Year: 1868

so quick with her tongue, never gave any


body sharp word now.


do not say much about her being


poor, though, of course, that could no


but be; still we had friends who were


kind to us ; even Mrs. Davis softened


and mentioned to nae, under seal of conf.
dence, that, if [ could not quite make up
the rent she would not press me but |
fortunately had not to claim her forbear.
ance, or else | do fear she could not have
borne to lose six-pence; and when il
had come to the point, we would have to
GO like others. She was so very fond of
money. poor woman Lettie used to 90
to the institution sometimes, where she
learned to knit, and net, and to weave
basket-work. Our rector Ca better man
never lived, or kinder to the poor) had
her to net covers for his fruit trees, fish
ing nets, and other things and to knit
woolen socks for himself and his boys; so
that altogether she contrived to make
what almost kept her. Now the calami-
ty had really come, it was not half so
dreadful as it had seemed long way off.
Lettio was mostly cheerful. I never
heard her complain, but she used to say,
often, that there was much to be thank
ful for with us. She had quiet, relig-
ious feeling, which kept her from melan
choly; and though l did not fnd it out
until afterwards, hope, that perhaps her
affliction might some day be removed.
Harry had put that thought into her
mind, and | do not think | am overstat-
ing the truth in saying that his honest,
manly affection fer her was the great mo-
tive to his working SO hard at his profess
ion, in which he has since become desery-
edly successful and famous.


We had six very quiet years. It tseem-
ed to me as if Lettie had always, from the
first, gone softly groping her way, and [
had always led her to to chapel and back.
Harry studied in London then VIC heard
OF him in Edinburgh and at last his mo-
ther said he had gone to Paris; and she
was half afraid he would settle there and
marry papist wife. Lettie looked sor-
rowful and restless for a day or two after
that, but presently recovered her cheer
fullness. We had not much change or
variety at home. There was I, forever
at work, and Lettie at her music. She
had gained great deal of skill now
and many time have [ seen knot of
people standing at the corner of our gar
den hedge to listen to her singing. l
have heard several grand public perform
nrc hnt ,ho
touch my heart and bring tears in eyes
as my blind sister. Ga Sundays at chap
el, we coul d hear her voice, clear and
sweet, above all the the rest and, though
our tunes were wild and simple-sung by
her, they were beautiful. Sometimes
she would go to St. Johns church for
the sake of the organ and the chanting,
but | did not feel it right to change
habit is SO strong slow, untaught people !;
and it did not seem as if I had kept nv
Sabbath unless said my prayers in the
homely little chapel to which our mother
had led US by the hand when we were
children. Lettie loved the grand church
music, and who could wonder at it, poor
lassie? Once or twice when she begged
me to 60 with her, it had seemed to fill
my heart to pain almost; so how much
more must it have excited her who was all
fire and enthusiasm She said it made
her feel happy::and better; and more thank
full to God. Perhaps in losing one sense
her enjoyment through the others grew
more intense.


At the end of these six years Harry
Crofts came home. He was often at our
house, and we liked having him but,
though Lettie seemed happy enough, he
was uneasy and discontented, I have seen
him stand by the piano, and never take
his eye off her by the half hour together ;
but his face looked quite gloomy At last
he one day said to me, "Jane, are you
timid ? I do not think Lettie is. She
seems strong and we'll" [ know he meant
more than a simple enquiry after our
nerves, and asked him II he though he had
found out cure for my sister. He turned
quite red.


eyes [ believe I have. [ saw an opera
ton performed in Paris on girls eyes
similarly affected. It was successful"


[ said not word. The prospect seemed
too good, too beautiful to be true! Just at
this minute Lettie came jim through the
doorway; there was the sunshine behind
her, and she appeared to bring it into the
parlor with her. care you here, Harry" {"
she Immediately asked.


It was strange thing that, although she
neither saw him nor heard him speak, she
was at once aware of his presence. He got
up and took her by, the hand and brought
her to me. s'TeIl her, Janey, or shall I7''
he whispered. I signed to him to speak