Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1906-05-24

could have lived luyuriously had he de-
sired, but he chung to the old lodging
Critics and public alike acknowledged
his genius. yet the whole world was
bound UP In Dora to the blind author
Dora. whose voice was as music. whose
step he could distinguish in a 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 q man and
on whom Dora's mother looked with
favor
Il must be going now" said Dora.
after fruitless afternoon, blossom
having been unable to settle 10 the
task.
Tom coming?'
Yes" Her voice was 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 We're better consulted. l am
only an old bachelor"
"You are my pal" persisted the girl
impaticntly. Mother married young.
She thinks should butt don't want
to be hurried"
quite right" began Blossom quick
ly. Then, pulling himself together.
Toms nice boy. He will make e
good husband
HE is all you say. | suppose | shall
take him. Blossom, know he is going
to ask me tonight" The girl hung over
the back of her friends chair. He
could feel her breath on bis cheek, but
1t was a pity he could not see the look
in her eyes. Blossom grlpped the arm
rests as if for support.
God bless you both. little pail he
said steadily. IL know you will be o
good wife. Toms lucky fellow"
You think | had better take him
You wish me to- The girl bent still
closer: her hair brushed his forehead.
q! wish-only your happiness"
"Dora! Dora 1t was her mother
calling. Dora moved hesitatingly to-
ward the door. I'VE will always he
pals-always just the sameT"
Blossom lifted his head always"
he promised Don't think about me.
You love Tom
81 love Tom-yes''- Then the door
closed. and Blossom sank back in his
chair. Misery showed livid in his face
and STOPPING shoulders. Dora loved
Tom. 1t had come nj last. it seemed
as if this second loss were greater,
more terrible than that of his sight. He
was douhly bereft. He had promised
the girl they would remain pals. but
new ties, new duties would arise; the
old must be laid aside: he must school
himself to be alone. The sweat broke
on his forehead rs he clinched his
hands; then with n groan he folded his
arms on his knees and hid his face.
He crouched motionless, taking no no
tice OF the passage of time.
Softly. timidly. some one touched him
on the shoulders. The man thrilled;
self. Passionately his arms opened and
claimed the girlish figure of his pal.
He felt her throbbing in response, the
trembling of her hands as she chung
to him.
BLOSSOM Blossom, speak to me.'
she whispered. Tell me you love me-"
love you? With all my being!
Dora. who is there in all the world like
you?''
"Why did you make me suffer-why
did you make me speak" she question
ed, half sobblngly.
II thought it was Tom
q love Tomas brother" She
clung still closer. Men are SO stupid"
But. child, fear l do you wrong.
I'm growing old; I'm always helpless.
blind
Il love you, only You. Blossom, just
pretend | am Miss Arabella and-hold
me close. it comforts-lots"
And Blossom. STOPPING, kissed her on
the mouth.