanish servant answered.
The duke spoke rapidly in Spanish. In
les, than a week from that day he was
fully aware of the true story OF the lie
and death of the young Countess OF liar
Tipgton. h so;a
<o himself when he was fully acquainted
9TH the true facts of the case; but she
c.nnot he dangerous to me. i know her
that is enough"
After her interview with the duke, Mrs.
Meason was in a more contented frame
- mind She went without warning OF
.,v kind TO her granddaughter's room.
lady Constance was alone sitting In an
.osv chair with her lap full OF her cou'
sins letters.
"Child. child, why are you grievins like
.h,s3" said Mrs. Meason, softly; are
these neople to blight your life as they
hI;ahted the life of my child? Can you
not forget this man.! at
"No. / cannot" cried the poor girl; =
shall never forget him."
.vThen if you cannot forget him, marry
Tbe GIRL threw up her hands in terror
.I cannot" she said; mot now. When
.ver I think of it see my mother gazihg
- me with sad, reproachful eyes, and
fnow if I married Frank she would al
-. oaze at me so; should never get
80 or neace. never. / wish. oh, how l
S;.h Won had never spoken! 1t would
-. been better, am sure; then might
IT, nod some happiness. 1 shall never
have it now. .h;nt;,g
n. not shrink from me; 1t Is cruel All
h.ve done I have done for your sake; re-
Whsn sbe had gone Constance sat mo-
.,.n,.ss for fully half an hour linen
~" rent to her writing table, and saI
Aown to write.
~ t,now now" she wrote, that can
-. hscome your wife. Try to forged
n would have been better for us botn
70 mo had never met. Do not think tna'
T.m writing hasty decision. nave re-
e.cted we'll, and 1 pray that we may neyer
..;ng written this, she placed IT IN an
.,on. and addressed it to Captain no
N.rth Then she sat down, KISSED .ne
ss...-. which she had in her lap, ana pia"
a them one by one in the ire.