"that's the man--that's Sim Gage. Don't show surprise, and don't talk.
Remember what I've told you. For God's sake, play the game!"

Sim Gage slowly approached the car, and the doctor accosted him. "This
is Miss Squires, Mr. Gage," said he, "the young woman we have been
expecting."

"Pleased to meet you," said Sim, after the fashion of his extremest
social formality. And then, in a burst of welcome, "How'd you like it,
coming out?"

"Fine!" said Annie, dusting off her frock. "Lovely."

She paid no attention to Sim Gage's words, "Go right on in. She's
anxious to see you," but hurried on, muttering to herself, "Ain't it
the limit? And her blind!"

She stopped for an instant at the door, staring into the dim interior,
then with a cry rushed in. Mary, stone blind, stood staring,
trembling. The two met in swift embrace, mingled their tears.

"Oh, Mary, it can't be!" said Annie after a time. "It will get well,
won't it? Say, now--your eyes will come back, won't they? How did you
get here--what did you do? And you're married!"

"Yes," said Mary Gage, "that's true."

"Oh, then," said Annie Squires, pulling herself together with
resourcefulness, "that was your husband out in the yard, that
fine-looking man! I was in such a hurry. You lucky thing! Why didn't
you tell me more about him, Mary? He has such a pleasant way. I don't
mind men being light complected, or even bald. He's fine!"

"I think so," said Mary. "You like him?"

"Why, how could any one help liking him, Sis?" demanded Annie, choking.
"Of course. So this is where you live?"

"Yes, this is my home," said Mary Gage. "And then you're not
disappointed in him? I'm so glad! I've never seen him--my husband.
You're joking about the color of his hair, of course."

"You'll have to help yourself, Annie," she went on, having no reply.
"I'm not of much use. I've learned a few things and I help a little.
You can see about everything there is, I suppose, at one look. Isn't
it nice?"

"Couldn't be better," said Annie Squires, again choking back her tears.
"You certain are the lucky kid. And he--he married you after he saw
you was blind?"

"It was a strange thing for a man to do," said Mary Gage, slowly.
"Yes,--but fine."

"I'm glad you've done so well. This will settle a heap of things,
won't it, Mary?"

"Some things."

The step of Doctor Barnes was heard at the door. Mary Gage called out,
asking him to come in. Some talk then fo