Ellsworth American., 1919-12-31
PANSY BLOSSOM
BY MILDRED WHITE.

Japdu, tudt shOuiu De your name
Pansy Blossom; because of the purple
of your eyes. and the thoughts you
bring"
Vickie smiled. She sat looking down
at the water color sketch which the
Japanese had placed IN her hand.
You are poetieal Kato." she re-
piled. "and an artist, too. like your
pansy blossom, and like your pretty
way of naming women" Vicllie sighed
Everything here is beautiful enough
to inspire one to poetry and art. Kato.
can you imgaine a lovelier spot? The
sea sparkling before US in the sun
shine, and the tall background of
trees, before the hotel. One ought to
be happy here. Kato." The girl moved
her pretty hand impatiently.
zone would be if" she laughed
shakingly, "if some one were not al
ways taking the joy out of life"
Some one?" questioned the Japan
ese softly, raising his brows. vickie
drew nearer.
Il just nave to tell you" she said.
at will be such a comfort to confide,
and you are a sphinx. kato; wild
horses couldn't draw confidence
from you"
The youth bowed gravely.
AT your service, Pansy Blossom"
he assured her.
Mothers apparent purpose in bring
ing me here" said vickie. was that l
might enjoy the pleasure with her of
a seaside resort. The real underlying
reason was to break off an attachment
which she had discovered between my
self and Bruce Masters. Mother has
other plans In view for her debutan,e
daughter. than being the wife of hon
est Bruce Masters. Bruce is not rich.
you see, kato, also he has still his
profession to fight for. But he loves
me. and l."
The girl gazed out TO sea. tender
smile curving her lips.
81 love Bruce" she ended softly.
And this Bruce whom you love is
worthyf" Kato asked. She nodded
vehemently.
There's a wealthy banker in the
ofIing." she explained. upon whom
mother has set her ambitious heart.
She can't make me marry him, kato.
but she can prevent me from seeing
Bruce. I'm sure don't know how it's
all going to end. You must see, how
slight I'm growing, kato-no appe-
tite at all. And if it were not for
your wonderful musical performance
at the theater each afternoon. real
ly don't know what / should do. You
help me TO pass the time, too. You're
very in eresting. Kato. I'm so glad
you are the fashion at the hotel.
You are sorrowful, disappointed"
Kato went on; may be some way
can help you"
Dear kato." yickie said. "Please
try"
He arose. assisting the girl with
courtiy air.
Vickie slipped her hand through his
protfered arm and the two went stroll
ing together down the beach.
My dear Mrs. yarden." an impos-
ing looking woman upon the hotel
veranda said, TO woman in an adj
joining rocking chair. "are you not
afraid TO allow your charming daugh-
ter so much of that fascinating Japs
soeie y? Young people have roman
| tic ideas you know, and the accom-
| plished musician may be dangerously
| entertaining"
Vickie Varden's mother turned, sud
denly startled; then she laughed.
My daughter is not so easily fas
| cinated," she replied. But the uncom.
| Portable suggestion ranked.
That evening he mother felt called
upon TO drop a warning remark.
| Don't you think that you are be-
ing too good to that Japanese?" she
drawled. Surely there is nothing
about him to so constantly amuse."
To her surprise the girl whirled
about in indignation.
"kato doesn't amuse me-" she re-
torted. Il like him; he is my friend.
| Speechless, the mother gazed after
her daughters wrathful departure.
| Then in anger. she followed swiftly as
the girl passed out upon the hotel
veranda and deliberately down To a
dusky secluded corner. The mothers
newly awakened fears were realized
The japanese was already there. evi-
IDENTIFY awaiting her daughters appear
ance. Mrs. Warden drew back against
jut of the wall. and shamelessly
listened.
"Pansy Blossom" greeted the youth
''lhe hours are long when you are moi
here"
Il have been thinking" he contin
ued. that an elopement must be tht
solution. True love should not be de
MED. 1t grieves me to see you suffer
| and +"
Mrs. varden's patience could stan'
no more.