West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1890-03-13

sincerity OF his voice and manner in.
spired her with confidence.
The next morning earlier brought
physician 20 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 nnxiety.
Who would provide for her while she
was unable to work. Pierre earlier read
the question in her face and an.
swered quickly;
''D) not be alarmed, your employer
will allow You your regular wages while
You are under treatment That is the
custom will 80 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 Co her
regularly with her wages it was but nat.
urel that he should stay and talk with
her, for Martha Dutou had no friend i'm
Paris excepting him, and she was glad To
tell him Of her doubts and fears. Grad.
ually his visits became longer aud more
frequent, and the friendly sympathy al
ready cIisting between these two af-
tiicted ones, the blind and the disfigured,
soon Developed into sincere and ardent
love. She was in ignorance of the terri
bic 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 10
wonder how it was that her former en-.
ployer kept on paying her without max
ing any direct inquiries as 20 her condi-
tion. suspicion of truth crossed her
mind, and one day she commissioned the
ianitress OF the house to 90 TO the store
and discover how the matter stood
That evening when Pierre earlier
came to see her she was deluged in tears.
81 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
hcartless But indeed you ought not to
nave put such debt upon me-it is alb
solutely necessary now for mo to regain
my sight that j may be able to pay YOU
what | owe
lyon can more than repay me, very
easily, if you will, )" he answered, gently.
"How can I?n
''By marrying me"
"You can not mean thatw she cx.
claimed in astonishment, and when ne
repeated his words she began to cry with
JOY.
II have not seen your face" she said
at last, "but ] am sure that il reflects the
goodness OF your heart. / will be your
wife. on one condition"
"What is thatl" he asked.
"That we arc not married until have
recovered my sight" Her decision filed
hcr lover with dismay, and invOluntarily
he 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 beheld his face.
''Let us be married at once, " he said
earnestly. ave shallb so happy-what
is the use of watingl"
But Martha was inhcxible
81 have already been too much Of a
burden to you, " she said, II will not con
sent 90 becoming q milestone fastened to
your neck II cannot be cured at all, I
viii disappear, and you will never hear
OF me again"
"a suicidew he cried, edo you wish
me to die Of despairl"
But Martha felt sure that she would be
cured suddenly, miracuIously. and snc
longed TO be able TO give her lover a joy
ful surprise.
II vas the FIRST Sunday in May. Spring
was Just decking the shrubs and trees in
brilliant attire, and the meadows had be-
gun 20 smile under the suns rays
Martha had promised 30 90 with
Pierre for walk in the country, and ho
said wistfully
What pity it is thai you cannot SEQ