The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-08-09
What a shadowy figure! What pale
ruo, fooof P,t bor hairf

''Must I?" 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
90. AS well now as any time.
There was no doubt as to making q 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
comfortabl.y, and she had no apprehen-
sion that thoy ever would be any th
worse off.
Under the Park House were severa
large stores. One of them was occupied
by dealer in human hair, and Mr..
Haylesbury had an interest in the bust
ness, as in many others.
He was bright, shrewd, kindly mar
with pair of keen eyes, and an abund
ant brown beard.
From childhood, Sirene had always
heard him called the richest man ir
town. He was q widower now, with 9
son twelve years old
Sirene remembered when his wife
lived, and occupied luxurious suite OF
rooms at the Park House, dressed like 9
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 note at last, and sent it
to the Parker House by her landlady's
bov.
Then she cried unrestrainingly for a
few moments. The child stood by her
size, awed into silence.
Sirene arose at last, and bathed her
face; 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 arnnrd
him.
Il took the liberty of sending for you,
since | did not know what other course
to take" said Sirene, IL have con-
cluded to part with my hair
Mr.. Haylesbury's sharp eyes took an
other survey of the plain room, the visit
full 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
a better view of Sirene's treasure in the
fading light Eyes, yes" he added;
''it is in very fine condition, and
would you kindly loosen it and let me
get a 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. Mr..
stood in quiet survey, and
seemed satisfied.
"What-what is it worth to you?"
stammered 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,
Il will give you fifty dollars for it"
he said. ''Is that enough?"
"It is a 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. 1 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"
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 quartering oranges
for Nan, and deciding that her new
cloak should be the pretty tint of blue.
The next day came note from Mr..
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,
ut was the darkness before day,"
a pang, of her hair.
But Haylesbury never mentioned il.
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 a
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 a 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 prefer to keep my hair upon
your head''