The Press., 1890-07-17

One day he had gone off on a visit to some friends, and Dora was feeling lonely and trihe weary Her cousin had beggsN Nher to borrow any of his books if at any time she wanted something to read, and she went down to his study to get one As she went, she was thinking of him, and wondering why he still hesitated to ask her the simple qies- tion, which she would so gladly answer-the question which he was constantly asking him. self. and to which his love and humility both gave different answers. She had chosen book, when her eye fell on the photograph lying ready for on the table. Now that she was alone, she thought it would be rather pleasant to try how her own voice sounded.
 She had read lately in one of the newspa- pers that people had no idea of what their voices really sounded like; and she rather wondered whether her singing, of which she was inclined to think highly, was really SO good as she imagined. Filled with dread lest the unflattering photograph should prove to her thnt her voice was harsh and unpleasant, and not quite decided as to what song she should try, she began to move the treadle which set the cylinder in motion. What sound was that which fell upon her ears! Her cousins voice was speaking to her; and after moment of blank astonishment, she listened with quiet smile. as though Tom were standing before her in the flesh and say ing what the photograph now said for him.
 This is what she heard: Dora, darling, have loved you since the day when first saw you. I have longed to tell you every day since then, but have always been afraid. Will you try to love me just ittlep The voice lapsed into silence.
 With O sudden gladness Dora saw what had happened. Her cousin had also wondered how his voice sounded to others-to her-and especially how the question woulds sound which he so longed to ask. We'll, the voice struck her as awkward, constrained, and quite unlike the cheerful tones to which she had become accustomed; but the words-
 At that moment she heard her cousins voice at the other end of the garden. He had returned home unexpectedly, and was chat ting with the gardener. He would be here presently, no doubt
 In a moment she had once more set in mo- tion the cylinder of the phonograph, and bending over it spoke a few words in low, clear voice. Then she lifted the cylinder back into its original position, and stepped quickly into the next room-the laboratory. 5S@sf
 In few minutes she heard the converse tion between Tom and the gardener cease. The young man came quickly down the gar den and entered his sanctum. He flung his hat and walking stick upon chair, and then the photograph struck his attention. He moved toward it, and stood looking down on it, with his back toward the door of the room whence Dora was eagerly watching him. Then he began absent mindedly to put the treadle in motion. Once more the phono- graph spoke, and as he did so Dora moved si- lently forward and stood in the open door of the laboratory. "Dora, darling, have loved you ever since the day when first saw you. I have longed to tell you every day since then, but have always been afraid. Will you try to love me just little
 Tom heard these words, and then, before he had moved his foot from the treadle, the photograph spoke in another voice: "Why should you be afraid to come and ask me when you know"-
 It was Dora's voice, and even while he wondered at this marvel he heard the same voice speaking again. ''Tom!" said the voice, and turning he saw his cousin standing with half parted lips and laughing rosy face only yard or two away from him.
 ''Dora," he cried, you have learned my se- cret!"
 Dora moved toward him and hid her face in his shoulder. Then, as he raised and kissed it, she whispered, ''Yes, Tom, long ago."-Boston True Flag.