'I could have done it better myself, I
verily believe!'
With these good-natured words, he strode away,
and presently was heard, in company with Boxer, and
the old horse, and the cart, making lively music down
the road. What time the dreamy Caleb still stood,
watching his blind daughter, with the same expres-
sion on his face.
'Bertha!' said Caleb, softly. 'What has happened?
How changed you are, my darling, in a few hours --
since this morning. You silent and dull all day!
What is it? Tell me!'
'Oh father, father!' cried the Blind Girl, bursting
into tears. 'Oh my hard, hard fate!'
Caleb drew his hand across his eyes before he an-
swered her.
'But think how cheerful and how happy you have
been, Bertha! How good, and how much loved, by
many people.'
'That strikes me to the heart, dear father! Always
so mindful of me! Always so kind to me!'
Caleb was very much perplexed to understand her.
'To be -- to be blind, Bertha, my poor dear,' he
faltered, 'is a great affliction; but --'
'I have never felt it!' cried the Blind Girl.
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