Henderson gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1911-19??, 1911-10-12
BLOSSOMS
LITTLE PAL
The Change Time Wrought In
the Two Companions.
BY ETHEL HARRINGTON.


When John Blossom became blind
the handspring Of his life was snap
ped. Imbittered and sensitive, he
Stunned companionship. his small an
nuity sufficing for a cheap lodging and
meals at q neighboring restaurant 1t
was terrible beyond expression to lie
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. ~ did t'uver night in
the dark"
whats your Manner he demanded
shortly.
Dora. Who's you?"
"John Blossom"
"Pretty name. Bend down" Then.
whispering In bis ear. Il shall call you
Blossom" she scampered away. sing
ing back mischievously. Blossom
Blossom"
It was a week before they met
again. The mans mood was desper-
ate "You is frownin' awful. Bios
son." piped the shrill voice. but you
can't brighten me-"
eff you are not scared come and
talk to me a 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 lis cot. he clinched his hands in
the agony OF his helpiessness.
Come" r" cried sharply in answer
to 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
childs 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 aimiessly. Write. write?
That's precisely what | can't do. curse
itw There before him lay the work
begun in pride and hope. now shatter
ed by a 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 dear" she sympathized in an
old fashioned manner.
"It's dark Dora-never any light,
That's why I cannot write" His voice
| broke with Il half sob.
I'm dreadful sorry. Let me do 1t
for you. print now. and | learn fast
| See if dor't." She tossed the papers
! aside and climbed into chair. sucking
| loudly at the pencil to make it black
what will we write. BlosSOm?' Re
| ceiving no answer, she looked up Her
companions head was pillowed on his
arms. His shoulders heaved. Could Il
man cry even as she sometimes did:
Dora scrambled to her feet and hur
| ried from the room. to return a few
minutes later flushed and GREATNESS.
Here's Miss Arabela" she cried
thrusting Il toll into the mans hands
when get cryin' | just hold he'
tight. She comforts lots. Muver's cal!
in. Hold Arabella close. BLOSSOM"
The doll became the first link in q
strange friendship. which grew with
years For the chiid's amusement
Blossom brought wonderful tales oui
of the storehouse Of his Imagination
frequently In verse that he strung to
gether during wakefui hours of the
night. Dora listened and remembered
AS she had said, she learned fast She
was barely twelve when she recallee
her promise. Il write truly now. Tel
me what to write"
Blossom smiled sadly. declaring thu
desire dead, but she insisted and coay
ed until he yielded, repeating some o
the phrasings that haunted him, ant
the dormant passion revived 1t wa
new birth to the man, and the girl be
came his eyes. as the gift that hat
been smothered in darkness and uncer
tainty suddenly developed. and tn
poet came into his own. In time lou
poetry" as Dora called 1t. verses will
exquisite rhythm, in round childisl
chirography, found their way into ed
itors' hands and caused comment
So the years passed. and Blossom
counted each anniversary as 1t came
Fifteen today" he said on one occa
sion, signing heavily. Il wish so
could see you once-just once"
Dora raised her head from copying
1t was unusual for Blossom to cha
before the dictation was completed
How do you look?" continued th
blind man. directing his sightless gaz
toward her
Whose decision shall render ?
Dora laughed deliciously. Mother sa y
a big girl Aunt Helen 'gawky.' bu
Tom insists pretty"
"Of course Tom Is right Well. her
is my remembrance" Fumbling In hi
pocket, he brought out little cast
disclosing gold locket with oil:
mond set in Its heart shape
"Oh, Blossom, how lovely. But wha
extravaganza! You can't afford it,
You mistake. | have more none
than need little pail"
!: The girl slipped the slender chat
about her neck and gave the clasp int
l his hands: then as he clumsily fitted
together she threw her arms about hi
r neck and kissed him. His pulse
throbbed riotously at the warm touc
/ Weight Variations.
z a man weighs less at noon and mit
nirhf fia,