Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1890-04-25
Being deeply Interested iu tho holplea


girl who talked and listened to him
without knowing of his Disagreement,
which had always rendered him rcpulsive
to women, he took her to her lodging
place, and on leaving her at the door,
asked permission to return the next
day. She assentcd willingly for the
sincerity Of his voice and manner in.
spircd her with confidence.
The next morning earlier brought a
physician to examine the young girls
eyes, aud his dccision--that the recovery
of hor sight was doubtful aud would at
best be slow-illcd her with anxiety.
Who would provide for her while she
was unable to work2 Pierre earlier read
the question iu her face aud an-
swered quickly:
"Do not be alarmed, your employer
will allow you your regular wages while
you are under treatment. That is the
custom; will go to him myself and cx-
plain matters"
A few hours later he came back
and reported that the head OF
the firm had promised not only
to keep the girls situation for her
but also to pay all her expenses until she
was able to work again. Medical treat
ment was brgun, and earlier came to her
regularly with her wages: it was but nat
ural that he should stay and talk with
her, for Martha Duflou had no friend in
tell him of her doubts and fears. Grad
ualy his visits became longer and more
frequent, and the friendly sympathy al
ready existing between these two af-
flicted ones, the blind and the disngurcd,
soon Developed into sincere and ardent
love. She was in ignorance OF the terri.
ble scar on his face, and his gentle kind
ness and devotion won her heart.
Three months passed and still Martha
was not cured, and at last she began to
wonder how it was that her former en-
ployer kept on paying her without max
ing any direct inquiries MS to her condi-
ton. A suspicion of truth crossed her
mind, and one day she commissioned the
janitrcss of the house to go to the store
and discover how the muttcr stood.
That evening when Pierre earlier
came to see her she was delugcd in tears
'I have found you out" she said.
sob, how generous and noble of you to
let me think that the money you brought
came from an employer who Is utterly
hcartless But indeed you ought not to
have put such debt upon met is alb
solutely necessary now for me to regain
my sight that may be able to pay you
what owe"
"You can more than repay me, very
easily, il yDu will, :" he answered, gently.
"How can II"
SPY marrying me-"
"You can not mean thatl" she cx.
claimed in astonishment. and when he
repeated his words she began to cry with
joy.
"I have not seen your face" she said
at last, ..'but am sure that it reflects the
goodness of your heart. will be your
wiic. on one condition"
"What is that?" he asked
"That we are not married until I havo
recovered my sight" Her decision filed
her lover with dismay, and involuntarily
ne almost wished that she should remain
blind, for he could not bear to think of
Of seeing her turn away from him in dis
gust the first time she behcld his face
"Let us be married ut once, he said
earnestly. "Wc shall be so happy-what
is thc use of waiting?"
But Martha was inflcxibc.
'tI have already been too much of 3
burden to you, she said, al will not con
seat 10 becoming mill stone fastened to
your neck. If cannot be cured at oil, 1
will disappear, and you will never hear
Of me again"
ga suicide" he cried. "do you wish
me to die of despair2"
But Martha felt sure that she would be
cured suddenly, miracuiously, and she
longed to be able to give her lover joy
full surprise.
It was the first Sunday in May Spring
was just decking the shrubs and trees in
brilliant attire, and the meadows had be-
gun to smile under the suns rays
Martha had promised to go with
Pierre for walk in the country, and he
said wistfully
"What pity it is that you cannot see
the loveliness of nature, for that would
decide yon not to postpone our happiness
any longer"
"I can hear the birds sing, and smell
the perfume of the flowers" had been
the blind girls answer.
The appointed time had arrived and
Pierre called for his beloved. What was
his surprise to find that she had taken
all the bandages from her eyes, and he
fancicd vaguely that she gave a slight
start rs she turned toward him.
"Can she sce?" he thought, growing
pale with apprehension, and Martha
asked
''What is The matter, dcara All, I
know; you arc astonished at my having
no bandage on my Dyes. There is no use
in wearing it. shall never see again,
the doctor can do nothing moro for me.
A nd Dinrrn 1uill not lraar, .rn;k;.,cz