I can pay ; so you 'd better let me in . ' I 'm afraid cross Thomas would have shut the door in the boy 's face again , if it had not been for the little blind girl , who looked up at him so imploringly that he could n't resist the mute appeal . ` The doctor 's going out ; but maybe he 'll see you a minute ; ' and with that he led them into a room where stood a tall man putting on his gloves . Jack was a modest boy ; but he was so afraid that Nanny would lose her chance , that he forgot himself , and told the little story as fast as he could -- told it well , too , I fancy ; for the doctor listened attentively , his eye going from the boy 's eager , flushed face , to the pale patient one beside him , as if the two little figures , shabby though they were , illustrated the story better than the finest artist could have done . When Jack ended , the doctor sat Nanny on his knee , gently lifted up the half-shut eyelids , and after examining the film a minute , stroked her pretty hair , and said so kindly that she nestled her little hand confidingly into his , ' I think I can help you , my dear . Tell me where you live , and I 'll attend to it at once , for it 's high time something was done . ' Jack told him , adding , with a manly air , as he showed the money , ' I can pay you , sir , if fifty dollars is enough . ' ` Quite enough , ' said the doctor , with a droll smile . ` If it is n't , I 'll work for the rest , if you 'll trust me . Please save Nanny 's eyes , and I 'll do any thing to pay you ! ' cried Jack , getting red and choky in his earnestness . The doctor stopped smiling , and held out his hand in a grave , respectful way , as he said , ` I 'll trust you , my boy . We 'll cure Nanny first ; and you and I will settle the bill afterward . ' Jack liked that ; it was a gentlemanly way of doing things , and he showed his satisfaction by smiling all over his face , and giving the big , white hand a hearty shake with both his rough ones . The doctor was a busy man ; but he kept them some time , for there were no children in the fine house , and it seemed pleasant to have a little girl sit on his knee and a bright boy stand beside his chair ; and when , at last , they went away , they looked as if he had given them some magic medicine , which made them forget every trouble they had ever known . Next day the kind man came to give Nanny her chance . She had no doubt , and very little fear , but looked up at him so confidingly when all was ready , that he stooped down and kissed her softly before he touched her eyes . ` Let Jack hold my hands ; then I 'll be still , and not mind if it hurts me , ' she said . So Jack , pale with anxiety , knelt down before her , and kept the little hands steadily in his all through the minutes that seemed so long to him . ` What do you see , my child ? '
asked the XXXXX , when he had done something to both eyes with a quick , skilful hand .
chair cross day doctor eyelids figures gloves grave smile trouble