The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-10-23
shorn Of it smote her almost with u
sense of inSlllt


could neither borrow nor steal. Little
Nan must at least have suitable food.
Winter was coming on, too; they must
soon have additional clothing.
Yes, sooner or later, her hair must
go. AS well now a. any time.
There was no doubt Of making q sale
OF it. From where she stood she could
SEQ the broad brick walls of the Park
IIouse.
The previous spring Mr.. IIayles-
burg, the rich proprietor, had said to
her casually:
t;Miss. selwyn, the color and quality
or your hair is very rare. If you ever
wish to sell it, l 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 apprehension that they ever would
be any the worse of.
Under the Park House was several
large stores. One Of them was occu-
pied by a dealer in human hair, and
Mr.. uaylesbury had an interest in the
business, as i'll many others.
lie was a bright, shrewd, kindly man
with a pair of keen eyes, and All album
dant brown beard.
From childhood, Sirene had always
heard him called the richest man in
town. lie was a widower now, with a
son twelve years old.
Slrene remembered when his wife
lived, and occupied a luxurious suite of
rooms at the Park House, dressed like
IL queen, and rode in her carriage.
She was an invaliu. Her face was
always pale indifferent and lauguid.
AT last she died. Mr.. Roscoe Hay-
iesbury seemed unchanged, by that, as
by every other event. IIo was ALWAYS
active, courteous and full of business.
How much would he give for her
hair? Sirene wondered drearily.
She wrote a note at last, and sent it
TO the Parker House by her landlady's
boy.
Then she cried unrestraincdly for a
few moments. The child stood by her
side, awed into silence.
Sirene arose at last, and bathcd her
race and none too soon, for Mr.. Hay
lesbury's step was on the stair.
He came i'll and bowed, with his hat
II! his hand, looking sharply around
him.
II took the liberty of sending for
you, since did not know what other
course to take" said Sirene, I'll
have concluded to part with my hair,n
MIR. Ilaylesbury's sharp eyes took an
c!@sf csgIvyssy vsy GIFT, Of the GlaiH .. IeoM the
SIRENS face, where he could plainly SEQ
the traces of tears.
"Yes," he said, moving little to
get better view Of SIRENS treasure in
the fading light. "Yes, yes" he ad-
ded; sit is III very fine condition,
and-would you kindly loosen it and
let me get more accurate idea OF the
qrality2"
Sirene took the comb-for the last
time, she thought-and lot The great
ropes of gold uncoil themselves. Mr..
stood III quiet survey, and
seemed satisfied.
"What-what IS it worth TO you?n
stammered Sirene, in trembling
voice.
Little Nan, twirling her empty mug,
stood between them. Mr.. IIaylesbury
walked to the window and cleared his
throat before he answered.
81 will give you fifty dollars for it,
he said. us that enoughp''
"lt is Il great deal of money-for
me-" answered Sirene with Il start.
''l on may have it for thut."
Then She took hold of Mans little
hand to fortify herself against the mo-
ment Of sacrifice. But Mr.. IIalesbury
WAS already counting out the notes
upon the table.
"Tle scissors---' began Sirene.
"NoL TO night" he said, mot to-
night, Mrs. Selwyn. l can have it cut
another time just as well. just now |
have no more time to spare. We will
postpone the holocaust. little one.
90 you like bonbons2 Fortunately,
here are Il few in my pocket. | will
see you again soOn," to Silene,
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"
The pleasure of compensation, the
enjoyment of nourishing food and warm
clothes; assuagod the bitterness of her
sacrifice.
Mr.. IIaylcsbury was very wise
Aiitsh y" htSfO dNfdlICCI GIlo lllOIlSy. Sol-
rene grew quite happy quartering or
anges for Nan, and deciding that her
new cloak should be the pretty tint of
blue.
The next day came note from Mr..
uaylesbury. Ills twelve year old boy
was gong to school, and must have an
outfit prepared. Would Mrs. Selwyn
make the line shirt mark the handker-
chiefs etc?
Sreno was only too glad of better
paid employment. Work for Guy
Iaylesbury was quickly followed by
other sewing to be done for the hotel.
ut was the darkness before day"
said Sirene to herself; and thought with
apang Of her hair.
But lIaylesblTy never mentioned it.
She saw him every day. They were
but brief meetings, for as usual he was
driven with business, but he always
gave her a sharp glance and kindly
greeting, and never said word of his
bargain.
AS for Sirene, her health and spirits
were bettcl. She found time now for
a bright outdoor walk every day, the
child running by her side. She got one
or two sleigh rides, given in Nan hon
or, driven by Guy Ilaylesbury.
One day, early in the spring, when
Mr.. liaylesbury had given her u