The Somerset reporter., 1897-05-13
At that moment the bel rang.

uIuWlHB fOOlu. from DenlDu u lTleDuIy
palm could see without being seen. l
saw my aunt look toward my mother.
"If we open her eyes" heard her
whisper, lit may pave the way for Al
fred. "
Ny mother said nothing, but 1 saw
the same hope shine from her eyes.
The door opened, and the servant an
nounced Constance. She came forward
with little eager rush, then stopped
short, embarrassed by the want of rec
iprocity.
I'VE are glad to see you, said my
mother, and kissed her.
My aunt came forward. I'VE were
just speaking of you, she said solemn
y. sit down.
Constance looked little crushed. Il
thought Alfred would have told you.
she murmured
We have heard began my aunt.
Hush, " interposed my mother.
Come nearer me, Constance. Won't
you take off your hat?'
Constance came and sat by her side
Il was anxious TO come and tell you
that-that -
3" If you are abiding TO your engage
ment, said my aunt somewhat severely,
I'VE have already heard of 1t. u
'You have heard y cried Constance
with the deepest sorrow. -
Constance drew herself up
" y on do not approve?" she asked
proudly
We love you too much. sad 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 suddenly. "
at is my duty TO speak, and will, "
cried my aunt Il will not let Con
stance unite herself to this man with
her eyes closed -
What have you against hint" de
manded Constance, a red spot beginning
to burn in each cheek.
HE drinks answered my aunt al
most triunphantly
Constance sank back i'll the cushions.
Il don t believe it, " she said family.
He i'll treats his mother-beats her,
/ believe" continued my aunt
This cannot be true, cried Con
stance Mrs Granville tell me. "
My mother nodded sadly.
ALAS! | cannot deny it. -
Constance rose This is awful" she
said holding ON to the back of the sofa.
q could never have believed it. " She
put her hand to her forehead. ut 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.
Gle is thoroughly deprayed and will
come to a bad end. His relations are al
one ON this point.
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh. dear; oh. dear
And | love him SOL She sobbed.
In the adjoining room | was becom.
! ing uncomfortable.
I'VE thought it right to tell you, "
said my aunt, moved by her tears,
Though Alfred begged and implored us
not to- =
Il could never. never have believed
it, " sobbed Constance Poor, poor Mrs.
Granviller'
My mother soothed her.
"How difficult you must have felt il
to tell me thisP exclaimed Constance
drying her tears. 1T was so good Of
you. l will not give him another
| thought To treat his mother so cruelty
Oh, Mrs Granville, | am SO sorry fol
you'll"
ut is 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 so utterly. AND
all the time you were hiding your sor-
row How noble of youl'
Ny mother locked at Aunt Tabitha,
who returned her stare.
"Who ever is it?a said Aunt Tabitha,
whispering Find out.
"Where did you meet him, dearest?'
whispered my mother
Meet him? Why, here of course, y
said Constance, with opening eyes.
Yes, yes, of course, " said my
mother, mystitied.
- thought you would be so pleased,
and hurried across to tell you.
Can Alfred have made mistaken
muttered my aunt hoarsely.
The two elder ladies stood still in the
utmost embarrassment
4 shall never be happy again, " said
Constance mournfully.
Don say that implored my moth
er. Perhaps there is mistake. -
"How can there be mistake?" ask
ed Constance, raising her head.
There can be no mistake" said
my aunt hastily.
"How could he be cruel to you?"
cried Constance, kissing my mother.
"Crucl to mel" erred my mother.
lyon 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.
lyon are not engaged to Alfred?"
they gasped simultaneously.
ITO whom elseY' said Constance in
amazement.
agbfra IL Some MISUNDERSTANDING, ~