Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-04-09
SARA'S ROMANCE.
The Reward Of a Girl Who Over.
came False Pride.

came False Pride.
Dearest mamma, couldn't have
itP'
Mrs Aubrey sat by the half-light of
the dim fire-coals were by far too
dear for q reckless blaze to be permit
ted-with the curtain yet undrawn, so
that the tender yellow light of the
February sunset shone in, and the
angles Of the room were filed with
shadows.
A pretty little room it seemed now,
although it would hardly have borne
the brilliant, uncompronising light
of monday, for the carpet was darned
and mended in many place, and neatly
fashioned rag rugs had been laid skill
fully down to hide the spots which
were past all redemption. The table
cover was faded by many washing;
the curtains We're arranged in folds
which should not betray the rags, and
the very mantel ornaments were mend
ed with cement.
To keep up the outward show and
dignity of lady upon an income which
would have been insufficient for serv-
ant, is trying to the most courageous
nature; yet this had been Mrs. Aubrey's
task ever since her husband died, leav-
ing her with little Sara, child of nine
summers. She had economical in the
most painful degree; she had worn her
shabby dresses until they were ready
to drop off; she had patched her clothes
until there was scarcely shred left of
the original material; she had cut off
this luxury and that condiment from
her poor table until her diet became
literally bread and water; and even
then debts grew upon her life like
lhideous fungi. Her husband had left
her trifle, but this was carefully re-
served for the expenses of her little
Sara However sho might pinch and
save and starvc. Sara was always COM
fortably clad, and had plenty of good,
wholesome food to eat. But there are
"a score of shabby-gentecl devices by
which reduced ladies can earn a few
dollars, and Mrs. Aubrey solicited
copying from the village lawyer, sat
up long after Sara's pretty eyes were
sealed in lInber to cmbroider fine
work for tii stores, and even rejoiced
TO get plain sewing to do, at a rate
which was pitifully meager!
1t had been seven years OF. famine,
but the end of the long ordeal was ap-
preaching at last Sara was being
Sion day was near at hand-Sara, who
had grown into tall, lovely girl, like
white lily; with deep violet eyes,
rcddish-brown hair, all interviewer
with threads of gold, and cheeks of
velvety pink; and Mr.. Mitchell; the
principal, had promised to use his very
best efforts to obtain situation for
Sara when she had graduated; and all
seemed coulcur de rose.
And in the winter twilight Sara had
rushed into the room, bringing with
her breath of frozen, pinc-scented
air, and told her mother how the grad
uating class were all to be dressed in
white merino and white silk shirred
-ovcrslsirts and broad white ribbon
Bashcs.
Not bit of color about us, man,
ma" the girl breathlessly added. "ex-
cept the little knots of blue violets we
are to wear at our belts"
Mrs. Aubrey looked aghast.
white merino, dear! With white
silk shirred overskirts! Indeed, in
deed, Sara, as far as you are con-
cerned, it is quite out of the question:"
Mammal cried out the girl.
My darling, it would cost twenty
five dollars at the very least" urged
Mrs. Aubrey.
mo, maiuma," pleaded Sara; "orly
twenty Helen HGzelton says we can
buy the material all in one piece and
get n considerable reduction on it; and
you know, mamma. darling, you are
such a skillful neediewoman that my
dressmalSer's bill will be nothing"
But even then, dearest" said Mrs
Aubrey, where are we to get the
twenty dollars?"
Pretty Sara burst into tears.
''My darling, d.n't" pleaded the
mother, in whose Heart every spark
ling drop was like the acute prick of a
dagger. Don't break my heart, Saral
should like to see you as elegantly
dressed as any girl in the school, but
you know how poor we are"
And then. with her tear-wet face hid.
den on her mothers shoulder, Sara
Aobbcd out: