Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-07-02

he- lodgings, ana on ie"\ nv '. tLo
door. asked permission TO return en-
next dav. She assented Willingly, ~.
the sincerity of his voice and manner
insured her with confidence.
The next morning earlier brought
MUSICIAN to examine the young sirl
eyes, and his decision-that the re,
coverv OF her sight was donotlul' any
would at best be slow-iilled her WIN
anxiety. Who would provide iot her
while she was unable to work? Pierre
earlier read the question III her i'ee
and answered quickly
DO not be alarmed; your employer
will allow you your regular wages
while YOU are under treatment. Ihat
is the custom; | will 60 to him nysel1
and explain matters.
A few hours later he came back ana
reported that the head ofthe frm nad
promised not only to keep the girl
situation for her but also to pay an
her expenses till she was able TO work
again. Medical treatment was begun,
and earlier came to her regularly with
her wages 1t was but natural that
he should stay and talk with her, TOR
Martha Dutlou had no friend IN ParlS
excepting him, and she was glad TO tel
him OF her doubts and fears. Gradu-
allv his visits became longer ana more
frequent, and the friendly sympathy
already existing between these two al
tlicted ones, the blind and the disflgur-,
ed, soon developed into sincere and
ardent love. She was in ignorance or
the terrible scar on his face, and his
gentle kindness and devotion won her
heart.
Three months passed. and still
Martha was not cured, and at last
she began to wonder that her former
employer kept on paying her without
making any direct inquiries as to her
condition. A suspicion OF the truth
crossed her mind, and one day she
commissioned the ianltress OF the
house to 90 to the store and discover
how the matter stood.
That evening when Pierre Cartier
came to see her she was deluged III
tears.
II have found you out" she said.
ooh. 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 up
on me; it is absolutely 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, ii you will" he answered
gently.
"How can T."
by marrying me-"
"You cannot mean that" she ex-
claimed in astonishment.
When he repeated his words she be-
gan to cry with Joy.
~ have not seen your face" she
said at last, but am sure that it
reflects the goodness of your heart.
l will be your wife on one condition"
"What is that"
"That we are not married until
have recovered my sight"
Her decision filled her lover with
dismay, and involuntarily he almost
wished that she should remain blind,
for he could not bear to think OF see
ing her turn away from him in disgust
the first time she beheld his face.
Let us be married at once, "he said
earnestly. Eve shall be so happy
What is the use OF waiting longer 2"
But Martha was inhexible.
Il have already been too much of q
burden to you" she said; II will not
consent to becoming a milestone fast
ened to your neck. If cannot bt
cured at all, I will disappear, and yor
will never hear OF me again"
"A suicide? Do you wish me to die
in despair" he cried.
But Martha felt sure that she would
be cured suddenly, miraculously, ant
she longed to be able to give her love-
a joyful surprise.
1t was the first Sunday in Nav
Spring was just decking the shrubs
and trees in beautiful attire, and tn
meadows had begun to smile unde
the suns rays.
Martha had promised to 60 for
walk in the country with Pierre, ant
he said to her little wstfully:-
What pity it is that you canno
~ ,iIS ~ NS'hiS-S VI Ildtu lt, lOE uIld
would decide You not to postpon
our happiness longer
Il can hear the birds sing. an,
smell the perfume OF the flowers, ha,
been the answer OF the blind girl
The appointed time had arrived
and Pierre had called for his beloved
What was his surprise to find that sh
had taken all the bandages from he
eyes, and he fancied that she gave
slight start as she turned toward him
Can she see?' he thought, CROWN
pale with apprehension.
what is the matter, dear? All,
know; you are astonished at nv hay
ing no bandase on my eyes. There
no use in wearing it. | shall never Sc
better than | do now. The doctor
can do no more for me. And Pierr,
l Will not keep you waiting any Ions
er; II you wish we can be married q
once"
In his delight earlier imagined tina
her eyes were smiling upon him, bu
the next instant he laughed at hi
own folly supposing that she woul
speak thus II she could see him,
| 40 l.