The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-07-21

Poor. poor Constance!" whispered
my mother
And would probably end badly"
Il expect he drinks" said my aunt,
grmly.
Does Constance know this?" asked
my mother.
II don't think So"
You did not tell herr"
"Of course not
II consider 1t your duty to-"
"I really cannot"
Then ] wnl," said my aunt, reso.
lutely
IL beg you not to do so.'
ut Is my duty am too fond Of
Constance to allow her to throw her
self away on this worthless man"
I shrugged my shoulders do as
you please, but don't mention my name.
By the way, Constance said she would
probably call this afternoon"
At that moment the hell rang.
That may be She" said my aunt,
flying to the window. 1T is"
got up slowly and sauntered into
the conservatory, which adjons the
drawing room. From behind a friend
~ palm I could see without being seen.
saw my aunt look toward my mother.
"lf We open her eyes" heard her
whisper, 'it may pave the way for AL
fred"
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 n little eager rush; then stopped
| short, embarrassed by the want of re-
| ciprocity.
Constance looked a little crushed. Il
| thought Alfred would have :old 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.
| Il was anxious to come and tell you
that-that-"
IF you are alluding to your engage
ment," said my aunt, somewhat Sc
verely, 1--WE 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. What! Oh, what do
you mean?" exclaimed Constance.
| "If you marry this man." continued
my aunt vigorously, you will regret
| it,"
My mother took her hand. MY sis
| tny ch ta1I
denly"
| 1T is my duty to speak, and / will, 4"
cried my aunt. II will not let Con-
stance unite herself to this man with
her eyes closed"
I'VE are glad to see YOU" said my
mother, and kissed her.
NV aunt came forward. 1--WE were
just speaking Of you," she said, SOL
emnly. "Sit down"
What have you against him?" de-
manded Constance, a red spot begin
ming to burn in each cheek.
He drinks" answered my aunt, all
most triumphantly.
Constance sank back in the cushions.
II don't believe it," she said family.
He ill-treats his mother-beats her,
l believe" continued my aunt.
This cannot be true" cried Con-
stance. Mrs. Granville, tell me-"
My mother nodded sadly.
Alas! I cannot deny it,"
Constance arose: This is awful"
she said, holding on to the back of
the sofa. Il could never have believed
it She put her hand to her fore
| head. 1T is like a bad dream"
MY poor, dear Constance" muir
| mered 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 relatives are
one on this point"
Constance buried her face in my
mothers bosom. "Oh, dear! oh, dear!
and l loved him so!" she sobbed.
In the adjoining room I was becom-
ing uncomfortable.
I'VE thought 1t all 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 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. am sorry
for YOU"
1T is l who am sorry for you"
said my mother doubtfully.
And no one would have dreamed it.
We always thought you We're so fond
of him and spoiled him utterly. And
all the time YOU were hiding your sor-
row. How noble of YOU"
My mother looked at Aunt Tabi-
tina, 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 moth
er, mystfied
Il thought you would be pleased and
| 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.
Il shall never be so happy again,
said Constance mournfully.
Don't say that" implored my moth
er. Perhaps there Is a mistake"
How can there me a mistake said
my Constance, raising her head.
There can be no mistake" said my
aunt hastily.
How could he be so cruel to you?'
cried Constance, kissing my mother
Cruel TO me?" cried my mother
"YOu said he was cruel to YOU"