Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-05-17

ev1 days. The Hall was put up for sale,
and Constance's father, being on the look
out, just then, for a handsome country
residence, at the earnest persuasion of
his wife, bought it.
At o'clock in the afternoon upon the
day after the ball, Uncle Robert was
enjoying nap in a snug little room upon
the ground floor, which being plainly fur
nished, he had taken a fancy to; and 1t
was here that he took his doze, and read
his newspaper. Presently he was inter-
rupted by the entrance of Constance, with
an anxious look upon her countenance.
Am l disturbing you, uncle dearT she
cried, with the door in her hand.
No, my dear; come In, come in," an
swered the old gentleman, rousing himself
with shake. "What is the time? Four
O'Clock, eh! Mr.. Penrhyddyn will be
here soon."
1T is about him that have come to
speak to you. l am more and more con-
WINGED that the union you propose is i'm
possible" she answered, gently, but firm
ly.
For goodness sake, child, don't say
that" he cried. You know the worry
had through SO many months, until
hit upon what thought such a capital
plan. Oh, dear oh, dear! who would
have the care of women? You never know
how to take 'em, or what will please 'em,
or what to do with 'em. But what am
to do about Sir Launce? What will he
think of me after proposing the match?"
But, uncle dear, 1t will be no fault Of
yours; 1t Is not you who have promised
to marry his son." she said, with smile.
And Sir Launce will know enough of the
world to be aware that it is very dificdlt
to be responsible for woman's actions"
And so the poor gentleman is to lose
his property"
suppose we were 10 otfer TO lend the
money to pay off the mortgage, upon the
security of the estate?"
II never thought of that" answered the
old man. But, no, that is out Of the
question. The estate Is mortgaged for
double Its value; and as one of the trus-
tees of your fortune 1 could not consent
to such large expenditure of money. II
you won't marry young Arthur, Penrhyd-
dyn must 60 to the hammer, and there's
an end of it."
Uncle Robert, although In domestic life
an easy. good-natured man, was sharp
and positive in all business transactions
and Constance knew that it was useless
to argue with him, at least at the present
time; and, with a sigh, she let the sub
ject drop.
A few words of explanation relative to
the connection between Constance and
Stafford are here necessary. When he
first met with her, It was in his capacity
of portrait painter; she sat to him for
her likeness. Being a man of free and
engaging, manners, Uncle Robert took
fancy to him, and when Constance's por-
trait was finished, he sat for his own.
He then proposed that Stafford should
give his niece some finishing lessons In
painting. Thus these two were thrown
much together.
Stafford was handsome, fascinating and
thoroughly gentleman. Constance was
young, beautiful and romantic. They
fell In love with each other.
After a time, Uncle Robert began to
suspect how matters stood, and, reused
to sense of the dangerous position Of
his niece, at once dispensed with Stat
ford's services, and as politely as he could,
intimated that all connection between
them must end at once.
Her position in regard to Arthur was
most delicate and difficult. That it was
in the character of suitor for her hand
that he visited the Hall was so perfectly
understood that the mere act Of receiving
those visits was at least a tacit encour-
agement of hopes which the promise she
had given to Stafford and the state of her
own heart rendered it dishonorable to
foster.
These and a hundred other thoughts
coursed in rapid and painful succession
through Constance's mind as she was
dressing for dinner. And it was with an
aching heart and an embarrassed manner
that she obeyed the summons of the din
ner bell, and descended to the drawing
room.
Arthur had arrived and stepped for
ward eagerly to salute her. But her man
ner was cold and distant. He conducted
her in to dinner-he endeavored to en-
gage her in conversation, but could only
obtain monosyllabic replies.
After dinner Constance gave them
some music in the drawing room, or, rath-
er, him, for Mr.. Grierson fell asleep in
an easy chair, and snored Justify all the
time. Constance was an excellent plan
ist, had sweet voice and sang with
charming taste.
(To be continued.)