"Oh, I'm surer now than ever!" the girl said happily.
But at times, in the days of waiting, her heart ached. What if the operation had failed, what if Mother Bab would have to bear cruel disappointment? All the natural buoyancy of the girl's nature was required to bear her through the trying days of waiting. With the dawning of the day upon which the bandage should be removed and the truth known Phœbe's excitement could not be restrained.
"I can't wait!" she exclaimed. "I want to be right there when he takes it off. I want you to see me first, since David isn't here."
Long after that day it seemed to her that she could hear Mother Bab's glad, sweet voice saying, "I can see!"
"I can see!" The words were electric in their effect. Phœbe gave an ecstatic "Oh!" then hushed as her lips trembled.
"You win," the big doctor said to her.
"Oh, no, not I! You! But I knew she'd see again!"
"She sees again, but," he cautioned, "Mrs. Eby, there must be no reading or sewing or any close work to strain your eyes."
"Oh, doctor, it's enough just to see again! I can do without the reading and writing, for Phœbe, here, does all that for me. And I'll not miss the sewing. I'm glad I can potter around the garden again and plant flowers and see them and"—her voice broke—"I think it's wonderful there are men like you in the world!"
