The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

Willie Gillies. 133
how to tell it to the family without giving offence. I said
the statistical work was too much for me alone (in very
truth the dread of new blunders could not be removed but
by a sharp-eyed confidential assistant, that would keep me
on the square without laughing openly at my everlasting
gaucheries), that my salary was good and about to be
increased, and that I was acquainted with a smart lad who
was just the proper clerk for m.e. Then I was questioned
about the future clerk. I told what I knew of Willie Gillies-
My brother swore (he has a habit of using strong expletives
when excited) that lad was the right sort of a chap, and my
sister-in-law said in such company she believed Tommy
would be safe. Little Lucy said nothing. When I looked
at her, however, I saw that there was colour on her pale
cheek, and moisture in her large eyes. Poor thing !
it
would have greatly relieved her had dislike of observation
allowed her to vent in sobs her appreciation of Willie's
moral heroism.
The ready acquiescence of my friends cheered me. I
was in regular correspondence with Willie Gillies. If I did
sometimes forget to reply to him, it only caused him to
write earlier again. Willie was one of those whose friendship
and confidence it was difficult to gain, but which when
gained lasted for ever. I learned his state and prospects
clearly from his letters. His health was improving, but was
not what it had been before his illness. A letter from the
district surgeon assured me of this. He was craving for
independence and employment. His old employer had got
another clerk to occupy his stool, and, under the impression
that Willie was ruined in health, refused to take him back.
In a letter to me Willie bemoaned his fate; for once his
courage gave way, and he confessed it ; and when I traced
the torture of a weak and suffering mind, I wept for him as
if he were my brother. Then it was the thought struck me
—it was just after I heard of the unlucky tracery on the
blotting-paper submitted to "my lords" by mistake—
would get Willie to help me, and give him better wages
I