The Lamoille news. (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1877-1881, 1877-11-28
THEODORA.

4A' A"oiO was buouBnU TO De q wealthy
man, but in settling up his affairs, after
his death, there was found to be a mere
pittance left for his widow and family. .a
Mrs. Lisle was lady of culture and
refinement, and had never before had to
think of supplying her own wants, much
less to provide for the necessities of a
family.
Poverty is 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 had
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 mothers forehead, and made
up her mind that she could and would
help her.
sss
busily engaged in copying a manuscript
upon which depended their living ex-
penses for the week, Theodore stole t,,
her side and said, prefacing her words
with kiss rt.
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,
ana took her hand caressingly.
. Now, mamma, you mustn't say no.
Remember, whatever I may do, the
blue blood still runs in my veins"
q" You must be thinking of something
very serious, Theodore, you prepare the
way SO carefully" VI t''
..It is just this, mamma. You re-
member | have been a member of the
Entire Nous society for several winters.
and l propose to be useful one now
that is, to myself instead of one of
those who toll not, neither do they
spin IN plain English, L want to APP
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.
Theodore" she exclaimed, care you
in earnest /? What would Clifford Mars
den say2 Youknow 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.
/ feel guilty to lead such an idle life,
and see our mother wearing herself out
in this weary struggle for bread. can
do it, and I shall, unless I am positively
forbidden by you, mamma" !
"But think of it, Theodore, the girls
of eour set would, maybe, cut you.
Theodore replied with a dignity
Nhich silenced CLARA. HR (
s"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. Iknow that you will al.
ways endeavor do what is right. y.
The mothers eyes had wistful ten
derness in their expression, as they
rested upon Theodora's face.
"Thanks, mamma, " was the cheerful
answer. "I only feared to speak of it les
you would disapprove.p
It was the evening of the first seeiable
DIR. Arnold's drawing room was fragran
with flowers and brilliant with light. Ii
deep aleoye stood the piano, almos
concealed from view by tall tropica
plants which had been brought from th'
conservatory for that purpose. Th'
rooms were filing rapidly, when tn
music commenced in soft, weird pre-
| lude, which soon held the gay throng il