Flyaway shut her eyes, just to give herself an idea of their condition, and ran against Horace, who saved her from falling.
"I was velly blind, then, Hollis," said she, "and that's what is it."
"I don't see," queried Dotty,—"I don't see how people that can't see can see to read; so what's the use to go to school?"
"They read by the sense of feeling; the letters are raised," said Mr.
Parlin. "But here we are at the Institute."
They were in the pleasantest part of the city, standing before some beautiful grounds which occupied an entire square, and were enclosed by an iron fence. In front of the building grew trees and shrubs, and on each side was a play-ground for the children.
"Why, that house has windows," cried Dotty. "I don't see what people want of windows when they can't see."
"Nor me needer," echoed Katie. "What um wants winners, can't see out of?"
They went up a flight of stone steps, and were met at the door by a blind waiting-girl, who ushered them into the visitors' parlor.
"Is she blind-eyed?" whispered Flyaway, gazing at her earnestly. "Her eyes isn't shut up; where is the see gone to?"
Mrs. Clifford sent up her card, and the superintendent, who knew her well, came down to meet her. He was also "blind-eyed," but the children did not suspect it. They were much interested in the specimens of bead-work which were to be seen In the show-cases. Mr. Parlin bought some flowers, baskets, and other toys, to carry home to Susy and Prudy. Horace said,—