The broad ax., 1897-09-25


''what, Oh. what do you mean!T ex-
claimed Constance.
IF you marry this man." continued
my aunt. vigorously. you viii regret
it."
My mother took her hand. MY sis
ter should not tell you this so sud-
denly"
1T Is my duty to speak, and vii"
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, a red spot begin
ming to burn in each cheek.
He drinks" answered my aunt, al
most triumphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions
81 don't believe it, she said, family.
He ill-treats his mother-beats ner
/ believe" continued my aunt
This cannot be true" cried Coh-
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 81 could never have believed II
She put her hand to her forehead. ~
Ia like a bad dream"
'My poor, dear Constance" MUIR
INJURED my mother, rising and putting
her arms round her.
My aunt brought up her artillery.
"He is thoroughly depraved, and VIII
come to a bad end. His relations are
at one on this point"
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh, dear! Oh, dear'
and l loved him sou she sobbed.
In the adjoining room l was becom-
ing uncomfortable.
I'VE thought it right to tell you"
said my aunt, moved by her tears,
though Alfred begged and implored u
not to-"
ct could never, never have believed
It," sobbed Constance. Poor, poor
Mrs. Granviller'
Ny mother soothed her.
How dificult you must have felt u
to tell me thisr' exclaimed Constance,
drying her tears. at was so good Of
YOU. I will not give him anothst
thought. To treat his mother 50 crus'
", oh, Mrs. Granville, l am so sorry
for your
1T is I.who am sorry for you" said
my mother, doubtfully.
And no one would have dreamed u
We always thought you were so foud
Of him and spoiled him utterly. And
all the time you were hiding your s0r'
row. How noble Of your
n 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 mother.
Meet him? Why, here, Of course,
said Constance, with opening eyes.
Eyes, yes, OF course" said my moth
, er, mystified.
81 thought you would be pleased an
. I hurried across to tell you"
Can Alfred have made a mistake!
muttered my aunt, hoarsely.
q The two elder ladies stood still Il
the utmost embarrassment
. ct shall never be happy again, sal
Constance, mournfully.
Don't say that" implored m
mother. perhaps there is a mistake.
O How can there be mistaken" aske
Constance, raising her head.
There can be no mistake" said m
aunt, hastily.
How could he be cruel to you?
cried Constance, kissing my mother.
Cruel to me?" cried my mother.
a you said he was cruel to you"
"Of whom are you speaking?" erie
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 else?" said Constance.
= amazement-
"There is some misunderstanding
I observed, smoothly, coming In at Il
moment.
., The three fell upon me together.
It took at least an hour to explain
Yet said nothing which was not stric
Ia ly true.
: You will not allow these practic
= Jokes when you are married, will 20
Conny?" said my mother, fondly.
.Iw will notv' replied Constance, tgh
> ening her lips.
- Marriage is the saving OF your
man." repeated my aunt, grimly'
Chambers Journal.
Murder by Court-MartiAl In cnba-
V There is no record kept, or at lea