Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-11-04
That Other Willie.

Such was Mrs Gmy'- impatient question,
one day. when her little son came and seated
himself in the parlor where his mother was
conversing with visitor.
" | would rather be with you than with
the boys" he answered timidly.
"Oh. | never saw such baby :"
"Is it wrong TO wish to be near you.
mother o. said the child, and his neither lip
trembled as he spoke.
Wrong of course not But You are
old enough to have some manliness about
YOU. See, yonder are win and John Gowdy
on the ice Run along and keep them com
pany. ] want to talk to Mrs. Brown"
"lsu't he a queer child %
The other raised her sad eyes, and fixed
them with such painful expression ON the
mothers face. that for a moment Mrs. Gray |
almost felt offended She was a sorrowtul |
looking woman, this Mrs. Brown.
had sou once, but he's gone now
she said al last and there were tears in her |
eyes
Mrs. Gray gazed at her wonderingly She |
had not known this before.
1t is a bitter thing to tear open partially !
healed wounds" Mrs Brown continued. |
But let me tell You my story
Several years ago ! was about to give
party; grand affair it was 60 be, and my
head was almost turned while making pre-
parations My Willie, (his name was Willie,
too.) was about sixteen years old lie had
never been to school, had educated him
myself At home, he was all mothers heart
could desire but he was Shy, and when |
forced him into company he appeared so
awkward that | often felt ashamed of him.
This was one reason Of my deciding to give
a party. II he was obliged to act the part
of host he would overcome his hashiulness.
thought. But Willie never approved OF it.
81 shall be so glad when the party is over"
he said one day " for since YOU have got it
into your head, | have lost my mother"
" Poor little babyl' responded slightly
provoked at his lack of interest. wonder
how many years | shall have you tied to my
apron string p
spoke sneeringly, and a proud flush in
stautly overspread his face.
g. will be tied there no longer" he re-
turned, ." | viii seek other company in the
future"
| was frightened at the result Of my
words. Still ! made more sponse My son.
putting on his coat and hat, went out. 1t
was the first time in his life he had ever
gone out without informing me where he
was going.
In good time the party came off. II was
gay affair, and none were gayer than Willie
He was a sort of an extremist. and took no
medium stand. After that his books and
work were neglected, and his days, as well
as evenings, were spent abroad Fast young
men became his constant companions. was
left alone to mourn over the change had
wrought. At first he made it a rule to be
in at night at ten O'Clock, but after a time
he began to stay out later; and day-break
sometimes found him from home | tried
Al. D. A. l. 1 1
old habits, but my efforts were unavaiing.
lie had got a taste Of a new life and it held
him 10y charm. Wen do remember the
first night he came home in a state of intoxi-
cation. IL was his seventeenth birthday,
just year from the time gave the party.
| had see him under the influence of wine
once or twice before, but on this night he
drank so deeply that some of his companions
had to help him home.
The hours of that night were dreadful
hours of self reproach and agony was SO
glad when morning came to dispel the gloom
so glad when reason returned TO my en-
ring child lie was very much ashamed
lie said again and again he would do bet
ter; but his resolves were worthless. Two
nights later he was again brought home in
toxieated. After that it was a common oc.
cuTence. lie fell lower and lower, squan-
N'A'h az NY i'ANif liiNh'Ns anu WITH re-
fused TO mortgage my property, that he
might have more, he left me with an oath.
That night a large firm was robbed, and
it was discovered that Willie was one of the
perpetrators of the deed. The next morn
ing, the town was alive with excitement,
and almost crazed with anxiety, for my
boy had fled The news passed from mouth
to mouth; my house was searched and my
boy called villain, but had no power to
prevent either. No one gave me a word of
sympathy
You have only yourself to blame" said
blunt old woman, who called during the
day " The boy was happy at home but
you drove him into bad company"
That night at the hour of twelve, as I sat
alone, window was opened softly, and viii
lie stepped into the room. With a glad cry
| sprang toward him, but lac pushed me
rudeiy away.
Can you hide me anywhere" he said.
The bloodhounds are after me, Had you
given me the money yesterday this would
not have been"
"Oh, Willie" cried.
Yes, mother" he said sternly, you have
made me a criminal | want to tell YOU
have secretly married Kate Hastings. God
knows what will become of her"
Kate was pretty little creature only six
teen years old, innocent as the yiolets which
grew around her home. My bleeding heart
gave quick, painful throb as he continued:
"The world will not believe we are mar
RED She will he scorned by all. IIark
they are coming. Mother, am too young,
too wicked TO die, but must die. Farewell"
saw his purpose now, and sprnging to
my feet | threw my arms about him to
shield him from himself But he shook me
off, The next moment the loud report of
his pistol echoed through the house. One
glance showed me his lifeless form stretched
on the floor. Then existence was blank to me.
When | woke 10 consciousness the morn
ing SIM was shining and the house was filed
with people. But even justice was satisfied,
and ! was left alone with the dead All
day. fearless and motionless, sat beside the
mangled corpse, Some people, kinder than
the rest, came in to make preparations for
the funeral, and passed silently out, but !
did not heed them.
Kate Hastings came just after dark. She
was dressed in deep mourning, and her face
was 50 ghastly that it startled me.
/" You, too, have come to reproach me-"
said.
No, mother You suffer enough with
out my reproaches | have come to watch
with the dead"
d" wish 10 watch alone" said.
Z" 1t is | who will watch alone" she re-
turned. 1T is my right, am his wife"
How calm she was There was not even
tremor of the voice TO tell how she suffered
"Yes, il Is your right, my poor childw |
said. at gives me another pang to give him
up, even to You, my daughter; still / do it,"
She looked up quickly.
" lie has told you ?"
"Yes."
Yet you speak kindly to me, and do not
condemn us"
A sad beautiful smile for moment lighted
her features She raised one of my hands
and kissed IL reverenty
Thank yon," she said. Some time you
viii be glad for having shown this kindness
TO one SO much in need of it. Now, mother,
leave me-"
4 left the apartment, but did not retire.
All night sat on the floor outside the door,
hoping that Kate would bid me enter; but
no such summons came. Daylight returned
and the busy world again moved, still /
heard no movement in the chamber Of death
Al last my anxiety became 80 great that
opened the door and looked in. The pirl
knelt by the side Of the corpse apparently
asleep. Softly ! stole forward, and raised