Connecticut western news., 1906-07-12

and So farther away from him. He could have lived luSCCiouSly had he de sirel, but he clung 10 the old lodging Critics and public alike acknowledged his genius. yet the whole world was bound up in Dora 10 the blind author Dora, whose voice was as music, whose step he could distinguish in q million. He encouragei her to talk about her friends. her ambitious. and-yeS, be made her tell him about Tom. too Tom. who had grown to be a man and on whom Dora's mother looked with favor.
 T must be going now" said Dora. after a fruitleSs afternoon. Blossom having been unable 10 settle to the task.
 Tom coming:" Yes" Her voice was a little tired. Blossom noticed il.
 You have not Guarreled?''
 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. I am only an old bachelor"
 You are my pal" persisted the girl impatiently. Mother married young She thinks I should. but-I don't want to be hurried"
 Quite right" began Blossom quick ly. Then, pulling himself together. Toms a nice boy. He will make 8 good husband"-
 He is all you say I suppose I 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 his cheek. but it was pity he could not see the look in her eyes, Blossom gripped the arm rests as if for support.
 God bless you both. little pal" he said steadily. "I know you will be good wife. Toms d lucky fellow"
 You think had better take him You wish me to- The girl bent still closer: her hair brushed his forehead.
 T wish-only your happiness"
 Dora. Dora~' It was her, mother calling. Dora moved heSitatingly to- ward the door. We will always be palS-always just the same.'
 Blossom lifted his head. Always" he promised. Don't think about me. You love Tom"
 T 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, It had come at last It seemed as if this second loss were greater. more terrible than that of his sight He vas doubly beceft. 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 as he clinched his hands: then with groan he folded his arms on his knees and hid his face, He crouched motionleSs. taking no no- ticc O; the passage of time.
 Softly. tiIidly, some one touched him on the shoulders. The man thrilled; his soul leapei out to meet that other 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 iii you make me speak?" she question -d. half sobbingly.
 T thought it was Tom
 "I love Tomas q brother" She chung still closer. Men are so stupid"
 But. child. fear I do you wrong. I'm growing old; I'm always helpless. b,ird''-
 Il love you. only you. Blossom, just pretend I am Miss Arabella and-hold me close: it comfortS-lotS."
 And Blossom, stopping. kissed her on the mouth.