Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-08-04
Continued.


sand pties to cut off such beautiful
hair as that
Never mind said Esperance
arshing crimson. Il want money;
What will you let me have for it?'
The man examined it more criti-
caIly felt its weight, and again ad-
mired it. 1t was, indeed, very beau
tful-long and thick, yet at the same
time both fine and glossy, the color
If the darkest shade Of brown, while
soft waviness, ending In tendril-like
ringets, added not little to its
value. He thought for some minutes,
then said, 81 would give five guineas
for it, miss. If it were light-colored
n would be worth twice that, light
hair being fashionable. II you care
to part with it for five guineas,
though l will take it,
Esperance did not hesitate mo-
ment.
Thank you" she said, eagerly
we will settle it then" And with
ont a shadow of regret she submitted
10 the hair-dresser' scissors, and
thought of all that the five guineas
would buy.
In ten minutes all was done, and
Esperance. feeling rather cold and
shorn. was walking back to the cathe-
dral, contemplating the little pile Of
coins in her hand with great salts
faction The service over, she re-
turned to the deanery, and found af
ternoon tea going on in the drawing
room. Mrs. Mortlake had just re-
turned from the missionary meeting;
George Palgrave and Bertha were
talking together by the window, Cor
npia was pouring team unusual
thing-holding the teapot ungrace-
fully high, so that the tea frothed
into the cups.
"A very dull affair, indeed" Mrs.
Mortlake was saying. 'My father
actually went to sleep in his chair,
while a young converted Kaffer was
speaking through an interpreter
such a creature-you should have seen
Why Esperance!" breaking off
suddenly, what in the world have
YOU done to yourself? Are you try
ing to initiate our Kaffer friend?"
Esperance laughed and colored, and
there was a general exclamation.
81 have had my hair cut, that Is
all, she said, quietly.
Cut! Why, It is cropped all round
your head! What is the meaning of
tbig avtraordiporv froalSo,'
Il thought I could do very well
without my hair, and I wanted 1t for
something else. "
Absurd What have you done
with it?"
~ have sold It," said Esperance,
blushing, and wishing Mrs. Mortlake
would not be so inquisitive.
Sold it," Even Bertha joined In
the exclamation
Mrs. Mortlake, however, was more
than surprised; an angry flush rose
10 her cheek as she continued.
You sold It in Rilchester? How
could you think Of doing such an I'M
prudent thing It will be all over the
the place now and every one Will be
gossipng about YOU
Il do not mind that" said Esper-
ance
'0f course not" said Cornella,
coming to the rescue THAT Is the
most sensible thing that has been
said yet. I'm sure | don't know why
you make such a fuss, Christabel."
It's a disgrace to the house!" said
Mrs Mortlake angrily. "a most
un'ady-like thing! and in small
place like this, where every one must
know Why, all Rilchester will
talk"
Well, Esperance, the family seem
10 disagree about the matter" said
'ornelia calmly. For my part
have never respected YOU so much
before"
Esperance looked up gratefully.
Tho unexpected kindness was well
come enough, and she was still more
'a'0kful when Cornelia quietly turned
me conversation away from the sub
'6' altogether, and succeeded in en-
crossing Mrs. Mortlake's attention.
rs soon as possible she slipped ont
' The room, and went TO the nur-
.r 70 discuss WAYS and means with
nurse and was soon so deeply
'sared In the necessary calculations
.- set OF shirts that she forgot the
vance Of tho lost hair.
spirited little creature" said
george Palgrave TO Bertha "but what
"Nnad her 70 do such a thing?'
"r0hahlv to help her brother; he
t1.rC ont 70 Ceylon, Won know"
VIII no one else help herr Il
.r IS n hard case; 7 shall report
o g~annie"
"e' that is not a bad idaa, for
a favorite with grannie; but
oNht II she will thank you for
mr. for her-she Is very proud 4"
mo must not know Of our inter-
.71' said George. What do
cav u a walk TO the Priory this
rrsrtrea"
would he too late after dinner;
@, We should have 20 take Es