The Intruder, the Blind, the Seven Princesses, the Death of Tintagiles

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1920. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE FATHER. He is nearly eighty years old. THE UNCLE. Well, then, he has a right to be strange. THE FATHER. Perhaps we shall be stranger than he is. THE UNCLE. One does not know what may happen. He is odd sometimes. THE FATHER. He is like all the blind. THE UNCLE. They reflect too much. THE FATHER. They have too much time to spare. THE UNCLE. They have nothing else to do. THE FATHER. And, besides, they have no amusements. THE UNCLE. That must be terrible. THE FATHER. It seems they get used to it. THE UNCLE. I cannot imagine that. THE FATHER. They are certainly to be pitied. THE UNCLE. Not to know where one is, not to know whence one has come, not to know whither one is going, no longer to distinguish midday from midnight, nor summer from winter. . . . And always that darkness, that darkness! . . . I would rather not live. ... Is it abwlutely incurable? THE FATHER. It appears so. THE UNCLE. But he is not absolutely blind? THE FATHER. He can distinguish a strong light. THE UNCLE. Let us take care of our poor eyes. THE FATHER. .' He often has strange ideas. THE UNCLE. ere are times when he is not amusing. 'THE FATHER. He says absolutely everything he thinks. THE UNCLE. But formerly he was not like this? THE FATHER. No; formerly he was as rational as we are; he never said anything extraordinary. It is true, Ursula encourages him a little too much; she answers all his questions -- THE UNCLE. It would be better not to answer. It's a mistaken kindness to him. Ten o'clock strikes. THE GRANDFATHER. [ Waking up. Am I facing the glass door? THE DAUGHTER. You have had a good sleep, grandfather? THE GRANDFATHER. Am I facing the gk9s door? THE DAUGHTER. Yes, grandfather. THE GRANDFATHER. There is no one at the glass door? THE DAUGHTER. No, grandfather; I see no one. ...