How to show his gratitude did not perplex him; he had made up his mind after Ann Packet had given him a piece of hers--he had watched for words, signs, sighs--he was only biding his time to speak. But he remained in doubt; it was difficult to probe to the depths; he was a blind man, and far from a clever one; he could only guess by sounds, and test all by Mattie's voice, and he was, therefore, still unsettled. He resolved to end all, at last, in a quiet and methodical manner, befitting a man like him. He was probably mistaken; he had no power to make any one happy; his confession might dissolve the partnership between Mr. Gray and himself--for how could Mattie and he live in the same house together after his avowal and rejection? But he had made up his mind, and he went to work in his old straightforward way one evening when Mattie was absent, and Mr. Gray was busy at his work beside him. "Mr. Gray," said he, "I want to bespeak your sole attention for a few minutes." "Certainly, Sidney," was the reply. "Shall I put my work away?" "If you do not mind, for awhile." "There, then!" Sidney was some time beginning, and Mr. Gray said-- "It's about the business--you're tired of it?" "On the contrary, I am pleased with it, and the work it throws in _my_ way. But don't you find me a little bit of a nuisance always here?" "You know better than that. Next to my daughter, do you hold a place in my heart." "Thank you. Now, have you ever thought of me marrying?" "Of _you_ marrying!" he echoed, in a surprised tone, that was somewhat feigned. "Why, whom are you to marry, Sid?" "Mattie, if she'll have me." The lithographer rubbed his hands softly together--it was coming true at last, this dream of Mattie and his own! "If she'll have you!" he echoed, again. "Well, you must ask her that." "Do you think she'll have me--a blind fellow like me? Is it quite right that she should, even?" "I don't know--I have often thought about that," said Mr. Grey, forgetting his previous expression of astonishment. "I don't see where the objection is, exactly, Sidney. You're not like most blind men, dulled by your affliction--and Mattie is very different from most girls. If she thought that she could do more good by marrying you, make you more happy, she would do it." "I don't want a sacrifice--I want to make her happy," said Sidney, a little peevishly. "If she could not love me, as well as pity me, I wouldn't marry her for all the world." "You must ask her, young friend--not me, then." "But you do not refuse your consent?" "No. My best wishes, young man, for your success with the dearest, best of girls. I," laying his hand on Sidney's shoulder for a moment, "don't wish her any better husband."