Dawn — Eleanor H. Porter / Eleanor Hodgman Porter

A boy is sustained through the horror of coming blindness largely by the cheerfulness and self-composed poetry of Susan Betts, the neighbor's "hired girl." After he is totally blind and grown up, of course he falls hopelessly in love but wouldn't be a burden. He finds consolation in work for blinded soldiers and the girl, after an illuminating conversation with Susan intimate her readiness for the "burden."