Frank was feeling light-hearted as he walked homeward that night, when, of a sudden, he remembered that little Nell, the blind girl, was ill. He stopped on his way and bought some fruit for her.
The lame boy was sitting at the bedside of his sister when Frank came in. There was an eager look on Nellie’s face, for she had heard and recognized Frank’s step.
“I’m so glad you have come!” she said, weakly, stretching her arms toward him.
He hurried to her, took both her delicate hands in his, and kissed her tenderly.
“How is my little girl to-night?” he asked.
“Oh, I was so tired—so tired of lying here!” she answered. “But I am better now that you have come. It seemed that you were away such a long, long time. It is awfully tiresome to be ill in bed—and blind. Oh, if I could see!”
“You know you are going to be able to see again some time when we get together enough money to have the great specialist treat you.”
“Yes, I know; but this being ill is using up all the money we have saved. Oh, it is such an awful setback!”
“That is worrying her,” said the lame boy, anxiously. “I am afraid it keeps her from getting well as fast as she should.”
“Well, do not let it worry you any more, little girl,” said Frank. “I have been given a new job to-day. I am to be a fireman after this, and I shall get better pay. This money business is coming out all right. All I want of you is to get well as soon as you can, and that for your own sake.”