Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-03-14


II cannot, I fear, Miss Abbott" he
replied gravely.
mot even for Bonnie Annie Laurie,
would you lie down and die ?'"ques-
toned the fair girl, her voice trem-
bling.
mot even for Bonnie Miss Abbott
would I vote against my principles, he
responded gaily. "Good evening,
Miss Abbott, I must CO."
Grace Abbott held out her hand, and
the doctor clasped it closely, and when
their hands unclasped, the dainty pink
envelope was in his possession and
Grace was wishing Ralph Elliott good
evening.
Say, Reynolds" called young Eli
oft, q few moments later, as arm in arm
with Linwood he followed the doctor
down the street. "Come into the club
room moment. 1 have something to
show you" DIR. Reynolds complied
and Ralph Elliott drew from his glove
a small pink envelope. the fac Simile 10
the one resting securely in the doctors
pocket.
81 expect this is to decide my fate"
he said gaily, but Iinwood instantly
produced the mate from his own hat.
1.-Two of them, ell ?" said Elliott.
Lets open them and see what she
says. Here, Reynolds, hold on ; it's
nothing private, old fellow"
The doctor stood irresolute. He did
not approve OF such proceedings, but
he was curious to hear what she said.
"Ha, hal" both young men cried,
tossing him the notes, and he read
traced in dainty running hand, the sim
pie words:
"To.morrow decides it. Your votes will be
either for or against you. 1 will SEQ you at
Mrs. Horizons party. am Republican.
GRACE ABBOTT"
Leaving the two men laughing and
teasing each other, the doctor hurried
home and in his quiet study opened his
own letter. The very same, word for
word. DIR. Reynolds bit his lips. His
| face grew sad.
Goodbye, Oracle. darling, he MUIR
INJURED, as he folded the dainty missive
and returned it to his pocket. "God
knows would have made you happy,
but not even for you will 1 perjure my
self tomorrow.
The election was over-the Republi-
can candidate was chosen, and great was
the rejoicing among his constituents
Mrs. Horizons large rooms were full of
guests, the band was playing lovely
music, flowers were sending their sweet
fragrance through the rooms. fair ladies
in silk and lace smiled and firted with
the gentlemen, and on all sides you
heard rejoicing over the election.
Grace Abbott, resplendept in azure
silk with filmy overdress of lace Topped
up with pearls, was the centric of O
group Of ladies and gentlemen US usual.
By her side were her two admirers,
Ralph Elliott and Wesley Linwood, both
paying her marked attentions.
eve had both these gentlemen's votes
to-day" said the host, and Grace's face
flushed as she listened.
1t was quite surprise to me, for
thought that Linwood was genuine
Greenbacker, and Elliott was rather in.
clined that way, but they came up to-
day with our side. What does it
mean?"
Grace looked up to meet Wesley Lin
woods eyes, and moment later Ralph
Elliott murmured in her ear, "There
was too much at stake to vote other
WISE"
Confused and vexed, Grace took their
hosts arm, and said hurriedly,
Mr.. Horton, will you take me to
Helen? She is at the piano, and the
gentleman led her away to join her
sister.
From her seat near her sister Grace
watched for DR.. Reynolds, but the
hours passed and he did not come. 1t
was past midnight when she saw him
bending low over his hostess's hand,
and then his quick eyes glanced over
the room till he espied her, and he
moved swiftly to her side.
"Dr. Reynolds, I had given you up"
she said, as she gave him her hand with
| q smile.
His face, which was very grave to-
night, frightened for an instant.
"Then you noted my absence ?" he
said gently. "Thank you. Are you
engaged for this waltza''
YES" she replied, ss she held out
her hand, "to DR.. Reynolds. This is
your favorite, have kept it for YOU"
Still very quiet and grave, he drew
her into the crowd OF dancers, but after
few turns he swung her out of the
giddy crowd and led her into the con-
servatory. Grace sat down under
large orange tree, and her companion
stood beside her Watching the bright
face in silence.
Suddenly he spoke.
"Miss Abbott, pardon me, but am
quite sure you are little interested in
my welfare, we have been such good
friends. Will you bid me God speed
1 leave for London tomorrow after.
noon."
Grace Abbott sprang to her feet, her
face pale and her lips trembling.
"Going awayf" she gssped.
"Yes. Grace, Miss Abbott, I had
hoped once to have taken you with me,
but your little note kindly gave .Me to
understand that there was no hope for
me-"
"My NOTE" she repeated, scarcely
above whisper. "Yes. Not even for
your dear sake could sell my honor.
I voted the Democratic ticket to-day.
Grace, may you be happy. I loved you