Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-01-09
Theodore.

Theodore.
Mr.. Lisle was thought TO be wealthy
man, but in settling up his affairs, aftel
his death, there was found TO be a mere
pit1ance left for his widow and family
Mrs. Isle was lady of culture and
refinement, and had never before had
10 think of supplying her own wants,
much less TO provide for the necessitie:
of family.
Poverty is a stern teacher. but it often
develops power of bringing cut some
unsupported talent, which shines forth
in diamond-like brightness, even as the
uncut gem only shows its splendor
after il has been subjected to the lapi-
dary's art
So it was with Mrs. Isle. She had
spent wears 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 oft-times touching incl
dents 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
deeoened 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 manu-
script upon which depended their liv-
ing expenses for the week, Theodore
stole to her side and said, prefacing her
words with a kits
Mamma can you listen a moment: |
have PLAN"
"Yes, dear, but tell me quickly, for
this article must 90 to-day without
fall
Theodore k-elt by her mothers side,
and took her h-ld caressingly.
Nov, mamma, yon mustn't say no.
Remember, whatever | may do, the
blue blood still runs in my veins"
You must be thiuking of something
very serious, Theodore, you prepare
the way so carefully"
alt is just this, mamma. You re-
member 1 have been member of the
Entire Nous sociable for several Win
ter's, and propose to be useful one
nOw-that IL, 10 myself-insread of one
of those who toll not, neither do they
spin In plain English, | want TO
apply 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 eviden disapproyal of the plan
Theodore" she exclaimed, ''are 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
at must not make me act differently,
even if nv best friend should disap-
prove. 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 | shall, unless
1 am positively forbidden By you,
mamma"
but think of it, Theodore, the girls
Of our set would, maybe, cut YOU"
Theodore replied with dignity
which silenced Clara.
my mothers comfort is more pre-
cious to me than the loss of friendship
which makes no sacrifices. May write
10 the managers of the Sociable mamma:
'Acr as YOU think best, my dear,
only take time TO think well of it before
you decide. / know that you Will
always endeavor to do what is right. 4"
The mothers eyes had wistful ten
derness in their expression, as they
rested upon Theodora's face.
Thanks. mamma" was the cheerful
answer. Il have thought of it days
and days. | only feared to speak OF 1t
lest you would disapprove."
Itwas the evening of the first Sociabie.
DIR. Arnold's drawing-room was fra
grant with flowers and brilliant with
light. In deep alcove stood the piano,
almost concealed from view by tall
tropical plants which had been brought
from the conservatory for thatpurpose.
The rooms were filling rapidly, when
the music commenced in soft, weird
prelude, which soon held the gay
throng in charmed attention.
After a time it merged into Strauss
beautiful introduction to the German,
and soon group of young people were
threading its 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 a position where, through the leaves
Of a blossoming azalea, he could see the
musician seated at the piano, with her
back towards the guests. Tine 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-