Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1884-03-27
MY MOTHERS SECRET.

DR.. Snrtain's school and from thence
gone TO college. There had never been
any lack of money and good clothes
but never went home for the holidays,
and no one ever came TO see me. On
my thirteenth birthday watch Was seut
to me, with "From your loving moth.
er" engraved in the case, and | said to
DR.. Sartain:
"When am to see my parental This
seems 40 though my mother loved me
Does IN" never care to see me r
DR.. SrIain answered
"Your mother is very fond OF you,
and aD excellent mother, but your
father is compelled to remain absent
from home"
| snprosed from this both my parents
were sbrosd, and asked no more ques
tions.
-Four years from this the news was
sent TO me that my father was dead.
but there was no nlieTstiqn in my posi-
lion. went TO college. chose my pro
fession--lhe law-and finally entered
the off ,e Of Gay 4 Brothers, with every
prospect n srccess in my career.
had mt one An xie'' my strange posi.
ton,
NJ, Vir0n'', it aprc.rej - me, must
be wealthy. Il hey we're also respect.
sble. why bad my father never sent for
me- Was man now. had a right to
ssk th- lurstion and to be answered.
But / feared the answer, and delayed.
NY Acqusintances were many; my
friepds-the doctor, his wife, my old fel,
low pupil at his school, Roger Whsr.
ton, and my laundress.
Yes, the lsundress. Aunt Betsy, As
every one called her. humble though
.hs was, was one Of my friends, and not
the lesst valued Of them.
She was 9 good old womsn. straight
end thin, but strong and hearty. She
had tsksn "ths boys" to wash ever
since can remember. A boy drove q
little donkey cart to the door with the
great basket on it, but she came once q
week to bring her bills and get the mon
ey, suppose, and the doctors wife
made much Of her, aud told her about
the children's doings and the boys we're
pleased TO sec her round little face. She
had taken special fancy to Roger Whar
ton and to me, aud our linen always
came homo mended an d our stockings
dArnsd. OF course she took my wasn
ing home, now that lived independent.
". and the moderation Of her price was .
novelty in the laundry world.
You ask too littls." sometime
said. But she always answered
"IchArse quite enough-quits enough
Mr.. Arthur"
She kept up her interest in my studies
still, admired my law books, and won
dsred at my knowledge. | was more
pleased TO SEQ Aunt Betsy come into m y
room than was to zee many acquaint.
snces whose recognition was an honor.
/ shall always be glad TO remember
that.
confded In her little, aud one day
she looked ct me solemnly. shook her
head and said:
"Ah, boys need 9 mother. Do you
ever think Of yours, lAdi"
More than she does of me" sAid l..
"Don't ssy that. lAd," answered ihs
old wcmsn. "Your msthef is sore
hearted TO be parted from you like
this.n
"How do you known cried, start.
ing up. do you know my mother
Aunt Betssyi"
She gathered up her basket, looking
at me in asksnee.
"Whatever I know l keep 10 myself"
she said; "but remember your mother
loves you, always has. and always will.
Renember that" And she went her
way.
That evening thought her words ov
sr until could bear IL no longer, and
putting on my hat, went to DR.. Sart-
sins house, determined TO ask him who
and what my parents we're.
The Doctor and Mrs. Sartain sal to-
gethsr in his study, and took his chair
which he offerd me, and drew II be.
tween them.
II have come to ask you some ques-
iions," I ssid; Questions that have a
right TO ask. will fyou promise to
answer thsm2'
"Promiss, my love-" said hn. Sar
tain.
i'I viii decide when have heard the
questions" replied the doctor.
"Thsy are simple" I answered.