But he did not understand her yet . `` Bring her to me , '' said Bertha . `` I can not hold it closed and shut within myself . Bring her to me , father ! '' She knew he hesitated , and said , `` May . Bring May ! '' May heard the mention of her name , and , coming quietly towards her , touched her on the arm . The Blind Girl turned immediately , and held her by both hands . `` Look into my face , Dear heart , Sweet heart ! '' said Bertha . `` Read it with your beautiful eyes , and tell me if the truth is written on it . '' `` Dear Bertha , yes ! '' The Blind Girl , still upturning the blank sightless face , down which the tears were coursing fast , addressed her in these words : `` There is not , in my soul , a wish or thought that is not for your good , bright May ! There is not , in my soul , a grateful recollection stronger than the deep remembrance which is stored there of the many many times when , in the full pride of sight and beauty , you have had consideration for Blind Bertha , even when we two were children , or when Bertha was as much a child as ever blindness can be ! Every blessing on your head ! Light upon your happy course ! Not the less , my dear May , '' -- and she drew towards her in a closer grasp , -- `` not the less , my bird , because , to-day , the knowledge that you are to be His wife has wrung my heart almost to breaking ! Father , May , Mary ! Oh , forgive me that it is so , for the sake of all he has done to relieve the weariness of my dark life : and for the sake of the belief you have in me , when I call Heaven to witness that I could not wish him married to a wife more worthy of his goodness ! '' While speaking , she had released May Fielding 's hands , and clasped her garments in an attitude of mingled supplication and love .
Sinking lower and lower down , as she proceeded in her strange confession , she dropped at last at the feet XXXXX her friend , and hid her blind face in the folds of her dress .
While as by down into of than that upon within