Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-09-01
EoeyaIcHT lsSi ~ AIfktlloce utwsrnrRco

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. Mr. Bernard was put up
by the opposition. while n faction Of
MAJOR HyIJnUufs mot anu piuccu 81 hu'
dcrson In the field.
Tho contest was spirited and bitter.
and Bernard moved heaven and earth
in his efforts 10 capture votes. lie had a
greater incentive than the rest In con
gross TO influence him, and that was his
hatred OF Cornell and his desire TO pun.
fish and humiliatc me. Charles entered
the race with reluctance, fearing that
the opposition would revive the old
ISLANDERS against inc and publish them
20 the world, thus marring my happi
ness, but urged him on. saying that us
long as | was conscious OF my own
purity, and had his confidence, ! wus
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 81
forts were wagcd against Mr. Cornell
Everything that money, falschood and
political triclScry could do TO bring sue
cess was rcsortcd TO by the opposition
Bernard made personal canvass Of the
district, scattering money freely every
where, Every newspaper that could bc
subscrved 20 his purpose was bought
over. Speakers Of note were brought
in from other states, and every means
that could possibly b. utilized TO the
furtherancc Of his cause was brought
into rcquisition.
At last the day for the election came
Charles went 10 the polls and voted
then returned home and proceeded
about his business, seemingly not nj ali
disturbed by any thoughts Of the clcc.
ton and the results. with me II was
different ! was 30 anxious, and ~
fearful Of defeat for my husband, tina,
] could do nothing but pace the house
and the yard. As night approached the
tension on my nerves grew so intense
that I could scarcely breathe. II Der
nard succeeded felt that I should ncv
err recover the blow.
Finally II was over. and the news of
the result came. Mr. Cornell wns elect
ed by Il rousing majority, BERNARD fail
ing far behind amy candidate on h.
ticket, and Anderson receiving sgch
Jew votes that they were counted ms
scattering
Charles accepted his success, and the
long string Of congratulations that fol.
lowed, with quiet dignity that well
become him lie remained calm and
unrufllcd through IL all. showing no I'M
easiness before election and no undue
citation afterwards lie made the poo
Pile feel his appreciation Of their sup
port, but he did IL In quiet. unostentn-
tious way that marked the greatness OF
the man.
As for me- was wild with delight,
and despite my efforts TO control them,
my feelings bubblcd up and overlooked
all bounds. My Joy over my husbands
success must have vent. II pleased
Charles TO note the interest manifested
In his behalf, and once he said to me:
agnes, II In worth running for m
office TO see the pleasure you feel In my
success That Is worth more TO me
than all the honor and salary com
bined, for II shows how deep your love
is"
ut Is because love you that ! want
you TO succeed" replied, land bccaus,
you are far above other men, and dc
serve honors."
lie smiled, drew me 10 him and lSissct
me, then, patting me on the check, re
marked:
"rm afraid you have too high opin
n I.
may not consider me quite such para
gon Of greatness and perfection"
"They think IL strongly enough 4
give you the election, anyhow" | an
swered.
"Yes," he replied, "but the honor 1
due you rather than me. You induce,
me TO accept the nomination and urge
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 taslSmaster.
"Well, ! did want you TO succeed 81
much IL would have broken my hear
II you had been defeated. You viii
forgive mo II | was too anxious and ur
gent, won't you?"
Forgive you?" he cried, folding m
In his arms and kissing me time an,
again. what In the world In there 4
forgive? You have made me what
am, and owe you thousand debts O
gratitude. III forgive you when hay
something to forgive. You're the on
who ought to have the seat in congress,
for you did more than 10 earn It,"
"Well, shall be very content with
seat on your knees" replied, perchin
myself up there as spoke. THAT ma
not be quito so prolific OF honor as
seat in congress, but II is full us satii
factory TO me"
Then you are not very ambitious o
your own account; II takes so little
satisfy you"
"You are mistaken there, my HUSBAND
am so ambitious that must have
congressman's knees TO sit on. thin
that is quite aspiring, myself; and the
the time may come when shall war
to sit on the knees OF a governor or
senator. You don't know 10 WIFI
flights my ambition may lead yet"
Charles looked at mo moment, the
drawing mo forward until my hes
rested on his shoulder with my fa'
against his, and with our baby betweC
us, he said:
"Agnes, here in my arms is the be
and the highest happiness this world CO
ever give, You are my joy, my homo
and my life; and your love is the brigh
est and best boon ! ever can clair
You and our baby are my best trea
ures."
CHAPTER XXX
CONCLUSION.