Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-01-16
A DREAM OF HAPPINESS.

iOtlll1u tDtIll CdIHt WV "p't'is '''o
mother and the aunt of the gentle fiancee,
so pretty, with her blue eyes, her faii
face, her blonde hair.
In low voice they spoke, evOking the
passing of that threshold on the morrow
which would make their child woman,
and in remembering thus a 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 16 years in ecstatic devotion
before the little blonde flower, their sole
love. They had fondled, pampered,
spoiled her to their hearts desire.
Ali three, during these l6 years,
had 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
pains? How could they hope to be con-
suleI for the absence OF Yvonne?
To the sorrow from the severing Of
this loving bondage was given in COM
pensation JOY at knowing their 4ronne
happy. She loved and one loved her
the future appeared without cloud.
Aunt 11ortense was aroused; she talked
without interIuission. 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
atterward, forever.
In the distance 12 o'clock family
sounded. Yvonne was at her window.
Slumber had fed, 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 a mirror of silver, and the twinkling
stars appeared to contemplate teuderly
the young girl.
Her re,erie 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, band of like
color extended all along the horizon.
And the dawn was born.
IAN exampl.," murmured 4vonne,
smiling. This is what is called watch
uight.
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 had veil over
my face; can not see anything; l 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 l had done
the contrary, she would scoll not a
little.
And, sneezing, she fell asleep.
At o'clock in the morning, as there
was no sound of one astir in Yvonne 8
room, the two mothers decided to awake
her.
"Sluggard. she sleeps still" they said,
entering her chamber.
At the sound the young girl stirred.
"SluggarL!" murmured SIZE, yet sleep
ing. rs it late, auntieI" l did not
know it was day"
Not day!" the two women exclaimed,
laughing, land the sun so bright. Look
at it."
But, auntie, said Yvonne with pout,
opening wide her blue eyes, Il do not see
anything at all.
Aiai.lame de Courcey and her sister gave
cry of dislnay.
"What, you see nothing?'
"They leaned over the child, all in q
lremor. Yvonne extended her arms.
IL touch you. ! feel you are here,
said she, but can not see you"
"Merciful heaven, she is blind!'
The young girl raised herself suddenly :
she diiated the lids of her eyes. aud
turned her glances about the chamber
witho 1T perceiving aught. In inexpress-
ible agony she cried:
Blind! l shall never see Paul any
more!"
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 oncel This must
be but temporary affliction. The doc
tor certainly will quickly reassure u.s."
Orders were Immediately given, and a
servant hurried away for the local phy-
sician.
Meanwhile, at Yvonne's bedside the
two guarI ans, overwhelmed with fear,
concentrated all their forces, all Their
courage, to appear calm, and keep their
charge ignorant of their terror.
They care ssed 'ler, 500 he'd her, and
nearly persuaded themselves by the
DOW er of reassuring speeches that this
was nothing, nothing at all. In an hour
81 so she might see again.
The doctor came. He examined care
fully the soft blue eyes. Then he said +:
at IS not serious, my little friend.
Some lotions which will quickly make
will restore your sight as clear as ever,
but you mnst be patient. Your cure re-
Quires some time. This will delay lit
lie your marriage.
Yvonna seized the hands Of the old
man.
you promise me that l shall see,
that | shall not always be blindI"
Most certainly, stammered the poor
man. confused. Have patience, dear
this is not serious. 1t is "A severe attack,
he said in an undertone to the two
women, who listened in CONSERVATION.
SIRE cure will be slow, diff 'ult, i'm
rO-sible, perhaps, l need not hide il