Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/302

  bunk, his face swathed in fresh bandages, his straight mouth sphinx-like.

Dalton,' said I, roughly, 'the doctor has just told me that you are blind.'

" 'Has he?' said Dalton, calmly. 'The poor chap lacked the nerve to tell me, and I don't know that I blame him much. Beastly thing, that, to have to tell a chap that he's blind.'

"I began to choke up again, Doctor. I had been purposely rough, commonplace, and I had expected and in fact half wished an hysterical outburst. As it was, the situation was infinitely more difficult. For several minutes Dalton did not speak.

" 'Would you like me to stay with you?' I asked, 'or shall I get out?'

"The bandaged head rolled toward me and the fine mouth curved in a smile which showed the white, even teeth.

Don't stay, Doctor; it is horribly depressing for you and I am so busy thinking that I don't notice being alone. Come in and see me to-night, if you like.' [ 286 ]