[WILLIE'S ADVENTURE.]
A True Story.
BY E. M. TRAQUAIR.
"Mamma," said Willie Beetham, "may I go down to the beach this morning?"
"No, my boy; you know I don't like your going down there by yourself, and nurse is too busy to take you and Lucy out just yet. You can go there with her after luncheon."
Willie looked very much disappointed. "There's no fun going out with nurse," he said; "she won't let me do anything. It is always: 'Now, Master Willie, don't go there; you'll soil your shoes. Master Willie, come back; you'll tumble into the water.' Going with her is all very well for girls and babies; but I am a big boy now. You said so yourself to papa the other day. I can take care of myself quite well."
The "big boy" was a bonny little fellow of six years' old, with golden hair, and a sunny smile that won every one's heart. He was a bold, thoughtless boy, always getting into mischief, but of such an affectionate disposition, so sorry for having done anything to vex those he loved, that no one was ever angry with him long. This made him less careful, perhaps, in being obedient than he ought to have been.
"No, my boy, you can't be trusted to go by yourself just yet. You can go into the garden and play with Lucy for a little. When nurse is ready, she will take you both out for a walk on the beach."
Willie was very fond of his little sister, who cared for nobody so much as for him. So he drew her about for a while in his little cart, ran races, and pulled daisies with her in the field. But all would not do. He wanted to go down to the shore. Where he stood he could see the bright waves rolling in to land. He forgot all that had been said to him, and resolved to go. He would not stay long.