The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1911-03-18
DE. B0RAF
(short story by Miss Edwards.) }

the little dlsure in grey turned away
from the window, and faced the VIC
man in the doorway.
ST can't say that was dreaming
about anything" she said listlessiy.
Her aunt laid both hands on her
shoulder and looked down at her. In
her eyes a great love for her Or
phaned nsece strove to brighten the
look. left there by some misunder-
standing.
Tell NE, Deborah wnat troubles
thee. Art thou not happy? He vii!
be good to thee, far better than any
other know Of. He is good man. >
But Deborah shook her head, and
long after Elizabeth Oliver had left
the room stood meditating. Yes,
truly, no one would be more apt to
be good to her tnan Jonathan Hill
ton. jonathan Hilton was the
preacher uf the little town. He had
known and lover Deborah for years,
ever since she was but a girl. Now
she was G. woman, twenty-five, fair,
small, and characterized by quiet
sereneness that was at once beauti-
full and charming. Jonathan Hilton
had not been Deborah's only lover.
for every one in the town knew that
Stephen Dalton had wooed her for
many months before he went away,
more than two years ago. But If De-
borah cared for him she did not shoT
it, not eYen when the news OF his
death In Il shipwreck at sea was tola
to her. Still Jonathan Hilton wooed
her, and at last she promised to mar
ry him.
"Not that I love thee" she told
him. "bus because" and she never
finished.
She lived her life over there in the
dim gray twilight that filled the
room. Then with sigh she went
out to find her aunt and assist IL pos
sibIe in some light duty, for the Oil
vers were in good circumstances, and
Deborah worked, not because she
must, but because her honest Quaker
heart told her she owed it to the
kind uncle and aunt who had raised
her.
The days flew by. Autumn and all
its glory was approaching, and, with
it, the harvesting, the corn huskings
and various amusements that are al
lowed at this time by the Quakers.
Another event also was approaching,
and that was Deborah's marriage. 1t
was the subject of the village, and
it filled every one with keen antici-
patton, except Deborah.
Next to Deborah's wedding the af-
fair of most Importance was the
husking to be given in the big barn
of John Winston, Stephen Dalton
brother-ir-law. The morning of the
great day dawned heavy and misty.
"Aunt, If thee dost not need me
] think III 60 to Sarah Winstop's,"S
"'Tis rather early and the fog lies
heavy" Brt Deborah threw the grey
coat around her shoulders and went
down the garden walk. At the gate
she plucked a pink rose that hung
loaded with dew and tucked it In
amcng her brown curls. Twas the
first rose that had shone there since
Stephen went away, and into her
cheeks the first bit Of color that had
bloomed there for many week be-
gan to creep.
She walked slowly along the path
that ran beside the little brook,
thinking, thinking. All, twas good
to be alone, to be able to think, or
am 1 mistaken, it must have been
bad. "Re's a good man. she
thought. Then forgetting herself
she spoke aloud, "But do not love
him" 1t was like cry, for the
meekness was not there, rather de-
fiance glowed like twin stars in her
dark eyes, and burned her cheeks to
the red flush of the9rose Suddenly
she lifted her head and, with sharp
cry, she stopped. .-
stephen! Stephen! is it really
thee?"
The man leaning against he tree,
there in their old meeting place,
turned and beheld the girl.
"Debo-ah" He drew her to him;
but, if suddenly remembering, she
pushed him away.
"No, no, thee mustn't" she pant
ed. Don't, Stephen, don't!"
He released her, and turned away.
"Didst thou forget, Deborah?" But
Deborah had fled. Across the fields
and into the garden, never stopping
till she reached her own room.
How she ever passed the day, or
how it was that she managed to get
ready for the husking she never
knew. She did not wish to go, but
since she had promised to go she
went.
Seemingly, she enjoyed herself;
but when Stephen came in she sought
her aunt.
Aunt Elizabeth, take me home"
To her aunt's anxious inquiries she
only answered that she was not feel
ing we'll.
Thee mustn't get sick, tomorrow's
thy wedding day
After Deborah's departure, Jona-
than Hilton laid his hand on Steph-