And," he added, after a pause,--"it would have been better for
her, and for Willy, too, if he had gone to a better land with
them."

"His course of life must be to her a terrible affliction." said I.

"It is destroying her reason," he replied, with emphasis, "He was
her idol. No mother ever loved a son with more self-devotion than
Mrs. Hammond loved her beautiful, fine-spirited, intelligent,
affectionate boy. To say that she was proud of him, is but a tame
expression. Intense love--almost idolatry--was the strong passion
of her heart. How tender, how watchful was her love! Except when
at school, he was scarcely ever separated from her. In order to
keep him by her side, she gave up her thoughts to the suggestion
and maturing of plans for keeping his mind active and interested
in her society--and her success was perfect. Up to the age of
sixteen or seventeen, I do not think he had a desire for other
companionship than that of his mother. But this, you know, could
not last. The boy's maturing thought must go beyond the home and
social circle. The great world, that he was soon to enter, was
before him; and through loopholes that opened here and there he
obtained partial glimpses of what was beyond. To step forth into
this world, where he was soon to be a busy actor and worker, and
to step forth alone, next came in the natural order of progress.
How his mother trembled with anxiety, as she saw him leave her
side! Of the dangers that would surround his path, she knew too
well; and these were magnified by her fears--at least so I often
said to her. Alas! how far the sad reality has outrun her most
fearful anticipations.