The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-28

was not forthcoming. Babyy Violet fell
to sobbing, in the childish fear that she
had offended her father. Mrs. Schmidt
and the family doctor entered the room.
They told Schmidt he had been strick-
en- with paralysis.
1t was apparently a consolation TO
Schmidt to know that Baby Violet aged
TOUR, could not understand how his
strength had been blasted. Affliction
served to knit more closely together the
hearts of father and daughter. Since
the blow fell they have been as children
together, without Baby Violet losing
the respectful alteration which exaIts
filial love.
Schmidt had been a painter, and the
little home on the second floor of No
S81 East One Hundred and Thirty
eighth street was cozily furnished They
propped him up in an invalid's chair
when he had recovered sufficiently and
Baby Violet was his constant attendant
Mrs. Schmidt maintained the family by
day work. At times thought of his
helplessness well-nigh crushed Schmidt.
He told his wife that death would be
kindly in removing him as a burden on
her.
Mrs. Schmidt had no fear that her
husbands melancholy would give rise
to plans for self-destruction. She knew
that his strength was measured by the
obedience which Baby Violet gave to
his slightest expressed wish.
Mrs. Schmidt left the house yesterday
to go to neighbours home Baby Violet.
now nearly six years of age, told later
how implicitly she had obeyed her faith
er, following her mothers departure
Schmidt called his little daughter to the
dining room where he was propped up,
helpless, and conffded to her that he
was suffering and needed her comfort.
Papa wants to go to sleep, Baby"
he said. Baby knows the rubber pipe
that is on the back OF the stove. Run
and bring it to papa"
Violet says she obeyed and received
a kiss in return. She drew a chair up
to the wall beneath the gas jet and
waited for further Instructions.
Now put an end of the pipe over the
gas jet. just as you would put on your
stocking, Baby
This done, standing on tiptoe, Violet
ran to her fathers side.
Papa wants to take the tube in his
mouth, Baby"
Violet faitered Her father had never
before suggested little tasks which were
so impenetrable to her childs mind.
But she was instantly treasured when
her father begged another kiss. Surely
all must be we'll?
Violet placed the free end of the
tube in her fathers mouth, and had
a great-to-do in tieing it firmly with
a string as he suggested. 1t prevented
his speaking distinctly, and again Vio-
let became alarmed. Her fathers lips
and she bent forward. to catch
the words.
Now turn on the jet as mamma
does when she lights the gas. 1t will
make papa sleep, baby. You will see
papa's eyes close, and then kiss him
again, and run as fast as you can to |
mamma. Tell her papa is resting 1t
last
Violet turned on the gas and saw her
fathers eyes close, and pressing a kiss |
On his face. ran as fast as she could |
to the neighbors.
Papa is fast asleep, and he says he
wants you Violet announced between |
oreaths to her mother. Mrs. Schmidt |
asked the child to repeat the message |
and a strange terror seized her. She |
caught Violet by the hand and hurI led |
lome.
See, papa is sleeping" Violet all
bounced as they entered the dining |
-oom. Neighbors heard the screams of
Mrs Schmidt. Policeman Bentley, of |
he Alexander Avenue station. summon
ID an ambulance from Lincoln Hospital.
Surgeon Kennedy said that Schmidt I
vas dead.
Violet could not understand the Ia
nenta lions, and none told her how long
vas the sleep into which her father had
entered.