Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-04-10
BIIHID!
Translated From the French


expected shower, hastened to seek ref
uge in hospitable doorway.
Her clothing was not such as could
be seriously injured by the inclement
weather: indeed her attire was extreme
Iy simple, and indicative Of the strict
est possible economy. But Martha Duff
fou, such was the young girls name,
was pink of neatness.
It was only ten o'clock at night and
the street was almost deserted. A
although he had an umbrella, he ran
for shelter from the rain to the door
Way where Martha stood. He was so
absorbed in watching the progress of
the thunder storm that he had hardly
noticed the girl when q dazzling flash
of lightning, followed Immediately by
terrific peal of thunder, illuminated
the street, and at the same instant a
shrill cry rang through the air.
"Merciful heaven!n exclaimed the
Young girl, 'sI cannot see-it is all dark
the lightning has burnt my eyes-I am
blindW
Instances of this kind, though COM
paratively rare, are by no means un-
known in the history of medicine; sud-
den blindness caused by stroke of
lightning, is sometimes durable, but
when it results from paralysis of the
optic nerve there is but little chance of
recovery.
A flood of tears followed the sighs and
moans of the terrified girl as she reflect
ed that she could no longer earn her
living. She could not even find her
way home without help-what was to
become of her-must she beg her bread?
ssDo not cry, mademoiselle," said the
Young man, a we'll built fellow, who
now came to her rescue. "Where dc
you live?"
cat 1875 Lacondamine-st."
Martha then told her story to the
Young man, who informed her that his
name was Pierre earlier, and that he
was a book-keeper in the Office Of the
Western railway. He did not, howev.
er. mention the fact Of his having been
wounded in the face in the war of 1870
and of still bearing frightful scar.
Being deeply interested in the help
less girl who talked and listened to him
without knowing of his disagreement
which had always rendered him repul
sive to women, he took her TO her lOdg
ing place, and on leaving her at tht
door, asked permission to return tht
next day. She assented willingly, fol
the sincerity of his voice and mannel
inspired her with confidence.
The next tmorning earlier brought {
physician to examine the young girl
ewes, and his decision the recov
! ery of her sight was doubtful and woul(
at least be slOw-fiiled her with anxiety
Who would provide for her while sh'
was unable to work? Pierre earlier reat
the question In her face and answeret
quickly: ....ga.s~s 81
"Do not be alarmed, your employe
will allow you your regular wages Will,
under treatment. This is the custom
I will 60 to him myself and explain
matters
A few hours latter he came back ant
reported that the head Of the firm hat
promised not only to keep the girls sit
nation for her, but also to pay all he
expenses, until she was able to worl
again. Medical treatment was begun
and earlier came to her regularly witt
her wages. It was but natural that h
should stay and talk with her, for Mar
tina Duffou had NO friend in Paris ex
cepting him, and she was glad to tel
him other doubts and fears. Graduall
his visits became longer and more fire
\ ouent, and the friendly sympathy a
ready existing between these two affiict
ed ones, the blind and disfigured, 500
developed into sincere and ardent love
She was in ignorance of the terribl
scar upon his face, and his gentle kinC
ness and devotion won her heart.
Three months passed and still Marth
was not cured, and at last she began
wander how it was that her former en-
ployer kept on paying her, withot
making any direct inquiries as to ht
condition. A suspicion of the trut
crossed her mind, and one day she con
missioned the janitress Of the house
90 to the store and discover how tt
matter stood. That evening whe
Pierre earlier came to see her she WI
deluged In tears. "Oh, how generol
and noble of you to let me think tn.
the money you brought me came froI
an employer who is utterly heartles
But indeed you ought not to have pt
such a debt upon me it Is absolutely ne
essary row for me to regain my sigf
y that I may be able to pay you what
owe."
"You can more than repay me, vel
easily, ifyou viii, }" he answered, gentl
t'How can II"
"By marrying me.r. q s1
'.You cannot mean that!' shese
claimed, in astonishment, and when
repeated his words she began to cl
with joy.
"I have not seen your face,n she So
at last, "but am sure that II refiec
the goodness Of your heart. Twill
your wife on one condition. .a
ssWhat is thatW he asked.
saThat we are not married until Iha'
received my sight?''
Her decision filled her lover with d.
may, and involuntarily he almost wis
ed that she should remain blind, for
could not bear to think Of seeing b
turn away from him In disgust the I'll
~ time she beheld his face. M
y liAlsg %sa q, a ~
It was the first Sunday In Ma
Spring was just decking the shrubs al
trees In brilliant attire, and the mea
ows had begun to smile under the sui
rays. Martha had promised to go wi
Pierre for walk In the country, al