The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1906-05-04

and so farther away from him. he
could have lived luxuriously 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 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 man and
on whom Dora's mother looked with
favor.
Il must be going now" said Dora,
after a fruitless afternoon, Blossom
having been unable to settle to the
task.
"Tom coming?"
Eyes" Her voice was little tired.
Blossom noticed 1t.
''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. / am
only an old bachelor"
'You are my pal" 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,
'Tom's nice boy. He will make a
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 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. II know you will be a
good wife. Toms lucky fellow"
"You think l had better take him
You wish me to- The girl bent still
closer; her hair brushed his forehead.
81 wish-only your happiness"
"Dora! Doraw 1t 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"
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 at last. It seemed
as If this second loss were greater
more terrible than that Of his sight He
was doubly 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 as he clinched his
hands; then with a 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;
his soul leaped 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 mew
she whispered. "Tell me you love me-"
"Love you? With all my being!
Dora, who is there in all the world like
your
"Why did you make me suffer-why
did you make me speak?" she question
ed, half sobbingly.
II thought it was Tom
II love Tomas brother" She
chung still closer. Men are so stupid"
s"But, child, I fear l do you wrong.
I'm growing old; I'm always helpless,
blind
II love you, only you. Blossom, just
pretend l am Miss Arabella and-hold
me close; it comforts-lots."
And Blossom. STOPPING, kissed her on
the mouth.