The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1906-05-04
Blossoms
Little Pal
By Ethel Darlington
COnnf,inhf. 1000. hu Il. G. P1rcens
Copyright, 1906, By e. C. Parcels

Stunned companionship, his small an
nuity suflicing for cheap lodging and
meals at neighboring restaurant. 1t
was terrible beyond expression to be
blind, to be dragged back to life when
the fever had so denuded him. Exist
ence was barren, useless, hopeless, and
when he prayed it was for death.
One day, tripping as he climbed the
stairs, he felt the help of baby hands.
"You counted wrong" reproved a
childish voice. 81 did t'uver night in
the dark"
whats your name? he demanded
shortly.
"Dora. Who's your"
"John Blossom"
pretty name Bend down." Then
whispering in his ear, 81 shall call you
Blossom" she scampered away, sing
Ing back mischievously, Blossom
Blossom"
1t was a week before they met again.
The mans mood was desperate you
is frownin' awful, Blossom" piped the
shrill voice, "but you can't frighten
me-"
IF you are not scared come and talk
to me bit"
"Muver don't low me in dodgers
rooms" Blossom felt the rebuff, and,
reaching the top floor, stumbled into
his room and slammed the door. Seat
ed on his cot he clinched his hands in
the agony of his helplessness.
Come" he cried sharply in answer
to q timid rap, whereat some one en-
tered, whom he could not recognize.
"What is itT' he half shouted, his
nerves strained to the point Of frenzy.
"Just me, Blossom. Muver says you
is exceptions" Then in the silence the
clIild's eyes roved over the room and
lighted on the table Uttered with pa
pers. "Does you writer" Her tone be-
tokened interest. Blossoms hands
moved aimlessly. write, write?
That's precisely what can't do, curse
itv' There before him lay the work
begun in pride and hope, now shatter-
ed by darkness worse than death. He
was recalled to the present by the
pressure of small arms resting on his
knees as the child looked up into his
despairing face.
''Poor dearw she sympathized in an
old fashioned manner.
'Its dark, Dora-never any light.
That's why I cannot write" His voice
broke with half sob.
'T'm dreadful sorry. Let me do it
for you. / print now, and learn fast.
See ifsI don't" She tossed the papers
aside and climbed into chair, sucking
loudly at the pencil to make 1t black.
"What will we write, BlossomT" Re-
ceiving no answer, she looked up. Her
companions head was pillowed on his
arms. His shoulders heaved. Could
man cry even as she sometimes did?
Dora scrambled to her feet and hur-
ried from the room, to return q few
minutes later flushed and breathless.
Here's Miss Arabellaw she cried,
thrusting q doll into the mans hands.
"When get cryin' / just hold her
tight. She comforts lots. Muver's call
ing. Hold Arabella close, Blossom"
The doll became the first link in a
strange friendship, which grew with
years. For the child's amusement
Blossom brought wonderful tales out
Of the storehouse of his Imagination,
frequently in verse that he strung to-
gether during wakeful hours Of the
night. Dora listened and remembered.
AS she had said. she learned fast She
was barely twelve when she recalled
her promise. 81 write truly now. Tell
me what to write"
Blossom smiled sadly, declaring the
desire dead, but she insisted and coax
ed until he yielded, repeating some of
the phrasings that haunted him, and
the dormant passion revived. It was
new birth to the man, and the girl be-
came his eyes, as the gift that had
been smothered in darkness and uncer-
taihty suddenly developed, and the poet
came into his own. In time "our poet
ry," as Dora called it, verses with ex-
quisite rhythm, in round childish CHI
Biography. found their way into editors
hands and caused comment.
So the years passed, and Blossom
counted each anniversary as it came.
"Fifteen today" he said on one oc-
casion, signing heavily. 81 wish so
/ could see you once-just once" /,
Dora raised her head from copying;
1t was unusual for Blossom to chat be-
fore the dictation was completed.
How do you lookT" continued the
blind man, directing his sightless gaze
toward her.
''Whose decision shall l render?"
Dora laughed deliciously. Mother
says big girl Aunt Helen 'gawky,'
but Tom insists pretty"
"Of course Tom is right. Well, here
Is my remembrance" Fumbling in his
pocket, he brought out a little case,
gold locket with dia-
mond set In its heart shape.
"Oh, Blossom, how lovely! But what
extravaganza. You can't afford it,
"You mistake. 1 have more money
than need, little pal"
The girl slipped the slender chain
about her neck and gave the clasp into
his hands; then as he clumsily fitted il
together she threw her arms about his
neck and kissed him. His pulses throb-
bed riotously at the warm touch of her
lips, and he hardly dared trust himself
to kiss her In return.