The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1890-04-16

ed to create diversion, and to show
her that he was too thoroughly a
Partisan to be so easily duped
"Let US go and have a glass of
beer" J" be said gaily, and with an
exclamation OF dismay the girl let
go of his arm aud stood still.
"oh, do not try TO be so high
fiownii he added, taking hold of her
to lead her on, but Martha drew
back in alright and cried aloud,
"heIp. helpl1
At the sound of her voice, another
man, a well built fellow, came to her
rescne, exclaiming:
"Let go of her, you rascall'' and
dealing such strong blows upon the
shoulders of Bertrand Camusard,
that the latter thought best to go
his way without arguing the mat
ter.
Martha then told her story to the
newcomer, who, in his turn, in-
formed her that his name was Pierre
earlier and that he was book keep
er in the office of the Western Rail.
way. He did not however, mention
the fact of his having been wounded
in the face during the war of 1870,
and of his still bearing frightful
scar.
Being deeply interested in the
helpless girl who talked and listened
to him without knowing of his dis
figurement which had always rem
dered him repulsive to women, he
took her to her lodging place, and
on leaving her ut the door asked
permission to return the next day.
She assented willingly for the sin
cerity of his voice and manner in
spired her with confidence.
The next morning Cartier
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
filled her with anxiety Who
would provide for her while she was
unable to work? Pierre earlier
read the question in her face and
answered quickly:
ado not be alarmed, your employ
er will allow you your regular wages
while you are under treatment.
That is the custom; / will go to him
myself and explain matters"
4 few hours later he came back
and reported that the head of THO
firm had promised not only to keep
the girls situation for her but also
to pay all of her expenses until sho
was able to work again. Medical
treatment was begun, and earlier
came to her regularly with her
wages; it was but natural that he
should stay and talk with her, for
Martha Dufiou had no friend in
Paris excepting him, and she was
glad to tell him of her doubts and
fears. Gradually his visits became
Longer and more frequent, and the
friendly sympathy already existing
between these two afflicted ones, the
blind and the disfgured, soon devel-
oped into sincere and ardent love.
She was in ignorance of the terri
bic scar on his face, and his gentle
kindness won her heart,
Three @9pths passed and still
Mara.a Wa Rot essfed, and at last
she began to wonder how it was
that her former employer kept on
paying her without making any di-
rect inquiries rs to her condition.
A suspicion of truth crossed her
mind, and one day she commission
ed the janitress of the house to go
to the store and discover how the
matter stood. f T1THrtg]E FFf
That evening when Pierre earlier
came to see her she was deluged in
teara, GC2 TIE
81 !Aaye found you out" she said,
"oh, hoy generous and noble of you
to let me think that the money you
brought came from an employer
who is utterly heartlessl But in
deed you ought not to have put
such a debt upon me-.it is .abso-
lutely necessary now Tor me TO re-
gain my sight that may be able
to pay you what 1 owe"
"You can more than repay me,
very easily, if you will be answered,
gently,
@Hess Raa II"
SPY marrying me-"
"You can not mean that!' she ex-
claimed in astonish ment, and when
he repeated his words she began to
cry with ioy.