, 1889-12-01
A NOBLE FAILURE.

From an open window In a small, neat
cottage, there came, one summer even
ing, a melody played by no unskillful
hand. 1t was SO soft and mournful that
a few hearers, who had stopped just
outside the fence, stood very still as II
afraid of missing a note; and they spoke
in whisper only:
Poor Ted! He's very sad tonight"
YES; sadder than usual"
Poor ladl It's such a pity"
One of them who had seemed more
deeply touched by the sweet tones thar
b others, stood very thoughtful for a
little, then left the group and opened
h gate. No ooner had the latch clicked
b a the music ceased, and as he walked
to the open door his hands were tightly
clasped between two others, and a soft
voice exclaimed:
"Oh, it's you, Hal. I'm 80 glad"
"How did you know that it was 1,
TedT' asked Hal, laying a hand affec-
tionately on the others shoulder.
my ears are very quick knew you
by the way you opened the gate, and
your step. 1t is such a kind provision
that when we lose one sense the others
grow sharper. Lead me to the window,
Hal; I've something to tell you"
The blind boy spoke the last words
very sadly, and the other, knowing by it
that he was to hear some serious trouble,
led him, with compassionate tenderness,
to an easy chair by the window.
Two years before, by an accidental ex-
plosion of powder, ar impenetrable veil
OF darkness had been drawn between
Ted's eyes and the manifold beauties of
earth, plotting out bright hopes and fair
prospects Of a happy and successful fu-
ture. The blow was dreadful to such a
lad as he-so merry, so active, SO prom
Using.
Hal Goodwin was just Ted's age-sev-
enteen-a healthy, strong-limbed fellow
with a heart as big as his body. The
two had been fast friends, but when Ted
became a helpless object Of pity Halls
friendship rose to a strong, controlling
affection. He could not be reconciled to
his friends "hard luck" as he called it.
Now, what is it?' asked Hal, as they
were seated by the window.
Maybe l worry you, or tire you, Hal,
with my complaining" responded the
blind boy. feeling about for his friends
hand.
Worry me-" exclaimed Hal, closely
grasping the cropping hand. Don't talk
like that. l would be worried if /
thought you didn't tell me all your
troubles. What am 1 good for if not to
straighten out your difficulties, and try
to be eyes for you? Dear knows, they're
poor enough. Never be afraid of worry
ing me or asking me too much"
You're So kind, Hail.
Nonsense, | wish l was"
why, Hal" began Ted, .'since father
was discharged, with the other men at
the shop, it has gone. pretty hard with
us. You know we bought the organ on
instalments. It's about half paid for,
but father wasn't able to pay the last in
stalment, and the man kindly gave him
time. But now another one is due next
Saturday, and we cannot ask him to
wait any longer"
"How much is due?'' asked Hal, with
evident meaning.
But Ted detected it and fastened to
say:
mo, no, Hal, you mustn't pay for it,
for you've done more already for me
than you ought, and besides, you told
me your father had cut down your spend
ing money. I've made up my mind what
to do. l want you to write to the man
to come for the organ"
Part with the organ" cried Hal in
establishment. Why, what in the world
would you do without it, Ted?'
'Hlease write the letter for me, Hail."
said Ted, laying his head on his friends
arm. 81 tried to write it-for l don't
want father or Lucy to know what I'm
doing-but l lifted the pen and couldn't
find the place again, and had to give it
up. No, don't try to change my mind,
Hal. I've thought it all out, and itn
hurt me if you don't write it. / can
learn to knit or make baskets, or plat
cane for chairs, or something, which
will be better than playing the organ. 1
think l CAM can learn to do without
it, Hal, 30 please write the letter"
Knowing how completely lost Ted
would be without the organ; how it was
his only companion in his solitude and
how great a help it had been since the
accident, Hal gently endeavored to dis
suade him, but finding it only panied
AiAoA iO "a aoWh W III dDlo 70 WT1lt.
He could not restrain the tears as he saw
there Ted's pathetic attempt to write
all blurred and unreadable.
"What day shall I tell him 10 come for
ity' asked Hal, taking up the pen.
Thursday" replied Ted. "No, Fri.
day, Hal. Td-Pd like to have two DAYS
with it, Hal"
"That's right" said Ted, approvingly.
"Now, please mail it tonight and prom
Use me you won't say anything about It
to father and Lucy"
Hal hesitated a moment, then prom
ised.
"Now tell me about your bicycle
race" said Ted. when you are going
and all about it,"
This was opening a subject absorbing
ly interesting TO Hal. He was proud Of
his wheel" and u~nflagging in his zeal
to sustain the reputation he had Justly
acquired of being the most expert rider
In the village.
"We are going to the city on Friday.