The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1897-07-08

that--that-'
'If you are alluding to your engage
ment," said my aunt, somewhat Sc
verely, eve have already heard of it.
You have heard!" cried Constance.
with the deepest sorrow"
Constance drew herself up.
You do not approveY she asked
proudly.
I'VE love you too much," said my
mother, gently.
Constance looked bewildered.
You are too good for the wretch!
cried my aunt. What! Oh, what dc
you mean?" exclaimed Constance.
IF 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 so sud.
denly"
ut is my duty to speak, and 1 will, ~
cried my aunt Il will not let Con-
stance unite herself to this man with
her eyes closed"
What have you against him." de-
manded Constance, a red spot begin
ming to burn in each cheek.
He drinks" answered my aunt, al
most truimphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions.
Il don't believe it." she said, family.
HE ill-treats his mother-beats her,
1 believe" continued my aunt
'"This cannot be true" cried Con-
stance. Mrs. Granville, tell me-"
My mother nodded sadly.
"Alas! cannot deny It,"
Constance arose. This is awfulr'
she said, holding on to the back Of the
sofa. II could never have believed it."
She put her hand to her forehead. ut
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, dearI oh, dear!
and loved him sov' she sobbed.
In the adjoining room was becom-
ing uncomfortable.
"We thought it right to tell you." said
my aunt, moved by her tears, Though
Alfred begged and implored us not to-"
II could never, never have believed
it." sobbed Constance. "Poor, poor
Mrs Granvillew
Ny mother soothed her.
How difficult you must have felt 1t
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
at 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 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?"
whispered my mother.
meet him? Why, here, of course"
said Constance, with opening eyes.
"Yes, yes, of course" said my mother,
mystifed.
Il thought you woulu be pleased, and
I hurried across to tell you"
Can 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"
How can there be 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 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.
ITO whom elseF said Constance, in
amazement.
There is some misunderstanding"
observed, smoothly, coming in at the
moment.
The three fell upon me together.
1t took at least an hour to explain.
Yet l had said nothing which was not
strictly true.
You will not allow these practical
Jokes when you are married, will you,
Conny?' said my mother, fOndly.
81 will not" replied Constance, tight
ening her lips.
Marriage is the saving of a young
man." repeated my aunt, grimly.-
Chambers Journal