Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-05-06
THORNS and ROSES.
BY rHos. P. lIoNTFoRD.

''Would you really, Agnes9" Charles asked.
 'T would, provided you have no serious objections" answered.
 "Gentlemen," he said, i've will talk the matter over and decide within day or two"
 "Very well" they replied. "We will give you time to consider the proposi- tion and come again within week for an answer"
 The result of our talk was that Charles consented to run, though he did 1t at my urgent request. I wanted him to accept because was proud of him and found the greatest pleasure in his advancement. His rightful position, thought, was above that of common | men, and wanted to see him occupy it. When the election was held Charles was chosen over his competitor by a large majority, although the county had usually elected men of the opposite | political faith. This fact, taken in con- nection with his able and honest record in the legislative assembly, gave him great prominence in his district, and | two years later he was unanimously chosen by his party as their candidate | for congress. MT. Bernard was put up by the opposition, while a faction of | labor agitators met and placed Si An derson in the field.
 The contest was spirited and bitter, | and Bernard moved heaven and earth in his efforts to capture votes. He had a greater incentive than the rest in con- gress to influence him, and that was his | hatred of Cornell and his desire to pun ish and humiliate me. Charles entered the race with reluctance, fearing that the opposition would revive the old islanders against me and publish them to the world, thus marring my happi- ness, but I urged him on, saying that as long as I was conscious of my own purity, and had his confidence, I was not afraid of what the world might say or think.
 For two long months the contest ragged, Bernard and Anderson entering into an agreement whereby all their eff forts were waged against MT. Cornell. Everything that money, falsehood and political trickery could do to bring suc- cess was resorted to by the opposition. Bernard made a personal canvass of the | district, scattering money freely every where. Every newspaper that could be subserved to his purpose was bought over. Speakers of note were brought in from other states, and every means that could possibly be utilized to the furtherance of his cause was brought into acquisition.
 At last the day for the election came. Charles went to the polls and voted, then returned homo and proceeded about his business, seemingly not at all disturbed by any thoughts of the cleo tion and the results. With me it was different. I was so anxious, and so fearful of defeat for my husband, that could do nothing but pace Inc house and the yard. As night approached the tension on my nerves grew so intense that could scarcely breathe. If Der hard succeeded felt that should nev- CT recover the blow.
 Finally it was over, and the news of the result came. Mir. Cornell was elect ed by rousing majority, Bernard fall ing far behind any candidate on his ticket, and Anderson receiving such a few votes that they were counted as scattering.
 l Charles accepted his success, and the long string of congratulations that fol lowed, with a quiet dignity that well I DGCOlll0 HILL I1O IClld1Lct Ctbllll GtllI unruffled through it all, showing no un- easiness before election and no undue elation afterwards He made the peo- pie feel his appreciation Of their sup port, but he did it in a quiet, unostenta. tious way that marked the greatness o1 l the man.
 As for me, was wild with delight and, despite my efforts to control them my feelings bubbled up and overfowed all bounds. My joy over my husband'r success must have vent It pleased Charles to note the interest manifested in his behalf, and once he said to me: "Agnes, it is worth running for ar office to see the pleasure you feel in my success. That is worth more to mo than all the honor and salary com bined, for it shows how deep your love is"
 ''It is because I love you that I wan you to succeed" I replied, land because you are far above other men, and de serve honors."
 l He smiled, drew me him and kissed me, then, batting m on the cheek, re marked:
 ''I'm afraid you have too high opin ions of me, little wife. Other peopl, may not consider me quite such para gon of greatness and perfection
 "They think it strongly enough t,
 give you the election, anyhow" I an 3 swered.
 "Yes,'' he replied, "but the honor i
 due you rather than me. You induced
 me to accept the nomination and urgec
 me into the race, and but for you
 wouldn't be where am to-day. Your
 most unmerciful in urging me to tn ? front, for you drive like taslmaster 9 "Well, did want you to succeed S
 much. It would have broken my hear
 if you had been defeated. You vii forgive me if was too anxious and UT
 gent, won't you?' Forgive you?'' he cried, folding m
 in his arms and kissing me time an