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Herr von Paradies, advancing, informed the public that they would now proceed to test the genuineness of his daughter's cure. He then came to the edge of the platform, and spoke in a loud, distinct voice: "I request the distinguished company, who have brought books or music for the purpose, to hand them to me, that we may discover whether in truth she sees, or imagines that she sees.
He took the book and passed the leaves rapidly over his thumb. "Here it is," said he, holding it up. "Father!" exclaimed Therese, indignantly, "I saw you turn the leaf a few minutes ago with your own hand." "SAW" cried Von Paradies, raising his hands.
Herr Paradies now appeared, and as he stood reckoning the profits that were to gladden his pockets on that eventful evening, Barth left his seat and approached him. "You really believe, do you, that your daughter sees?" said the professor. "She sees as well as I do. Were you not there to witness it yourself when her bandage was removed?"
Herr von Paradies continued: "This being the case, it is easier for us to suppose that the distinguished actress, who selected the page, has been requested to do so, than to believe that my daughter has seen the words just read; for this lady is known to be a follower of Doctor Mesmer. Perhaps the countess did not remark that the corner of the leaf is slightly turned down."
"Therese von Paradies has recovered her sight without couching-knife or lancet, and I shall certainly convey the news of the miracle to the empress." "What shall we do?" asked the astronomer of his compeers, as Count Langermann bowed and left them. Professor Barth answered nothing.
She sees!" cried the people. "Who can doubt it?" And now from the crowd arose a voice: "We have enough proof. The fact is self-evident, and we may all congratulate the fraulein upon the recovery of her sight. Let us have more of her delightful music." "I am sorry that I cannot agree with Doctor Mesmer's invisible patron," said Von Paradies.
Unhappy Therese, there are some who seek to plunge you back into the darkness from whence I have rescued you!" She put her arms upon his shoulders and sobbed, "Save me, master, save me I could not bear blindness now!" At the other end of the room stood Von Paradies and his wife. She laid her hand upon his arm, saying imploringly: "What signifies all this mystery, husband?
"Of course it is lost to her," replied Berth, enjoying the sudden paleness which overspread the radiant face of Von Paradies. "A girl who sees has no right to the money which is given to the blind, and I heard Von Stork this very day saying that as soon as it was proved that your daughter could see, he intended to apply to the empress for her pension in behalf of another party."
"She goes with me," thundered Mesmer with eyes that flashed lightning, like those of Olympian Zeus. "You gave her to me as a patient, and until she is cured she belongs to her physician." He took Therese in his arms and carried her toward the door. But Von Paradies, with a roar like that of some wild animal, placed himself before it and defended the passage. "Let me pass," cried he.
Where is my harmonicon?" "In the parlor, where you ordered it to be placed." "Let us go, then, and thence we will call Therese. The elite of Vienna were assembled in the drawing-room of Herr von Paradies.
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