Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-06-10
J. MOrtOn's Sentence


had become worse. and, with grim de-
termination, he had at last decided to
learn his fate. With wildly beating
heart. but with outward calmness. he
had dropped IN one the world famous
specialist. After a careful examine
tion. the doctor gravely shook his
head.
Tell me truthfully, what you
think Of my case. DOCTOR the young
man had commanded, and the SEN
tence Of doom that was pronounced
rang In his ears to his dying day.
"WfthiR a year you viii be totally
blind can do nothing for you. Your
continuous study has been an addi.
tional strain on your eyes and only by
giving up your practice and going out
into the open, on a farm OF ranch. can
you hope to retain even a vestige Of
sight"
"But even at that, eventually win
become blind7" The doctor hesitated.
Tell me-" again insisted the young
man.
81 am afraid the age of miracles is
past" the doctor said sadly. John
paid his fee, donned his hat and coat
and stumbled out into the crisp au-
tumn air. He WINGED as the brilliant
sunshine fell on his uncovered eyes.
With a groan he placed his gloved
hand before them to shield them from
the direct rays.
OF what consequence, he thought
bitterly, were his early struggles, his
devotion to his work, the applause OF
his adrniriug friends. Would he no,
gladly give all now to be able to step
down into the ranks of those blessed
with Gods most wonderful-good
sight?
of his mind was the thought a new
terror came upon him. How could be
expect her to share the future living
death that was before him, and yet
how could he live without her? He
paused to wipe the persplration from
his brow with a hand that trembled
like a woman's.
If Evelyn learned how seriously he
was afflicted her loving generosity
would prompt her to give up every.
thing which made life dear. to sacri-
fee herself for a hopeless case like
this. But she must not know. He
would straighten out his affairs as
best he could in a day or two. and
then he would go away-somewhere
and maybe--some time-he would
Tell her all, but not now. She
would not grieve long. Women never
do. She would eventually marry some
one who would protect her better
than he, a helpless blind man. could
He had come to the bridge that
spanned the sparkling river. He
leaned wearily against the iron rail
ing and watched the turbulent, tossing
waters flowing swiftly beneath. Soon
the dark night OF blindness would be
upon him, shutting forever from his
view the beauties Of the day. Mutely
he raised his eyes to the blue heavens
bending over him. He fancied he
could see his mothers sweet, sympa.
thetic face framed in the fieecy clouds,
and an indescribable peace stole upon
him. With a heavy sigh he turned
and walked toward the city.
On leaving the doctors once he
had not noticed across the street a
young woman with wind-tossed hair
and rosy cheeks, who seemed to be en-
joying to the fullest extent the long
walk she had taken into the suburbs,
She had seen him and was startled by
his haggard appearance. Her first In
clination was TO call out TO him, but
seeing the hopeless gesture when he
raised his hand 70 shield his eyes, the
terrible truth dawned upon her start
ed brain. Johns rapid strides had
taken him we'll up the street whom she
srossed swiftly and entered Dr.. Kings
Vestibule. Soon she was uahered into
bis presenes.
"Dr. King" she began excitedly,
John Morton was here just now.
What did you tell himf" The doctor
was startled by her vehemenee. but
he was an old friend Of the family and
knew Evelyn since her childhood.
Wont you be sestedf" he asked
her In a kindly tone. The girl de-
elined. You're engaged to John,
believe" The girl nodded In the az
armative. impatently waiting the in,
formation she sought. Poor chap.
was sorry had to tell him, but he de
manded the whole truth and there's
no beating around the bush with q
man like John.
Il told him within year he would
be totally blind. unless he gave up
ais profession and went on a ranch
or farm" EVeiyn's face had turned
slowly white. Blind" she gasped
catching at the chair for support "oh
must go to him." she said with q
ow wall oSanguish in her voice. He
will need me now"
The midday Angelus was ringing
a nearby church as Evelyn stepped
On the elevator before Johns ONCE
Noiselessly she stepped in John sal
At his desk, his face buried ins his
lands- Evelyn moved forward softly
md laid light. csressipg touch upoE
his bowed head. John" The young
man started to his feet The cir
smiled bravely through fast gathering
ears. Il know all, dear. and cams
20 tell you I want to share you
-ancb. MARY DAVIS.