The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1886-10-28
soon slept. and slept soundly.


Joy than it often falls to the lot Of man
to experience. Lying half awake. the
dominant thought Of last night began
to take shape, and to give color to
my dreams; then, having lost myself
in uncOnsciousness awhile, struggled
to grasp what the JOY was which haunt
ed me. Iawoke fully. at last, with
start. / opened my eyes. Itwas true!
The widest Of the joyful dreams was
true! l had gained my sight! My
vision was still din and clouded, but
was no longer in darkness. saw
the blessed light Of day through the
window blinds. saw the shapes of
the articles of furniture in the room.
Ere long Hardy came to call me,
bringing my breakfast on tray.
had slept till late. and breakfast was
over. He brought message that Miss
Beaufoy hoped l VAS better, and
begging me to suit my own con-
venience entirely about coming down.
dismissed Hardy, SAYING that would
ring il | required any assistance. l
could not bear to associate my recovery
in any way with one for whom had
conceived SO instructive an aversion.
After spending leisurely time of ex-
quisite delight in testing the limits of
my recovered senses, | was ready at
last to encounter my new associates.
On summoning my attendant he in
formed me that he believed the ladies
were out, but he would take me into
the library, where one or other Of them
would be likely to return before long.
Accordingly he led me down broad
staircase, across spacious hall, into q
room with long windows opening into
q garden, and, guiding me to chair
there left ME. | took up a book to
read, but as yet the power had not re-
turned TO me. went to the window.
saw for the first time for four long
years the blessed light of the sun as it
lay in mellow warmth upon the broad
lawn. The trees with late September
colors in the leaves spread out hazy
picture Of beauty, of which my remem-
brance and imagination readily sup
piled the details, for in truth it was still
but q limited and confused vision
Ienjoycd. l Iopened one Of the French
windows. and stood out in the sunshine.
| The quiet was intense, and | longed
for some companionship. Having
taken several slow turns on the grass.
sought to re-enter the house, and
seeing. as | supposed, the window
through which l had come, pushed it
open and entered. It was not the room
Iexpected. As far as could Judge it
| was sort of study. The door was
partly open. SO crossed the room and
went through the door. with the design
Of making my way back into the library
again. The sound of voices arrested
me, and changed my intention. Twas
anxious to find myself among my fell
low-creatures in this strange household
and although shfunk from it. l felt
that ought to confide to my hosts
the partial recovery with which / was
blessed. found myself in lobby,
1 from the end Of which the voices came.
| went towards them, and came to an
other room, dark aud small, with q
thick and heavy door, which was stand
ing haif-open. | stood upon the
threshold. "A tall woman was standing
with her back towards me. Through
door in the side Of the little room
saw the CLEAN of small furnace, and
q moment after the face of a man APP
peared there. which grew white with
| rage or terror. AT this the woman
turned, and threw her hands out in
front of me.
He is blind" she said. shortly and
fercely; and the man. who had reached
something from shelf, put it down
on the table.
That something was revolver.
resolved not TO coniide all at once
in Mr.. Beaufoy.
'.How did you find your way in
here?" he asked with rather abortive
attempt to speak calmly.
II was guided by the sound oi
voices, l answered; land the door was
OPEN"
Il left it open" said Miss Beaufoy
quickly.
l attempted no word of apology.
There was that about the whole pro-
ceedings which curdled both my court
esy and my frankness.
Il was trying to get back to the libra
ry," said coldly.
Its all right, whispered Miss Beau
foy scornfully to her father. Then to
me softly: ..Come, will lead you back
to the library"
fro RE coNTrNIrrDN