The filling of the pipe and lighting it , those little offices in which I have commended her discretion , were vilely done from first to last . During the whole process , Tackleton stood looking on maliciously with the half-closed eye ; which , whenever it met hers -- or caught it , for it can hardly be said to have ever met another eye : rather being a kind of trap to snatch it up -- augmented her confusion in a most remarkable degree . `` Why , what a clumsy Dot you are this afternoon ! '' said John . `` 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 XXXXX the heart , dear father !
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