The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1897-12-31

| sTpO.
My mother said nothing, but | saw
the same hope shine from her eyes.
The door opened, and the servant an
nounced Constance. She came forward
with a little eager rush, then stopped
short, embarrassed by the want Of rec
iprocity.
1--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. II
thought Alfred would have told you"
she murmured.
eve 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.
81 was anxious to come and tell you
that-that"-
eff you are abiding to your engage
ment, said my aunt somewhat severely,
1--WE have already heard of it, Z"
"You have heardP' cried Constance.
with the deepest SORROW"
Constance drew herself up.
"You do not approveH" she asked
proudly.
"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.
eff 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"
"It is my duty to speak, and will, )"
cried my aunt II will not let Con.
stance unite herself to this man with
her eyes closed. 4"
"What have you against hint" de-
manded Constance, a red spot beginning
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 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.
II could never have believed it," She
put her hand to her forehead lit 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.
HE 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. ooh, dear; oh, dearI
And l love him sop she sobbed.
In the adjoining room l was becom.
Ing unCOmIOrCaDl6.
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
GranvlleP
My mother soothed her.
"How difficult you must have felt it
to tell me thisl" 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, l am SO sorry for
you'll"
"It 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 youW
Ny 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.
eyes, yes, of course" said my
mother, mystified.
81 thought you would be SO pleased,
and l 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.
IT shall never be happy again, said
Constance mournfully.
Don't say that, implored my moth
er. Perhaps there is a mistake"
q" How can there be a mistaken" ask
ed 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 mel" cried my mother
lyon said he was cruel to you.
"Of whom are you speaking?" cried
both ladies.
"Of Alfred, of course. 4"
The two elder ladies sat down sud.
denly.
"You are not engaged to Alfredo"
they gasped simultaneously.