The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-04-18
AUNT BETSY.

Mother and father mad been nothing
but names to me since l could remem.
ber anything. had an ample allowance
of pocket-money and good clothes, but
never went home for the holidays, and
no one ever came to see me. On my
thirteenth birthday a watch was sent to
me, with "From your loving mother"
engraved on the case, and then said to
Dr.. Surtees: .a
"This seems as though my mother
loved me. Does she never care to see
me?" ffs
Dr.. Surtees answered:
"Your mother. is very fond OF you,
and an excellent mother. but your father
j. cogpelle5 20 remain absent fam
home
I supposed from tais that both my
parents were abroad, and asked no more
questions.
Four years after this the news was
sent me that my father was dead. but
there was no alteration in my position.
MY parents, it appeared to me, must
be wealthy. II they were also respecta-
BILE. wbv had nv father never sent for
mef Why did nv mother never give
me any token of her desire to see her
son7 II had right to ask the question,
and to be answered But l feared the
answer, and delayed Nv acquaint.
ances we're many my friends fuur--,he
doctor, his wife, my old fellow pupil at
his school, Roger Wharton, and my
| laundress. t a
Yes, the laundress, Aunt Betsy, as ev.
cry one called her, humble though she
was, was one Of my friends, and not the
least valued of them.
Icontided in her little. and one day
she looked at me solemnly, shook her
head, and said: .-,. 5..-g g..
"Ah, hoys need mother. Do you
ever think OF yours, lad p zs,.
"Nore than she does of me-" said ]
"Don't dare say that, lad" answered
the old woman Your mother is sore
hearted to be parted from you like this. y
"How do vou know?" cried, start
ing up "Do you know my mother,
Aunt Betsy ?"
"Whatever I know I keep to myself
she said !; "hut remember your mother
loves YOU, alwavs has, and always will.
Remember that" fij 4tgt.5z
That evening went to DR.. Snrtees's
house; determined to ask him what my
parents we're. i e
IL have come to ask you some ques.
lions," l said--"qaestions that ! have a
right to ask. Will you promise to an
swer them 2''s.. .i5. ii13. a1
Il will decide when I have heard the
questions" replied the doctor. :
"They are simple."I / answered "Who
was my father3 Who is my mother
Why have never seen my parents p
Where does my mother live p
3 Your father was named, like your
self, Arthur Varley. Your mother was
his ssfullv wedded wife, Elz .beth--
now bis widow. When you were five
years old your father was obliged To
leave the country, and your mother con
dded you to our care. She has since, as
you know, amply supplied your every
want. There has never been a blot up
on her character. She has forbidden
me to tell you where to find her. 1t is
your mothers fixed determination that
you shall never see her. She has no
other child, and is not poor. Her will
is made in your favor. | have no right
to tell you more"
Soon hal other thoughts to fill my
mind. had fallen in love The object
of my admiration was beautiful girl
whose father, a wealthy client OF our
drm, did not object to my pretensions
In fact, we we're engaged, and nv heart
was full of jov. Yet with it mingled the
longing to Cad ny mother and tell her
of my happiness, One day l told Aunt
Betsy. .....a .
"Aunt Betsv." said. perhaps shall
he marrie,l some day." ~
Law bless us!' cried Aunt Betsy
You, seem such a boy"
1T will NOT he at once," / said, shut
after ! am well on in my profession ]
love her dearly She is Mr.. Charles
Rushton's daughter!'
miss Rushtonv' said Aunt Betsy
She folded her hard little hands togeth.
er, and stood looking at me. You'll
hsve your things done in the family
then. and see no more of old Be'sy."
"I'll give you my collars while ! have
one left. and all my wife's ruffles, too
81 don't want hers" said Betsy, cross.
". wish you joy, Mr. Arthur-bu
her things don't care for"
TOO much trouble, | suppose"
But / thought of my mother more ani
more, and as that dav was the one or
which drew my allowance, went uI
to the doctors house, intending to make
one more effort to move him 10 tell me
where to find my mother.
The doctor sat alone In his study.
An envelope Law before him. As he
saw me be drew it toward him, took ou
a parcel Of bank notes. and with them (
letter, which he at orlce returned 10 The
envelope and thrust Into his pocket, a.
he thought, but in reality it fell on tn,
floor beside him. the thought flashed
upon me at once-it was from my moth
i. er-and sudden summons which called
the doctor temporarily from the room
enabled me to secure the piece of paper
II had it at last, my mothers dwelling
place and a clue to her conduct few
home. dressed myself, and called cab
As I-drove on I'piciure,i my mother
graceful lady in middle life. q
Mrs. yarley,", asked-does sh
live here p la a,r
I'll call her." said the girl, and lef
me alone and / heard her voice repeat
ing The name. 'a
Then another voice. crying, YES, In
comiag," and quick step approaching
and before me stood old Aunt Betsy
and on the instant the truth rushed upo
me, and l cried OUT
: "Mother!"
= "Hush! hush! hush! Who told you
e Keep il to Yourself. You're genti,
8 man. You're to marry Mr.. Rushton
s laughter. Don't say that again. g
II away-go away. And keep it secret, ,
's | will Cor
~ .Mether. why did you 30 thisi VIII
'eI did my father do = I asked.
V: "He was clerk in hank, Arthur
re she answered "He robbed it He di
H., in prison. And Thought I'd spare q
hl boy the shame, and sent YOU to /