Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1877-08-30
THEO'S EXPERIMENT.
BY MARY E. MoFFET.

| Mr.. Lisle was thought to be a
wealthy man, but in settling mp his
affairs, after death, there was found
to be nero pittanco left for his
| widow and family.
Mrs. Lisle was lady Of culture
| and refinement, and had never be-
fore had to think of supplying her
own wants, much less to provide
for necessities of a family.
Poverty is stern teacher, but it
often developes power of bringing
out some unsupported talent, which
shines forth in diar rond-like bright
ness, even as the uncut gem only
shows its splendor after it has been
subjected to the lapidary's art,
So it was with Mrs. Lisle. She
had spent years upon the Continent,
and now in this time of need she
drew upon stores of memory, and
depicted in terse but vigorous lam
guage of the curious and oft times
touching incidents which had att
tracted her notice in her travels.
Her efforts were rewarded with
success, bnt her wants were many,
and her earnings tell short of the
sum which would have supported
them in comfort. Her eldest daugh-
ter, Theo. watched the lines Of care
as they gradually deepened on her
mothers forehead, and made up
her mind that she could and would
help her,
So, one morning while Mrs. Lisle
was busily engaged in copying a
manuscript upon which depended
their living expenses for the week,
Theo. stole to her side and said.
prefacing her words with a kiss:
"Mama, can you listen mo-
ment? | have plan"
eyes, dear, but tell mo quickly,
for this article must so to~day,
without fail
Theo. knelt by her mothers side,
and took her hand caressingly.
"Now, mama, you mustn't say
no. Remember, whatever, | may
do, the blue blood still runs in my
veins"
"Yon must be thinking of some>
thing very serious, Theo- you pre-
pare the way SO carefully"
at is just this, mama. You
remember | have been member
Of the Entire Nous sociable fer
several winters, aud propose to
be useful one now-that is, to
myself instead Of ono Of those who
'toil not, neither do they spin In
plain English, | want to apply for
the position Of piapist. They pay
twenty dollars an evening, and that
sum would be great help to the
Lisle exchequer-"
Her manner was playful, but an
intense earnestness was evidently
underlying it. Her sister Clara's
expression showed evident disap-
proval of the plan.
"Theo." she explained, care you
in earnest? What would Clifford
Marsden say You know he is
expected home every day."
a faint blush stole over Theo's
face at her sisters words, but she
said
ct must not make me do differ,
emily, even if my best friend should
disapprove. I feel guilty to lead
such an idle life, and see our mother
wearing herself out in the weary
struggle for bread. l can do it, and
[ shall, unless l am positively for
bidden."
"B1t think of it, Theo. the girls
of sour set would, maybe, cut you"
Theo. replied with a dignity
which silenced Clara.
"My mothers comfort Is more
precious to me than the loss OF
friendship which makes no sacri.
fees. May write TO the managers
of the Sociable, mama 90
"Act as You think best, my dear,
only take time to think we'll of it
before you decide. | know that you
will do what is right"
The mothers eyes had wistful
tenderness in their expression, as
they rested upon Theo's face.
"Thauks, mama, was the cheer
FIJI answer. 81 have thought of it
days and days. L only feared to
speak of it lest you would disap-
prove .
It was the evening of the first
sociable. DIR. Arnold's drawings
room was fragrant with flowers and