Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-05-19
Srltttt0 Storp.
r Z V Il L \ L 1 O n s q.
Bv VIOLET soMERpY.

Mrs. Gilbert and her son were about TO
be separated for time.
She had accompanied George to an
eastern city, TO see him comfortably set
tied Us q boarder in nice family, and
everything arranged at school with the
Principal. for his future advancement in
education.
Mother and son walked down one OF
the many fine streets lined By handsome
stores, entering several, making little
purchases such rs mothers only think OF
for their children. \ few articles were
wanted from an apOthecary's store.
Being strangers, they paused before an
elegantly furnished store of this kind,
then entered.
While the clerk attended Mrs. Gilbert
and prepared the packages desired, her
attention was attracted to numerous Gus
toners that came and went almost con.
stantly, nearly all gentlemen. Fine
looking men OF forty, and smart intelH.
gent Younger men came in at the front
entrance and passed through the store
iuto another room.
When they came out she noticed with
surprise. q clerk attended them with
something for my BREATH one man
audibly called tor.
Feeling a little curious as to the char.
acier Of the place she had entered, and
withal astouished at the open manner in
which liquor was sold, she asked the lady
where her son was to board. if her sus-
picions were correct. and received this
answer:
go yes that's nothing. Leonayds' is
one OF the finest places in the cily.-pat.
ronized exclusively by highly respectable
people 1, is sold in al drug stores the
same"
Mrs Gilberrs mother heart quiyered
with pain as she looked at her boy Of
eighteen, soon to be left alone among
strangers in strange city Of such in.
fuences.
Earnestly she talked with him Of the
temptations he would be called upon
to meet, and George as earnestly assured
his mother that there was no danger :or
him.
why, mother; 10 think l should stoop
so low as to fall into the customs OF this
place
lie arose and walked back and forth in
the room. lie looked all that would
make a noble, handsome man, and his
mothers eyes followed him with a proud
look Of possession. tor George WAS the
only son Of widow.
Mrs. Gilbert returned TO her lonely
home, and Immediately began to count
the days that must como and so before
the holidays.
George wrote eOntented letter to his
mother. that dispelled the fears she had
entertained since leaving him.
Each study was particularized. and its
teacher applauded in 4 young mans
glowing terms.
George had been at school two months
and it was once more the evening for his
letter: nor was Mrs. Gilbert disappoint.
ed but rather pleased at the thickness of
the paper she felt before breaking the
seal.
Ny Own DARLING MoTHER, were The
first words and Mrs. Gilbert's heart re
sponded to its affection. The first shee,
was rapidly Perused and the second taken
in hand, Il was not quite satisfying, yet
was written in the boys rapid jumps from
subject 10 subject as usual. The sentences
were short, and more about other people |
than himself We know that little feel |
ing OF uneasiness that creeps over us. |
when the loved ones letters begin to take
the torn Of description in place Of the
hearts out pouring.
'Oh, motheri-n
Mrs Gilbert feels her pulse quicken,
and "What is ii?n is the unconscious
question. as my boy siek?" and "No.
comes the answer quick.
at seems as though l could not write
what feel constrained to do by some in
visible power.
Mother You do not know how it was
mean how it happened
The mothers hand trembles. yet tighter
grasps the paper she holds.