`` I could have done it better myself , I verily believe ! '' With these good-natured words , he strode away , and presently was heard , in company with Boxer , and the old horse , and the cart , making lively music down the road . What time the dreamy Caleb still stood , watching his blind daughter , with the same expression on his face . `` Bertha ! '' said Caleb , softly . `` What has happened ? How changed you are , my darling , in a few hours -- since this morning ! You silent and dull all day ! What is it ? Tell me ! '' `` Oh , father , father ! '' cried the Blind Girl , bursting into tears . `` Oh , my hard , hard fate ! '' Caleb drew his hand across his eyes before he answered her . `` But think how cheerful and how happy you have been , Bertha ! How good , and how much loved , by many people . '' `` That strikes me to the heart , dear father ! Always so mindful of me ! Always so kind to me ! '' Caleb was very much perplexed to understand her .
`` To be -- to be blind , XXXXX , my poor dear , '' he faltered , `` is a great affliction ; but -- '' `` I have never felt it ! ''
Bertha Boxer Caleb Girl cart company day father hours tears