preceptor, Fuller of Johns Hopkins, did this operation often,
and almost always with success. He could do it better than I, but I am
the best that offers, and it must be done now.

"There is a very general human shrinking from the thought of any
operation on the eye--it is so delicate, so sensitive in every way, but
as a matter of fact, science can do many things by way of operation
upon the eye. If I did not think I could give you back your sight, you
may be sure I should never undertake this work to-day. The operation
is known technically as iridectomy. That would mean nothing to you if
I had not tried to explain it.

"Of course there will be wounds in the tissues of the iris which must
be healed. There must not be any more inflammation. That means that
for some time after the operation your eyes must be bandaged, and you
will remain in absolute darkness. You will have to keep on the
bandages for a week or more--you understand that. If after hearing
this explanation you do not wish to go forward, this is the time to let
me know."

"I am quite ready," said Mary Gage. "As though I could ever thank you
enough!"

"Let me remain in your memory, as a picturesque and noble figure, my
dear lady! Think of me as a Sir Galahad, which I am not. Picture me
of lofty carriage and beautiful countenance, which is not true.
Imagine me as a pleasing and masterful personality in every way--which
I am not. You will not meet me face to face."

"I've been praying for my sight when it didn't seem to be any use to
have faith in God any more. If I should get back my eyes I would
always have faith in prayer. But--the other day you told me I'd not be
married, then! May not a blind woman be a married woman also?"

"No! Not if she never saw her husband. How could she ever have
chosen, have selected? How could either her body or her soul ever have
seen?"

She rose before him suddenly. "You say that!" She choked. "You say
that, who helped put me where I am! And now you say you are going
away--and you say that's all wrong, my being married! What do you
mean?"

"If I gave you back your eyes and your life, isn't that something?"

"Why, no! A fight which isn't fought is worse than defeat. But you're
talking as though you really meant to go away and leave me--always!"

"Yes. I've come to say good-by--and then to operate. Two this
afternoon. Annie will come for you. I have told her what to do."

"And my husband?