The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1872-12-25
MAYNARD wIGHT'S CHRISTMAS
SOCKS.
BY S. ANNIE FROST.

"Uncle Ralph, will you tell me
what this story is about Maynard
Wight ?"
What story, Eta 2"
Mrs. Raymond was here yester-
day, congratulating herself upon the
fact that she had never encouraged
his attentions to Nora, because he had
failed in business, and she hintcd at
some dishonorablc transactions"
Bah! Woman's gossip, my dear.
Maynard has been unfortunate in
business, it is true; but there is no
circumstance connected with the fail
ure that can in any way be twisted
into dishonorable transactions. 1t
has been a trying year for business
men, my dear, and Wight, Maynard's
father, made some unfortunate invest
ments. ! wish Maynard could take
advantage of an offer he has in Balti-
more" .f
"What is that? ?"
"Hill Il Hill want him for Junior
partner in their business, to control a
branch house in that city. He is a
splendid business man, and will no
doubt soon recover his mercantile po-
sition, but the want of capital will
stand in his way now. He would re-
quire five thousand dollars to accept
their terms. The matter was under
consideration when his fathers fail
ure made it impracticable.
Five thousand dollars! 1t seems
hard he should miss a good opportu-
nifty for SO small a sum-"
Yes. Maynard is splendid fel-
low, honorable in all his transactions,
moral man, and a gentleman, as |
understand the word. If could
spare it | would willingly lend him
the sum, for he will certainly soon be
able to repay it. But ] could not
take so much out of my business just
now. BY the way, what makes you
feel so interested in Maynard Has
he stolen my little girls hearth"
Etta's face grew rosv, but she lifted
her soft blue eyes frankly to her un-
clc's face.
Il think, Uncle Ralph, that May
nard loves me, but he win not pro-
pose to me now. He said words to
me, not long ago, that puzzled and
panied me, but / understand them to-
day. | am rich, and he has just fail
ed in business. | cannot tell him
that his suit would be as successful
now as before, because it would be
assuming more than he has ever spo-
KEN"
"Humph! / understand. You
are brave little girl to tell me SO
much, but your secret is safe with me.
You viii forget him.
Perhaps. am not going to wear
the willow, but ! am going to send
him five thousand dollars
How can you, without committing
yourself?" fEE
!" | will manage that, if you will
draw the money for me, and keep my
secret"
Il will do both. / shall be glad
to see Maynard started once more in
business and you will not be ruined,
Eta, if you never see the money
again"
"Oh, when he is millionaire |
win send in my BILL"
II will get the money, for you.
Goodbye! Bless my heart, it is af-
ter nine o'clock p and the old gentle
man hustled into his overcoat, and
went briskly down stairs.
Eta had spoken very gayly when
she had spoken of sending in her bill
to the future millionaire, but her soft
blue eyes filled with tears when she
was alone. She was only nineteen,
a bright, pretty blonde, and favor
ite amongst her circle of friends. She
bad dreamed her, dreams, as young
girls will, and she had given May
nard Wight prominent place in
Ihem. Excepting having asked her
in SO many words to be his wife, the
young merchant had given her every
reason to believe he loved and sought
her. He was frank, open man, one
If those who, while. polite to all,
would offer no special attentions to
,ne, unless with the hope of winning
Ter heart, and giving all his own in
'eturn. Eta knew he loved her, but
The knew also that his sensitive pride
would keep him silent now. He