"But how have you managed to prepare this work of yours?" Douglas questioned. "You surely must have had some assistance."
"Nell has been my guardian angel ever since my blindness. She does all my writing, reads the plays and my notes to refresh my memory. She was reading King Lear this afternoon, and I was much stirred by the sad trials of the poor old king. I mentally compared my lot with his and found that the advantage is mine. He had no home, two ungrateful daughters, and, as far as I can learn, no 'shadow of a rock in a weary land.' I have a comfortable dwelling, small though it is, two good and loving daughters, a work which gives me great pleasure, and the hope of a sure abiding place not made with hands. What more could a man desire?"
"You are indeed to be congratulated," Douglas replied. "And much pleasure lies ahead of you when your book is published. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that it will be of great interest and assistance to many. I, for one, shall look forward to reading it."
"Will you really?" and the old man's face beamed with pleasure. "But perhaps you would like to see it in manuscript? I have not shown it to any one outside my own household. You are the first I have talked to in this way about my work. Nell! Nan!" he called.
"What is it, father?" Nell asked, as she at that instant appeared carrying a large tray in her hands.
"Bring the work, Nell. I want to show it to Mr. Handyman."
"Suppose you wait until after supper, father," his daughter suggested.
"Everything is all ready, and when we are through, you can show it to
Mr. Handyman."
"But I need it now."
"Very well, then," and Nell gave the order to Nan.
It took but a few minutes to spread the white cloth upon the grass and arrange the dishes.