"So you can read, and so intelligently. Could you--? No, I'll not ask you."
"Ask me what you will. I feel kindly toward you and have often thought of you."
"Did you? You, too?" cried he hurriedly, while he moved his head about in the same strange manner as before. "Maiden!" said he, "give me your hand once more. Tell me, could you give me this hand and let your eyes be mine?"
"Good sir," said Irma, interrupting him, "I should like to feel that your coming here and your going hence were for the best. I think that I can and ought to tell you all. This is the second time I've seen you--"
"I've seen you but once, and yet I shall never forget your face," said the blind man.
"Come with me. I'll lead you, and when we're alone I'll tell you all and prove how grateful I am for your kindness."
"There must be a spot somewhere hereabouts, from which a glimpse of the lake beyond the mountains can be obtained," replied the blind man. "Can you lead me there?"'
"Certainly," said Irma, startled at this wonderful inner life. She led him, across the meadow, to the mountain side.
"Sit down here," said she, "and I'll sit beside you. What I am about to tell you is for you alone. Remember, only for you!"
He raised his hand and exclaimed: "I swear!"