Going
to his secretary she arranged materials for writing, and then
taking his hand, said, in the commanding tone she used toward
Edith when at all refractory, "Come and write. 'Tis the only
chance of saving her life."
"Write what?" he asked, as he rose from his chair and suffered her
to lead him to the desk.
He had written occasionally since his blindness, but it was not a
frequent thing, and his fingers closed awkwardly about the pen she
placed in his hand. Feeling curious to know the meaning of all
this, he felt for the paper and then said to her,
"I am ready for you to dictate."
But dictation was no part of Nina's intentions. The lines traced
upon that sheet would contain a secret which Richard must not
know; and with a merry laugh, as she thought how she would cheat
him, she replied,
"No, SIR. Only Miggie and I can read what you write. Nina will
guide your hand and trace the words."
Dipping the pen afresh into the ink, she bade him take it, and
grasping his fingers, guided them while they wrote as follows;
"I, THE BLIND MAN, RICHARD HARRINGTON,--
"That last was my name," interrupted Richard, who was rewarded by
a slight pull of the hair, as Nina said,
"Hush, be quiet.
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