Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-12-24
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"PaPA GOES THERE !"

"Mayn't l go with you, papas Please say
may, won't you?'
The words were uttered in p!antive and
sadly entrea,ng tone, the hands of the speaker
clasping the knees of the listener
1t was boy of seven years who lisped then: :
beautiful boy, with fair, high brow, around
which there clustered glorious wreath Of au-
burn curs with dark, flashing eyes; cheeks
ROSY with health lips like the cherries of sum.
mer, and voice like the birds which taste them
There were tears in those eyes, ut this time
though, and the dmpled mouth was quiverng
1t was man of some five and thirty who lis
tened TO this plea; man who had been Of no.
bic looks and princely bearing. Ay, hm! Jeen!
for the blighting truth was written over form
and face. His locks were matted, his forehead
scowling, his eyes-ssd, but not with tears
there were furrows on his checks, too, and
british look to the expression of his lips.
Twice did the little boy address him ere he
answered Then pushing the child rudey from
him, he said, in stern voice, "No, no. It's no
place for you"
Again those fair small hands encircled the
knees.
"Ycu go, papa. Why can't too? Do Jet
me 60"
For moment the heart of the incbriae SEEM
ed to wake from its sleep. He shuddered rs he
thought of the character Of the place his pure
soued boy would enter. He took the child
tenderly in his arms and kissed him as Of old :;
then putting him down, he said kindly
- You must not ask me again to take you
there 1t is no place for little boys" and seizng
his hat hurried from the room, murmuring 10
himself, as he paced the way to the brilliant
bar-rooIn, and no place for msen either Would
to God had never gone"
For long TIME Willie stood where his father
had left him then turning to the few embers
that family glowed upon the hearth, he sat down
in his little chair, and resting his head upon his
mothers lap, said earnestly:
Mamma, why isn't that pretty store good
place for little boys! Papa loves 10 go there"
1t was trying question for the poor, heart
broken woman. She had so far kept from her
sou the knowledge Of his fathers sin. She
coud not bear that he should look with shame
upon him, or that his pure and gentle hear,
should thus commune with so intense Il grief.
Kindly she toycd with his long ringlets for
awhile, then said endearngy, Papa knows
better ll,ap you what is best for his little boy.
When you grow older you will learn why he
does not wish TO take you"
Then rising, she carefully put down her babe
Nppn llS liteiS oCo, "ho eiSo o' 'SA hooo 1Ah@
cloak.
Mind the cradle, now, Willie; I'll come
back soon, and then you shall have some supper,
and nice fire 10 sit by, TOO" and taking large
bpsket of ironcd clothes she went out. A veal
thy mother would have been frightened at the
thought only of leaving so young boy at night.
fall all alone, with an infant to care for, and al
open fireplace to sit beside But poor Mrs. NJ
knew well she could trust Willie with his sister
and as for burning up, there were not Goals
enough to tilaw his blue, stiff fingers. No, she
did not fear to 60 and leave him, for he had
thus been left many time, and always careful
ly obeyed her.
And he meant to now but poor little fellow
his thoughts would wander 10 that brilliant cor
ner store, whittier he knew his father Away
went at evening and his brain was busy will
eager wonderings. He knew his father loved tt
90 and knew there must be something there 1t
liked, for he never came home again till lon!
after Willie was asleep. What lay behind thes
scarle: curtains was mystery he sought in vail
to ravel.
At length he whispered eagerly, as if TO en-
couragc II longing wish, sPapa used to tell mi
if | wanted 10 know anything very bad, to per
severe, and would find it out. Now do wan
TO know what makes him love to 90 there so.
know that there must be pretty things behn'
those windows. shouldn't wonderland hi