The evening times., 1895-10-23
Wife FOR A VOTE.

4 week before the election in Boone
county. Ma jor Gaines. the Democratic candi-
date for sheriff, called his daughter into
the parlcr for serious conference
Its going to be 4 close race, Mary Ann.
When the votes are all counted you en-
figger up the difference between ble an
Hiram on your fingers. That's too close,
amt it?''
you'll have TO work hard, pa"
''Pm Just doing that, but Hiram's workin
just as hard as l am. honesty believe
the chances are little agin me-"
I'm sorry for that. pa, indeed am"
How sorry?'' he inquired, looking at
her kecnIy; sorry enough TO help me2''
Certainly. II l could, but how could I
help you any. pa?''
You pretend TO hay some influence with
Jim Allen and also with Col. Sikey, don't
you, Mary Ann
She colored up, but made no denial.
In fact. she had the best authority in the
world for believing she had influence with
these gentlemen. for they had both proposed
20 her within the week. Jim was coming
that very picht for his answer. 1t Oc-
CURED to her that here was a chance to test
his love.
Both OF these men are Republicans"
continued the ma ior, gravely, land either
one OF them controls enough votes to turn
the tide in my favor"
'.Bat is it not 4 matter of principle with
them to vote the party ticket, pa"
There should be no partisanship in local
elections. Mary Ann. No great issues are
involved. OF course, we people in this coun-
try amt used to seeing women NEEDLE in
politics. | ain't got much confidence in it
myself" he said apoiogeticaliy. but no.
tice since you came back from school that
you call yourself u Few woman, and Seem to
think you have got as much right in politics
as anybody"
"of course have" she said proudly.
Even IL can't vote hope I'm allowed to
take an intelligent interest. and I'm like
you, pa, think there should he no PARTISAN
ship in local elections
well, then" said the major, cunningly,
''it you can make Jim or the colonel look at
il that way III be much obliged to you.
TN make all the difference to me between
tein' beat an bein' elected. OF course you
may not he able to do it, but it's worth a
trial"
II think either one Will do what I ask"
she said. showing u little pique. In fact,
pa. they have both proposed to me. And
il / ask either one to do this. you know what
it will mean"
The major nodded his head Mary Ann
looked somewhat excited.
II do know as you'd better do it. girl;
wouldn't want to get your happiness tan
glcd up in the matter. I'd rather be beat
than that"
We'll. I'll sce,'' said Mary Ann, tossing
her head But she had already decided to
put Jim to the test.
The Young man was too much in love to
waste time in commonplace courtesies, but
plunged right to the heart of the matter
Il have come for my answer. Mary Ann"
II hope it will please you, JIM" she said,
; He sprang forward to clasp her in his
arms, but she motioned him back with a
gesture that was not to be disobeyed.
Wait a moment, Jim. Are you sure that
you love me?'
"Can you ask that, Mary AnD?" he cried,
reproaChfully. II wish that / could only
prove my love. I would shed my hearts
best blood, darling, to spare you moments
pain"
1T would pain me very much if pa was to
get beat, Jim. VIII you help me elect him?"
Nonsense, darling!" he cried. I'VE will
not profane our love with the consideration
of common politics"
1T is not nonsense" she replied, draw
ing back coiily. Indeed, it is matter
SO serious that will never marry the man
who will not vote for my own father"
You cannot mean it, Mary Ann,' he
.red, in amazement.
But l do mean it,"
why, Mary Ann, was in the conven-
tion-ycs, l actually placed Hiram Field In
nomination. cannot desert him now
1t is impossible"
"Bah!" she cried, derisively HE talks
of conventions, this man who a moment
since offered to shed his hearts best blood
for my sake"
You cannot understand, Mary Ann Do
you know that you ask me to forfeit my
honor, my own self-respect and the esteem
Of all honest men? You cannot realize
that"
Il realize that have tried your love and
found it wanting. That is enough"
1T is too much" he said, hoarsely. Gould
you ask the man you love to be liar and
a traitor?"
WAS Col. Sikey also in the conventIon?"
she asked.
You ask me thatr' he cried. .Ah, 1 see.
You are in the market for votes. But do
not care Ia buy even wife at such price,"
And turning contemptuousiy ON his heel
he strode away.
Col. sikey was man of affairs. He was
also . Wido wer. and very much In love with
Mary Ann. When he stopd before the Girl