'No! I am not so
blind as that.'
Her father went on one side of her, while Dot
remained upon the other: holding her hand
'I know you all,' said Bertha, 'better than you
think. But none so well as her. Not even you,
father. There is nothing half so real and so true
about me, as she is. If I could be restored to sight
this instant, and not a word were spoken, I could
choose her from a crowd! My sister!'
'Bertha, my dear!' said Caleb, I have something
on my mind I want to tell you, while we three are
alone. Hear me kindly! I have a confession to make
to you, my darling.'
'A confession, father?'
'I have wandered from the truth and lost myself,
my child,' said Caleb, with a pitiable expression in
his bewildered face. 'I have wandered from the truth,
intending to be kind to you; and have been cruel.'
She turned her wonder-stricken face towards him,
and repeated 'Cruel!'
'He accuses himself too strongly, Bertha,' said Dot.
'You'll say so, presently. You'll be the first to tell
him so.'
'He cruel to me!' cried Bertha, with a smile of
incredulity.
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