She stopped there , for it was evident that he did not hear a sound ; the word `` blind '' seemed to have knocked him down , for he had buried his face in the pillow , and lay so still that Rose was frightened . She sat motionless for many minutes , longing to comfort him , but not knowing how , and wishing Uncle Alec would come , for he had promised to tell Mac . Presently , a sort of choking sound came out of the pillow , and went straight to her heart the most pathetic sob she ever heard , for , though it was the most natural means of relief , the poor fellow must not indulge in it because of the afflicted eyes . The `` French Revolution '' tumbled out of her lap , and , running to the sofa , she knelt down by it , saying , with the motherly sort of tenderness girls feel for any sorrowing creature , `` Oh , my dear , you must n't cry ! It is so bad for your poor eyes . Take your head out of that hot pillow , and let me cool it . I do n't wonder you feel so , but please do n't cry . I 'll cry for you ; it wo n't hurt me . '' As she spoke she pulled away the cushion with gentle force , and saw the green shade all crushed and stained with the few hot tears that told how bitter the disappointment had been . Mac felt her sympathy , but , being a boy , did not thank her for it ; only sat up with a jerk , saying , as he tried to rub away the tell-tale drops with the sleeve of his jacket , `` Do n't bother ; weak eyes always water . I 'm all right . '' But Rose cried out , and caught his arm , `` Do n't touch them with that rough woollen stuff ! Lie down and let me bathe them , there 's a dear boy ; then there will be no harm done . '' `` They do smart confoundedly . I say , do n't you tell the other fellows that I made a baby of myself , will you ? '' he added , yielding with a sigh to the orders of his nurse , who had flown for the eye-wash and linen cambric handkerchief . `` Of course I wo n't ; but anyone would be upset at the idea of being well troubled in this way . I 'm sure you bear it splendidly , and you know it is n't half so bad when you get used to it . Besides , it is only for a time , and you can do lots of pleasant things if you ca n't study . You 'll have to wear blue goggles , perhaps ; wo n't that be funny ? ''
And while she was pouring out all the comfortable words she could think of , XXXXX was softly bathing the eyes and dabbing the hot forehead with lavender-water , as her patient lay quiet with a look on his face that grieved her sadly .
Alec Mac Revolution Rose choking handkerchief minutes right sympathy woollen