The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-04-02
sHB HAS SEEM.
BY ANNA M'INrosH BEvILLE.

BY ANNA MINTOBH BENILLE.
1t was a cold November evening, refining
in perfect torrents. Here and there you
saw the gasly CLEAN from some shop win
dow, or the tired face OF a saleswoman.
The town clock struck nine as Alfred Cervera
crossed Queen street through mud and slop,
hailed cab telling the driver to take him
rapidly to 59S Rose Villa. A second look
Yves not necessary to make people know that
Alfred Cervera was of Spanish descent.
he was tall and well proportloned, his com
plexion the olive tint, his brow broad and
high, with eyes soft as a womRn's, yet show
ing strength of character that few mer
possess.
The carriage scarcely reached its destna-
ton when Alfred sprang out, paid the cab
man and was hurrying through the CORR.
doris of his own mansion. The Taps on q
door, a sweet voice says, "oome in, and he
enters. 20. Catharine, my darling" said
Alfred, further words failing him as he
clasped his wife TO his heart; for some
times the strongest language would seem
weak and spiritless 90 the diluted wine we
give our children. So it was with this man
and woman, silence expressing for them
what words never could do.
At this moment baby's cry was heard.
The old nurse hobbies to the bedside, picks
up soft little bundle Of lace and flannel,
while Alfred remembers that in his absence
Catherine Is a mother he father. 1t was
with no little interest that he turned many
garments back to see the tiny creature
hidden beneath. When the last shawl had
been removed there came forth the sweetest
baby you ever saw. She had Catharine's
large blue eyes, rather a pink complexion,
and head covered with soft brown curls.
So this was the baby that was to make a
home complete, and fill two lives with hap
piness.
why, Alfred give me my baby" said
CathRrine. you are looking strangely at
herr Don't take her from me, dear !" said
Alfred, "but bring the light still nearer"
Holding baby under a large reading lamp,
Alfred discovered what no one knew-that
Marjorie, his little fortnight-old daughter,
had been born blind. Perhaps it may be
imagination, y he said, in answer TO his
wife's panied look; 81 thought there was
some trouble with the child's sight. TO say
more would never do, he saw, i'll Catharine's
weak state; her face had grown deadly
pale, while her lips quivered and convul-
sive sob shook her whole frame. ''Catha-
riue," said Alfred, as he laid the baby
tenderly down, ''go to bed, rest; tomorrow
we can renew our conversation.
Years after Alfred CerverS could picture
his wife as she stood before him that night,
frail and white as some tall flower, the rays
from the lamps playing round her golden
head making o strange contrast between IL
and her sorrowfuI face. Having left Catha-
rine with hope of her rest, he entered HE
library, strikes match and lights the gas
On the rug almost IN the same position as
he left him is his faithful dog. With wild
bark OF joy the animal leaps to his masters
arms, looking in his face as only dog can do,
while the gaze implies welcome, thrice well
come, my master. Alfred stroked the dogs
beautiful head, but his eyes had a far-Off
look. Just then be almost sprang from the
reclining chair In which he had thrown
himself, walks rapidly to the window, re-
turns with the same transfxed countenanoe.
What was passing In this mans mind showed
itself in every line OF the face only the
DOCTORS word was necessary to make Alfred
sure Of what he dreaded.
After the rain had ceased morning came,
bringing wealth of golden sunlight.
Raising himself from the chair 10 which he
reclined all night, Alfred stretched his
weary limbs, passed his hand over his brow
like one trying to regain lost dream. At
last it dAwned upon his numbed senses not
a dream but that reality which treats the
heart like fragrant flower, and makes it
sweeter for the crushing.
flames, have the carriage ready for the
down-gcing train" AT these words James,
who was always in attendance upon his
masters team, directed his eyes 10 where
the voice came from. Somehow the old
gentleman, who was none other than the
famous DIR. Graves, must have oversight
himself this particular morning. Before
James could move from where he stood the
old man thrust his head OUT Of the window
e second time, calling and emphasizing it
with shake of the head which sent his
nightcap on the wandering breezes. James
felt more like laughing than going to horses,
but che old doctor was right; there was no
time to be lost. Seven O'clock chimed by a
little French clock as DR.. Graves entered bis
dininR-room. Drawing the nearest chair
he sat down, taking only coffee, the rest OF
his dainty breakfast left untouched. The
buying OF ticket, directions TO his groom
and the doctor bad gone. When the train
was well on its way he took from his pocket