CHAPTER XII.
"FOLDED EYES." "Folded eyes see brighter colors Than the open ever do." It stormed next day; but as "brooks don't mind the weather," Maria and her mother appeared again.

When Aunt Madge went down to see them, Maria was sitting near the dining-room door, the scarlet spots of excitement coming and going in her cheeks.

She could think of nothing but the wonderful, unknown doctor, who would know in one moment whether she could ever see or not.
"We hadn't ought to have come in this snow-storm, ma'am," said Mrs.
Brooks; "but poor Maria, she couldn't be denied.

She said she must come, whether or no.

But of course we don't hold you to your promise, ma'am, and I hope you don't think we're that sort of folks." While Mrs.Brooks was talking, with her nose moving up and down, Maria's face was turned towards Mrs.Allen, her quick ears eager to catch the first sound of her voice.