The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-11-15
No Difference.

Will came in from school in a half
ashamed way hiding his report-card
under the corner of his jacket. Mann
ma held out her hand, and Will re-
luctantly gave it up.
"What! poor marks again?" o,
Will, why don't you study?"
1T makes 10 difference about the
marks now. mother. There's plenty
of time. BY and by I'll show you
what can do"
"No difference! Suppose man in
tending to build house thought the
foundation of no consequence. What
would you think of him? Don't you
know it's the foundation you are lay
ing, my boy? Your future success
depends largely upon your knowledge
of arithmetic aud grammer, and"
Will silenced any further "preach-
ing," as he called it, by an emphatic
hug and kiss. 49,.
70, yes, ma; I know it all. You'll
be proud of your boy yet; wait and
see."
with a rush and whoop, he was
off for the pantry, from which he soon
emerged with bulging pockets.
Mrs. Welles watched him fondly as
he ran down the street to join his
friends, but think little mOle care
on his part would have smoothed the
wrinkles gathering on her forehead
At the end of the school.year, Will
found he was not to be promoted with
his class. Another year as senior in
the grammar school enabled him to
"squeeze through" as he said, and
with glowing plans for the future, be
became a high school student.
"Welles, you must give more time
to your lalin," said the muster one
day. "You haven't had fair reclta-
ton this week. You have good abili-
ties. With study there's no reason
why you shouldn't excel. Haven't
you any ambition?"
"Why, yes, sir; but there are SO
many things 10 attend TO now, and l
cant are that my standing here makes
any difference. When l go to college,
I expect to lead my class"
The masters reply was all unheeded,
for though Wiil appeared 10 attend,
and said "Yes, sir" now and then, he
was really planning for the bull
match of the morrow.
-Four years of high-school, and Will
was admitted to college. cannot say
that he was prepared for college, but
he was admitted.
"Now you'll see what can do," he
told his mother at parting. "I've
fooled around long enough. Now l
shall begin study in earnest"
TO his surprise he found that bis
record was known at college. The
best students avoided or treated him
indifferently, awe always find out
the previous standing of young
man." some one told him.
He set to work, resolved to win for
himself name, but aside from his
moor record he found his former habits
were like chains to bind him down.
In vain he sighed for neglected oppor-
Near the close of his second year,
Mrs. Welles died, the property took
to itself wings, and Will found him.
self thrown on his own resources.
He looked for employment in his la.
tive town. ave need a new assistant
said the high school master, shaking
his mead: II wish your Greek and
Latin had been more satisfactory"
Another friend spoke of position in
the bank, but the old grammar school
teacher would not recommend him as
quick or accurate in lis accounts.
The minister spoke of him as honest.
but we need trained minds as well
as honest purposes in our Offices" said
the business men of the place. At
last he accepted position as porter
in a furniture store. The work was
hard, the pay small, but it was en-
ployment. ,..
Don't tell ME it makes no differ
ence, he often says to careless boys
who are neglecting their studies. IL
tell you it does make vast differ
ence."