Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian., 1858-07-31

.cret till that wedding had taken place.

secret I'LL ClaI wedding Hau IdkeI plaCc' IL
this the widow readily agreed although 1t
was hard task for her to restrain the enjoy
ment she experienced, and prevent the secret
being discovered.
The evening before the nuptals of SPARKS
and Melinda at length arrived, and all the
preparations for the ceremony on the ensuing
day were completed. When darkness had
fairly set inwhie Melinda was occupied with
the company and conversation of her soon
to-be husband as to be completely obvious to
all else, Mrs. Martin cautiousl y left the house,
and meeting Joe near at hand, she fastened
with him to the residence of the Chickweeds.
The minster,who had been duly admonish-
ed to secrecy, was in attendance !; and in less
than half an hour thereafter, Joe was marri
ed man, and the no longer widow was on her
way back to her home-parting from Joe
with SINGLE but enormous kiss, with which
he was content to satisfy himself considering
what was to follow from so doing on the NOR
row.
The wedding passed off next day to the en-
tire satisfaction Of all parties. The affair
the place in the morning at the residence OF
the bride, and at the hour of noon all the
guests, with the exception of Joe Chickweed,
departed. Why he rem ned so long it puz
zled the newly married pair to surmise, as
they had not supposed he would be present
at all. Joe took it very easily, however, and
seemed quite unembarrassed by the occasion
al banteIings of the happy Sparks.
1 spose," said Joe; addressing himself to
the newly made husband, ,as they were assem-
bled in the parlor together-'1 s'pose you'll
take up your residence in the village right
away, buy you nice house, and live fashiOLa-
bly, p'
"Oh, no." replied Mr.. Sparks-"dont't
know as | shall"
"What we'll, now, I calculate you
don't have any idea of settling on farm !?
you are not used to that work, you
know"
Don't know but may" said Sparks, as.
suming careless air and tone coming on
hot weather, you know, and living in town is
a bore in summer. Yes, think l shall try
country life for while | airt in the best of
health, and farm life may improve me-"
"Well, responded Joe. deliberately" can't
say that I'm sorry you're going to stay with
us. l think myself that it would be to your
benefit to work on farm for a while; and
We'll try to make it as comfortable for you as
we can !"
Mr.. Sparks looked at him then they look
ed at one another and laughed.
'No doubt" remarked Mr.. Sparks" you'll
make very agreeable neighbor- agreeable
indeed"
ooh, we'll be nearer than neighbors, good
sight-Of course We WILL" said Joe, glancing
with a look of intelligence toward the former
widow.
Again Mr. and Mrs. Sparks glanced at
one another, but this time they didn't
laugh.
"What do you mean ?" they asked stimuli
taneously.
"Oh excuse me Il forgot that you didn't
know what transpired. The fact is, the wild
ow. here, and myself taking a mutual liking
to each other, were married last night We
should have invited you to the wedding, but
we knew you were engaged"
s'W hat married ?" cried Mr.. Sparks
springng to his feet, while look of horror
overspread his features. His wife sat pale as
ghost, utterly unable to speak word.
"Certainlv, married." said Joe, cooly
as this so ?" he inquired, turning to the
late widow.
"You may rely upon all he says she re-
piled.
Then have been swindled-imposed up
on-deceived And you knew of this also,
and led me on?' lie continued, in violent
tone, addressing his wife. "You worked to
net me, while this Internal cheat gets all the
property"
"No-its not SOL" exclaimed Melinda, burst
ing into tears: 81 knew nothing of it. And
thought you married me for myself, and not
for money-you pretended to have enough of
that yoursclf!'
Reuben Sparks smiled sickly and scornful
smile.
'Tt's even as thought; his moneys so deep
in the bank that he ncver'll be able to dig it
OUT remarked Joe.
':You scheming rascal !" gasped Sparks look
ting as lift would be pleasure to eat him en-
tirelv up, body and bones.
90, fire away! it don't hurt any; and I've
got long lease of the farm"
'You scoundrcP'
'And the horses, and the steers"
"Oh! you miserable cheat!
s'And the fixin's generally"
"Foolr'
"And nj moreover" continued Joe, assuming
more sober and sterner tone, and grasping
Sparks firmly by the collar as he spoke
'among other things Eve got word or two
of advice for you. You married Melinda in
the expectation of stepping into snug little
property, palming yourself off as man of
means to accomplish your end. You are the
real schemer, but part Of your scheme has
failed. Take my advice and it will be well
with you; use your wife as you know you
should-go to work like man-and strive to
be an honest one. And finally, don't let me
hear you make use OF any more such express
sions as you just now bestowed upon me, or
III thrash you within an inch of your life !!
Remember added Joe, giving him shake,
as terrier would rat, ''you're my son now,
cording to law, and You must have slight
show of respect for your father..'
Reuben Sparks seemed to come at once to
his senses, and after lit e reflection conclud-
ed that the advice he had received was, upon
the WHOLE the best he could act upon;-aud
for many year thereafter joe Chckweed
looked upon him as most valuable assist
ant.