The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1898-04-19

Il expect he drinks" said my aunt,
grimly.
Does Constance know this?. asked
ny mother
~ don. think So"
"you did not tell her?r
'Cr course not"
u corv',ler Il your duty to-
Treaty cannot"
"Thcn | viii" said my aunt, resolute-
~.
What ! have said has been in con-
fidence.'
II do not care"
II beg you not TO do SOY
at is my duty. I am too fond of
Constance to allow her to throw her
self away on this worthless man.
] shrugged my shoulder. $40 as you
please. but don't mention ny name. Bv
the way. Constance said she
probably call this afternoon"
At that moment the bell rang.
THAT may he she" said my aunt. n.y.
ing to the window. at is
got up slowly and sauntered into the
conser = DRY, which adjoins the draw
ing-room. From behind friendly
palm | could see without being seen.
saw my aunt look toward my mother.
IF we open her eyes," heard her
whisper, ait may pave the way for
Alfred
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
reciprocity.
I'VE are glad to see you,' said my
mother, and kissed her.
Ny aunt came forward. 1--WE were
just speaking OF you" she said, solemn
ly. "sit down"
Constance looked Il little crushed. Il
thought Alfred would have told you,''
she murmurcd.
I'VE have heard'-began my aunt.
Hush" interposed my mother.
"Come nearer me, Constance. Won't
You take off your hate"
Constance came and sat by her side
Il was anxious to come and tell you
that--that--"
IF you are abiding to your engage
ment,' said my aunt, somewhat severe
~, I'VE have already heard OF it,
"You have heard?" cried Constance
with the deepest sorrow"
Constance drew herself up.
you do not approve?" she asked,
proudly
'We love you too much,'' said my
mother, gently.
Constance looked bewihered.
You are too good for the wretch"
cried my aunt
"What. Oh, what do you mean ?" cx-
claimed Constance.
IF YOU marry this man." continued
my aunt, vigorously, you will regrc
it,"
My mother took her hand. "My sis
ter should not tell you this so sud-
denly"
ut is my duty to speak, and WILL"
cried my aunt. 81 will not let Cons lance
unite herself to this man with her eyes
closed"
What have you against him?" de-
-''"'NN tohctdh'V, lNt SPOi DtSii'T
ming to burn in each check.
HE drinks" answered my aunt. al
most triumphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions.
IL don't believe it, she said. faintiy.
HE ill-treats his mother--bents her.
believe" continued my aunt.
This cannot be true" cried Con-
stance. "Mrs. Granville, tell ne"
My mother nodded sadly. -
ALAS! l cannot deny it,
Constance arose. This is awful"
she said holding on to the back of the
sofa. ~ could never have believed IT,"
She put her hand to her forehead. 1T
is like a bad dream"
My poor. dear Constance" muir
INJURED my mother, rising and putting
her arms round her.
Ny aunt brought up her artillery.
''lle is thoroughly depraved, and will
come to bad end. His relations are
at one on this point"
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh. deari oh, dear.
and loved 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-