San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-06-12

thought, is she aSleep-the refreshing sleep
that brings the sick to health! o if it could
be so! But the physician that day said he
had no hope of her recovery. She might live
weeks or months, and she might go today or
tomorrow. There was nothing certain about
these lung diseases. His daughter-his
Elireda-and dying! She who was the
essence of his thoughts and feelings, she who
was his life-going from HIM forever! No it
could not be! 1t must not bel God would
not allow i'll"
For twenty-four years Nicodemus Haber-
mann had been second violinist in the "
theatre orchestra. He belonged, in a meas
ure, to the establish nent as did the chanIe-
lier that hung from the ceiling His wife
also came from the same theatre. She had
been table girl in the restaurant where he
took his coffee in the intermssion How he
had found courage to ask the important ques-
ton of the quiet, pleasant, by no means
young person, was theme that racked the
brains of his colleagues for long time. But
he had done it, and succeeded. 1t was GER
tainly no fierce passion which they expert
enced; but they understood each other, and
their marriage had been happier than many
so called love matches, Two years they lived
together, quiet and contented then his wife
died in child bed.
Nicodemus became still more quiet and de-
jected. He lived only for his child. What a
wonderful girl she was! Her form was
dainty and white as a porcelain figure; her
hair was fine, soft, and glossy like spun glass;
her eyes bright and dancing like the waters
of trout brook; her laugh as silver clear as
sweet toned bells. There were hours when
Nicodemus was COMPOUNDED and puzzled that
this graceful, charming creature was his
child; when he scarcely dared touch her with
his big hands, fearing he might do her some
harm.
What foolish things they did together!
How she danced when he crawled on all
tours about the room! Flow she sprang upon
his back ard tried to hold him by the hair,
but never succeeded, it vas so short and
bristly! How many times had she, sitting in
his lap, seized his neckband, and pulled upon
it until he was purple In the face, he saying
no word because it seemed to give her pleas
ure to maltreat her foolish papa in that child
iSh way! He endeavored to crafty every
wish she expressed, and once when she want
ed the moon he had considered, with all
earnestness, how he could fashion for her
something resembling that luminary. He
bought Of junk dealer an old BARRIERS basin,
and worked three nights in polishing it. He
had the JOY of seeing his little daughter con-
tented and happy Herewith, and he only
hoped she would not want the sun and stars,
for that would be more difficult to accom-
plsh.
The years slipped by. Elfreda was won
derfuly pretty girl. People often turned to
look after them when he walked with her
upon the street. She wanted to attend a Sc
lect girls school, and he denied himself proper
food in order to save the tuition fees. She
learned readily, and he rejoiced in her prog
ress
One day she expressed a wish to accom-
pany him to the theatre. That disturbed
hn very much, and for the first time he de-
Eei her request. Should she be a witness to
the ignominious role he there played! Should
her pure child mind be poisoned by the pi-
quaint Operettas there brought outl Elfrieda
poute7i and wept. She knew she said, her
papa loved her no longer. What had she
donei All her schoOlmates visited the thea
tire; only she, who had the best opportunity,
could not.
Habermanu was conquered. He could not
see her weep, SO She went with him. Seated
in a little chair close by his side, she followed
the presentation with glowing eyes. Her
presence worked wonders in the orchestra.
Through the entire evening Habermann was
treated with perfect respect.
On her way home Elfrieda could not find
words to express her pleasure o the singers!
How charming it must be to sing like thatl
Then to receive such oceans of howersl Yes.
she would be a singer, and then her dear papa
would not have to 60 to the theatre every
night, but stay at home eating cakes and bon
bOnS Habermann listened with shining
eyes. Yes, a singer she should be.
Again years went by. Elfrieda had bios
somed out into young woman, left school,
and, under the instructions of a celebrated
professor, was CultivaJiug her voice The
economy Of the father had to be still more
severe fOT this professor was none of the
cheapest. But how richly was Nicodemus
paid when he saw the progress OF his daugh-
ter, and heard the professors enthusiasm
over her talent, and his prophecies of brill
liant future.
A charity concert had been planned, into
which was to be drawn the highest musical
talent of the city, and which promised to be
the event of the season. The professor
thought this a grand opportunity to bring
out his brilliant pupil
The evening came. \ distinguished audi
ence filled the large, richly decorated hall
Far back against the wall, pressed into a
corner, stood Habermann, with the play bill
in his hand. a glimmering was before his
eyes, a roaring in his ears He could not
have been more stirred had he suddenly been
called upon to play upon his violin over there
upon the stage. His only fear was that Ell
frieda would lose self command; if she kept
that ne was sure all would 90 well