"It often takes me full five or ten minutes," she said, "and sometimes I
have to get mother to do it for me."
"What a pity! it must be a great hindrance to your work."
"Yes, indeed, and my eyes ache so that I can seldom sew or read for more
than an hour or two at a time. Ah, I'm afraid I'm going to lose my sight
altogether."
The tone was inexpressibly mournful, and Elsie's eyes filled again.
"Don't fret about it," she said, "I think--I hope you can be cured."
The rain had nearly ceased, and Philip, saying the worst was over, and
they were in danger of being late at dinner, hurried the girls into the
phaeton.
"What was that woman whispering to you?" asked Gertrude, as soon as they
were fairly off.
Elsie looked uncomfortable. "It was something I was to tell mamma," she
replied.
"But what is it?"
"I'm afraid she wanted to keep it a secret from you, Gerty, or she would
have spoken out loud."
"I think you're very mean and disobliging," retorted Gertrude, beginning
to pout.
"No, she isn't," said Philip pompously, "she's honorable, and one of the
few females who can keep a secret.
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