Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-07-01

OF her nps, ana ne narury uareu trust
himself TO kiss her I'm return
Strangely enough, 1t was the last en-
ress she offered. From that birthday
she seemed to leave childhood behind.
and tho man suffered In the change.
He grew to dread the succeeding years.
His pal was growing into womanhood
and 80 further 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 AZ 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 10 be a man and
on whom Dora's mother looked kindly.
II must be going now" said Dora
after a fruitless afternoon, Blossom
having been unable to settle to work.
atom comingT
l. eyes" Her voice was little tired.
Blossom noticed II.
you have not QuarreledT
"Tom never will. Blossom, do you
want me to marry TomT
"Marryr' The attack was sudden.
"MarryI 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
Sx,nt, %. NAIAkhax. lad
She thinks should, butt don't want
to be hurried"
"Quite right" began Blossom quick
ly, Then. pulling himself together:
''Tom's a nice boy. He win make a
good husband"-'
"He is all you say. / suppose I shall
take him. Blossom, know he is GO
ing to ask me tonight" The girl hung
over the back of her friends chair.
He could feel her breath on his cheek.
but 1t was pity he could not see the
look In her eyes. Blossom gripped the
arm rests as II for support.
God bless you both. little pal" he
said steadily. II know you will be a
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.
81 wish-only your happiness"
''Dorai DoraF 1t was her mother
calling. Dora moved hesita tingly to-
ward the door. I'VE will always be
pals-always just the sameT'
Blossom lifted his head. always"
he promised. Don't think about me.
You love Tom"
II 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
Toni 1t had come at last. 1t seemed
as II this second loss were greater.
more terrible, than that of his sight
He was doubly bereft. He had prom!
Used 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 fold
ed his arms on his keees and hid his
face. He crouched motionless. taking
no notice Of the passage of time.
Softly. dmidly, some one touched him
on Ine snOuiuerb- Inc man tnf1lleu,
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 meF'
she whispered. ''Tell me you love me-"
Love you? With all my beingl
Dora, who Is there in all the world
like you"
"Why did you make me suffer-why
did you make me speak7" she ques-
toned half sobbfngly.
II thought 1t was Tom
II love Tomas a brother" She
chung still closer. Men are so stupid"
But, child, fear do you wrong.
I'm growing old; I'm always helpless.
blind
IT love you, only you. Blossom, just
pretend am Miss Arabella and-hold
me close; 1t comforts-lots."
And Blossom. STOPPING. kissed her on
the mouth.