Snow-Blind

m for what he really was; except for queer, wild, threatening looks now and again, he gave no sign. He played his part magnificently, even trusting them to come in with

s. A dozen times the whole extravaganza came near collapse; a dozen times Hugh saved it by a word, or Pete and Bella by a silence. Their parts were not easy, and although Pete still smiled, his young clear face grew whiter a

ve made you blush, poor kid! I know. Boys hate petting, don't they? You'll have to get used to it, Pete, because I mean to pet you-oh, a lot! You need some one to draw you out. These two people

been "a bear" to her. Hugh simulated a playful annoyance and began to scold; then a sort of nervous fury came over him. He stamped and struck the table and snarled at Pete. The young man rose at his place and stared at his brother silentl

e from the table and was turning her head quickly from one to the other of them. Her mouth showed a tremble of uncertainty. It was easy to see that she sensed a tension, a confusion. Hugh

s with me, Pete! Give me

yes lowered, and drew his

d, forest thing! I'll

dmonished Hugh softl

at once appealing and threatening, pitiful and dangerous. Pete fingered his fork nervously. F

ked him afterward. He was helping her wash the dishe

paused, polished a platter and turned away to put it on its shelf-"he's not doing anything so dreadful

a mummy of

hy does it make you so sore and angry?" he asked wistfully. "Hugh is not pretty to look at, but perhaps Sylvie sees him b

If her eyes don't get better

it ho

at does she need eyes for? What's to come of it, Pete? She's falling in love with

ne who thought he was a god, he'd likely enough be one. He-he lives by-illusion-isn't that the word?

turned fiercely upon him

ild?" she said. "You l

went limping out into the frosty night

work, the repairs about the cabin-but he had the trapping. In Hugh's profound new absorption he seemed to have forgotten the necessity for making a livelihood. During the first years of their exile they had lived on his savings, ordering their supplies by the mail, which left them at the foot of that distant trail leading into

ella and Hugh had even dug up a mound for which they had fashioned a rude cross. It could be seen, in summer, from the living-room window-that mock grave more terrible in its suggestions than a real grave ever could have been. There was also a

he had not a tithe of Hugh's skill. His bundle of pelts brought him a sorry supply of necessities. He was ashamed, himself, and having dumped

et and gathered a clogging mass. His body ached, and there was a sullen and despairing weight upon his spirit. A mob of rebels danced in his heart. He watched Hugh'

oke into

ping again, Hugh Garth. Pete's pelts don't bring

eating too much. I'll go. Pete, has anybody been asking about me at the post-office, trying to find me? They must be hunting f

ut-so much the better for us. You're safe here, and comfortable, are

oward him, to thank him, perhaps, perhaps to satisfy, by laying her hand upon him, a sudden bewilderment; but in her blindness she stumbled on the edge of the hearth, and to save her from falling, Pete caught her in his arms. For an instant he held her close,

ered brutally; "trapping's not you

istled like a falling lash, "I'll not

lla, though I know you hate me. Bella, why do you hate me? Why does it make you so angry to have me here? Does it make your work so much harder? I'll soon be better; I'm learning

l. For minutes no one spoke. Then Pete followed Bella out of the room. She had not answered Sylvie's beseeching questions, but had onl

s hands in his. "You don't mean that, do you?" he asked br

ed into her cheeks. "If I make you quarrel, if

don't smile at me like that; I don't mean the sort of love you think. I love you terribly. Can't you feel

her head resting dro

love me?" she asked wi

do-I do! You must stay with me always. Syl

face, your eyes. Oh, you mustn't marry a blind girl, a waif. You've been so noble, you've suffered so terrib

ecause you think I am; that's water

r you?" She was sobbing an

alone. Sylvie, Sylvie! Every instant I-I worship you!" He threw himself down before her and pressed his face against her knees. She cares