The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-04-07


"What have you heard?" my aunt
asked eagerly.
81 don't think ought to repeat these
things"
"You can surely trust your mother"
murmured my mother.
"And my discretion" said my aunt.
"Well," I said, II have been told he Is
cruel to his mother"
Really" cried the two ladies' in
breath.
''His mother told me so herself"
"IIow sad!" said my mother
"And what else?" asked my aunt.
Another relation of his told me he
was depraved."
Poor. poor Constance!" whispered
my mother.
"And would probably end badly"
II expect he drinks" said my aunt
grmly.
Does Constance know this?" asked
my mother.
81 don't think So"
you did not tell her?'
"Of course not"
81 consider it your duty to-"
81 really cannot"
"Then l WILL" said my aunt reso-
lutely.
what 1 have said has been in con-
fdence."
81 do not care"
'I beg you not to do So"
ut Is my duty. I am too fond of
Constance to allow her to throw her
self away on this worthless man"
1 shrugged my shoulders. do as
you please. but don't mention nv name.
I}y 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. '1t is"
I got up slowly and sauntered into
the conservatory. which adjoins the
drawing room. From behind a friendly
palm I could see without being seen. 1
saw my aunt look toward my mother.
"If we open her eyes, heard her
whisper. 'it 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 little eager rush: then stopped
short, embarrassed by the want of re-
ciprocity.
I'VE are glad to see you," said my
mother and kissed her.
My aunt came forward. I'VE were
just speaking of you," she said SOL
emnly "Sit down."
Constance looked a little crushed. "T
thought Alfred would have told you,
she murmured
I'VE 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.
II was anxious to come and tell you
that--that-"
"If you are alluding to your engage
ment." said my aunt. somewhat severe
ly, 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
I'VE love you too much" said my
mother gently.
Constance looked bewildered.
you are too good for the wretch"
cried my aunt.
claimed Constance.
IF you marry this man." continued
my aunt vigorously, you will regret
it,"
My mother took her hand. MY sis
ter should noe tell YOU this so sud
denly"
1T is my duty to speak, and I will"
cried my aunt. II 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 i'm the cushions
Il don't believe It," she said family.
He ill-treats his mother-beats her
I 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 awful" she
said, holding on to the back of the
sofa. II 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 around her
My aunt brought up her artillery.
He 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, dear, oh, dear.
and | love him So" 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-"
Il could never, never, have believed
it." sobbed Constance. Poor, poor
Mrs. Granville
My mother soothed her.
How difficult you must have felt
it to tell me this" exclaimed Con-
stance, drying her tears 1T was so
good Of you, i will not give him an
other thought. To treat his mother
SO cruelty! oh, Mrs. Granville,I am
so sorry for you"
1T is I am who am sorry for you"
said my mother doubtfully.
"And no one would have dreamed it,
We always thought you were so fond
lg lii IL