Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-08-05
MIscEILAHEoUs.
"r0o RICH TO AFFORD IT."
BY MARY GRACE ALPINE.

"SA don't want to go to school any more,
father"
Mr.. Palmer raised his eyes in surprise 20
the face of his frst born, lad about fifteen.
Aud a bright, Intelligent face it was,
though it little clouded now by feel
ing of dubicusness as TO how his words
would be taken.
"Why don't you want to go to school any
more?"
well, sir, I'm tired of studying, and
don't see any use Of il"
Think you know enough. that you don't
need to learn any more?"
The boy colored little at that euizzical
Look and tone.
II know as much as George Lyman does,
and he left school three months ago. He say
he aint going to drudge away at school when
his father has got plenty of money"
Sir. Palmer turned upon his sons face
look of grave surprise
Did George Lyman say that. Walter ?
His father is a poorer man than l thought
him"
"You are richer than Mr. Lyman is, amt
you. father?' cried the boy. eagerly.
L hoped was; but that remains to be
seem"
"Mr. Lyman is rich, too. father; every
body says he is"
That remains to be seen also. go you
have quite made up your mind that you do
not want to go to- -schoO! any more, my aoDl"
Yes, sir"
You needn't, then"
Ooh, thank you, father" cried Walter.
his face Frightening.
"WGt minute" said Mr.. Palmer,a as the
boy caught up his hat preparatory to making
a dive through the open door. "CUme back;
have something more to say to you You
have nothing to thank me for-cxcept, rer>
haps my good intentions. Considering it as
tho best gift l could bcstow, it was my iDten>
tion to give you thorough education. But
there is homely but true saying: 'One man
can lead horse to water, but ten cannot
make him drink So, though I have By no
means changed my opinion as to the value of
an education, l consent to your leaving
school, because, if you feel as you say you
do, it will be only time aud money thrown
away. But l want you to understand clearly
one thing: that if you don't go to school you
will have to 20 to work. l can't afford to
have you idle"
Walters counteoancc underwent q Tery
perceptibe chaugo.
"Do you mean must go out st day . work
like Dan Baker aud Sam Blakr?"
Il mean that you nust have some steady
employ yuent; some trade or business. which
will give you just so many hours work, as
surely as the sun RISES
why, father, George Lyman and Will
Bromley don't have to work; and they say
they don't mean to, either. George told me
that he heard his fo,her say that you was the
richest man in the county"
81 might be the richest man in two couu>
tics, and &c. not be tich enough to have my
boy idle
Nj Palmer smiled when he saw Walters
puzzled look.
This is a hzrd thing for you to under
stand, my son. and might talk to you from
this time until sunset snd not make it any
more clear to you. Tomorrow is Saturday,
and ycu know always take you somewhere
| that day. This time it shall be to PIairdeld,
where an old schonlma;e Of mine is living.
| a visit to him and the place where he lives.
will servo better to explain Dy meaning
than anything can say"
| The next morning Waller and his father
started out, bright and early, in the open
phaeton, drawn by pair of well>matched,
mettesome bays, which bore them swiftly
along the smooth, hard road.
Plain6eid was fifteen miles distant, and the
| way thither through such beautiful coun-
try, and so entirely new to Walter that he
! forgot all about what his father had said the
day before, until the carrioge stopped in
front of gloomy stone building.
"ArO you going to stop here father? Why
! it looks like PRISON.
''It is prison" said Mr Palmer, who had
been unnsuslly grave and silent during their
ride. as Walter remembered afterwards.
But thought We were going to see an
| old schoolmate of yours2"
"Here is where he lives"
Walter followed his father silently mp the
steps which led to the heavy, massive door
| ofIhe main entrance.
Did you ever think that any one Of your
sehoolmates might find home in some such
| place as this?-or that even you mighs!'
said Mr. Palmer. as he pulled beil. whose
clsngor broke bsrshly upon the strange si>
ience that reisEed around.
Before Walter could reply the heavy door
swung back, and they were ushered into the
warden's Office.
He vas heavily> bearded man, with .
Stern, almost fofbidditg sounteusncs; but
he shock hands with Mr. Palmer, whom he
| had met before, bestowing on Walter a