Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-06-24

ptance and Alice were dressed tor the oc-
easiOn.
Then Constance's maid entered the
room with a letter, which she handed to
her mistress.
Constance took the letter, opened and
tead 1t. then she looked up into the Won
dering eyes Of her friend.
"A letter from the duke; he has gone
swayr'
"Gone awayr' exclaimed Alice.
"Yes. Listen, dear; this Is what he
says: am summoned at once to Paris
20 meet the Spanish ambassador. am
taking Palrnatos and Feveral with me. I
have made PalmatOs communicate with
all our guests and put off our reception of
this evening. What can it mean, Alice7"
Il don't know, dear; is that all he saysY'
NO, there is mOre," replied Constance.
and lifting the letter again, she continued:
A'For yourself, let me beg you not to spend
the evening at home, but to go to Lady
Mortimer's ball. l have asked Lady Sea-
field to call for you. Therefore rest
quietly at home until sfe comes'"
"Oh, Constance: what shall you do?'
cried the girl in terror.
Dor returned Constance, with look
pf fixed resolve. II shall obey the dukes
command to the letter. At last he has
honored me with his confidence, and ]
shall not betray it,
The first thing to be done was to have
the lights extinguished and stay all pre-
paratiOns for the reception. This Con-
stance proceeded to do. When the ser
PANTS, having received their Instructions,
bad retired, she sat down and looked
! again at the dukes letter.
Constance," said Alice, eagerly, "do
, you really mean to go to Lady Mortimer's
ball?'
Certainly, my dear. since the duke
wishes it,
"But-do not be angry with me-should
four cousin be there?"
| DO not fear for me, Alice" said Con.
/ itance, strOkins the girls brown hair.
| Tonight, remember, am the representa-
| live of my husband, and I will try to do
| him some slight service. l am going to the
ball for my husbands sake, at his wish,
1t Is strange Lady Seafeld does not
| come" she added, "it Is getting so late
alice, dear. will you send one of the ser
vants to inquire for Lady Seafield? Per.
haps she would rather have me call fol
ier"
Alice nodded, and went at once to dc
As her friend wished, while Constance
sank down into chair beside the win
dow, and remained looking out upon the
Noonlit park. She fell into reverie, from
which she was aroused by the reappear
knce of her friend. Alice looked paIer
than usual, and her manner was full OF
fear.
"Well. dear. have you sent to Lady
Seafield?
mo. took the carriage and went my.
Went yourself! Why did you do
hatY'
II was terrified lest something should
60 wrong; 1 am glad that 1 went; the
countess Is in deep trouble; her father
has fallen suddenly and dangerously i'll!
She was never asked to come for you: she
has received no invitation to the ball!
lConstance, everything has been done to
keep you Mt home to night. See it all now
lyou would have waited and waited for the
countess and never gone forth at all;
there is danger for you here, am sure
of it; now implOre you to go!''
'To go!' said Constance, ''buf who will
take me? 1 cannot go alone? All, i have
lit, Monsieur de Santa Fe! He is the
dukes Oldest and nearest relation. Send
% him, dear, at once.
81 will not send; will take the carriage
and go myself"
every well, dear. l will remain quietly
here until you return"
But she was by no means composed
The moment she was alone she walked
excitedly up and down the room; wonder
Ing whether or not Alice's suspicion:
could be correct. Could it be possible tina
the duke had deceived her? and if SO
for what motive?
"It will be always the same," she cried
"suspected, watched, mistrusted. Oh
who will deliver me from this life Of mis-
cry and degradation"
With a sob she threw herself down up
on the couch and covered her face will
her hands: at that moment the door o.
her boudOir opened, and the footman an
sounced-
'Ihe Earl of Harrington