The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-12-19
THEODORA.

Mrs. Ilsle was lazy OF culture auO
refinement, and had never before had to
think of supplying her own wants, much
less to provide for the necessities OF
family. 49,. ..
Poverty is q stern teacher, but it often
develops a power Of bringing out some
unsuspected talent, which shines forth
in diamond like brightness, 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 hid
spent years upon the continent, and now
in this time Of need she drew upon the
store of memory. and depicted in terse
but vigorous language some OF the
curious and ofttimes touching incidents
which had 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.
Her eldest daughter, Theodore, watched
the lines of care as they gradually deep
ened on her mother forehead, and made
up her mind that she could and would
help her.
So, one morning, while Mrs. Lisle was
busily ly engaged in copying manuscript
upon which depended their living ex-
penses for the week, Theodore stole to
her side and said, prefacing her words
with kiss:
"Afamma, can you listen a moment :
I have plan.
eyes, dear, but tell me quickly, for
this article must 60 to-day without fail. "
Theodore kuelt by her mothers side,
and took her hand caressingly. T.
CHOW, 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 80 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 mysef-instead Of one of
those who toll not, neither do they
spin.' In plain English, I 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 an in.
tense earnestness was evidently under
lying it. Her sister Clara's expression
showed evident disapproval of the plan.
"Theodora," she exclaimed, care you
in earnest ? What would Clifford Mars
den say? You know he is expected to
arrive home every day."
A faint blush stole over Theodora's
face at her sisters words, but she said :
"It must not make me do differently,
even if my best friend should disapprove.
I feel guilty to lead such an idle life,
and see our mother wearing herself out
in this weary struggle for bread. 1 can
do it, and 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 a 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, NAM
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. II only feared to speak OF it lest
you would disapprove'".
TWAS the evening of the first sociable.
DR.. Arnoid's drawing-room was fragrant
with flowers and brilliant with light. In
deep aicove stood the piano, almost
concealed from view by tall tropical
plants which had been brought from the
conservatory for that purpose. The
rooms were filing rapidly, when the
music commenced in a soft, weird pre-.
lude, which soon held the gay throng IN
charmed attention.
After q time it merged into Strauss
beautiful introduction to the German, and
soon q group Of young people were
threading it's 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
in position where, through the leaves
of blossoming azalea, he could see the
musician seated at the piano, with her
back towards the guests. The slight,
graceful figure, the proud poise OF her
head upon the small, round neck, the
abundant hair wound simply about her
head, all formed an attractive picture.
For some time he had watched her
white fingers fly over the keys, but be-
fore he had caught glimpse OF her face
he was surrounded by merry circle OF
girls. who commenced to rally him upon
bis abstraction. SO he did not discover
that Theodore was the young musician
who had 80 stranA ely interested him.
After O while the guests, or rather
several of them, adjourned to the music
room and, when Clifford Marsden en-
tered. he was still surrounded by a bevy
of young ladies, and, though he listened
to the soft voice of lady who was sing
ing q plaintiff ballad, and was enchanted
with the brilliant playing. of the young
pianist, he still failed to wrest himself
from those who surrounded him or even
get glimpse of the features of the fair
musician, whose face seemedto be turned
persistently from him as her fingers
rolled over the keys Of the superior'toned
instrument.
Later in the evening group Of young
people were assembled in the dressing.
room to put on their wraps. They were
chattering about the events OF the eve
ming.
"ls not Clifford Marsden improved?"
said Susan Dinsmore. "He always was
nice, but now he is perfectly splendid. "
"I give you fair warning, Mamie Liv-
ingstone shall contest the supremacy
with you next time. You had the mo-
nopoly of him this evening. 'All's fair
in love, you know"
Mamie tossed her pretty head, and
said, disdainfully-
"You are welcome to him. Such an
absent-minded escort never fell to my
1o1 lnfora -