The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-08-10

late; "but am very grateful for your kind
ness. begin to realize that It is hard to
do without sympathy at all times. It is my
own fault, Of course that have not had
IT," he added hastily. Il thought myself
strong enough TO stand slones did not
want to worry anybody"
eft Is something serious, them" she ex.
claimed, sharp apprehension in her voice.
Il was afraid so. Don't keep me in sus-
pense, Ralph. You have said too much to
be silent now. Tell me the worst"
Up to that moment Lord Estcourt had
probably not thought Of making a conf
dant Of Olga Lethbridge. old friend though
she was, and capable and trustworthy as
he believed her to be- But now, all at
once, he felt it would be relief to speak,
70 put his trouble into words.
You want to know what is wrong with
met" he said slowly. "When tell you you
VIII scarcely wonder that am changed.
The fear Of It haunts me day and night,
until walk the world like ghost, feeling
that have no part in it. A black horror
is slowly dropping, like curtain, between
me and all the Joy md happiness Of life.
II fails little lower every day, and every
day as watch It fall lose a little more
hope and courage little more Of all that
goes to make man. Soon / shall only be
an object Of pity to my fellows"
AS he spoke his voice unconsciously be-
tTayed him. II broke from his control and
throbbed with passion and emotion, in
tempt for his own weakness.
Ralph. what is it?" Olga Lethbridge
cried, in dismay. 81 don't understand.
What is this thing you dread, which is
blighting your life?"
Il can't" he groaned, 81 can't have
such a horror Of It. I'm such a coward.
It's the one thing have always feared
feared more than any other. Think what
It means" he broke out with sudden fierce
ness, ito have all that you hold dear grow.
ing dim to your gaze! To wake up every
morning and be afraid to open your eyes,
because-because you don't know how
much less you may see than you did the
day before. To look at the sightless beg
gar in the street with a shudder, because
the time may be coming when his affliction
will be yours. Olga, they tell me
am going blind!"
'No-no!" she gasped. mot that! Not
blindness! Merciful Heaven! &.
With your life but half lived, and every
thing. in the world to make you happy. l
won't believe it." she cried wildly. There
must be some horrible mistake"
$50 / thought at first, and went from
doctor to doctor, consulting all the great
authorities, but they give me very little
hope. As a last resource they are sending
me TO Wiesbaden tomorrow, to see the
celebrated specialist, Max Bernhard. II
he can do nothing for me. then have only
to sit down and wait. When the thing is
once inevitable. perhaps I shall bear It
better. Anyhow, it's the last, chance"
Then there Is a chance" she said, in. an
accent Of relief. You must not despair
yet. The great German oculist has given
fresh hope to many a condemned man. But
you ought to take care of yourself; you
should keep quiet. 1t surely was not wise
60 come tonight"
Il wanted to have another look at the
world before said goOd-by. 1t may be my
hast chance Of seeing It as ! see it now.
But the scene inside Jared. horribly; that
was what drove me out here. / felt that /
was stalking among those happy, fortunate
people. like Banquo's ghost" And Est.
court laughed grimly.
Besides" he added, Il didn't want to
disappoint Norah, and she would have won.
dered what was the matter IL hadn't
come"
"But doesn't your wife known exclaimed
the woman incredulOusly. you have not