The Argosy — page 310: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A Marriage in the Dark. — 287 ‘* Please, doctor,” I protested. ‘Facial outline,” continued he, imperturbably, ‘‘a pure oval; com- plexion, a very admirable blending of red and white.” ‘* Doctor Saxon, I shall leave the room if you don’t stop.” “The impartial observer apologises ; and being admonished, leaves detailed criticism and hastens to sum up. His conclusion—on which he is prepared to stake his professional reputation—is that you have rare beauty, Miss Urquhart, and that of a very superior order. He trusts you are not offended.” “Oh, how could I be? But I think youare very much mistaken.” ‘‘ Not in the least, I assure you. It isn’t a question of mere pretti- ness, about which there might easily be a difference of taste. No two opinions are possible in your case.” It was true then. I believed I could trust the doctor’s judg- ment, and there was no mistaking the sincere ring of his voice. I trembled with pleasure. Vain was all my careful schooling and elaborately-evolved indifference to personal appearance. Here was I, a very woman, glowing with pride and pleasure at the thought that some poor share of personal beauty had fallen to my lot. Instinct is ineradicable, I suppose, and it is a woman’s instinct to like to look pretty. My exaltation, however, was of brief duration. The next moment I was sounding the depths, overwhelmed by the thought of my blindness. My eyes filled with angry tears. I felt that the doctor was watching me, and turned my head aside. Then I heard him rise and pace up and down the room. Presently he. halted and stood in front of me. **Miss Urquhart,” said he abruptly: ‘‘I came this evening to say good-bye ; I am going up to London for six months.” “To London !” I exclaimed. “Yes. I want to complete some surgical studies in one of the great hospitals.” ‘Why, I thought you had finished your student’s career long ago.” “That is true in the ordinary sense; but a scientific man is more or less a student all his life. There is a subject in which I am deeply interested. I have a theory of my own about it that I wish to test practically. Before I go I want to ask a favour of you, Miss Urquhart. Will you let me examine your eyes?” I assented, as a matter of course. It was not the first time I had been examined by curious scientists, and rang the bell for the lamp. Dr. Saxon made his examination with the greatest care. I donot think my eyes had ever before been subjected to so minute a. scrutiny. His manner was wholly professional, his questions few and to the point. ‘“HHave you ever had any sensation of light?” was his last demand: ‘any feeling that the darkness was lifting, so to speak P” Cconmicooolks (C(O)