Chapter 17: Daniel Burton Takes the Plunge

Dr. Stewart’s second operation on Keith’s eyes took place late in November. It was not a success. Far from increasing his vision, it lessened it. Only dimly now could he discern light at all.

In a letter to Daniel Burton, Dr. Stewart stated the case freely and frankly, yet he declared that he had not given up hope—yet. He had a plan which, with Mr. Burton’s kind permission, he would carry out. He then went on to explain.

In Paris there was a noted specialist in whom he had great confidence. He wished very much that this man could see Keith. To take Keith over now, however, as war conditions were, would, of course, be difficult and hazardous. Besides, as he happened to know, this would not be necessary, for the great man was coming to this country some time in May. To bring Keith to his attention then would be a simple matter, and a chance well worth waiting for. Meanwhile, the boy was as comfortable where he was as he could be anywhere, and, moreover, there were certain treatments which should still be continued. With Daniel Burton’s kind permission, therefore, the doctor would keep Keith where he was for the present, pending the arrival of the great specialist.

It was a bitter blow. For days after the letter came, Daniel Burton shut himself up in his studio refusing to see any one but Susan, and almost refusing to see her. Susan, indeed, heart-broken as she was herself, had no time to indulge her own grief, so busy was she trying to concoct something that would tempt her employer to break a fast that was becoming terrifying to her.

Then came Keith’s letter. He wrote cheerfully, hopefully. He told of new games that he was playing, new things of interest that he was “seeing.” He said nothing whatever about the operation. He did say that there was a big doctor coming from Paris, whom he was going to “see” in May, however. That was all.

When the doctor’s letter had come, telling of the failure of the second operation, Susan had read it and accepted it with sternly controlled eyes that did not shed one tear. But when Keith’s letter came, not even mentioning the operation, her self-control snapped, and she burst openly into tears.

“I don’t care,” she sobbed, in answer to Daniel Burton’s amazed exclamation. “When I think of the way that blessed boy is holdin’ up his head an’ marchin’ straight on; an’ you an’ me here—oh, lan’ sakes, what’s the use of TRYIN’ to say it!” she despaired, turning and hurrying from the room.

In December Dr. Stewart came on again to take his daughter back for the holidays. He called at once to see Mr. Burton, and the two had a long conference in the studio, while Susan feverishly moved from room to room downstairs, taking up and setting down one object after another in the aimless fashion of one whose fingers are not controlled by the mind.