Silver and copper were freely flung to her, I contributing my quota to the amount; but all she received she at once emptied into a leathern bag which was carried by a young and handsome man who accompanied her, and who, alas! was totally blind.

I knew the couple well, and had often seen them; their history was pathetic enough.

The girl had been betrothed to the young fellow when he had occupied a fairly good position as a worker in silver filigree jewelry.

His eyesight, long painfully strained over his delicate labors, suddenly failed him--he lost his place, of course, and was utterly without resources.

He offered to release his fiance from her engagement, but she would not take her freedom--she insisted on marrying him at once.