Daily American telegraph., 1852-05-12
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH.
LITTLE CHARLES WILL,
BY GRACE GREENWOOD

w Ia.
BY GRACE GREENWOOD.
Walter and Charlie Harrison were the sons
OF sea-captain and lived in one OF the fine old
seaport towns Of Massachusetts
These boys were as unlike as two brothers
could well be- Walter was a rough, plain boy,
large Of his age, and rather clumsy, with a
passionate jealous temper, which gave his
friends great deal of trouble But he had
some noble qualities: he was as brave as q
young lion, faithful diligent, perfectly honest
and truthful, and sometimes very tender in his
feelings Charlie, some two years younger than
Walter, was a delicate, beautiful, sweet-tem-
pered boy, who loved everybody, and in return
was greatly beloved. He was fair, pale, and
slight, with blue eyes and golden curls Walter
said be looked like girl, and sometimes
Ifaughed at his delicacy; but, for oil that, he
was jealous of the poor child's beauty--even of
his weakness
Captain Harrison was most of the time at
sea, and his gentle wife found it difficult to con-
troll the impatient spirit, or correct the even
more unamiable moodiness, of her eldest son.
If she reproved him sternly he would often ac-
cuse her Of being partial to her youngest and
handsomest son. and say that she petted and
indulged Charlie SO much, that he could not
be disotedient, or give her any trouble He
himself, he said, would be good, if he were SO
treated
Walter really thought himself sighted and
unloved. because he knew he was very plain,
and he saw his sickly brother cared for con-
stantly. He never seemed to think how ridicu-
lous it would look in his mother to be nursing
and petting stout, healthy boy, who was one
of the strongest wrestlers, and the best hand
with the ball, in all the town.
Walter, with all his fine health, was often
silent and sullen, while his brother was seldom
too i'll to be talkative and cheerful; so it was
very natural for visiters to notice Charlie the
most, and, as they supposed he needed amusing,
to send him books and to make him presents
most frequently All this "partiality" was
shown to him, Walter said because he happen
ed to have plain face, and didn't know how
to put himself forward Charlie was grieyed
at this, and always wished to share his gifts
with his brother; but Walter could never be
persuaded to accept anything.
One time, when Charlie was about ten years
old, his mother had visit from a pious maiden
aunt who spent some weeks in the family
During Miss Hannah Perkins's stay, she be.
came much attached to quiet little Charlie
but as Walter gave way to his temper, two OF
of her queer ways, she did not like him over
much, though she thought he might be made a
good boy Of with proper management. She
wondered how his mother could let such fits of
passion and such naughty tricks pass without
severe punishment. Ii he were her child, she
said, she would soon whip that bad temper out
of him. But Mrs. Harrison believed that one
blow would put more evil passion into the
heart of such proud boy as Walter than sh,
could ever get out.
She never failed seriously to reprove hi
| faults and wrong actions; and she knew-wha
she told no one-that Walter would Away
come to her, after an outburst of impatience OIL
bad feeling, and ask her forgiveness. She
knew that he loved her. his father, brother, and
little sister, intensely: so she was patient, and
prayed God to soften the heart and subdue the
temper of her unhappy child.
A short time after Aunt Hannah returned
home, she sent the boys each book. Charlie's
happened to be opened first. 1t was hand
some illustrated copy of Robinson Crusoe."
Walter then eagerly opened his own, which
was rather gayly bound. 1t was The Memoirs
of a Sunda1I- School Scholarn Walter flung il
down, saying, angrily, What did the old maid
send me this for, | wonder! have had enough
of such things out of the Sunday-School Ii
brary She did not send you such humdrum
sort of book, Charlie. suppose she thought
you were pious enough without"
90 brother said Charlie, don't talk sc
hard am sure Aunt Hannah meant very
kindly by us both.o
Walter took up his book, and began looking
through it but he soon broke out again.
"Pshaw just as | thought; nothing but
early piety,' early piety.' Why couldn't she
have sent me some story about wars, or pirates,
or even Tndiansl am tired to death of early
| piety!
You will never trouble your friends with it
my SON, said Mrs Harrison, who had just en-.
tered the room. Walter started and blushed
he did not know that his mother was so near
But he replied sullenly-
al wish might not trouble them in any way
any longer. 1t would be better for all if were
dead and buried; for Pm of no use in the world
and nobody loves me-"
After having said these unkind words, Walter
took his ball-club and went out on to the vii
lage-green, where the boys were already at
play. Charlie soon followed, not to mingle in
the sport, for he was not strong enough tor
that; but he loved always to watch his brother,
and felt proud of his skill and strength
After about halfhours play, many Of the
boys set out for home, as hard storm seemed
coming on. The clouds were rolling up thick
and black, the lightnings flashed and the
thunder broke overhead Walter Harrison,
who had appeared half angry in all his play,
was now leaning against the side of the church,
within yard or two of the lightning.rod. The
boys called to him to come away, as he was in
dangerous place; but Walter would not stir
Charlie ran up to him, and begged him to go
home but he only said
81 don't care if the lightning does strike me
! tell youengain, I'm of no use in the world
nobody loves me You may run home, If you
are afraid"
"I am not afraid for myself brother" said
Charlie, his lip quivering but | will 60 home
and beg mamma to come for you"