The Argosy — page 146: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

136 Madge's Sacrifice. entire head-dress-of just this particular shade. I have sent far and wide to match it in vain. See, miss,” laying a thin strip of golden hair against Madge’s luxuriant tresses, “it takes the tint to a T. You don’t happen to be wanting to part with any of it, Ireckon? I could afford £ 4 for the half of it, and welcome.” The good man had spoken, of course, in jest, chatting on as he brushed out the glittering mass admiringly ; so that he was considerably taken aback when Madge answered demurely : ‘How fortunate I should have come to-day! Yes, I will sell it gladly if you will give me £8 for the whole. . I could not part with it by halves, you know.” Any pathetic feelings Madge might have had about the matter were dissipated by a merry laugh, as she caught in the mirror the expression of Mr. Combe’s face, as he stood behind her, the brush suspended in his uplifted hand. “ Mercy me! miss, I thought you were in earnest, you looked so grave like,” and the brush descended on the head again at the sound of the merry laugh. ‘So Iam, Mr. Combe ; quite in earnest. I want £8 for a particular purpose, and I can do without my hair till it grows again. Come, cut it off quite close ; it’s best to get a thing done, when you’ve made up your mind.” ‘“‘ Excuse me, miss, I daren’t do it, such lovely hair as it is. Your folks would be downright savage with me if I were to let myself be tempted.” ‘Oh, no they wouldn't,” laughed Madge. ‘“ They can trust me to do what I will with my own. If you won’t cut it off for me, I must do it myself,” seizing on an idle pair of scissors. ‘Oh ! please, miss, no; don’t chop it off anyhow ! If it isto be done, let me manage it skilfully for you, so as to show as little as possible. Unfortunately, it 1s too soft and silky for a crop. I’m afraid you won’t like the look of it, muss.” “JT don’t expect to,” said resolute Madge. ‘ I know what you mean ; it will be just 2 head of stubble. Never mind, time will mend matters. Now make haste, please.” And Madge shut fast the merry blue eyes, that she might not watch the process in the mirror. The deed was quickly done, and she was aroused by Mr. Combe’s saying : ‘There, miss! I’m sure I beg your pardon. It does seem a sin and a shame. But ifa #10 note down would be any comfort, I’m sure it’s worth it well.” And he stroked the beautiful long tresses admiringly. “Oh! thank you,” said Madge gratefully, turning away from the mirror, where she had caught a glimpse of a smooth, round golden head, and childish face, with a momentary shock. The half-hour was just up, and stowing away carefully the precious CORNICE OOS (GO)