Wichita eagle., 1890-02-21

| Nicodemus became still more quiet and d.
tected. He lived only for his child. What
wonderful girl she was! Her form WE
! dainty and white as a porcelain figure; he
hair was fine, soft, and glossy like spun glass
her eyes bright and dancing like the waite,
of a trout brook; her laugh as silver clear q
| sweet toned bells. There were hours whe
Nicodemus was confounded and puzzled tina
this graceful, charming creature was hi
child; when he scarcely dared touch her wit
his big hands, fearing he might do her som
harm.
What foolish things they did together
How she danced when he crawled ON al
fours about the roomi How she srrang upol
his back and tried to hold him by the hair
but never succeeded, it was so short an,
b-istly! How many times had she, sitting il
his lap, seized his neckband, and pulled upol
it until he was purple in the face, be sayin,
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 al
earnestness, how he could fashion for hel
something resembling that luminary. H,
boughtof junk dealer an old barbers basin
| and worked three nights in polishing It, Hs
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-.
plish.
The years slipped by. Elfrieda was won.
aerfully pretty girl. People often turned to
look after them when he walked with her
upon the street. She wanted to attend a Sc.
iect girls school, and he denied himself proper
food in order to save tine tuition fees. She
learned readily, and he rejoiced in her prog.
ress.
One day she expressed wish to accom-
pany him to the theatre. That disturbed
aim very much, and for the first time he de-
nied her request. Should she be witness to
the igIominious role be there played2 Should
her pure child mind be poisoned by the pi-
quaint operettas there brought out? Elfrieda
pouted and wept. She lnnew, she said, her
papa loved her no longer. What had she
done? All her schoolmates visited the thea
tire; only she, who had the best opportunity,
could not.
Habermann was conquered. He could not
see her weep, SO she went with him. Seated
III 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 that!
Then to receive such oceans of flowers! Yes.
she would bea singer, and then her dear papa
MT hnxv << 4
night, but stay at home eating cakes and bon
bons. Habernann listened with shining
eyes. Yes, singer she should be-
Again years went by Elfrieda had BIOS
somed out into young woman, left school,
and, under the instructions Of O. celebrated
professor, was cultivating her voice. The
economy of the father had to be still more
severe for this professor was none of the
cheapest. But how richly was Nicode,nus
paid when he saw the progress of his dauch-
ter, and heard the professors enthusiasm
over her talent, and his prophecies of brill
ant 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 grand opportunity to bring
'ut his brilliant pupil.
The evening came A distinguished audi
,nce filled the large, richly decorated hall.
Far back against tie wall, pressed into a
:orner, stood Habermann, with the play bill
n his hand. A ghmmering was before his
yes, q roaring III his ears. He could not
AVE been more stirred had he suddenly been
alled upon to play upon his violin over there
lpon the stage. His only fear was that FL
rieda would lose self command; if she kept
hat, he was sure all would go well
a storm of applause stirred hiI-, anew. The
xotic, order decked piano virtuoso had bowed
nd left the stage. Now she must comet Hab-
rmann felt his heart beating as if it were in
is throat, and he wiped the persuiration
rom his forehead. 4 low whispering ran
Trough the assembly. Elfriet!a appeared.
Nj by the professor. There she stood, flower.
ecbed, before that thousand headed Galoch. |
he public. An indescribabIe air OF innocence !
nd purity surrounded her. Her gobden |
air enyeloped her fresh young form like IA |
lantle. People nodded approvingy at each |
ther, and an elegant youth near Habermann |
aid, Elegant exterior
The pause seemed longer than usual. He |
aw with horror that she was confused The |
rofessor turned impatiently. She raised her |
cad and looked toward her father The |
isible distress on his fnce made her forget |
er own, and drawing herself up.decidedlv,
le mastered her embarrassment Her first |
1nes were low and hesitating, but grew
,uder and firmer, and finally came.out in all ,
heir strength and purity. One could scarce
: believe there could be such power in that
lildlille form. Her strength increased with
he difficulty Of her part, and nothing in her
recution betrayed the beginner.
For n time Habermapn could see nothing.
ne tears rolled down his checks. Only with
is ears could he revel in those heavenly
rains. Q TO think it was his~chiid--his own
esh and blood-who held thatAarge audience
such breathlesS rapture.
The applause came like a hurricane. She
ood for n moment with her hands pressed |
yer her beating heart, while the flowers
'reod out about her like fragrant garden.
er eyes sought her father, but re had slip
ID out into ante-room, and sinking into a !
lair, with his head in his hands, the sounds
lme into him like the dull roarings of the
Il That hour made good his whole life of
rrow and disappointment. He,had not lived
xain.
There was a still more stormy burst OF en-
iuslasm. That called for an encore-but
ifrieda appeared no more. The professor
me instead TO say the young singer had
zen taken suddenly ill-notLing sarious-but
e could not appear again that night
Habermann heard himself called. He hur-
sd to the green room. How strangely the
'1ists locked ut him, One pressed his hand
bssyI llv roil l,-- I
ID been taken to the private room OF the
anager. Why was there SO much emotion
-er little indisposinoni In spite of him
If, feeling of apprehension seized him As
ents-ed the managers room he saw e.