The Press., 1891-09-03
Number 23.

and painting were part of the curriculum, and were charged to the parents on an as cending scale, and on descending one to to the teachers. ....-. f.. u.-
 "I think" he wrote to Mrs. Hale, 'sthat you will agree with me when I say that all this work Is destructive to one's ideal of art. The only comfort I have is in working harder than any of my pupils can possibly do, and in saving, like miser, every penny for future study. --..
 "Should 8 change of fortune come to me (but such precious changes seldom come) I should rush to Glenridge and take counsel with you before Hitting across the water. need the advantages offered to art students. there, but must work for many years before my dreams can be realized" E r.
 This letter gave Mrs. Hale's fertile brain new occupation. What delight it would be to send Paul over for at least
 
 out wounding his pride.
 Mrs. Hale pondered on the subject fol several days, and was still weighing il when Maida came home to prepare for graduation.
 Unlike most girls, her dress seemed of of little moment, for the shadow of con- ing trouble oppressed her. Philip, her only and idolized brother, had whispered to her @ secret he had not divulged to his parents.
 ''I am such coward, May, dear, that I can not," he said, "and I have waited for you to come. realize all the selfish ness of asking you to speak for me, but the truth is no one else can do it as we'll. 7"
 The brother and sister were taking a horseback ride through the woods, when Philip broached the subject.
 "What is it, Phil, dear, some foolish debts? Papa won't mind, if you tell him frankly. The Hale rule, to confess your worst and do your best, holds good al- ways"
 Philip looked pained. "I see that even you remember my first wasted years in college; and you misiudge me, too, May, as never dreamed you could. Mymoth- er's son would never stoop to shield him. self behind woman if he had done any thing wrong; no, dear, it is sadder than that" ."'@
 "Oh, Phil, forgive me-" said Maida, as she drew her horse close to his, and put her hand within his arm. ''I never knew you to do one mean act in your whole life. Tell me all about it, dear"
 "The only question is whether,we shall mention it before the wedding" :" said Phil ip, sadly. "I do not want to put a damper on Bessie's happiness, and you can ad- wise, May, as no one else can."
 "Phil, darling, if such a laundering sis ter can advise, tell me, and let me help you with all my heart and soul."
 She was looking into his bright, hand. some, strong face as she spoke, and she was startled when she saw how pale he was, as he said:
 "Help me to bear the burden, dear; the ioculist who fitted my glasses last week tells me that I am in serious danger of becoming totally blind"
 "Phil," exclaimed Maida, as she leaned forward in her saddle to see his eyes dis tinotly, "no, Phil, it cannot be, it shall not be. We will do something, every thing. can not, will not believe 1t. One doctor may err in judgment. "Stop, pet. Ihave seen three ;-three of the best in America and all agree as to the coming danger, but not as to the treatment. The best one, the man with the kindest touch and heart, wishes me to go away for two years to travel, and not to tax my eyes; it all comes of my folly in trying to make up by midnight study for the first wasted years of college life."
 Maida lowered her head upon her horses neck. She was stunned by the blow. Poor Phil, the only son of the house, whose high hopes were thus cut off! He had been so faithful and good had won such honor as medical student and now, just as his young life seemed joyous and bright, darkness as of deatf settled down upon him.
 Don't cry, sister," said the young man; ssit Is all right somehow; but it fl dark outlook, and I shall only be a bur den where hoped to be a help"
 In the brief moments Maida had bowed her head upon the neck of her horse, no tear came to her eyes, but from her in most heart went up prayer that Got would spare Phil and open some way 0 escape.
 "I am not crying, darling" the girl an swered, as she raised her white face t' his; "it hurts too much for tears, but w will think of something to be done, b' sure of that" -t4
 "And mother, ,-shall we tell her befor the wedding ?'' asked Phil, eagerly, "an' spoil your graduation exercises, and he pleasure ?'' | "Yes," said Maida, decisiveiy, "as 500 as we can. There never was a troubl so dark that the Blessed could not SC the sunshine beyond. We will tell he together, Phil, dear. How soon, ho' near, is this possible trouble?" Sh would not admit it's likelihood even t herself.
 "It is pretty bad even now, sometimes and the oculist in New York thinks it ca only be averted by going away at one and building up the system. How ca the Blessed let two of her children go {