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HIS BABY'S DOLL
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VIRGT.NI A IS INSTRUCTED HOW TO BE A DOLL.
observe the smallest, at sight of which he "uttered a glad cry and seized it.
"A new doll ! A beautiful doll !" he whispered, but the next instant it dropped forgotten from his hands as his eyes fell upon the next largest, it being quickly abandoned in turn. When the largest of the dolls was skillfully brought to his notice, he drew back, a half-puzzled, half-frightened expression showing for a moment on his face. Cautiously he approached the figure, then suddenly caught it to his heart. The physician touched him upon the shoulder, and silently pointed to the child upon the bed.
"Ah !" the man gasped in delight. "Another, more beautiful !" and the doll fell from his arms. He approached the bed with beaming face, then suddenly paused, and frowned impatiently.
"But these all break — all break !" he complained. "Where is the one that will not break? The one that could talk? This one has on its dress !"
"This is that one," Dr. French said soothingly, indicating the child. "Speak to it — hold out your arms."
At the doctor's signal the child threw her arms about Graham's neck.
"Papa ! Papa !" she cried, and pressed her cheek to his.
The man started, and listened intently, as tho to a distant sound. His arms tightened about the child.
"Be calm ! We may win !" the physician whispered to the trembling wife.
Suddenly the light of sanity flashed into Graham's eyes.
"Myrtle ! My baby !" he whispered joyously, and passionately kist the little mouth. But in the train of reason came memory, and with a quick gesture he put the child aside.
"Virginia ! What does this mean ?" he demanded, his puzzled gaze resting upon the little girl. "This is not Myrtle ! Myrtle died, here, on this Who is this that has the wears the clothing: of my
very bed ! face and child?"
With a terrible effort the wife mastered her emotion.
"This is Myrtle, dear," she said. "You have been ill, you know, and have just dreamed that our baby died."
"That is not true — this is not my child !" the man replied fiercely. "Whv do you try to deceive me? Look !"