The Blind Girl took his hand and kissed it ; held it for a moment in her own two hands ; and laid her cheek against it tenderly before releasing it . There was such unspeakable affection and such fervent gratitude in the act , that Tackleton himself was moved to say , in a milder growl than usual : `` What 's the matter now ? '' `` I stood it close beside my pillow when I went to sleep last night , and remembered it in my dreams . And when the day broke , and the glorious red sun -- the red sun , father ? '' `` Red in the mornings and the evenings , Bertha , '' said poor Caleb with a woeful glance at his employer . `` When it rose , and the bright light I almost fear to strike myself against in walking , came into the room , I turned the little tree towards it , and blessed Heaven for making things so precious , and blessed you for sending them to cheer me ! '' `` Bedlam broke loose ! '' said Tackleton under his breath . `` We shall arrive at the strait-waistcoat and mufflers soon . We 're getting on ! '' Caleb , with his hands hooked loosely in each other , stared vacantly before him while his daughter spoke , as if he really were uncertain -LRB- I believe he was -RRB- whether Tackleton had done anything to deserve her thanks or not . If he could have been a perfectly free agent at that moment , required , on pain of death , to kick the toy merchant , or fall at his feet , according to his merits , I believe it would have been an even chance which course he would have taken . Yet Caleb knew that with his own hands he had brought the little rose-tree home for her so carefully , and that with his own lips he had forged the innocent deception which should help to keep her from suspecting how much , how very much , he every day denied himself , that she might be happier . `` Bertha ! '' said Tackleton , assuming , for the nonce , a little cordiality . `` Come here . '' `` Oh , I can come straight to you ! You need n't guide me ! '' she rejoined . `` Shall I tell you a secret , Bertha ? ''
`` XXXXX you will ! ''
If at before beside for than to under while with