West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1879-12-27
RoSine'S Hair.

In an upper room, In the city OF Pans, a
poor woman lay upon a wretched bed, and
young girl sat near her Both had been
silent for some time. The elder woman
spoke first
''Oh, Rosine, what shall we do now7"
she said ''lt has been bad enough before
but now all is lost-all is over. People can
not live without eating, and no one can eat
who has not money to buy food What
shall we do, childi"
~ do not know said the girl az have
been to all the people know. They refuse
TO help us. They have helped us 50 much
that we cannot wonder at it, l fear. have
asked for work. There seems TO be none
for me. All, how different it was when
we were all together, and papa petted us
and gave us presents, and we wore such
lovely clothes, and rode often IN a carriage
l remember papa taking us to the great
gardens. and seeing the swans upon the
lake and hearing beautiful music"
stop, child! cannot bear it, " sobbed
the mother. 81 cannot bear to remember
our happiness now, when we are so sorrow
ful-so miserable. Oh, if I were but able
TO do something! But cannot lift my head
from the pillow"
The sick woman sank back and the poor
daughter dropped her head upon her hcnds,
as she sat beside the window wide cpen on
that sultry winter evening. All was silent
in the little room, but the sound of voices
came up from the street below as tnose who
passed addressed each other. Fragments OF
talk, snatches Of anecdotes, Jokes, even
tender words, reached the girl. But, at
last, two girls, saleswomen probably, going
home from their places OF employment,
fingered for an instant on the pavement.
'You ought to dressy your hair in braids, 1"
said one.
$50 | would, but haven't enough, " re-
piled the other
"Buy a SWITCH" said the first.
Easy for you to talk, " said number two;
''but for hair like mine-real pale gold
they charge two hundred francs You see,
1t is no hard to match"
The girls went on, but they left an idea
behind them. Rosine started to her feet.
eau revoir, mamma" she cried. II
am going out Tor little while Perhaps
may have good luck this time" aud she
hurried into the street.
The girls words had taught her that there
was one way IN which she could earn a lit
tie money. She could sell her hair. It
was her greatest beauty. 1t fell below the
knee. II was pale gold in tint and ex-
quisitely waved by natures hand. A hair
dresser must appreciate il. She felt that
Through the gathering twilight she hur-
ried along the street until she reached an
establishment Of tho proper sort il was a
quiet place, with a waxen head surmounlcd
10y wig in the window, and with false
curls aud musiOches set upon little stands
amongst fancy soaps, combs, brushes and
boxes OF pearl-powder and rouge. The
proprietor and his assistants were there,
and one customer only-a gentleman, who
had been having hs bair cut.
Rosne entered timidly, and walked
toward the hair-dresscr-w whom she knew
by sight-with hesitating steps.
Monsieur" she said, II wish 70 sell my
hair, If you will buy IL. Il is very hand
some, and, as you see Of an unusual color" &"
The bair-dresser listened carelessly
THAT might make il impossible for us to
sell Il again he said
''But IL would command a largo price. 8"
persisted ROsine. LET me show Il 70
you"
"As you please, Mademoiselle, - said the
hair-dresser.
Rosine having received this permission,
took down her bonnet aud drew her comb
from her hair. Il fell about her like
golden veil glittering, and waving wonder
fully. One Of the assistants gave little
cry Of pleasure The customer repressed
an exclamation The proprietor alone
seemed unmovcd, unappreciative.
81 will buy your hair, Mademoisclle.
since you are No anxious to scll IL, but it il.
as you say, Of 20 unusual color. that I
cannot give much for IT, Ten francs is the
utmost.
"Ten francs" sighed the girl ooh
cir. is That all you will give me for my love,
ly hairl"
"You need not sell it. am not anxious
to buy" said the proprietor, turning his
back upon her.