vely expression about
even the _back_ of its head; really quite intellectual.

"Very soon, it would start at an unexpected noise or touch, and if
dinner did not come at the very moment it was wanted, little Eva (for
that was her sweet name) could cry in a manner to astonish you; but
then, such an excellent cry! so loud and strong, that it was certain she
had splendid lungs. And what more could a mother's heart desire? And
her precious treasure was watched and guarded night and day by a
mother's love, stronger than death.

"But what is this? The good doctor watches little Eva as she grows, and
always when he looks at her, a sad, strange expression comes over his
face; and one day, when going down stairs, he paused, and turned to go
back, but did not, for he said aloud to himself: 'Not yet; they cannot
bear it yet; and perhaps, after all, I may be in the wrong.'

"They were both so happy--that young father and mother! How they pitied
all the poor married people who had no children!

"But the next day after this the good doctor decided not to withhold
the communication, whatever it might be, from Eva's father and mother.
As soon as he entered the room, he said abruptly: 'Nurse, bring me the
child.' He stood by a window, and threw wide open the darkened blinds.
The little Eva was brought to him just from her morning toilette, fresh,
sweet, and pure as a rain-brightened flower; her long embroidered dress
sweeping the carpet, and soft lace nestling about her tiny arms.

"'Oh, dear doctor!' exclaimed the young mother, 'do not take the baby
there! That bright glare of light has dazzled even my strong eyes; and
how can her feeble sight endure it?'

"'It is necessary, madam,' replied the doctor. He seemed to be a cross
old fellow, but beneath his gruff manner was hidden a great, kind heart.

"He took the child, and having sent the nurse away, turned from the
mother, who lay anxiously watching him. He gazed fixedly at little Eva,
while he exposed her beautiful and tender eyes to the bright glare of
the morning sun. His brow was contracted into a great heavy frown, and a
short but deep sigh escaped him; but he never took his eyes from her
face: then he forced the lids, with their long silken fringes, far away
from the ball of the eye, and little Eva was now screaming with the pain
caused by this rough and cruel treatment. Alas! a deeper shade of
anxiety crossed the doctor's face, and the hard and unfeeling man, as
the weepin