The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1886-09-18
swered Dora, who thought it was none

'Oh, indeed, don't let me detain you
then, and turning, he coolly walked On
beside her.
Dora bit her lip. James Van Buskirk
was the smarest, the worthiest, and the
most agreeable young man of her &C.
quaintance; but she was Maxwell and
though it was never openly spoken of,
there was coat of arms and certain ira
ditions of titles and ancient splendor
that she had not forgotten. She would
not be uncivil to Mr.. Van Buskirk, but
of course she could not encourage him; /;
and holding her head at much loftier
angle than usual and marched on erect,
and in silence.
4 think saw Mr.. Schenck drive by
a few moments ago. remarked James,
did I not?'
1T is quite likely, but what of it2'
Nothing, only it struck me as little
extraordinary, that according to my
calculation you must have gone out of
the back door precisely as he entered
the front one.'
'You may think it does not concern
me, proceeded the young man with the
same imperturable gravity, 'but I am
only in pursuit of information. Am l
to understand, Miss Maxwell, that when
I wish to see you my best way will be
to knock at your fathers door, and then
take the shortest cut for the meadow
Dora could scarcely credit her senses.
James Van Buskirk visit her? Wish to
see her1 In doubt whether to give him
a saucy, or coldly-scornedful answer,
she looked up; but in spite of herself,
her cheeks glowed with bushes and her
eyes fell before the kindling glance that
met her own. James smiled to himself.
you have not answered me- he said
after a short pause.
IL don't know what you mean,'
she stammered. MY fathers house is
open to all.
The young man shook his head.
4 don't doubt that, but that is not
the question. 1t is you l care for. Will
you receive me? Do you say that I may
Gomez
Dora was silent.
Speak, he said impetuously. Il have
no fear or shame in asking you to be
my wife, heiress though you are. want
nothing that is your fathers, nor would
take it; but swear to you, that if you
will only have the courage to acknowl-
edge the love that 1 know has long been
in your heart, l will at no distant day
place you in position far above the
| one in which you now are.'
Dora trembled, for his words awak-
ened echoes in her heart for which she
could no-wise account; but pride and
prejudice are estrong-stronge than love,
and she only answered.:
'Here we are at Mr.. Flemming's. Good
morning, Mr.. Van Buskirk, and she
fitted away up the walk before he could
stop her.
Weeks passed.
SumGmasr merged rs ID into autumflp- autumn
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
constantly in attendance on other girls.
and especially with the squire's daugh-
ter, whom, it was whispered, he was
about to marry, and he always bowed
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 ris
ing young man! With what manliness
had he addressed her! Why did he not
speak to her now2 Such were the thoughts
that were continually running in the
foolish little girls head, and that espe-
cially tormented her, as she was on her
way to the wedding at Farmer Went
worth's. Would she meet him there2
1t was the first frolic of the season, and
her heart throbbed at the idea. She
stopped at the door, and looked into the
large keeping room where was going
on a most vigorous handshaklng and
how-de-doing.
sHow are YEP said voice close in
her ear. Feel skeery? do. Let's
90 in together, and kinder take the
edge off, and Eph Schenck's arm was
thrust out at her like bent pump han
die. Lots of folks here, pursued Eph.
knew there would be. Folks alters
likes to come here, they give such good
feeds. Gracious! Look at that air shirt,
and them studs! Guess he thinks he's
some one, now he's going to marry the
squire's darter.' Dora looked up in
time to meet the roughish glance of
lanes, who had overheard Eph's re-
marks. There comes the bride, went
on the inexorable. Mice girl she is.
Should 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 so many gownsP
Fortunately the ceremony here inter-
vened, and Eph was obliged to be quiet
but scarcely was it over when he COM
menced again. That's quick done,
amt it now? Nuthin' so dreadful, is
it, after ALP Come on. Every ones
goin' up to kiss and shake hands, and
then they'll 60 IN tor supper.
Dora looked around her in despera-
ton. There was small door open be-
hind her, which led, as she we'll knew,
into the kitchen, and without stopping
to reflect, she darted through it and
started to run toward home all the faster
that she fancied she heard Eph behind
her, till in her haste sne stumbled ovel
the root of tree and fell to the ground
spraining her ankle.
'How could you be so imprudent, and
what made you run SOP said James
voice the moment after, as he stood by
her side. did you think would le
you 60 home so2 Are you hurt 2
Il don't know answered Dora, faint
ly. He stopped and tried to raise her
She groaned and shrank back. 4 an
afraid I can't stand
tThen T will carry you.' he Sai(