Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1884-04-03


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 as any time.
There was no doubt as TO making a
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
to sell it, 1 would like to be the pur-
chaser"
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 would ever be any the
worse off.
Under the Parke House were several
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 man,
with pair of keen eyes and an album
dant brown beard.
IIOIII CullOIlOOU, CLCuO ncLu always
heard him called the richest man in
town. He was a widower now, with a
son twelve years old.
Sirene remembered when his wife
lived, and occupied a luxurious suite Of
rooms at the Park House, dressed like a
queen, and rode in her carriage.
She was an invalid. Her face was al
ways pale Indifferent and languid.
At last she died. Mr.. Roscoe Hayles-
bury seemed unchanged, by that, as by
every other event. He was always act
i've, courteous and full of busisess.
How much would hegive 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 unrestrainingly for a
few moments. The child stood by her
side, awed in silence.
Sirene rose at last, and bathed her
face and none too soon, for Mr.. Hayes
bury's step was on the stair.
He came in and bowed, with his hat
in his hand, looking sharply around
him.
81 took the liberty of sending for you,
since [ did not know what other course
to take" said Sirene, "I-I have con-
Guided 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 ira
ces of tears.
eyes," he said, moving little to get a
better view of Sirene's treasure in the
fading light. eyes, yes" he added; cit
is in very fine condition, and-would
you kindly loosen it and let me get a
10 ! e.,
Sirene. took the comb-fOr the last
time she thought-and let the great
ropes of gold uncoil themselves. Mr..
Halesbury 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.. Halesbury
walked to the window and cleared his
throat before he answered.
81 will give you fifty dollars for it." he
said. els that enough ?"
ut 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.
'The scissors -" began Sirene.
'Not tonight" he said, mot tonight,
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, do you like
bonbOns? Fortunately, here are a few
in my pocket. L will see you again sOon,' .
to Sirene.
So she put up her hair again, listened
to his retreating footstep, and looked at
the money.
Now, my darling" she said, you shall
have your supper"
The pleasure of compensation, the en-
| joyment 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 orang IS for
! Nan, and deciding that her new cloak
! should be the pretty tint of blue.
The next day came a note from Mr.
! Haylesbury. His twelve year old boy
was going to school and must have an
outfit prepared. Would Mrs. Selwyu
make the fine shirts, mark the handker
chiefs, etc?
Sirene was only too glad of better paiC
employment. Work for Guy Haylesbury
was quickly followed by other sewing t.
be done for the hotel.
1" 1t was the darkness before day." sale
Sirene to herself, and thought with a pans
of her hair
But Haylesbury never mentioned it
She saw him every day. They were bu
brief meetings, for as usual he was driver
with business, but he always gave her
) sharp glance and kindly greeting, anC
never said a word of his bargain.
. AS for Sirene, her health and spirit
Srpb Pe o@o one w qpo eger S nG 5"v iOF III
child running by her side. She got on
r or two sleigh rides, given in Mans honor
driven by Guy Haylesbury.
One day, early in the Spring, whel
Mr.. Haylesbury had given her beauti
ful boquet of greenhouse flowers, sh
hlnshad nwar the roses and said: