New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1883-09-05
Mammals pretty hair said little
Nan, smiling, and forgetting her tears.
Sirene did not smile.

neither borrow nor steal. Little Nan
must at least have suitable food Win
er WAS coming on, too; they must soon
rave additional clothing.
Yes, sooner or later, her hair must
20. As we'll now rs any time
There was no doubt as TO making a sale
# it. From where she stood She could
zee the broad brick walls of the Park
House.
The previous spring, Mr.. Haylesbury,
he rich proprietor, had said to her cas-
Tally:
'.Mrs. Selwyn, the color and quality
It your hair is very rare. If You ever
wish to sell it, would like to be the
purchaser
She had instinctiycly 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 of.
Under the Park House were several
large stores. One of them was occupied
by dealer in human hair. and Mr..
Haylesbury had IN interest in The bust
ness, as in many others.
He was bright, shrewd, kindly man
with pair of Keen eyes, and an abund-
ant brown beard.
From childhood, Sircne had always
heard him called the richest man in
town. He was u widower now, with
son twelve years old.
Sirene remembered when his wife
lived, and occupied luxurious suite of
rooms ut the Park House, dressed like
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
every other event. He was always
active, courteous and full of business.
How much would he give for her
hair? Sirene wondered drearily.
She wrote a note ut last, and sent it
to the Parker House by her landlady's
boy.
Then she cried unrestrainingly for a
lew moments. The child stood by her
SIDE. awed into silence.
Sirene arose ut last, and bathed her
tace; and none too soon. for Mr.. Hayles-
bury's step was on the stair.
He came in and bowed, with his hat
in his hand, looking sharply around
him.
Il took the liberty of sending for you,
since l did not know what other course
to take" said Sirenc, IL have con-
cludcd 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
see the traces of tears.
! ''Yes," he said, moving little to get
better view of Sirene's treasure in the
fading light. Eyes, yes" he added;
lit is in y very fine condition, and
would you kindly loosen it and let me
get more accurate idea of the
quality?''
Sirene took the comb-for the last
time, she thought-and let the great
ropes of gold uncoil themselves MIR.
Haylesbury stood in quiet survey, and
seemed satisfied.
tWhat-what is it worth to you?"
stammered Sirene. in trembling voice,
Little Nan, twirlng 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 enoush?''
lit is q 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 MIR. Haylcsbury
was already counting out the notes upon
the table.
''The scissors began Sirene.
''Not tonight" he said, mot to-
night, Mrs. Selwyn. lean have it cut an
other time just as well. just now have
no more time to spare. We will postpone
the holocaust. Little one, do you like
bonbons? Fortunately, here are few
in my pocket. I will see you again
soon, to Sirene.
So she put up her hair again, listened
to his retreating steps, and looked 1T
the money.
''Now, my darling she said, 'you
shall have your supper"
The pleasure of compensation, the
enjoyment of nourishing food and warm
clothes, assuaged the bitterness of her
sacrifice.
Mr.. Haylesbury was very wise man
to have advanced the money. Sirene
grew quite happy quartcring oranges
for Nan, and deciding that her new
cloak should be the pretty tint of blue.
The next day came u note from Mr..
Haylesbury. His twelve year old boy
was going to school. and must have an
outfit prepared. Would Mrs. Selwyn
make the fine shirts, mark the hand
kerchiefs, etc?
Sirene was only too glad of better
paid employment. Work for Guy
Haylesbury was quickly followed by
other sewing to be done for the hotel.
lit was the darkness before day."
said Sirene to herself; and thought with
q pang, of her hair.
But Haylesbury 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 better She found time now for
bright outdoor walk every day, the
child running by her side. She got one
or two sleigh rides. given in Mans hon
or, driven by Guy Haylesbury.
One day, early in the spring, when
Mr.. Haylesbury had given her beau
tiful bouquet of greenhouse flowers, she
blushed over the roses and said:
"Mr. Haylesbury, when are you going
to take your hair?'
Il cannot say he answered. ''That
depends entirely upon you. For the
present l prefer to keep my hair upon
your head
.'How can it depend upon me?''
asked Sirene. in wonder.
! because you must give me yourself,
when take your hair, Sirene."