The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-07-16
.eDoes Constance know fnfsY asked

y
81 really cannot"
''Then / WILL" said my aunt, reso-
lutely.
''What 1 have said has been in con.
fidence."
81 do not care"
81 beg you not to do So"
''It is my duty. I am too fond Of
Constance to allow her to throw herself
away on this worthless man."
l shrugged my shoulders. 'Do as you
please, but don't mention my name. By
the way, Constance said she would
probably call this afternoon"
At that moment the bell rang.
That may be she," said my aunt,
flying to the window. at is"
1 got up slowly and sauntered into
the conservatory, which adjoins the
drawing-room. From behind friend
ly palm could see without being seen.
l saw my aunt look toward my mother.
..If we open her eyes," heard her
whisper, cit may pave the way for
Alfred"
My mother said nothing, but I saw
The door opened and the servant an
nounced Constance. She came forward
with a little eager rush; then r;opped
short, embarrassed by the want Of re-
ciprocity.
"We are glad to. see you,' said my
mother, and kissed her.
My aunt came forward. 'We were
just speaking Of you," she said, solemn
ly. 'Sit down."
Constance looked little crushed. 81
thought Alfred would have told you, y
she murmured.
eve have heard" began my aunt.
"HusA," interposed my mother.
"Come nearer me, Constance. Won't
you take off your hat?"
Constance came and sat by her side.
ST was anxious to come and tell you
that-that-
''If you are alluding to your engage
ment,' said my aunt, somewhat Sc
verely, 1--WE have already heard Of 1t. !"
"You have heardw cried Constance.
"With the deepest sorrow."
Constance drew herself up.
"You do not approveT she asked,
proudly.
1--WE love you too much" said my
mother, gently.
Constance looked bewildered.
"You are too good for the wretchv'
cried my aunt. what! Oh, what do
YOU mean?" exclaimed Constance.
eff you marry this man." continued
my aunt, vigorously, you will re-
gret it."
My mother took her hand. my sis
ter should not tell you this 50 sud-
denly"
1T is my duty to speak, and will, +"
cried my aunt. 81 will not let Con-
stance unite herself to this man with
her eyes closed"
what have you against him." de-
manded Constance, red spot begin
ming to burn in each cheek.
HE drinks" answered my aunt, al
most truimphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions.
81 don't believe it." she said, family.
"He ill-treats his mother-beats her,
I believe" continued my aunt.
'rrhis cannot be true," cried Con-
stance. "Mrs. Granville, tell me"
My mother nodded sadly.
"Alas! 1 cannot deny it."
Constance arose. 'This Is awful!'
she said, holding on to the back of the
sofa. 'T could never have believed it."
She put her hand to her forehead. at
is like bad dream"
"My poor, dear Constance" mur-
INJURED my mother, rising and putting
her arms round her.
My aunt brought up her artillery.
"He Is thoroughly depraved, and will
come to bad end. His relations are
as one on this point"
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh, dear! oh, dear!
and 1 loved him SOP she sobbed.
In the adjoining room I was becom-
ing uncomfortable.
1--WE thought 1t right to tell you," said
my aunt, moved by her tears, though
Alfred begged and implored us not to. /"
ST could never, never have believed
it." sobbed Constance. "Poor, poor
Mrs Granvillev'
My mother soothed her.
"How difficult you must have felt II
to tell me this" exclaimed Constance
drying her tears "It was so good OF
you. I will not give him another
thought. To treat his mother so cruel.
ly! Oh, Mrs. Granville, am so sorry
for your
"It is l 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 your
My mother looked at Aunt Tabitha
who returned her stare.
"Who ever is it?' said Aunt Tabitha
whispering. "Find out"
"Where did you meet him, dearest p
whispered my mother.
''Meet him? Why, here, Of course,
said Constance, with opening eyes.
Eyes, yes, Of course" said my mother
mystified.
Il thought you woulu be pleased, and
1 hurried across to tell you"
"Can Alfred have made a mistake p
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
"How can there be a mistaken" 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 meT" cried my mother