Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-05-05

could have lived luNurlously had he de-
sired. hut he clung to tile old lodging.
Critics and public alike acknowledged
his genius. Vel the whole world was
bound M IN Dora to the blind author
Dora. whose voice was as music. whose
step he could distinguish In million
He encouraged her Ia talk about her
friends her ambitions. and yes, he
made her tell him about Tom. too
Tom. who had grown To be- man and
on whom Dora'S mother looked with
favor
IL must bc going now said Dora.
after n fruitlcSs afternoon. blossom
having been unable 10 settle TO the
task
Tom coming"
Yes" Her voice was little tired.
Blossom noticed II.
You have not quarrclcdt"
Tom never Will Blossom. do you
want me 10 marry Tom"
Marry The attack was sudden.
Marry. It's beautiful when young
/ people love enough for that But your
mother were better consulted. | am
only IN old bachelor"
You are my pal" persisted the girl
lmpaticntly Mother married young.
She thinks ! should but | don't want
to be hurried"
quite right" began Blossom quick
IT, Then. pulling himself together,
Toms nice hoy He will make a
good husband
He is all You say | suppose shall
take him BlossoIn. | know he Is going
10 ask M tonight" The girl hung over
the back Of her friends chair lie
could feel her breath Oh his check. but
II was PITY h. could not see the look
in her eyes blossom gripprd the arm
rests rs IL for support.
"God bless you both. little pal" he
said steadily Il know you Will be Il
good wife Toms lucky fellow"
you thmk had hotter take him
You wish me to- The girl bent still
closer. her hair brushed his forehead.
Il wish only your happiness
Dora Dora" II was her mother
calling Dora moved hcSitatingly to
ward the door. We win always be
pals always just the Samc?"
BLOSSOM lifted his head Always"
he promised Don't think about me
\ Yuu love Tom"
Il love Tom yes" Then the door
closed. and blossom sank back in his
chair Misery showed llvid IN his face
ana stopping shoulders Dora loved
Tom. II had come nj last, II seemed
rs II thiS second loss We're greater.
\ more terrible than that Of his sight He
was doubly bcrcft He had promised
the rirl they would remain pals. but
new ties. new duties would arise, the
old must hc laid aside: he must school
T himself 10 hc alone. The sweat broke
on his forehead rs he clinchcd his
hands. then with groan h. folded his
arms on his knees ana hid his face.
He crouchcd motionlcSs taking no no
ticc Of the passage of time.
Softly. iim,lly, some one touched him
on Tie shoulders The man thrilled:
his soul leaped out to- meet that other
self ra>sionatcly his arms opened and
claimed the girlSl figure of his pal
He felt her throhhiug in response, tile
trembling Of her hands rs she chung
10 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 lid you make me suffcr-why
j did you make me speak" she question
cd. half sobhingly
Il Thought II was Tom
Il love Tom rs brother" She
clung still closer. Men are so stupid"
But child. fear | do YOU wrong.
I I'm growing old; I'm always helpless.
/ blind"
Il love you, only You. Blossom. just
pretend | am Miss Arabclla and hold
me close: II comforts lots"
And Blossom. STOPPING, kissed her on
the mouth.