The leader., 1897-07-21

ment," said my aunt, somewhat severe
| ~, I'VE have already heard of it,"
"Iou have heard?" cried Constance
with the deepest SORROW"
| Constance drew herself up,
"You do not approve?" she asked,
proudly.
1--WE love you too much" said my
mother, gently.
Constance looked bewildered.
"You are too good for the WRETCH"
cried my aunt.
What! Oh, what do you mean? ?" ex-
claimed Constance.
IF you marry this man." continued
my aunt, vigorously, you will regret
it,"
My mother took her hand. "My sis
ter should not tell you this so sud-
denly"
ut is my duty to speak, and WILL"
cried my aunt. 81 will not let Constance
unite herself to this man with her eyes
closed"
What have you against him?' de-
handed Constance, red spot begin
ming to burn in each cheek
Gle drinks" answered my aunt, al
most triumphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions.
II don't believe it," she said, family.
"He ill-treats his mother-beats her,
believe" continued my aunt.
This cannot be true" cried Con-
stance. Mrs. Granville, tell me-"
Nv mother nodded sadly,
"Alas! l cannot deny it,"
Constance arose. This is awful"
she said, holding on to the back of the
sofa. 81 could never have believed it,"
She put her hand to her forehead. at
is like bad dream"
"My poor, dear Constance" muir
INJURED my mother, rising and putting
her arms round her.
My aunt brought up her artillery.
"IIe is thoroughly depraved, and will
come to a bad end. His relations are
at one on this point"
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh, dearl oh, dear!
and loved him SOL" she sobbed.
In the adjoining room I was becom-
ing uncomfortable.
eve thought it right to tell you," said
my aunt, moved by her tears, though
Alfred begged and implored us not to-"
81 could never, never have believed
IT," sobbed Constance. poor, poor Mrs.
Granville!"
Ny mother soothed her.
allow difficult you must have felt it
to tell me this!" exclaimed Constance,
drying her tears. at was so good of
you. l will not give him another
thought. To treat his mother so cruel
ly! Oh, Mrs. Granville, l am so sorry
for you'll"
at is 1 who am sorry for you," said
my mother, doubtfully.
"And no one would have dreamed it.
We always thought you were so fond
of him and spoiled him utterly. And
all the time you were hiding your sor-
row. How noble of you'll"
Ny mother looked at Aunt Tabitha,
who returned her stare.
"Whoever is it?" said Aunt Tabitha,
whispering. Find out"
"Where did you meet him. dearest?"
whispered my HotHeT.
"Meet him? Why, here, of course"
said Constance, with opening eyes.
"Yes, yes, of course" said my mother,
mystified.
Il thought you would be pleased and
hurried across to tell YOU
Gan Alfred have made a mistaken"
muttered my aunt, hoarsely.
The two elder ladies stood still in the
utmost embarrassment.
81 shall never be happy again" said
Constance, mournfully.
Don't say that" implored my
mother. perhaps there is mistake"
slow can there be a mistake? 2 asked
Constance, raising her head.
"There can be no mistake" said my
aunt, hastily.
"How could he be cruel to your
cried Constance, kissing my mother.
Cruel to me?" cried my mother
"You said he was cruel to YOU
"Of whom are you speaking?" cried
both ladies.
"Of Alfred, of course"
The two elder ladies sat down sud-
denly.
You are not engaged to Alfred!"
they gasped, simultaneously.
go whom else?' said Constance, in
amazement.
"There is some misunderstanding" !
observed, smoothly, coming in at the
moment.
The three fell upon me together.
It took at least an hour TO explain.
Yet said nothing which was not strict
ly true. Il
"You will not allow these practical
iokes when you are married, will you,
Conny?" said my mother, fondly.
81 win not!" replied Constance, tight
ening her lips.
wharfage is the saving of young
man." repeated my aunt, grimiy.-
Chambers Journal.