"I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured," the doctor decided. Whereupon the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. One day, his father said to the son, "You‘re going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it‘s a secret."

 

　　The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs.

 

　　Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. One day, he asked his father, "Who gave me the ears? Who gave me so much? I could never do enough for him or her."

 

　　"I do not believe you could," said the father, "but the agreement was that you are not to know...not yet."

 

　　The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come. One of the darkest days that ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother‘s casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish brown hair to reveal the mother had no outer ears.

 

　　"Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," his father whispered gently, "and nobody ever thought mother less beautiful, did they?"