Wichita eagle., 1890-02-21

| air. for Journey to the south was beyonC
l his means, however much he might econo
5 mize
: For the last few days she had been worse
and that was the cause Of her fathers late
) ness at the theatre. How tiresome the music
5 seemed to him, with its endless repetitions
! X it would only end, 30 he could go home!
At last the curtain fell for the last time
J and Habermann rushed out as he had rushed
in, as if fearful some one would restrain him
} Through the wide open portal poured O thick
black stream of humanity, laughing and
talking about the uaagnifcsnce of the pres
entation. Coachnaen were crying; pedes
triars hurrying, and the snowfakes twirled
down without internlission through the misty
air, covering the street with smutty, gray
pulp.
Pushing through the crowd, every moment
in danger of falling under carrinSe wheels,
hurried Eabermann with his violin under his
arm. Turning into quieter street, where
the snow Kept more of its wiIi1eness, he pressed
his hat more firmly upon his head, drew the
skirts of his coat under his arm, and walked
as fast as tine moist Snow would allow. TIE
passers by looked after the curious figure, and
many snowballs few about bis ears, but it
did not trouble him; he only rushed forward,
forward
On, by the great factory whose toll chin
ney reared ghosthke into the night; by the
| churchyard whose white crosses and monu-
ments seemed signaling to-hi,n OF the uncer-
tainty Of all earthly things; by fair man
sions with their carefully trimmed yart.s; out
by the railroad pier. At last, quite e1-
| hausted, he stopped before an old house.
With trembling hands he opened the heavy
gate, then went through the long, dark yard,
to the little garden house where he dwelJ.
A middle aged woman, with pleasant though
! coarse features and sleepy eyes, met him in
toe entry.
20, am glad you have come Elfrieda
has asked after you so many timesw
'How is shef' he asked, eagerly.
''Ske has been sleeping for n little while.
Try and not wake her. Good night. will
lie down now"
She had tie door latch in her hand, but
turned again.
"f-if-anything happens she said, hest
tatingIy, "calI me-"
AS she disappeared Haberma1n looked after
her, shaking his head ''She isaqueer woman.
What does she think can happen?"
He pulled off his wet coat and boots, put
ON an old dressing gown whose many colored
patches gave it tie appearance Of a map, and
pushed his feet into pair OF felt slippers;
then opening the door carefully, he stepped
to the bedside of thesick girl.
She yas still lovely. Her blonde hair sur
rounded ber head like a halo, but her face
white, white as the linen Of her bed
With an expression Of unuNerable tenderness
he looked down upon her. Her breath came
quick and short. Opening her eyes, she
stretched her arms up to him.
'I'm so glad you have Gomez she said, as
he kissed her upon the forehead.
"But shall have to scold you that you do
not sleep. Truly, you give your papa great
deal of trouble" but the tones Of his voice
gave the lie to his words.
She stroked teaderly his lnotty hand, and
looking up said: "Can ] not talk little with
my dear papaa Come, sit here and tell me
about the new presentation"
'!Oh, my dear child, what is there to tell?
You know care nothing for that nonsense;
my thoughts were with you"
She made no answer, but soon after, look
ing up suddenly, said:
'Papa, wish you would play for me upon |
your violin"
''Oh, child, you must not think of it! It |
would excite you, and the doctor said you |
must be perfectly quiet"
''But feel So well today-so hght-better |
than have for long, long time"
"Trulyf His whole face lighted up. |
''Then sleep now; perhaps tomorrow l viii |
do as you wish"
She put her arms around his neck and snug
gled her cheek to his.
when I say it will be a great, great joy
for me, and beg you to crafty me, will you
not do it nowa"
''Yes, yes, will, he whispered.
She kissed him tenderly. My precious
papa, Now l shall sleep so much better.
Give me good night kiss"
He pressed her to his hesrt as be gave it,
then laid her back among the pillows.
He took his stand by the window, as far as
possible from the bed, and set the bow with Il
trembling hand. The tones Of the old cradle
song, "Sleep, my child, sleep on" sounded
low through the room.
Then the playing became more lively, and
he handled the bow more firmly. The simple,
soulful melody awoke soaring phantasies
The longer he played the more the artist
within MIN was aroused. All that had lain
in his heart through the long years, under
the cares Of life as under an ash heap, came
up to the light. The tonese1ulte6; they wept
and lamented. A divine fire beamed from
the cheeks of the man who bad at last found
himself. Ever more heaven inspired and
spiritual, they hecanne,a tone prayer to the
Lord of life and death. He stood few mo-
nents- -motioalesS, with hpwsd head, when he
ended, as if listening TO the flying tones;
then, breathing fast. laid aside the violin.
Softly be stepped agein to the bedside.
What WAS thats He hastily seized her hand,
then laid his gray head ON her young breast,
but there wasno spuni OF heart beat. A
blessed, happy peace rested4upon her features
He knew then-why she@lad felt SO light and
happy.
There was cry and fall, then all was
still in the lstie room save tfre>,attling OF the
window sash and the ticking Of the clock
SaberIaenn lay there on tho floor a long ,
lime, then arose, tot1ering Ike drunken
nan. His features were fixed ard Sloodless
Is If curved from ice He took his violin and
dashed 1t In pieces against the wall: ne broke
,he cc, over his knee; then sat down and |
eaaed his head upon the bed of his dead ,
child. He had played the finale of his life ,
f-sESieted IRON the Gey,,sn of Herman Du-
2oat
SHOES OF NOTABLE WOMEN.
Fanny Davenport wears No. Is that are
Inclined TO pointed toes. 6
Nr- CrarcoS uaS-eo,,