"But my dear Miss Ralston," protested Mr. Bailey, superintendent of the School for the Blind, when Truth had explained her desire to become one of its instructors, "you cannot be aware of the exacting demands of such a life; its depressing effect upon a sympathetic nature, such as yours. Do not think that I do not appreciate the noble impulse that prompts you to make this sacrifice but I feel in duty bound to warn you of its difficulties."

Truth smiled and glanced at her mother.

"I think I have already been reminded of every hardship connected with it, but I am not frightened,, and do not look upon this work as a sacrifice. On the contrary, I am certain that I shall find both enjoyment and happiness in being of service to my blind friends, whose needs I know so well. It shall be to me a labor of love.",

"You see," said Mrs. Ralston resignedly, "how useless it is to attempt to dissuade her. I have used every argument, but nothing save actual experience will convince her."

After considering for more than an hour the seriousness of this undertaking, Mr. Bailey remarked firmly: "Although, Miss Ralston, it may test your strength beyond endurance, we shall be glad to give you a trial, and I know the girls will be very happy to have you with us again."

So the matter was settled, and Truth Ralston began her new life, the following Monday.

In accordance with Truth's suggestion, her mother leased a pretty cottage located near the school, and each evening after the day's duty was over Truth wended her way through the shady streets to spend the night with her mother at home. Faith had come to live with them, and the two girls spent the evenings delightfully, with their favorite books and composers.

Faith Morris was a musician. Her natural talent for music had been cultivated until her proficiency upon the piano approached genius. Under her magic touch the instrument became as if alive, a medium of expression through which the blind girl's soul was liberated, soaring into exquisite realms of light and melody.

Once each week, with the assistance of other pupils, Faith and Truth gave a recital, and so popular did these musicals become, that the commodious auditorium proved too small to accommodate those from outside the school, eager to enjoy them. Another diversion which proved equally delightful, was the evening story hour in which Truth Ralston gave graphic descriptions of varied scenes she had witnessed during the five years of sight-seeing, and these drew a large number of eager listeners. Teachers and pupils alike flocked to hear the vivid word pictures revealed with such enthusiasm. Finally she was prevailed upon to give a series of talks for the villagers, the proceeds to be used in the purchase of a new grand piano for the school. Then followed the suggestion that she embody her lectures in manuscript and have them published in book form. This idea met with Mrs. Ralston's hearty approval. She felt a natural pride in Truth's unsuspected talent, which was extremely gratifying to her ambition and secretly entertained the hope that her daughter would eventually develop into a writer of note. So enthusiastically did she welcome the idea that she readily acquiesced in Truth's stipulation, that the proceeds of the book be given to those who could not afford a further education after leaving the school. Mrs. Ralston's enthusiasm in this undertaking was the hope that it might eventually wean Truth from the confining tasks of the school. She had viewed her daughter's success with maternal pride, but grew apprehensive in realizing her ability to accomplish great results in her work, which would prolong her stay in the school indefinitely. For Truth to continue long in the school was not at all in accordance with Mrs. Ralston's plans. She had confidently expected that at the end of a year Truth would become heartily tired of the monotony of her duties and would welcome a change, resuming again her old place in society. She had not relinquished the idea of an advantageous marriage for her daughter. Why shouldn't the girl marry well? She had youth, beauty and culture. With these assets the unfortunate episode with Vallero would be entirely ignored. The only difficulty would be in managing Truth.

One evening as they sat before the cheery grate fire, discussing the all-absorbing topic of the proposed book, Mrs. Ralston, with the view of sounding Truth upon the subject uppermost in her mind, diplomatically turned the conversation to their future.

Referring to Truth's plans for the work of the coming year, Mrs. Ralston observed: "There is no question but that this experience in the school has developed you wonderfully, and I am proud of your achievements."

"Yes, mother, and you don't know how happy it makes me to think that you sympathize with my endeavors."

"I'm afraid there is a great deal of selfishness in my approval, which is principally for what it has done for you. It has not only developed you into a strong character, but served to divert your mind from your trouble, and I marvel at the way you dismissed the whole affair. It's fortunate that society really has a very short memory for these domestic fiascos."

"How could it be otherwise?" laughed Truth. "If society attempted to ostracise all who refused to drag the ball and chain of matrimonial wretchedness with them for the rest of their lives, it would end by casting the same verdict upon itself. For instance, how could society or the law possibly be judge of the difficulty between Clarence and myself?"

"It certainly should not," replied Mrs. Ralston, with spirit.

"To me it has always seemed wrong that so delicate a relationship should be subject to public interference. If woman would only become more independent and display the moral courage you possess, half the tragedies of the world would be eliminated."

Truth smiled as she glanced up at her mother with a look of satisfaction, and asked quizzically?