Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1905-06-29
THE BLIND
EYES OF LOVE
By L. ROUS SET

VN0R nall an nOur jacques LasSdle anu
had been sitting on the terrace OF
the Hotel Beau-Rivage, in Geneva. d.
ractly before US, isolated In his radiant
whiteness and outlined against the hori-
zon like a gigantic iceberg, Mont Blanc
rose from the midst of the Alpine foot
hills, a proudly brilliant snow noun
tain, glittering like jewel In the rain
bow lights of the setting sun.
Fascinated by the majesty of the spec
tacle and the mysterious attraction Of
great distance, I was dreaming fantas-
tic day-dreams, miles away from this
world, when l was suddenly recalled to
life by the sound Of Jacques voice.
why, that is certainly the De Latre-
villes!" he cried.
do you know themP" inquired ab-
sently, in the tone of man who has just
walked up and who does not want to ad-
NIT that he has been asleep.
why. of course, and so do you! You
know Latreville Of our class, who was
so frightfully wounded in the Soudan. D"
"'Oh, yes, remember him, but never
heard that he was married or that he
was wounded"
9'Well, both things have happened to
him." And Jacques ran to greet the
newcomers.
Above the terrace, at the door OF the
hotel, carriage laden with trunks had
just stopped A correct looking valet
descended from the box seat. and from
ethe inside appeared young man, tall
and slender, who bore himself with mill
tary precision, and yet with an air OF
uncertainty
I Immediately recognized him as my
old mess comrade, pc Latreville, but it
seemed to me that his wagering glance
did not meet mine. He took his serv-
ants arm and walked toward the steps
hesitatlngly, holding his hand before
him as II to feel his way.
A second after a remarkably beautiful
woman got out of the carriage, jumping
lightly to the ground with the ease OF a
bird. She was tall, with finedly modelled
features; heavy golden hair arranged
ina low knot, large; dark eyes and deli
cate crimson lips
Indifferent TO the stir which the ar
rival Of such DISTINGUISHED guests had
aroused, her glance followed her bus
band as he made his way up the steps,
watching him with the solicitude of a
mother or an elder sister. When De
Latreville had reached the top she ran
to join him and held out her hand to
Jacques.
you here? What good fortune!"
JACQUES bowed deeply, and, leaving
the terrace. i hastened to jein the group
and welcome my old comrsde whom
had not seen since our schooldays. AS
] approached saw that he glanced 10
my direction without appearing to recog-
nize me.
How do you do, LstrevilleH Do you
not remember me. Maynan, Corp. May
nan. of the SIXTH"
"Ah is it you. my old friend? What
good luck to meet with you here. am
provoked thatI did not recognize your
footsteps. But as for seeing you, II Is
Impossible. ! am blind" ''' "
Heavens. poor chapl" ] mprmuFed,
much distressed:
Eyes. left my eyes In the sopdan,
land nnst admit that It makes II triae
TROUBLESOME to get around. But don't
mind the rest" he added smiling. BE
sides. have an Antigone, who makes
me forget that | am not complete. Is
not my wife here? Iwant you to meet
her"
Here l am" said Nine. de Latreville,
D in allow gentle voice. q l'"'''''
"tAay dear Jeanne, lei me present Capt.
4 Maynan-colonel now, perhaps - and
. one of my comrades at Saint Cyr, like
+ this good Jacques How lucky we
chose this place to come to! We will
live over some OF our old memories,
and talk the bahut together, will we
potP"
= I was surprised and saddened at his
easy tone, which Seemed to be fdrcSd,
could not imagine that a man, strick-
en- With such a terrible affection, con-
demped to uselessness before he was
40, could be anything but buried be-
meath the weight of an incurable despair
When we arrived at the terrace, after
4 arranging with the De Latrevilles to
a line with them, l could not help saying
as much to Jacques, adding that
thought our poor friend was either an
admirable philosopher, OF too clsveraa
4 sf9te to be genuine.
but" replied jacques, u assure you
that De Latreville is not so unfortu'
nate as you think. In the first place, he
IS beginning to get used to his infrm-
Ilty. and time always brings with 1t a
singular amelioration. And then he
has a wonderful consolation in the af-
rection and devotion of hfs wife, which
many enother man who can see might
ven envy him"
reranted. but he might bave al
equally charming and devoted wife
without being blind" -.
POSSIBLY, but 1t was thanks TO ni'
intirmity that he married Nine. de Latre
! ville."
What do you meant" l asked mucf
interested.
J. s'Wsll,," said Jacques. meditatively
you should know the story OF tneil
marriage. 1t is one OF the mos. SUD