The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-03-31
MABLE'S SACRIFICE.
BY MAMIE SADLER.

" Here is the money, Mable.'
Mable Thorn took the fiuttering bill from
her mothers hand, deposited it in her lit
tie portemonnaie, and, after giving her hat
final adjustment before the mirror, walked
out into the street.
1t was beautiful morning-the last of
the old year; and it seemed as if the reced-
ing monarch had determined to eclipse, on
this last day of his reign, any thing which
should succeed him.
few days before there had been a snow
storm, followed by rain sleet, which the
piercing air had soon converted into ice.
glittering and flashing in the radiant sun
light like jewels over white mantle. Even
the old church spire, pointing towards
heaven, seemed to sparkle with the beauty
of thousand diamonds. Mabe herself
looked very beautiful as she walked along
the pavement arrayed in pretty costume
Of blue, SO becoming to her soft blonde
beauty, with tossing plumas, eyes dancing
with happiness, the outgushing of an limo
cent heart, and cheeks aglow with the frosty
air.
She, with her widowed mother, had re-
sided in the good sized village of Elmdale
for many years. They were not wealthy,
though possessing a handsome income,
which, by economy and good management,
supported them in cosy, comfortable, even
stylish manner. Possessing that true gen.
tility which is of the heart, and which is
the gift Of nature, rather than of birth or
education, they were welcomed into the
first circle of society, which they were in
every way fitted to adorn.
A few months before, Mabe had met
Guy Harry at a fashionable entertainment,
and since then there had been a new ele-
ment in her life. Mr.. Harry was a gentle
man in the highest sense of the word; a
whole souled, true-hearted man: a man of
keen intelligence, and his polished and
agreeable manners seemed to emanate from
the combination of these qualities rather
than from any special culture. Such man
would be a pleasant addition to society I'M
der any circumstances; but when the add-
tional fact of his wealth became known, he
was duly installed by the female aspirants
of Elmdale as the most eligible match of
the season, and many were the blandish-
ments spread for his entrapment by the
manageable bellies and maneuvering man.
mas.
But in all these arts and wiles, Mable
Thorn had taken no part. Naturally mod
est and retiring, she had been her own
sweet self as ever, neither stunning nor
seeking his society. Frank and open by
nature, she had never been educated in
those female wles and maneuvers, which
are so repugnant to every person of refined
tastes and modesty. Consequently. it was
a matter of no small annoyance in the So
cal circle that Mabe should be singled out
from among them all as the object of Mr..
Harvy's most earnest attentions; and many
were the jealous chances and remarks that
followed them as they rromenaded the
drawing rooms or "trod the measures of
the may dance" All this could not be
without its effects upon warm, impulsive
nature, as was Mable's
New Years day had been chosen by the
young people of Elmdale for sleighng
excursion in the country, and as there was
prospect of good sleighing and fine
weather, every one was gay over the pros
pect of a merry time. Mable's heart beat
quicker as she thought of the morrow, for
was she not to be the companion of Guy
Harry, the most sought after of any man
in the village? Even her childisd heart
felt little thrill of triumph at the thought,
but it was soon checked.
1t was this prospective excursion that
had sent har out this frosty morning. In
looking over her wardrobe, to be sure that
every needed article was in readiness, she
had said, in answer to her mothers in
quiries if she needed any thing:
Nothing but pair of gloves, mamma;
my old ones are really quite shabby. Yes,
| think l must have some new Gloves"