Henrietta seemed to be coming nearer to him and revealing herself
more clearly; and when the word of death was in his throat, and
his eyes opened for the last time, it seemed to him that one of
the stars came down from the sky and laid its bright face upon his
shoulder.
CHAPTER X
"ALMS-GIVING"
As I searched for a penny it began to rain. The blind man opened
a parcel and I saw that it contained a small tarpaulin cape. But
the several coats I wore made it difficult to find my change; I
thought I had better forego my charity that day, and I walked
away. "Eight or nine hours a day waiting for alms is his earthly
lot," I said, and walking towards the river, and leaning on the
parapet, I wondered if he recognised the passing step--if he
recognised my step--and associated them with a penny? Of what use
that he should know the different steps? if he knew them there
would be anticipation and disappointments. But a dog would make
life comprehensible; and I imagined a companionship, a mingling of
muteness and blindness, and the joy that would brighten the
darkness when the dog leaped eagerly upon the blind man's knees. I
imagined the joy of warm feet and limb, and the sudden poke of the
muzzle. A dog would be a link to bind the blind beggar to the
friendship of life. Now why has this small blind man, with a face
as pale as a plant that never sees the sun, not a dog? A dog is
the natural link and the only link that binds the blind beggar to
the friendship of life.
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