The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-02-02
MABLE's SACRIFICE.
BY MAMIE sADLEG.
Here is the money, Mabel"

bill from her mothers hand, de
posted it in her little portmonaie
and. after giving her hat a tina
adjustment before the mirror
walked out into the street.
Itwas a beautiful morning-thC
last Of the old year; and it seem.
ed as if the receding monarch and
determined to eclipse, on this last
day Of his reign, anything which
should succeed him.
A few days before there had
been a snow storm, followed by
rain and sleet, which the piercing
air had soon converted into ice,
glittering and flashing in the ra-
diant sunlight like jewels over a
white mantle. Even the old
church spire, pointing toward
heaven, seemed TO sparkle with
the beauty of a thousand dia-
monds. Mabel herself looked
very beautiful as she walked
along the pavement, arTayed in a
pretty costume Of blue, so becom-
ing to her soft blonde beauty,
with tossing plumes, eyes dancing
with happiness, the outgushing OF
an innocent heart, and checks
aglow with the frosty air.
She, with her widowed mother,
had resided in the goodly-sized
village Of Elmdale for many years.
They were not wealthy, though
possessing a handsome income,
which, by economy and good man
agement, supported them in a
cosy, comfortable, even stylish
manner. Possessing that true
gentility which is Of the heart,
aud which is the gift Of nature,
rather than Of birth or education,
they were welcomed into the first
circles Of society, which they were
in every way fitted TO adorn.
A few months before, Mabel
had met Guy Harry at a fashiona-
bic entertainment, and since then
there had been new element in
her life. Mr.. Harvey was gen
tleman in the highest sense Of the
word; a whole-souled, true heart
ed man; a man Of keen intelli-
gcnce, and his polished and agree
able manners seemed to emanate
from the combination of these
qualities, rather than from any
special culture. Such "A man
would be a pleasant addition to
society under any circumstances;
but when the additional fact of
his wealth became known, he was
duly installed by the female aspi-
rants Of Llmdale as the most eli
gible match Of the season, and
many we're the Establishments
spread for his entrapment by the
manageable bells and maneu-
vering mammas
But in oil these arts and wiles,
Mabel Thorn had taken no pa2t.
Naturally modest and retiring,
she had been her own sweet self
as ever, neither stunning ZOE
seeking his society frauis and
open by nature. she had never
been educated in those female
wiles and maEeuycYs, winch ae
50 repugnant to every person oiI
refined tastes and mOde9ty. Con |
seQuently, it was a matter Of 10
small annoyance in the social cir
Gle that Mabel should be singled
out from among them all as yhc |
object Of Air. Earvy'5 most earn
est attentions; and many were the
Jealous glances and remarks that |
'ollowed them as they prem aEa-
led the draWirg-roomS or " "rcd |
he measures Of tie may dance
And this could not be without its
fleets upon a warm, impulsiye ma
,ure, as was Mabei's.
New Years day had been cho-
zen by the young people Of Elm
lale for a slei hing eXursion into
he country, ami as there was q
Of good sleighing and
inc weather, every one waB gag
over the prospect Ola merry time.
Nabel's heart beat quicker rs she
.hought Of the morrow, for was
he not to be the companion Of
iuy Harry, the most sought after
If any man in the village? Even
ler childish heart felt a little
hrill Of triumph at the thought,
but it was soon checked.
Itwas this prospective excur-
;ion that had sent her out this
rosty morning, In looking over
Ter wardrobe, to be sure that
,yery needed article was in read
ness, she had said, in answer to
Ter mothers inquiries If she need
I'd anything:
"Nothing but a pair Of gloves,
my old ones are really
luite shabby. Yes, I think ]
must have some new gloves"
and so, with the necessary money
tucked snugly in her pocket, she
had started on her errand,
"Thc world is very beautiful"
she said, presently, land it is so
nice to live in it and be happy ]
how it would seem to be
unhappy? lido not believe | was
ever thoroughly unhappy in all
my life. Oh! | wish every body
was as happy as ] amp
But her soliloquy was brought
toa close. Coming slow
Nv M the opDOsite side of the !