Year: 1869

Mayn't go with you, papa please say
| may won't you ~


The words were uttered in plaintive and
sadly entreative tone, the hands Of the speak
er clasping the knees of the listener,
1t was boy of seven years who lisped
them a beautiful boy, with fair high brow,
around which there clustered glorious
wreath of auburn curls ; with dark flashing
eyes cheeks rosy with health lips like the
cherries Of summer, and voice like the
birds which taste them There We're tears in
those eyes at this time, though, and the dim
pied mouth was quyering.


1t was a man Of some thirty-iiye who list
ened to this plea a man who had been of
noble looks and princely belring Ay, had
been for the blighting truth was written
over his form and face. His locks were
matted his forehead scowlng, his eyes red,
but not with tears there were burrows on his
cheeks, too, and a british look to the ex-
preston of his lips Twice did the little boy
address him ere he answered Then pushing
the child rudely from him, he said, in stern
voice. " No, no. Its no place for you"


Again those fair small hands encircle the
knees.


You go papa. Why cant ] go too ?
Do let me 60"


For a moment the heart Of the inebriate
seemed to wake from its sleep. He shudder-
ed as he thought of the character of the
place his pure souled boy would enter He
took the child tenderly in his arms, and kiss
ed him as of old then putting him down,
he said kindly;


You must not ask me again to take you
there 1t is no place for little boys and
seizing his hat hurried from the room, mur-
muring to himself, as he paced the way to
the brilliant bar-room, " and no place for
men, either, Would to God | had never
gone"


For long time Willie stood Just where
his father had left him then turning to the
few embers that family glowed upon the
hearth, he sat down in his little chair, and
resting his head upon his mothers lap, said
earnestly


Mama why isn't that pretty store good
place for little boys2 Papa loves to 60 there. -


1t was a trying question to the poor heart
broken woman. She had so far kept from
her son the knowledge of his fathers sin.
She cosd not bear that he should look with
shame upon him, or that his pure and gentle
heart should thus commune with so intense u
grief Kindly she toyed with his long ring
lets fora while, then said cndearingly "Papa
knows better than you what is best for his
| little boy. When you grow older you will
learn why he does not wish 10 take you"


Then rising she carefully put down her
babe upon its little bed, and tied on her hood
aud cloak


Mind the cradle, now, Willie I'll como
back soon, and then you shall have some sup.
per- and nice fire to sit by, too" and TAX
ing large basket Of ironed clothes she went
out A wealthy mother would have been
frightened at the thought only of leaving SO
young boy at night fall all alone with an
infant to care for, and ap open fire to sit be-
side But poor Mrs. NJ. knew we'll she could
trust Willie with his sister, and as for burn
ing up, there were not Goals enough to thaw
his fingers. No, she did not fear to leave
him, for he had thus been left many time,
and always carefully obeyed her
And he meant to now but poor little lel.
low his thoughts would wander to that brill
liant corner store, whittier he knew his father
always went at evening, and his brain was
busy with eager wonderings. He knew his faith
er loved to go, and there must be something
that he liked, for he never came home again
till long after Willie was asleep What lay
behind those scarlet curtains was mystery
he sought in vain TO unravel.


At length he whispered eagerly, as If to
encourage longing wish, Z" Papa used to
tell me if wanted to know anything very
bad to perseyere and would find out. Now
do want to know what makes hiIa love to
20 there SOL know that there must be pret-
ty things behind those windows. ! shouldn't
wonderland his cheeks were glowing" il
it was like a fairy house. Why can't ] gof'