as apartment
houses, is to be bought by Mr. Beckett, for the use of blinded soldiers.
Already his agents have got the refusal of the property for him; and
with a few changes such as knocking down inner walls and putting in
doors where doors don't exist, the houses will become one big mansion,
to accommodate five or six hundred men. Each will have his own bedroom
or cubicle. There'll be a gymnasium, with a Swedish instructor, and
every trade or profession in which a blind man could possibly engage
will be taught by experts. There will be a big dining hall with a
musicians' gallery, and a theatre. The library will be supplied with
quantities of books for the blind. There'll be a garden where the men
will be taught to grow flowers and vegetables. They will have a resident
doctor, and two superintendents. One of these two will himself be a
blind man taught by his own experience how to teach others. Of course,
Padre, you know that this blind teacher is already chosen, and that the
whole scheme centers round him!

In a way Brian realizes that, if it were not for him, it would never
have been thought of. In a way. But--it is _his_ way. He doesn't torture
himself, as I probably should in his place, by thinking: "All these
immense sums of money being spent as an excuse to provide for me in
life! Ought I to let it be done? Ought I to accept?"

Brian's way is not that. He says: "Now I understand why I lost my
eyesight, and it's worth it a thousand times. This wonderful chance is
to be given me to help others, as I never could have helped if I hadn't
been blind. If sight comes back, I shall know what it is to be blind,
and I can give counsel and courage to others. I am glad, glad to be
blind. It's a privilege and a mission. Even if I never see again, except
with my spirit's eyes, I shall still be glad!"

He doesn't worry at all because carrying out the plan will cost Father
Beckett one or more of his millions. What is money for, except to be
spent? What pleasure is like spending to do good? He finds it quite
natural that Father Beckett wants to do this thing; and though he's
immensely grateful, he takes it blithely for granted that the benefactor
should be happy and proud.

Travelling back from Ypres to Amiens they seem to have settled all the
details between them, though they told us their adventures before even
mentioning the Plan. Brian is to be guide, philosopher, and friend to
the inmates and students of the James Wyndham