South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1874-07-03
That Other Willie.
M BELLA FRENCH.

Such was Mrs. GREY's impatient aues-
lion, one day, when her little son came and
seated himself in the parlor, when his mo-
Their was conversing with a visitor.
Il would rather BIO with you than the
boys he answered, timidly.
'Ob, never saw such boy
lis IL wrong to wish to be near you man.
ma said the child, aud his neither lin
trembled ss be spoke.
Wrong! OF course not. But you are
old enough to havo some manliness abou.
you. See, youder are WILL and JonN
CROWDS on the leo. Run along aud keep
them company, l want to talk with Mrs.
BROWN
The boy picked up bis little cap and went
on without another word. Mrs. GREY turn.
ed to her visitor.
isn't he queer child 2 she asked.
The other raised her sad eyes and fixed
them with such painful expression on the
mothers face, that for moment Mrs.GREY
felt almost offended. She was sorrowful
looking woman, this Mrs. BRowN.
Il had son once; but he is gone now, ,
she said at last, and there were tears in her
tones.
Y.
She had not known this before.
1T is bitter thing to tear open partially
healed wounds Mrs. Brown continued !;
But let me tell you my story
Several years ago, was about 70 give
party grand affair il was to be, and
my head was almost turned while making
preparations. My WILLIE (his name was
WILLIE, too was about sixteen years DID,
lie had never been to school; had edu.
Gated him myself. At home, lie was all q
mothers heart could desire but he was
shy, and when forced him into company
be appeared So awkward, that often felt
ashamed of him. This was ono reason Of
my deciding to give party. II he was
Obliged TO act the part of host he would o.
vercome his bashfulness, | thought. But
WILLIE never approved of it.
Il shall be so glad when that party ia o.
yer, he said Que day; 'for since you have
got 1t into your head, L have lost my mother
Poor little baby p responded, slightly
provoked at his lack of interest. Il won
der how many moro years | shall have you
tied to my apron strings !!
Il spoke sneeringly, aud a proud fash
instantly ovcrspread his face.
will he tied there no longer he return
ed, Il will seek other company in the future
L was frightened at the result Of nv
words. Still L made no response. NV
son putting on his coat and hat, went out.
1t was the first time in bis life be had ever
left me without informing me wherc be was
going.
In good timo the party came of. I, was
n ~ n fI,.Ir
LIE lie was sort of EXTREMIST, and took
no medium stand. After that, his books
and work were neglected, and his days as
well as his evenings were spent abroad.
Fast young mon became bis constant com
panlons. l was left alone to mourn over the
change had wrought. AT first, he made it q
rule 10 be In at night at ten O. clock; but after
a time, he began to stay out later; and
dsybreak sometimes found him from home.
| tried to expostulate, tried to win him back
TO bis old habits, but my efforts were una.
vaiing. He had got taste of new life.
and II held him by a charm Well do |
remember the Grst night that he came home
in state of intoxication. II was his sew
enteenth birthday, just year from the
time had given the party. | had seen
him under the influence of wine once or
twice before but on this night be had
drunk so deeply, that some Of bis compan.
ions had to help him home.
The hours Of tha, night we're dreadful
hours of self-reproOch aud agony. was
so glad when morning came to dispel the
glOom-sO glad when reason returned 20
my errug child. He was very much ashsm.
ed. He said again and again be would do
better but his resolves we're worthless.
Two nights later be was again brought
homo intoxicated. After that it was a com.
mon occurrence. lie fell lower and lower.
squandercd all my ready money, and when
| refused to mortgage my property. that
he might have more, he left mo with an
oath That night urge firm vas robbed,
and IL was discovered that WILLIE was
one Of the perpetrators Of the deed. The
Dext morning the town was wild with ex.
element, and 1 was almost crazed with
anxiety, for my boy had Aod. The nows
was passed from mouth to mouth; nv house
was searched, and my son called villain
but bad no power to prevent either. No
one gave me a word Of sympathy.
You have only yourself to blame said
a blunt cd 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
WILLIE stepped into the room. With
glad cry / spraDg toward him; but be push
ed roe rudely away.
Can you hide me anywhere ? be said.
Tho hounds are after me. Had you
given me the money yesterday, this would