The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-08-28
No Difference.


Will come in from school in half
shamed way, hiding his report card
under the corner of his jacket. Mann
ma held out her hand, and reluctantly
gave it up.
What poor marks again? o Will,
why don't you study?"
"It makes no difference about the
marks now, mother. There's plenty
of time. By and by I'll show yon
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 de-
pends largely upon your knowledge of
arithmetic aDd grammar and"
Will silenced any further "preach-
ing" as he called it, by emphatic hug
and kiss. 20 yes, ma; know it all.
You'llbe 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 Wells watched him fondly as he
ran down the streets to join his friends
but..I think a little more care Oh his
part would have smoothed the wrink-
les gathering on her forehead.
Atthe end of the schoolyear Will
found he was not to pc 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 he
became high school student.
"Wells, you must give more time to
your Latin" said the master one day.
''You haven't had fair recitation this
week. You have abilities there is no
reason why you shouldn't excel. Hav-
emit you any ambition !"
"Why, yes, sir, but there are so
many things to attend to now, and 1
can't see that by standing here makes
much difference. When I 60 to COL
lege expect to lead my class"
The masters reply was all unheed-
ed; for though Will appeared to at.
tend, and said, eyes, sir" now and
then, he was really planning for the
ball 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. Nov you'll see
what can do" he told his mother at
parting. "I've fooled around long
enough Now I shall begin study in
earnest"
To Willis surprise, be found that his
record was known at college. The
best students avoided or treated him
indifferently. .We always find out
the previous standing of young
man." some one told him. He sat to
work, resolved to win for himself a
name; but, aside from his poor record,
found that his former habits were like
chains to bind him down. In vain he
sighed for neglected opportunities.
Near the close of the second year
Mrs. Wells died the property took to
itself wings, and Will found himself
thrown on his own resources. He
looked for employment in his native
town. 1--WE need a new assistant"
said the high school master, shaking
his head" wish your Greek and
Latin had been more satisfactory"
Anotoner person spoke Of position in
the bank ; but the old grammar school
teacher would not recommend him as
quick or accurate in accounts. The
minister spoke of him as honest. "But
we need trained minds as we'll as hon
est purposes in our Offices" said the
business men of the place. At last he
accepted a position as porter in furni-
ture store. The work was hard, the
pay small; but it was employment.
Don't tell me it makes no difference"
he often says to careless boys who are
neglecting their studies. II tell you
it does make vast difference"