Smyrna times., 1906-05-30

utit 80 TURNER away LIOlIl LlIi 1C |
could have lived luXuriously had he de-
sired, but lie clung to the old lodging.
Critics and public alike acknowledged
his genius, yet the whole world was
bound up i'm Dora to the blind author
Dora, whose voice was as music, whose
step he could distinguish in Il million.
He encouraged her to talk about her
friends. her ambitions. and-yes, he
made her tell him about Tom, too
Tom, who had grown to be a man and
Oh whom DOra's mother looked with
favor.
Il must be going Nnow." said Dora,
after a fruitless afternoon, Blossom
having been unable to settle to the
task
tom cOming?"
'Yes." Her voice was a little tired. |
Blossom noticed it.
You have not quarreled?"
Tom never will. Blossom, do you
want me to marry Tom?"
Marry The attack was sudden.
MARRY! It's beautiful when young
people love enough for that. But your
mother were better consulted. l am
only an old bachelor"
"You are my pail persisted the girl
impatiently. Mother married young.
She thinks | should. butt don't want
to be hurried"
"Quite right began Blossom quick
ly. Then, pulling himself together,
good husband"-
''He is all you say. l suppose l shall
take him. Blossom, l know he is going
to ask me tonight" The girl hung over
the back of her friends chair. He
could feel her breath on his cheek, but
it was pity he could not see the look
in her eyes. Blossom gripped the arm
rests as it for support.
God bless you both. little pal" he
said steadily. u know you will be a
good wife. Toms Il lucky fellow"
You think l had better take him
You wish me to- The girl bent still
closer; her hair brushed his forehead.
II wish-only your happiness"
: Dora. DOrar' 1t was her mother
calling. Dora moved hesitatingly to-
: ward the door. I'VE will always be
! pals-always just the same?''
! Blossom lifted his head Always
he promised. Don't think about me
You love Tom"
Il love Tom-yeS"- Then the door
. closed. and Blossom sank back in his
chair. Misery showed lvid in his face
: and STOPPING shoulders. Dora loved
Tom! 1t had come at last. 1t seemed
as if this second loss were greater
more terrible than that of his sight. HI
was doubly bereft. He had promised
!, the girl they would remain pals. bu
new ties, new duties would arise; tn
>, old must he laid aside; he must schoo
himself to be alone. The sweat brOk
: on his forehead as he clinched hi
20 hands; then with a groan he folded hi
arms on his knees and hid his face
T. He erouched mOtionless, taking no NJ
= tice of the passage of time.
% Softly timidly, some one touched hil
20 on the shoulders. The man thrilled
+ his soul leaped out to meet that OthC
q. self. PassiOnately his arms opened an
or claimed the girlish figure of his pa
is He felt her throbbing in response, IL
n trembling of her hands as she clun
/? to him.
r. "BlossOm-BlossOm, speak to me
w she whispered. Tell me you love me
Love you? With all my beini
d. Dora. who is there i'm all the world ill
Is. yOu?"
er "Why did you make me suffer-wl
IL did you make me speak?" she question
ed, half sobbingly.
a Il thought it was Tom
III 81 love Tomas a brother" 81
nj clung still closer. "Men are so stupid
uf "But, child, fear l do you wron
N. I'm growing old; I'm always helples
to- blind
he Il love you, only you. Blossom, ju
ID. pretend | am Miss Arabella and-ho
he me close; it comforts-lOts."
ed And Blossom. stopping, kissed her
ell the mouth.