Sharp County record., 1885-06-25

and then the rest was plain sailing.
When she woke up the next morning
it was pitch-dark in the room
"Wnv don't you get up and make
the fire?' said Halstead, turning over
and composing himself for little ma
tutnal Snooze.
"It must be very early" she an
swercd; "it is pitch-dark,
Stuff and nonsense! It is bright
daylight"
He gave snort, and slumbered
peacefully.
She arose cautiously, and fumbled for
her clothes.
Halstcad," she cried, with a voice
that pierced through him like knife,
81 am blind!''
He stumbled out of bed, and stared
at her in vague bewilderment
Nonsense he said; your eyes
look all right; 90 and dip them in cold
water
A neighbor's wife was called in, be-
cause Halstead did not know how to
make fire After breakfast he eX-
pressed regret that his business
compelled him to leave her But the
Vaccinations Of his enemies demanded
on his part perpetual vigilance, if he
was in the end to conquer.
When he had gone, Rose sat down at
the window, and stared with her sight
less eyes toward the sun. She sat thus
for a long while, scarcely needing her
child, who stood gazing wonderingly
into her face. Mrs. NoIan,' she said,
suddenly, to her neighbors wife, "Will
you 90 with me to the city?"
"Ah, yes, Mrs. Swinger," answered
the kind-hearted Irish woman; Il
would 60 with ycz to Purgatory if |
could give ye yer sight back"
They crossed in the ferry, and found
the colossal building in which Mr., C
had his office. After some waiting,
they were ushered into the great law
yer's presence. He was tall, hand
some man, with a clean -shaven face and
a commanding appearance.
well, ladies'" he said turning half
about in his chair, what can do for
you?"
Rose took few steps forward, and
stood directly facing him. He observed
that she was blind, and a soft look of
pity stole into his face. He saw how
pale and haggard her features were,
and he saw, too, that once they had
been beautiful.
Il am Halstead Swingers wife," she
said, huskily, endeavorirg to fix her
wandering eyes upon him. He knitted
his brow for a moment, and looked
puzzled.
Il know no such man. he replied,
presently. ''Perhaps it is my partner,
Mr.. Bullard, you wish to see. He may
know Mr.. Swinger."
She stared blindly about her in help
less bewiderment; then sank down at
the lawyers knees! "Oh, have pity on
my husband' she cried, bursting into
tears. ''He is working so hard to make
his way, and if it were not for you he
would succeed. Oh, | know he would
succeed!'
MY dear good woman," the lawyer
responded, kindly, Il assure you | do
not know your husband; have never
even heard his name. If there is any
thing | can do for him, why, send him
to me; and if he is in distress, who
knows but l may be able to help him9"
She flung back her head. A terrible
suspicion shot through her brain, but
she repelled it. "Oh, you are great
and prosperous" she moaned land
yet you can trample upon those who
are poor and unhappy. You have con-
spired against him." she shrieked, with
sudden energy; you have sworn to
keep him down in the dust because you
are afraid of him, because he would
outshine you, and you know it."
Mr. c., without rising. called to
some one in the adjoining office. His
partner, Mr.. Bullard, appeared in the
door.
"Do you know anybody by the name
of Swinger -Halstoad Swinger?" he
asked, in conversational tone.
"Swinger? Swinger? Oh yes; he is
that irrepreSsible young fellow who is
always making a fool of himself at the
meetings Of the Bar Association
"Ah! to be sure; Ihad forgotten.
Rose bowed her head. Her forehead
rested upon the lawyers knee. The
Irish woman, understanding that some
thing was wrong, put her arms about
her and raised her up. A strange,
dazed smile fitted across the young,
haggard face. She rubbed her eyes as
if she were striving desperately to see.
"What did he say about Halstead?'
she asked, family; "what did he say,
Mrs. Nolan?h
"Nver ye moind what he said," Mrs.
Nolan responded, reassuringly.
They reached home before noon. For
an hour Rose sat, smiling vacantly and
murmuring her husband name. Mrs.