Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-04-01

Here we are at Mrs. Fleming's. Good
morning, Mr. Van Buskirk," and fitted
away up the walk before he could stop
her.
Summer merged into autumn, autumn
gave way to winter, but no greater
changes took place around her than were
developing themselves in the mental
economy Of our little Dora. From that
memorable Sunday, James had never ap-
preached her. She had met him constant
ly in attendance on other girls, and es-
pecialIy with the squile's daughter
whom, it was whispered, he was about to
marry land he always bowed gravely to
her, but no more How handsome he
was how dull and insignificant other
young men seemed beside him. What a
good son he was! What rising young
man! With what manIiness had he adj
dressed her Why did he never speak to
her now2 Such were the thoughts that
were continually running in the foolish
little girls head, and that especially tor
mented her, as she was on her way to the
wedding at Farmer Wentworth's. Would
she meet him there7 It was the first frol-
ic of the season, and her heart throbbed
at the idea. She stopped at the door, and
looked into the large excepting room, :"
where was going on most vigorous
handshaking, and how-de-doing.
''How are ye2" said voice close in her
ear. sFeel skeerya do. Let's 90 in
together, and kinder take the edge of, !"
Eph Schenck's arm was thrust out to
her, like bent pumphandle.
Lots of folks here" pursued Eph.
"Knew there would be. Folks alters
likes to come here, they give such good
feeds. Graciousl there's jim Van Bus
kirk. Amt he fixed up2 Look at that
air shirt, and them studs Guess he
thinks he's some, now he's goin' to
marry the squire's darter.'' Dora looked
up in time to meet the roguish glance of
James, who had heard Eph's remarks.
There comes the bride, " went on the
inexorable. ssNice gal she is. Should a
made up to her myself, only I'd made up
my mind for some one else. They say
she's had nine new dresses made. How
would you like to be married, and have
50 many gowns?n Fortunately the cere-
mony here intervened, and Eph was OBJ
liged to be quiet, but scarcely was it
over, when he commenced again. ssThat's
quick done, amt it now2 Nuthin SO
dreadful, is it, after all? Come on.
Ever~one's goin' up to kiss and shake
hands, and then they'll go in for sup
per.
Dora looked around her in desperation.
There was small door open behind her,
which led, as she well knew, into tha
kitchen and without stopping to reflect,
she darted through it and began to
run teWard home all the faster that she
fancied she he1rd Eph behind her, till
in her haste she stumbled over the root
Of a tree, and fell to the ground, sprain-
ing her ankle severely.
@How could you be so lmprudent, and
what made you run sogn said James
voice, the moment after, as he stood by
her side. ibid you think I would let
you so home soa Are you hurtg's
II don't know, answered Dora, faint-
II. He stopped and tried to raise her.
She groaned and shrank back. sTm
afraid that can't stand Z
"I'hen I win carry you,a he said
promptly.
But am SO heavy, and it is SO far. =
sI wish it was twice the distance, = he
whispered Dora made oreply, but her
head rested quite confidentially on his
shoulder, and her little hand lay against
his check He carried her in silence, till
they could see the lights of the deacon !
house. Now Dora, speak, he burst
out. You have had long time to re-