The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1874-02-05
Romance In Reality.
Mrs. Williams and Her Only Son - A
Boys Search Through Europe and
America for His Mother.

Mrs. williams and Her Only Son - A
Boys Search Through Europe and
America for His Mother.
The vicissitudes which mark the lives
Of some women are exemplified in the
case Of Mrs. Attorney-G General Will
liams. Many and varied are the stories
told concerning her marriages, and
when at last she appeared in Washing
ton as the wife of the Attorney-General
several excellent leaders of fashion were
disposed to frown her down. Because
woman has been unusually unfortu-
nate, while not guilty, seems to me the
very reason why her own sex should be-
friend and uphold her but the reverse
is almost always the case. Conse-
quently Mrs. Williams went very little
into society during her first season in
Washington. She held aloof with
calm dignity that surprised the "lead-
ers of fashion," while her exemplary
conduct eventually forced from them
their respect and esteem. 1t was con-
ceded that she was handsome and
agreeable, but it was never suspected
that she possessed more than ordinary
mind or any diplomatic ability.
She is one of the few women who
know how to wait, and, if she cannot
create an opportunity, knows how to
seize one when it occurs. Her hus-
bands position gave her the first
golden opportunity of her life, and so
we'll has she improved it that, from be-
ing received under protest, she now
leads the beau monde of the capital,
and dictates even to what style of re-
freshments shall be offered at recep-
tions. Mrs. Williams well merits her
tardy good fortune. But of all the
facts concerning her domestic troubles
which have been given to the public,
one has been omitted containing an ele-
ment of romance, and showing the love
she inspired in the heart of her only
child.
Whatever were the terms of separa
tion 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
motherl Over-powered by the sudden
knowledge of her existence, he dropped
upon the curbstone and read his
mothers letter.
1t related how i'll. treatment had
driven her from his side how, poor,
alone, and with the reprobation of the
world upon her, she hal struggled for
existence but happier days had at
length come-she was married to Mr..
Williams and was going to Europe.
She enclosed her photograph and bade
her son never forget his mother.
Tho how unruiror 10 10
more than remember--to devote his life
to finding her. He went to his father,
showed him the letter, and asked him
replied that he had thought it best
alive he would have wanted to see her,
and that he would never have per-
mitted.
The boy followed his mothers ex-
ample-he left the rich mans house !;
and, although 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 go and
find his mother. That moment came at
length, and he went to Europe, with
nothing to identity her by but the pho
tograph and letter.
Failing to find her in Europe, he re-
turned to the United States and hunted
through city after city, unavailingly.
His procedure was simple. He copied
from the directory the addresses of all
in the place named Williams and called
on them in turn till the list was ex-
hausted.
Many a quiet family he startled from
their serenity by raid upon them, pho
tograph in hand, inquiring for his
mother. At last there was but one city
left to search-Washingt He pur-
sued his usual course there, visiting all
the Williamses in the capital save that
of the Attorney-General. In every
case he was disappointed.
He was now so near despair that he
had half a mind, he said, not to call Oh
them. But it was the last of the name
whom he had not seen, and his search
would be incomplete without it. The
youth resolved to make his last inquiry
so, photograph in hand, he entered the
National Hotel, and asked the clerk il
Mrs. Williams lived there. eyes,
was the reply. "Does this look like
her ?" "Thats the lady," said the
clerk. " 1 am her son--can you give
me room near her ?" eyes" "Say
nothing of my being here-I want tc
surprise her." "All right"
The young man went to his room
arrayed himself in his best, ther
knocked at his mothers door, his whole
frame trembling with agitation and
with hope deferred at length realized
Her voice bade him enter. He fune
open the door, and, exclaiming
/" Mother, don't you know me ?" ht
rushed frantically into her arms.
She was at the time an invalid, ant
the shock almost proved serious bu
as Joy never kills they say, she re
, covered.
He had worked his way almost al
through Europe and America; corse
, quently his education had been neg
? lected but as he was only twenty on
years of age when he found his mothe
9 she hoped to overcome that defect
-. She put him to school at once, and h
gives promise of becoming as brilliar
in mind as he is loving of heart.