The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-12-26
Select Storg.
Maynard Wight's Christmas Socks.

l0A0 A6ab OAA AobAAldo 9uOhot
Uncle Ralph, viii you tell me what
this story is about Maynard Wight?" ?"
"What story, Etta?"
" Mrs. Raymond was here yesterday,
congratulating herself upon the fact that
shO had never encouraged his attentions to
Nora, because he had failed in business,
aud she limited at some dishonorable
transactions
Bah Woman's gossip, my dear.
Maynard has been unfortunate in business,
it is true; but there is no circumstance
connected with the failure that can in any
way be twisted into dishonorable transac-
tions. IL has been trying year for
business men, my dear, and Wight, May
nsrl's father, made some unfortunate in
yestments. | wish Maynard could take
advantage of an offer he has in Baltimore" !"
"What is that?'
"Hill & Hill want him for junior
partner in their business, to control a
branch house in that city. He is splcn-
did business man, and viii no doubt soon
recover his mercantile position, but the
want Of capital will stand in his way now
Ne would require five thousand dollars to
accepttheir terms. The matter was under
consideration when his fathers failure made
it unpracticable"
" Five thousand dollars IL seems hard
he should miss a good opportunity for 80
small sum-"
"Yei, Maynard is splendid fellow,
honorable in all his transactions, moral,
man, and gentleman, as | understand
the word. If | could spare il would
willingly lend him the sum, for he will
certainly soon be able to repay It, But |
could not take 80 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 rosy, but she lifted her
soft blue eyes frankly to her unclo's face.
al think, Uncle Ralph that Maynard
loves me, but he win not propose to me
now. He said words 10 me, not long ago,
that puzzled and paincd me, but under
stand them to-day. am rich, and he
has just failed. cannot tell him his suit
would be as successful now as before
because it would be assuming moro than
he has ever spoken"
Humph understand. You are u
brave little girl to tell mo so much, but
your secret is safe with me. You will
forget him."
Perhaps. am not going to wear the
willow, but / am going to send him five
thousand dollars
How can you, without committing
yourself2'
81 will manage that, IL you will draw
the money fer me, and keep my secret"
"I will do both. / shall be glad to see
Maynard started once. more in business /;
and you win not be ruined, Eta, If you
never SEQ the money again.
"0h, when he is millionaire | will send
in my BILL"
"I will get the money for you. Good
by Bless my heart, il is after nine
O'Clock Y aud the old gentleman hustled
into his ovcrcoat, and went briskly down
stairs.
Eta had spoken very gayly when she
proposed to send in her bill to the future
millionaire, but her soft blue eyes filed
with tears when she was alone She was
only nineteen, bright, pretty blonde, and
a favorite amongst her circle Of friends.
She had dreamed her dreams, as young
girls will, and she had given Maynard
Wight prominent place in them. FIX
cepting 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,
sopen man, one of those who, while polite
to all, would offer no special attentions to
ono, unless with the hope of winning her
heart, and giving all his own in return.
Eta knew he loved her, but she knew also
that his sensitive pride would keep him
silent now. He would never offer to the
.heiress the hand that had failed TO grasp
fortune. She sighed little, and few
tears rolled down her cheeks, but she was
sensible little maiden, and she resolved
that she would not pine and fret over the
trouble she could in measure remedy for
Maynard, even Il her own love dreams was
Swallowed forever So she rang the bell
to have tho breakfast dishes removed, and
went to dress for walk.