The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-12-30


spairlngly upon the exquisite face. Was
1t fancy, trick OF his overwroughI
nerves. this clear light of love and ten
derness that shone Ia the beautiful
eyes and touched the tremulous lips
with gladnessl
''rhalla,' he cried, springing to his
feet, "you can seel You see me now
Tell me that you do! cannot believe
that you do not see my face as your
eyes meet mine"
The brave lips quivered as she an.
swered slowly and sadly: "No, DIR,
Thornton, cannot see. IL Ia all Just
as II was before-night, black night"
Thornton sxoaned aloud.
"There IL no hope, then, now or ever
I have falled--I have failedp'
The utter hopelessness OF his despair
Ing cry bore TO Thalia's heart 4 bitter.
ness deeper than her own sorrow. She
rose from her seat as II she would 20
to him.
"Do not grleve So" the sweet voice
said gently. II do not mind 80 very
much, and no one need know that you
have failed-no one need know that
you tried
Don't Thalia." he cried hoarsely,
you make me desplse myself"
Then. at the sight OF the pathetic
figure and the thought OF the brave
spirit that strove to forget Its own
hurt and to comfort him, the love be
had meant to offer with success rose
above the barrier OF failure. and he
came quickly TO her side.
"Thalia.' he whispered. will you
let me take care Of you alwaysf WIN
you be my wife, Thaliaf"
Her slight form trembled under the
tender touch of his hand. but she did
not speak. Instead she put her dell
cate. sensitive fingers up to his face
and touched him gently on the eyes
and chin and mouth. Thornton knew
that she was reading his face with her
fingers. as her eyes might have read II
had sight been given her, and he held
himself In firm control, fearing he
might frighten her with his agony Of
love and longing
The sweet flush faded from her face,
she pushed him gently from her and
turned away, saying coldly, ''You ask
impossibilities, DIR. Thornton"
She called softly for Philip. and In
obedience to her impassioned gesture
her brother led her from the room.
1T is all over, dear Philip" she said
In response to his anxious question.
ing. II shall never see. oh. don't,
Philip! don't mind. There are worse
things than blindnessl''
She sank wearily upon a couch. say.
ing to herself bitterly, Il would rather
my eyes were blind than to be 30
blind In the heart. Did he think u
woman would be content with pityT
Philip turned impetuously to the
inner room. He could not believe
that success had been withheld, that
all hope was gone. How could Dr.
Thornton But the hot reproaches OF
his heart died upon bis lips at the sight
Of the doctor sitting with bowed
shoulders, his face buried in his hands.
Great, noiseless sobs shook his frame,
but he raised his head and tried 10
smile as he said, Don't mind me. Phil.
ip, and go away, please. You cannot
understand"
But Philip did understand.
You've killed him, Thalla" he cried
tragically. rushing to his sisters side.
You might have known he couldn't
help loving you"
mo. Philip said Thalia sadly, he
only plties me because l am blind and
because he cannot help me-"
60 In there now, ThalIa," pleaded
Philip passIonately, "and you will
know. He seems like a man who has
been stabbed, and to his deathp
His words and voice carried convic-
ton. Thalia rose.
"Wlll you take me to him, PhillpT
Thornton felt a gentle touch on his
shoulder, and Thalia stood beside him,
her beautiful face transfgured with
love and gladness. The eyes OF the
soul had been opened, even though
physical vision were still denied.
II thought 1t was because you pitied
me-" she said softly, "and did not
want pity, I wanted She stopped
and whispered q word In his ear, and
John Thornton took her in his arms,
with heart too full for aught save