ere blind I'd be groaning and moaning
and making life miserable for everybody near me, and here you are your
same cheerful self. You're the bravest of 'em all!"

"But you mustn't think that I haven't rebelled against this, that I
haven't cried out against it! I've had my hours of weakness and tears
and rebellion."

"And I never knew it."

"No. Each one goes to Gethsemane alone."

"But isn't it almost more than you can bear--to be blind?"

"It's dreadful at first. I stumble so and every little sill and rug
seems a foot high. But I'll soon learn."

"Is there nothing to do? What did Dr. Munster say about your eyes when
we were down to see him?"

"He told me then I'd be blind soon. And he said the only thing might
save my sight or bring it back was a delicate operation that would be a
big risk, for it probably wouldn't help at any rate. So I'm not
thinking of ever trying that. Now I don't want you to think I'm brave
about it. I've cried all my tears a month ago, so don't put me on any
pedestal. It seems hard not to see the people I love and all the
beautiful things around me, but I'm glad I have the memory of them. I'm
glad I know what a rainbow is, and a sunset."

"Yes, but I think it's awful to know what they look like and never see
them again. I can't, just can't, realize that you're blind!"

"You will when you come back from war and have to fetch and carry for
me. Your Aunt Mary and Phares are just lovely about it and willing to
help in every way. I was going to live over with them at any rate."

"I wish I could stay with you, mommie. You need me, but I guess Uncle
Sam needs me too. I'm to go soon, you know."

"You go, even if I am blind. I'm not helpless. It will be awkward for a
while but there are many things I can do. I can knit without seeing."

"You're a wonder! But is there no hope?"

"Hope," she repeated softly. "No hope of the kind you mean, except that
very severe operation that would cost big money and then perhaps not
help. But this world isn't all. I've always liked that part of Isaiah,
'The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall
be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of
the dumb sing.' I know now what it'll mean to us. It seems like the
afflicted will have a special joy in that time."

David was silent for a moment; his mother's words stirred in him
emotions too great for ready words.

Presently she continued, "But, Davie, this isn