ALL WITHOUT EYES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XIV, 2 April 1898, Page 430

ALL WITHOUT EYES.

A lady recently attended an exhibition of sketches and studies of Lord Leighton’s works in a London picture-gallery. After making the rounds of the rooms she seated herself near a white-haired gentleman with a tanevolent face, who seemed to be enjoying the afternoon as much as sbe was herself. His beaming smile encouraged her to make some simple remark, which opened the way for an interesting conversation ataut the pictures, Lord Leighton’s art, and some critical comments which had l>een passed upon the exhibition in one of the morning journals. The old gentleman said that he had not read the critical article, and then proceeded to explain in detail his own views of the merits and defects of the pictures. His talk was animated and intelligent. He spoke of the most important works on exhibition, and revealed an intimate acquaintance with the strong and weak points of the painter’s art. ‘ Perhaps I ought not to speak so confidently,’ he said, quietly, ‘for these pictures 1 have not seen. 1 have taen blind for thirty years or more, and have only taen able to see works of art through my wife’s eyes.’ The lady gave an exclamation of surprise. Although she had taen talking with the stranger for a quarter-hour, she had not suspected that he was blind. * Yet you enjoy coming to an art gallery like this.’ she said, ‘where you ean see nothing ?’ ‘ Oli ! yes, indeed !’ he replied. ‘My wife brings me to all the private views when the galleries are not crowded ; and she tells me ataut every picture, describing the subject or the scene so vividly that I seem to ta able to see it with my own eyes ; and in the evenings she reads the critical articles to me. lam not so liadly off, even if I cannot see the pictures with my own eyes. I enjoy coming here, and sometimes fancy that I feel more intensely the influence of the art on the walls than those who have eyes.’ The blind man smiled brightly as he spoke, for he had heard the rustle of a dress tahind him, and he knew that his faithful wife had joined them. In a moment he introduced his American acquaintance, and expressed the pleasure which he had derived from an interesting talk with her. The galleries were filled with art lovers, who had assembled to enjoy a first view of a notable collection.* They were gossiping together in groups, and talking in a critical tone of what was before their eyes. But the most radiant face among them all was that of the blind man, who was condemned to look at the pictures through the eyes of his wife. As she led him in front of a large canvas and whispered into his ear a minute description of what he could not see, a happy smile of contentment and peace illumined his face. ‘ Yes, it is indeed taautiful I’ exclaimed the blind man. ‘ What a bright, glorious world there is all around ns !’