A Little-Known Historical Fact

�You know, Billy,� said George Washington, �When I was a young boy, my mother used to say something to me, by way of encouraging me in my childhood endeavors.�

�Is that so, Mr. President?� Billy held up the jacket for Washington.

�Now, Billy, calling me that is a bit premature,� said Washington. �The inauguration is still nearly an hour distant.�

�Yes, sir, Mr. Washington.�

�But I was talking about something my mother would say to me, when I was down at heart or discouraged, to inspire me in my studies or projects.� He slipped one arm, then the other, into the jacket, and waited while Billy came around to his front to do the buttons.

He looked down at Billy�s head as the man started on the first button. �Your hair has grown gray in my service, I see.�

�Yes sir. �Deed it has.�

�But my mother. She used to say to me, �George, you work hard, and someday you could even be President of the United States.��

Billy, who had reached the top button, froze. �She said what, sir?�

�You know, Billy,� Washington continued. �It is only today that I understand what she meant.�

Billy did the top button and Washington surveyed himself in the mirror.

Then the President-elect shook his head. �Memories overtake me at times. Will you see if my wife is ready? I believe it is time for us to go.�