The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-08-10

was no denying it-they were starving!
Hurry as she might with her weak,
trembling hands, she could not finish
the fine shirt in time to receive her pay
that night.
Sirene threw down her sewing, and
going to the mirror, faced her own re-
Election.
What shadowy figure! What pale
wan face! But her hair!
She took out the comb, and let the
waves of amber silk fall to her knees.
Her wonderful tresses encircled her like
mantle.
Mammals pretty hair" said little
Nan, smiling, and forgetting her tears.
Sirene did not smile.
"Must Ip' she said to herself.
With her innate passion of beauty, her
hair had ever been such pleasure to
her. She had spent many lonely hour
combing out its shining length in the
sunshine. The thought of being shorn
of it smote her almost with sense of
insult
But it was her only resource now.
Day by day her pay was dwindling, and
in this moment of extremity she could
neither borrow nor steal. Little Nan
must at least have suitable food. Win
ter was coming on, too; they must soon
have additional clothing.
Yes, sooner or later, her hair must
60. AS well now as any time.
There was no doubt as to making sale
of it. From where she stood she could
see the broad brick walls of the Park
House.
The previous spring, Mr.. Haylesbury,
the rich proprietor, had said to her cas-
ually:
Mrs. Selwyn, the color and quality
of your hair is very rare. If you ever
wish to sell it, would like. to be the
purchaser"
She had instinctively shaken her head
slightly. She would never come to that,
she thought. She and Nan were living
comfortably, and she had no apprehen-
sion that they ever would be any the
worse off.
Under the Park House were several
arge stores. One of them was occupied
ny a dealer in human hair, and Mr..
Haylesbury had an interest in the bust
ness, as in many others.
He was bright, shrewd, kindly man
with a pair of keen eyes, and an abund-
ant brown beard.
From childhood, Sirene had always
heard him called the richest man in
town. He was widower now, with
son twelve years old.
Sirene remembered when his wife
lived, and occupied luxurious suite of
rooms at the Park House, dressed like a
queen, and rode in her carriage.
She was an invalid. Her face was
always pale Indifferent and languid.
At last she died. Mr.. Roscoe Hayles-
bury seemed unchanged, by that, as by
.very other event. He was always
active, courteous and full of business.
How much would he give for her
aairp Sirene wondered drearily.
She wrote note at last, and sent it
20 the Parker House by her landlady's
10Y.
Then she cried overwhelmingly for a
lew moments. The child stood by her
,ide, awed into silence.
Sirene arose at last, and bathed her
ace; and none too soon, for Mr.. Hayles-
oury's step was on the stair.
He came in and bowed, with his hat
n his hand, looking sharply around
him.
II took the liberty of sending for you,
ince did not know what other course
% take" said Sirene, Ill have con-
,luded to part with my hair
Mr.. Haylesbury's sharp eyes took an
other survey of the plain room, the visit
tul little child, and came back to
Sirene's face, where he could plainly
zee the traces of tears.
YES" he said, moving little to get
better view of Sirene's treasure in the
aiding light. Eyes, yes" he added;
1T is in very fine condition, and
would you kindly loosen it and let me
get more accurate idea of the
lualityP"
Sirene took the comb-for the last
lime, she thought-and let the great
.opes of gold uncoil themselves. Mr..
Haylesbury stood in quiet survey, and
seemed satisfied.
"What-what is it worth to you?''
,tammered Sirene, in trembling voice.
Little Nan, twirling her empty mug,
stood between them. Mr.. Haylesbury
walked to the window and cleared his
throat before he answered,
II will give you fifty dollars for it."
he said. 'Is that enoughp"
1T is great deal of money-for
me- answered Sirene with start.
''You may have it for that
Then she took hold of Mans little
hand to fortify herself against the mo-
ment of sacrifice. But Mr.. Haylesbury
was already counting out the notes upon
the table.
1.-THE scissors" began Sirene.
mot tonight" he said, mot to-
night, Mrs. Selwyn. lean have it cut an
other time just as well. Just now I have
nomore time to spare. We will postpone
the holocaust. Little one, do you like
bonbonsp Fortunately, here are few
in my pocket. / will see you again
soon," to Sirene.
So she put up her hair again, listened
to his retreating steps, and looked at
the money.
'.Now, my darling" she said, "you
shall have your supper"