The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-08


Q good.natured laugh, "rll try to
find HIN Tor YOU,
Mary enjoyed fun and this and like
saIlIes Of The young legislator added
a certain zest TO their friendship.
Women are like children In their love
Of humor.
The dlminutive Douglas saw In Miss
Todd an asset Of much value and his
attentions began TO be asslduous. Mary
was Indifferent to his lofty manner
and sonorous vocallsm. Abe Lincoln
liked her better for that.
She encouraged the visits OF the lat
ter and invited his confidence. The
fact filled him with a great JOY. They
went about together. In the Edwards
parlor he modestly told her Of his
work and his life plan. She differed
with him on certain subjects which
were unfortunately fundamental. He
did not love her ms he had loved Ann.
But her personality pleased and fas-
cinated the young legislator. One
evening under the spell Of II he asked
her to be his wife. She consented.
Then he began to think It over.
II was like Lincoln In his relations
with women TO get the cart before the
horse. so to speak. The points upon
which they disagreed came up for con-
sideration. She could not think rs he
did on the subject Of slavery and the
kindred one OF state rights. His man-
ners were not like hers. They grew
naturally out Of ones history ana rhar-
acter. He could be kind and gentle
IN his way. But. mainly, his manners
would have to be like the rugged limbs
Of the oak. The grace and elegance
OF the water-willow and the white
birch were not for him. II saddened
him TO conclude that he would have
to he for long time Just what he was
crude, awkward. unlearned In the
graces and amenities Of cultivated
people. He rightly Judged that his
crudeness would be q constant source
OF irritation to the proud Mary. As
their acquaintance progressed the
truth Of his conviction grew more ap-
parent. This, however. did not so
much concern him ms her lack OF sym
patty with some of his deepest mo-
tives. He decided that, after all, he
did not love her and that to marry her
would be committing a great wrong.
Some OF the unhappiest days OF his
life followed His conscience gave
him no rest. He knew not what 10 do.
lie wrote letter to Miss Todd In
which he reviewed the history of his
thinking on the subject Of their mar
ringe aud frankly but tenderly stated
his conviction that II would imperil
her happiness TO marry him. Before
sending II he submitted the letter TO
his friend Speed.
The latter read II over and looked
very grave.
What DO you think Of itr Lincoln
asked.
~ would never send a letter like
that 20 n lady" Speed answered. 'Tf
Won feel MS you say. go and tell her
50. but don't pat " in k.tter."
Lincoln went 10 see her that eve
ming and returned TO his friend in
more cheerful mood.
"Dld you tell herr" Speed asked.
Yves, ! told her"
"What happenedf'
"She burst out crying and ! threw
my arms around her and kissed her
and that settled H. We are going to
he married"
What an Illustration Of the human
lty and chIyalry Of Honest Abe was
In the proceeding
I'm sure you1l get along all right
together" said Speed. Your spirit
Is Jealous of any one likely 10 get In
It's way. But she won't. She'll fall
IN line and do what she can to help
you"
Now, a little before this time, Henry
Rrimstead and other creditors OF Davis
had gone 10 Chicago In the matter OF
he satisfaction Of their Judgment
against him. Henry had driven a
wagon across the prairies and, return
ING. had brought BIN and her mother
to his home and then TO Springfield.
II was while they were there that
Harry had come down to Chicago out
Of the woods In condition Of health
which had alarmed his physician. The
latter had put him on steamboat and
sent him East. He was bound for the
mountain country In northern New
York.
BIN and her mother returned to
Chicago on the stage. the former to
take a place In the store as the repre-
sentative Of Samson's interest.
Harry was three years In the Wild
erness trying to regain his health.
Success came to him In the last year
Of his Punishment.
Toward the end Of II he received
letter from Mr.. Lincoln. II was writ
ten soon after that curious climax In
the counting Of Mary Todd. In this
letter he said:
81 am serving my last term In the
legislature. learn that you are In
better health and hope that you Will
have the strength and inclination to
return soon and be candidate for
my seat In the house. Samson will
not do Il, being so busy with large
Affairs. You are young. You have