Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-11-18
A DREAM OF HAPPINESS.

Down the shadowed path a couple
walked slowly; they were betrothed
lovers.
Behind them came two women, the
mother and the aunt of the gentle fiancee,
so pretty, with her blue eyes, her fair
face, her blonde hai..
In low voice they spoke, evokipg the
passing Of that threshold on the morrow
which would make their child woman,
and inTemembering thus grand emotion
which made their voices tremble.
The mother of Yvonne, widow for
many years, and her sister, "Aunt Hor.
tense, the most adorable of old maids,
had passed 10 years in ecstatic devotion
before the little blonde flower, their sole
love. They had fondled, pampered,
spoiled her to their hearts desire.
All three, during these 16 years,
bad dwelt together in the pretty villa
which the child quilted on the morrow.
This villa, their universe, had it not
known Of all their pleasures and all their
pains5 How could they hope to be con.
soled for the absence of Yvonne?
To the sorrow from the severing Of
this loving bondage was given in com,
pensation JOY at knowing their Yvonne
happy. She loved and one loved her
the future appeared without a cloud.
Aunt Hortense was aroused; she talked
without intermission, and her sister, as
she was carried onward by memories,
gave an occasional reply. But 10 O'Clock
sounded; this awoke her.
"Come, my dear Yvonne," cried her
aunt, I'VE must reconduct Paul to the
gate. after which to bed. 1t is necessary
for you to be fresh and rosy tomorrow.
At the entrance to the villa Paul took
his leave.
Tomorrow you will be my Yvonne.
said he, embracing the young girl, land
afterward, forever"
In the distance 12 o'clock family
sounded. Yvonne was at her window.
Slumber had fled, and she preferred in
this deep silence to dream Of her aspira-
tions, of her love.
Around her all was peaceful; the
leaves did not rustic, the flowers were
closed; they slept. The little lake was
like mirror of silver, and the twinkling
stars appeared TO contemplate tenderly
the young girl.
Her reverie was so far prolonged that
the moon had set, the stars departed,
one by one, the sky paling toward the
east, till, little by little, baud of like
color extended all along the horizon.
And the dawn was born.
smiling. This is what is called watch
night.
In haste she crept to bed.
"Oh, this is very bad, she added to
herself, as she shivered under the cover.
~One would say that l had veil over
my face; can not see anything; have
taken cold. The air is fresh this morn.
ing, and auntie has always guarded me
while sleeping by having the windows
closed. If she knew that / had done
the contrary, she would scold not q
little.
And, sneezing, she fell asleep.
At o'clock in the morning, as there
was no sound of one astir in Yvonne's
room, the two mothers decided to awake
her.
~Sluggard, she sleeps still, they said,
entering her chamber.
At the sound the young girl stirred.
"SIuggardl" murmured she, yet sleep.
ing. Is it late, auntie?" ! did not
know it was day."
Mot dayl" the two women exclaimed,
laughing, "and the sun 80 bright Look
at it. -
But, auntie, said Yvonne with pout,
opening wide her blue eyes, Il do not see
anything at ALL
Madame de Courcey and her sister gave
a cry of dismay.
What, you see nothingg"
"They leaned over the child, all IN a
tremor. Yvonne extended her arms.
Il touch you. feel you are here,
said she, but can not see you.
-Merciful heaven, she is blindi-
The young girl raised herself suddenly
she dilated the lids Of her eyes, aid
turned her glances about the chamber
without perceiving aught. In inexpress-
ible agony she cried:
Blind ! shall never see Paul any
more.r
Oppressed, terrified, crushed, a long
silence ensued- Madame de Courcey
was the first to recover speech.
How, said she, is it possible for one
TO become blind all at onces This nsasl
be but temporary affiiction. The doe
tor certainly will quickly reassure US.
Orders were Immediately given. and {
servant hurried away for the local ply
sician.
Meanwhile, at Yvonne's bedside the
two guardians. overwhelmed with fear,
concentrated eli their forcas All tla.n