The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1888-05-17

y mNhtNu 10 ftstt iafh rsbA tsos ~ w
seat assin. trembling all over
George sax her confusion. and VA
touched by il.
Come Debby." be said, kindly; III
saiiing"
She arose a1d then took her place B.
his aide. too much daxed aud bswildere,
to see the contempiuous elancss directe,
toward her
There was subdued whispering amopl
the girls for moment, but 1t ceased .
Henry Lisbon called for Rose Anderson
aud the Test OF the choosing proceeded
rapidly until all we're enrolled upon on,
side or the other
The schoolmaster took up the spelling
book and the spelling began. those VII,
misspelled word being eblsged 70 si
down At once. One BY one they we're van
pushed. until at the close Of an hour and
half, Henry Lisbon. George Charming
aud Debby Rawley were the only one.
/ itit
The excitement ran high. and all eye,
we're riyeted on the remaining contestants.
Debby's cheeks were flushed. her eyes
shoue like stars, aud she bad forgotten
her shabby clothes aud the neglect with
which she bad been treated In the begin
ming OF the evening.
I'VE mustn't be beaten. Debby," whis
pered George, as the schoolmaster paused
to turn over leaf IL depend on you,
remember"
"lll do my best, whispered Debby in
return, smiling up at him.
The spelling continued and opinion was
about equally divided as to who would
win; but at last Henry Lisbon failed on .
common word Of only two iyllsbles, aud q
deafening cheer resounded through the
old school house, as with forced smile
be took bis reat
All was confusion at once; every one
crowded around George to congratulate
and shake hands with him; but he was
not too much engaged TO notice that Deb.
by had left his side and was trying to
force her way thro' the crowd to the door,
He hastened after her aud stopped her
just as she was going out.
Surely, you are not going yet ?" he
said
Yes, must she answered. Grand
ma will be anxious about me"
But you ought not to leave me to bear the
burden OF our honors alone" he said,
laughing. You onght to stay and take
yeur share. II it had not been for you our
side would not have won. You surprised
me, Debby / did not think there was
any one in Grundy county except the
schoolmaster that could spell down Henry
Lisbon.
II study at home at night. said Debby
in low, unsteady voice; and with little
nod she walked away from him and went
out into the night
AT 10 o'clock the school house was emp
ty, aud the first spelling match OF the sea-
son which was to have result OF which
George little dreamed was over.
The next day George had occasion to go
to to town. His Way led by the small
farm OF Debby's Prandmother's, which,
badly managed for many years, yielded
but mesgre living for the two women.
Debby was at the window OF front
room as George drove by; but the next
moment she had thrown open the door.
and, without hat or shawl, was flying
down the patch that led to the gate.
stop !" she cried. II want to speak
to you"
George shouted "whos, pulled up his
horses, and jumped out OF his wagon.
Anything wanted in town ?" he asked.
mo, no, said Debby. 81 only
wanted to thank you for choosing me last
night." the quick tears springing to her
eyes. 1T was SO kind Of you and the
other tears falling fast by this time she
rushed back into the house before he had
. chance to say word 10 reply.
He stood still moment, staring after
her, then climbed into his wagon again
md drove on. He didn't resume whist
ling "The Last Rose OF Summer, which
Debbys appearance bad interrupted His
lace was grave aud thoughtful.
For nearly mile be let Dobbin and
Whitefoot choose their own gait. Then
ust as the wagon was entering town, be
aroused himself With q start.
'Confound it all he muttered / wish
low had not asked her ont OF kindness
There were several other spelling match
,s held in the Pickett school bouse dur
ng the ~iuter. bat Debby did not attend
hem, and George, who entered college in
he spring, saw htr only at long intervals
luring the ueit five years.
At the end Of tha. time Debby's old
died. ana xi,er selling the
arm to Norwegian who had recently
,ome into the neishborhood. left her old
lome forever, telling no one whittier she
vas bound.
Seven years later, George Claiming.
gho bad become lawyer and was enjoy
ng sn excellent practice ct Detroit, Was
disturbed one morning, while engaged In
lis oflice on brief, by the entrance OF
all. good looking. well.dressed lady, who,
instead OF returning the business like bow
nth which he greeted ber. advanced to-
gar1 him With both hands outstretched.
You don, know me p she cried.
You don't recognize Deborah Rswley y
Deb little Deb Of Grundy County r.
acclaimed George. ut cant be possible.
''Be little more respectful. sir. in al
ma - JsnahaI I1sb stDF Raw. ,