The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1882-04-19
Aunt BETSY.

Mine was n lonely boyhood, uncheer-
ed by the ioye OF Kindred, uuble-scd by
the soft caresses for which childhood
pines.
Mother and father had been nothing
but names 10 me since | could rcmem-
Der anything had an ample allowance
Of probationary aud good clothes, butt
never went home for the holidays, and
no one ever came to see me- On my
thirteenth birthday watch Was sent 10
Inc, with Prom your loving mother
engraved on tie case, and then | said to
Dr. Su1ccs:
This seems as though my mother
loved me. Does she never care to sec
ne?"
DR.. SurtccS answered:
Your mother is very fondof You, and
an excellent mother hut your father is
compelled TO remain absent from
homc.h
! supposed from this that both my
parents were abroad, and asked no moro
questions.
Four years after this the news was
sent me that NY father was dead, but
there was no alteration in my position.
Ny parents, it appeared to me, must
be wealthy. II they We're also respccta-
bic why had my father never sent for
ne? Why did my mother never give
me any token Of her desire to see her
son? had Alright to ask the question,
and to he answered But feared the
answer, and delayed Ny acquaint-
anceS were many; my friends four-thc
doctor, his wife. my old felow-pupil at
his school, Rogcr Wharton, and my
\ laundrc>s
Yes. the lamdress, Aunt Betsy, as ev-
cryonc called her, humble though she
was. was one of my friends, and not the
least valued Of them.
| conided in her little, and one day
she looked at me solemnly, shook her
head, and said
'Ah, boys need q mother Do you
ever think OF yours, lad?"
"Morc 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"
"How do You bnow?' I cried, start
ing up. "Do you known mother, Aunt
Bctsy?n
"Whatevor know kecpto myself"
she said "but remember your mother
loves you, always has, and always will.
Remember that"
That evening went to DR.. Surtees's
house, determined to ask him what my
parents We're.
Il have come to ask you some ques-
lions" said questions that | have q
right to ask. viii You promise to an
swer thom9'
II will decide when have heard the
questions replied the doctor.
"They are simple, answered. "Who
was my father? Who is my mothere
Why have | never seen my parents!
Where does my mother live?"
"Your father was named, like your
self. Arthur Marley. Your mother was
his lawfully welded wife, Elizabeth
now his widow. When you were five
years old your father was obliged to
leave the country, and your mother con.
iidcd you to our care. Sac has sincca rs
you know, amply supplied your every
want. There has never been u blot upon
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. Herwill is made
in your favor. l have no right to toll
you more" =,
Soon had other thoughts to fill my
mind. had fallen in love. The object
of nv admiration was beautiful girl
whose father, n wealthy client OF oul
firm, did not object to my pretensions
In fact, we were engaged, and my heart
was fun of Joy Yet whit mingled the
longing to find my mother and 'ell hcl
of my happiness. One day told Aunt
Betsy. :,
AUNT Betsy" said, "perhaps ! shal
be married some day"
Law bless usl' cried Aunt Betsy
'You seem such boy"
ut will not be NJ oncc,' | said "bu