Nevada County picayune., 1886-06-16
and how .de-doing.

"How are ye'" said voice close in her ear. "Feel skeeryi 1 do. Let's go in together, and kinder take the edge off," and Epll Schenck arm was thrust out at her like bent pump.handle. ''Eots of folks here,' pursued Eph. "Knew thore would be. Folks alters liko to come here, they give such good feeds. Gracious! Look at that air shirt, and them studs! Guess he thinks he's solie, now he's goin' to marry tho squire's darter." Dora looked up III time to meet the roguish glance of James. who had heard Eph's re- marks. "There comes the bride," went on the inexorable. "Nice gal, she is. Should made up to her myself, only I'd made up my mind for some ono else. They say she's had nine new dresses made. How would you like to be married, and have so many gowns! Fortunately the ceremony here intcrvoned, and Eph was obliged to be quiet, but scarcely was it over, when he commenced again.
 That's quick done, ain't it, now1 Suthin' so dreadful, is if, after all' Come on. Everyonc's going up to kiss and shake hands, and then they'll go in for supper.'
 Dora looked around her in des- peration. There was a small door open behind her, which led, as she we'll knew, into the kitchen, and without stopping to reflect, sine darted through it, and began to run toward home all the faster that she fancied she heard Eph behind , her, till in her haste she stumbled 
 over tho root of a tree, and fell to the ground, springing her ankle severely.
 "iIOw could you be so impru- dent, and what made you run so?' said James, voice, the moment af. ter. as he stood by her side. Did you think l wonld let you go home so! Are you hurt?'
 W don't know" answered Dora, faintly. He stopped and tried to raise her. She grOanei and shrank back. II am afraid 1 can't ,stand."
 Then will carry you," he said, promptly.
 But l am 50 heavy, and it is so far"
 "I wish it were twice the dis tance," he whispered. Dora made ao reply, but her head rested quito confidingly on his shoulder, and her little hand lay against his cheek. He carried her in silence till they could see the lights of the deacon's house. ''Now, Dora, speak,r he burst cut. You have had long time to reflect, QuicI, Dora, for this is the las, time 1 shall ask you,'
 It was the faintest ofall possible whispers that answered him; but if JameS' face, whom he reached the light, was any index of his feelings, it must have been d sat isfactory one.
 There was a wedding shortly af. terward. All the mammas with marriageable sons shook their heads, and the deacon aud Mrs. Maxwell groaned whenever 1t was referred to, and said they'd done their best, but. Dora was a head strong girl, and the will of Proyi- dence must be done.
 There was noie of the linen and china and plate" we1t into the cottage that James fitted up for his bride, and all tho broad lands and fine cattle remained for the dOwry Of the other two girls. There were few visitors, either, at the cottage, and of these, very few who ever failed to lament, ill d roundabout way, over "nora'a dreadful mistake" as her family called it; but James only laaghed, while his wife obstinatcly persist ed in growing aandsomer and lmerrier every day, and the last I heard of them he 4Iad fulfilled the promise he made her on that bright | June morning, and the deacon was speaking with exceeding respect and pride of his son-!n-laws Ssna- tor Van Buskirk.
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