The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-08-30

Here If IS am ashamed OF myself"
After McCullah had closed the door
Vane wrote letter to young woman
in little western town, which contained
note written on Fifth Avenue hotel
stationery, a request for pardon and
vow of love. He waited days, he waited
weeks for an answer which did not come,
and then ne called himself an ass and
became bear.
Eunice as the daughter Of the captain
of the brave Ninth, which was Eggle-
ston's glory, received every attention
from the people of that little town.
Thomas Arnold was postmaster Of Eg-
gleston and had been for years. The re-
muneration of the Office was small and Of
little object to him, who was twice mill
lionaire, owned all the land for many
miles around, had much real estate IN
Chicago which he had bought so years
before, and lived in the handsome stone
house on the hill with two servants and
two great bulldogs. He was postmaster
because it served to tighten his grasp on
the town, and his love of power was IN
ordinate. he bore his 90 years well and
was prepossessing man.
Eunice had heard her father say that
Arnold was a coward. In war times he
mad refused to enlist, and when drafted
had hired a substitute.
But soon after Eunice's arrival Arnold
had begun to pay her attention. lie
had taken her to ride behind the finest
team Of black horses in his stable. OF
the loneliness of his life, Of the failure Of
his wealth to bring him happiness, he
had told her again ani again. Often he
intimated he had wished he could find
some object to whom he could. devote his
money and the remainder of his life.
1t was a custom Of Arnold's, although
he had a deputy to attend to all of the
business, to 90 down to the pOsiotiice in
the evening and assort the mails. He
seemed to take pleasure in them looking
over the letters-this millionaire. Some
times he sent the clerk out on an errand
when the post-cart arrived. On a certain
night the name Of Charles Vane, sttor-
ney-at-law, Equitable building, New
York. on the upper left-hand corner Of
an evelope, had attracted his attention.
The letter never reached its destination.
That very night he drove over to
where Elnice was living, and an hour
later Eunice was sitting by his side, and
they were spinning along two miles of
town. The rush of the air made her
cheeks red. Like all women she loved
to ST behind a spirited team she liked
things ofluxury at her disposal. Arnold
slowed the horses to a walk.
Miss Erdman, am an old man.7 He
said this with effect The breeze had
brought life into his face, while he gave
his body pose OF commanding strength.
""No, you are not. One would never
take you to be day over 40, she an
swered, frankly Arnold felt the blood
tingle in his fnger-tips.
"But have worked hard for many
years" be went on, "and prosperity Is
something of a reward I admire you
more than any woman l ever met" He
saw it was time TO strike and brought
matters to a point at once. Il have lived
long enough to know noble woman-a
woman worthy Of place Of honor in the
world, and love you. VIII you marry
me?"
The leaves ofthe trees were green :
there were flowers by the roadside. The
horses pranced and shook the foam from
their mouths upon shining necks and
hips. Luxury, which makes up for many
evils, abounded everywhere. Euniee did
not answer for moment. The scene
had much TO do with framing her anwer.
This is very sudden, Mr.. Arnold, and l
appreciate the compliment !; but l should
2 ike to think about it for q time.
/ "Certainly-certainly. l admire you
for not wishing to take a hasty step.
when shall I know ?" he asked breath
Isssly.
'Tais isthe 10Th. Say Memorial day" +"
aVery we'll. 1t is long time, but l
can wait cheerfully," he said cheerfully.
Inwardly he cringed, for he did not like
the associations the appointed time
brought to his memory.
On their way back ne told her some
thing Of his wealth, of the house he in
tended to build in Chicago. He showed
the speed of the horses, as he sat erect
holding the reins, he presented the pict-
ure of man of power.
The morning Of Memorial day found
Eunice early at her father'sgrave, whence
she had carried great basket Of flowers,
among them large bunch Of violets
Z Violets were Capt. Erdman's fayorite
flowers. They were Of the same color as
the uniform he wore for four years and
the field of the flag ne loved so we'll
Thither came Thos. Arnold, dressed IN
his best smile and neat and well-titting
coat Of gray to interrupt her devotions.
@Miss Erdman, you should have let me
carry that heavy basket"
1t was the first time ne had been sin
,esgs in his offer to help decorate soldiers
gave.
J Thank you" she answered, as she fin
ishea arranging the bouquet of violets a
the head of the grave, and arose, stately
and beautiful, her face flushed with bend
ing to her work. "lt was not heavy.
rather enjoyed il"
"What q triumph Arnold thought
IF II could win her overher fathers dead
body-he. with his fighting enthusiasm
b sfed me"
This is the day when am to learn
my fate" Tie went on, with a tremor il
his voice.
s ne did not answer She was wrap
in Il ,Ought, and he waited upon her pleas
ure o speak.
Do En in the valley the little town lal
at pea ee. Now and then soft breeze
comm, from the west where the rive
sparkle 4 waved the tops of the tall ma
pies. 7 he sun glistened upon the bras
dome of The quaint old courthouse ans
duly glea med on the slate roof OF tn
great man Ion opposite, which Thoma
4 Arrold ovV ned on the slate roof of thi