The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-27
Romance in Reality.

case OF the vile OF Att0rney-General
Williams. Many and varied are the stories
told concerning her marriages, and when
at last she appeared in Washington as the
wife of the Attorney General several ex-
cellent leaders of fashion were disposed to
frown her down. Because woman has
been unusually unfortunate, while not
guilty, seems to me the very reason why
her own sex should befriend and uphold
her; but the reverse is almost always the
case. Consequently Mrs. Williams went
very little into society during her first sea-
son in Washington. She held aloof with
calm dignity that surprised the leaders of
fashion," while her exemplary conduct
eventually forced from them their respect
and esteem. 1t was conceded that she was
handsome and agreeable, but it was never
suspected that she possessed more than Or
dinary mind Or any diplomatic ability.
She is one of the few women who know
how to watt and, if she cannot create an
opportunity, knows how to seize one when
it occurs. Her husbands position gave
her the first golden opportunity of her life,
and so well has she improved it that, from
being received under protest, she now
leads the beau monde of the capital, and
dictates even to what style of refreshments
shall be offered at receptions. Mrs.
Williams well merits her tardy good for
tune. But of all the facts concerning her
domestic troubles which have been given
to the public, one has been omitted con-
tanning an element of romance, and show
ing the love she inspired in the heart of
her only child.
Whatever were the terms of separation
between herself and first husband, the
child remained with its father, who told
his son that his mother was dead.
For years the boy believed the story, but
one day, on going to the post-office for his
fathers letters, he found one addressed to
himself. 1t was from his mother Over
powered by the sudden knowledge of her
existence, he dropped upon the curbstone
and read his mothers letter.
1t related how ill-treatment had driven
her from his side how, poor, alone, and
with the reprobation Of the world upon her,
she had struggled for existence but hap
pier days had at length come-she was
married to a Mr.. Williams and was going
to Europe. She enclosed her photograph
and bade her son never forget his mother
The boy sprang up, vowing to do more
b l.. t. % DO G,,l
ing her. He went to his father, showed
him the letter, and asked him the reason of
his deception. He coldly replied that he
had thought it best--that if he had known
to see her, and that, he would never have
permitted.
The boy followed his mothers example
--he left the rich mans house; and, al
though not twelve years of age, he went to
work in foundry. Steadily he worked,
with but one purpose in his heart-to earn
money enough to 60 and find his mother
That moment came at length, and he went
to Europe, with nothing to identify her by
but the photograph and letter.
Failing to find her in Europe, he return
ed to the United States and hunted through
city after city, unavailingly. His proceed
ure was simple. He copied from the di-
rectory the addresses of all in the place
named Williams and called on them in turn
till the list was exhausted.
Many quiet family he startled from
their serenity by a raid upon them, photo
graph in hand, inquiring for his mother.
At last there was but one city left TO search
Washington. He pursued his usual
course there, visiting all the Williamses in
the capital save that of the Attorney-Gen-
eral. In every case he was disappointed.
He was now so near despair that he had
half mind, he said, not to call on them.
But il was the last of the name whom he
had not seen, and his search would be in
complete without it. The youth resolved
to make his last inquiry so, photograph
in hand, he entered The National Hotel,
and asked the clerk if Mrs. Williams lived
there. yes" was the reply. "Does
this look like her?" "That's the lady, .
said the clerk 81 am her son--can you
give me a room near her?p Yes"
"Say nothing of my being here-I want to
surprise her."
can right
The young man went to his room, array
ed himself in his best, then knocked at his
mothers door, his whole frame trembling
with agitation and with hope deferred at
length realized. 'iH o