The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-04-02


without knowing of his Disagreement,
which had always rendered him repulsive
to women, he took her to her lodging
place, and on leaving her at the door,
asked permission to return the next
day. She assented willingly for the
sincerity Of his voice and manner in
spired her with confidence.
The next morning earlier brought a
physician to examine the young girls
eyes, and his decision-that the recovery
of her sight was doubtful and would at
best be slow--flled her with anxiety.
Who would provide for her while she
was unable to work2 Pierre earlier read
the question in her face and an
swered quickly:
"Do not be alarmed, your employer
will allow you your regular wages while
you are under treatment. That is the
custom; l will go to him myself and ex-
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 begun, and earlier came to her
regularly with her wages it was but nat
ural that he should stay and talk with
her, for Martha Duaou had no friend in
Paris excepting him, and she was glad to
tell him Of her doubts and fears. Grad
ually his visits became longer and more
frequent, and the friendly sympathy al
ready existing between these two af-
flicted ones, the blind and the disfigured,
soon developed into sincere and ardent
love. She was in ignorance of the terri
BILE 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 maxi
ing any direct inquiries as to her condi-
ton. A suspicion of truth crossed her
mind, and one day she commissioned the
ianitress of the house to go to the store
and discover how the matter stood.
That evening when Pierre earlier
came to see her she was deluged in tears.
"I have found you OUT" she said.
''Oh, how generous and noble of you to
let me think that the money you brought
came from an employer who Is utterly
heartless But indeed you ought not to
have put such debt upon met is abb
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, if you will, " he answered, gently.
''How can IL"
''By marrying me-"
"You can not mean that" she eX-
claimed in astonishment, and when he
repeated his words she began to cry with
joy.
II have not seen your face" she said
at last, ''but am sure that it reflects the
goodness of your heart. will be YOU
wife, on one condition"
"What is that9" he asked.
sThat we are not married until have
recovered my sight" Her decision filled
her lover with dismay, and inyoluntarily
he almost wished that she should remain
blind, for he could not bear to think oi
of seeing her turn away from him in dis
gust the first time she beheld his face.
''Let us be married at once, p" he said
earnestly. "We shall be so happy-wha
is the use of waitinga"
But Martha was infexible.
'I have already been too much of {
burden to you" she said, 81 will not con
sent to becoming milestone fastened Il
your neck. If l cannot be cured at all,
will disappear, and you will never hea
of me again"
"a suicide!" he cried, "do you wisl
me to die of despairl"
But Martha felt sure that she would b.
cured suddenly, miraculously, and sh
longed to be able to give her lover a joy
full surprise.
1t was the first Sunday in May. Spring
T was just decking the shrubs and trees IL
, brilliant attire, and the meadows had be
gun to smile under the suns rays.
Martha had promised to go witt
Pierre for walk in the country, and h
said wistfully:
"What pity it is that you cannot SCI
! the loveliness of nature, for that woul
decide you not to postpone our happines
any longer"
II can hear the birds sing, and smel
5 the perfume of the flowers" had bee
the blind girls answer.
The appointed time had arrived AM
{ Pierre called for his beloved. What wa
= his surprise to find that she had take
: all the bandages from her eyes, and h
. fancied vaguely that she gave a sligh
g start as she turned toward him.
'Can she see9" nc thought, GROWN
r pale with apprehension, and Marth
S asked
"What is the matter, dears All,
r know; you are astonished at my hayin