Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-12-01
THEODORA.

1Il1UUONA,
MIR. Llsle WIS thought to be wealth
man, but in settling up his affairs, afte
his death, there was found to be mer
plttance left for his widow and family.
Mrs. L1sla was a lady of culture an,
refinement, md had never before had t
think Of supplying her own wants, mucl
less to provide for the necessities of
family.
=. Poverty is stern teacher, but it oftel
develops power of bringing out som
unsuspeeted talent, which shines fortl
in diamond like brightness, even as tn
uncut gem only shows its splendor afte
ID has been subjected to the lapidary'
art.
30 it was with Mrs. Lisle. She hat
spent years upon the continent, and nov
III this time of need she drew upon the
store of memory, and depicted in terse
DV' vigorous language some of the
curious and ofttimes touching incidents
which bal attracted her notice in her
travels.
Her efforts were rewarded with sue
cess. but wants were many, and her
earnings fell short of the sum which
would have supported them in comfort.
der eldest daughter, Theodore, watched
the lines OF care as they gradually deep
ened on her mothers forehead, and made
up her mind that she could and would
help her.
80. one morning, while Mrs. Lisle was
. busily engaged in copying manuscript
upon which depended their living ex-
penses for the week, Thedlora stole to
her side and said, prefacing her words
with kiss
Mamma, can you listen moment
have plan."
Yes, dear, but tell me quickly, for
this article must go to-day without fail.
Theodore kuelt by her mothers side,
and took her hand caressingly.
Now, mamma, you mustn't say no.
Remember, whatever I may do, the
blue blood still runs in my veins"
You must be thinking of something
very serious, Theodore, you prepare the
way so carefully"
"It is just this, mamma. You re-
member have been member of the
Entire Nous society for several winters.
and propose to be useful one now
that is, to myself-instead of one of
those who 'toil not, neither do they
spin. In plain English, want to ap-
ply for the position of pianist. They
pay ten shillings an evening, and that
sum would be great help to the Lisle
exchequer.
Her manner was playful, but m in
tense earnestness was evidently under.
lying it. Her sister Clara's expression
showed evident disapproval Of the plan.
Theodora," she exclaimed, "are you
i'll earnest What would Clifford Mars.
den say? You know he is expected to
arrive home every day."
.
face Mt her sisters words, but she said
1T must not make me do differently,
oven if my best friend should disapprove.
feel guilty to lead such an idle life,
and see our mother wearing herself out
in this weary struggle for bread. 1 can
40 it, md I shall, unless am positively
forbidden by you, mamma"
But think of it, Theodore, the girls
OF 'Our'set would, maybe, cut you"
Theodore replied with dignity
which silenced Clara.
my mothers comfort is more pre-.
cious to me than the loss of friendship
which makes no sacrifices. May write
TO the managers of the sociable, man.
ma ?"
"Act as you think best, my dear,
only take time to think well of it before
you decide. know that you will al
ways endeavor do what is right"
The mothers eyes had wistful ten
derness in their expression, as they
rested upon Theodora's face.
Thanks, mamma" was the cheerful
answer. 81 only feared to speak of it lest
You would disapprove."
Itwas the evening of the first sociable.
DR.. Arnold's drawing-room was fragrant
with flowers and brilliant with light. In
a deep alcove stood the piano, almost
concealed from view by tall tropical
plants which had been brought from the
conservatory for that purpose. The
rooms were filling rapidly, when the
music commenced in a soft, weird pre-
Iude, which soon held the gay throng in
charmed attention.
After time il merged into Strauss
beautiful introduction tothe German, and
son group Of young people were
threading its graceful mazes.
Clifford Marsden had arrived in the
last steamer, and had taken his friends
by surprise by appearing among them.
He excused himself from dancing on the
plea of fatigue, and stood watching the
changing scene.
He had taken his station by the alcove