besides, I want to hear your voices all the time; for, when nobody is
speaking, it seems as if I were alone in a dark world."

"You must have faith, my dear child," replied his mother. "Faith is the
soul's eyesight; and when we possess it the world is never dark nor
lonely."



CHAPTER III.



The next day Edward began to get accustomed to his new condition of
life. Once, indeed, when his parents were out of the way and only
Emily was left to take care of him, he could not resist the temptation
to thrust aside the bandage and peep at the anxious face of his little
nurse. But, in spite of the dimness of the chamber, the experiment
caused him so much pain that he felt no inclination to take another
look. So, with a deep sigh, here signed himself to his fate.

"Emily, pray talk to me!" said he, somewhat impatiently.

Now, Emily was a remarkably silent little girl, and did not possess that
liveliness of disposition which renders some children such excellent
companions. She seldom laughed, and had not the faculty of making many
words about small matters. But the love and earnestness of her heart
taught her how to amuse poor Edward in his darkness. She put her
knitting-work into his hands.