THE LITTLE BLIND MAID

TO LADY CHARLOTTE




IV

THE LITTLE BLIND MAID


Overlooking a big smoky city which lies below, and a wide and winding
river which runs beyond, there is a large building on the top of a hill
which is dedicated to education. But it was built for the comfort and the
pleasure of a certain rich man and his family.

Shortly after its occupation the owner died, leaving a large fortune, a
young widow and three daughters.

During the long period of mourning, which was strictly observed but only
partially felt by the widow, there came to live in the big house an
attractive man of about five and thirty, who had been both friend and
partner of the merchant prince. He had been given entire charge of the
large estate, and he gave to it and the family most of his time. His
habits were excellent, but his tastes were convivial, and his little
bachelor dinners the desire of his acquaintances and the delight of his
friends. His apartments were entirely separate from the family, but he
spent most of his unengaged evenings in their quiet little circle. The
children called him uncle, the mother called him Basil, and the people who