Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-08-17
THE BLIND
EYES OF LOVE
l.. n o u > 5 Z II

Il TOR half an hour Jacques Lassale and
4 L had been sitting on the terrace of
the Hotel Beau-Rivage, in Geneva Di-
neetly before US, isolated in his radiant
whiteness and outlined agaiSst 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, ! was dreaming fantas-
tic day-dreams, miles away from this
world, when | was suddenly recalled to
life by the sound of Jacques voice.
why, that is certainly the De Latre-
yilles," he cried.
do you know them?" inquired, alb
sently, in the tone Of man who has just
walked up and who does not want 10 adj
NIT that he has been asleep.
why. of course, and 50 do you! You
know Latreville of our class, who was
! so frightfully wounded in the Soudan."
"oh, yes, remember him. but never
heard that he was married or that he
was wounded"
well, both things have happened TO
him" And Jacques ran TO greet the
newcomers.
Above the terrace. at the door OF the
hotel, a carriage laden with trunks had
just stopped. A correct looking valet
descended from the box seat, and from
the inside appeared young man, tall
and slender, who bore himself with mill
tary precision, and yet with an air OF
uncertainty.
| Immediately recognized him as my
old mess comrade, De Latreville. but II
seemed to me that his wayering glance
did not meet mine He took his serv-
ants arm and walked toward the steps
hesitatingly, holding his hand before
him as If 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
bird She was tall, with finedly modelled
features, heavy golden hair arranged
in 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 hus-
band as he made his way up the steps.
watching him with the solicitude OF
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 FASTENED to join the group
and welcome my old comrade whom
had not seen since our schooldays. AS
| approached. saw that he glanced in
my direction without appearing to recog-
nize me.
How do you do, Latreville? Do you
not remember me, Maynan, Corp. May
nan. OF the SIXTH"
"Ah. is il you. my old friend? What
good luck to meet with you here. am
provoked that did not recognize your
footsteps, but as for seeing you, II is
impossible. / am blind"
Heavens. poor chapi" / murmured,
much distressed.
Yes. left my eyes in the Soudan.
and must admit that IL makes II tribe
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? want you to meet
her"
Here am" said Nine de Latreville.
in a low, gentle voice.
MY dear Jeanne. let me present Capt |
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. viii we
notg"
was surprised and saddened at his |
easy tone. which seemed to be forced. |
I could not imagine that a man, strick- |
On with such a terrible afiiiction, con-
demned 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 /
arranging with the De Latreyilles 10 I
dine with them, could not help saying 1
As much 10 Jacques. adding that !
thought our poor friend was either an 4
admirable philosopher. or too clever q +
stole 70 be genuine.
But" replied Jacques, 4 assure you 4
thai De IatreYilie Is not 50 unfortu-
nate as YOU think In the first place, be 4
4 beginning to get used 20 bis infrm- i
~ and tine always brings with Il a
singular ameliorstion. And then he /
has a wonderful consolation in the az
lection and devotion Of his wife. which
many another man who can see might i
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