Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-08-13

AOie Ni5SAi5 " 1hOSO WIZ hSAO oeSd ~
it. I hadn't taste that way
'Ob, then you stopped in town?'
Certainly
Business, I spose, first rate there !"
Yes. A young man of talent win soon
engage himself in profitable employ
ment.'
Then 'spect you must have done ex-
traordinary well = said Joe in tone he
intended should be sarcastic.
'Oh? replied the other, laughing in a |
meaning way, and winking with one eye
at the young lady, who appeared to take
and enjoy it accordiugly-'as for that
matter I can't complain. think i'm
proved my chances-I rather think I did.
No, 1 don't complain, by no means
Then why didn't you stay longer p
You weren't gone but a short time you
should have stayed year or two more,
and made yourself independent
perhaps l am independent already I
say perhaps. OF course can't tell you
the exact amount made-that, I think,
is quite unnecessary.
ooh quite
And perhaps, too, there were attrac-
tions in this part of the world as alluring
as gold
He looked knowingly at Melinda as
he spoke and gave her another wink,
which that young lady seemed to relish,
though she blushed and appeared won
derfully embarrassed for a moment. Joe
noticed what occurred, and didn't at all
fancy the course affairs seemed to be set
ting. He knew that he should feel and
appear peculiarly savage, if he remain
ed much longer, and so he limited that
it was about time for him to be going
and what served to enrage him more
than aught else, Melinda appeared to be
of the same mind, for she offered no OBJ
Lection. So he took his hat and depart
ed, with frmness in his step and bitter
ness in bis heart.
I don't like the looks of things at all,
be muttered to himself, rs he walked or
through the dark she's altogether toe
tender with that chap to be agreeable tC
me. If he has not turned her head
then there's mistake somewhere. ]
don't believe he has brought money
enough from California to buy rope tt
hang him. He's after the widder's farm
now, to make it up, I'll bet my hat. Yes
sir, he means to catch Melinda, and Tvt
been fool enough to wait till this time be
fore coming to a final doint. But per
? haps it amt too late YETI he added, at
. ter a few moments, reflection mayb
a she'll consent to have me yet, if I los
i no time in asking her, III try it, I VOW
u will. I'll 60 over again tomorrow, an
have the thing settled
d And having come to this conclusion
/ he hurried forward, and soon after wa
dreaming of Melinda Martin, the widow
e himself, and an infinite number of Reu
ben Sparkses, who were endeavoring
chase him up hill, and beat his brain
d out with bars of California gold.
n Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious
Of next morning, to learn from her son th
g result of his mission to the widow
r but Joe was silent and pensive, avoidin
he his mothers eye, and keeping away fror
ut the house as much as possible. Late
< the evening he carefully dressed himse
he in his best suit, and with a look of dete
e. mination stamped upon his features, l
m once more set out to visit the tickle NJ
linda.
r He found her at home and alone.
ne Hope you spent an agreeable evenir
e yesterday remarked Joe, after he hs
nd passed the usual compliments, and sea
a ed himself near the young lady.
oh, yes, I did, 1 assure you,' was tt
y, reply.
no 'Mr. Sparks, I should say, is vel
lis entertaining young man.
a Joe didn't think anything of the kin
lat but quate the contrary.
M 'He is indeed responded Melinda.
tIyi Joe looked anything but pleased
no this encomium on bis rival, and sat f
en- some moments in utter silence.
, a length he turned to the young lady al
ter spoke:
ed 4 came here last evening he sa
he with the intention of speaking to you
n particular subject, but I found you
to engaged that 1 determined to call aga
Tx to night, and $3.50
.da Here you are said Melinda, smili
nv at his embarrassment.
Yes here l am. And now that I
er- here I'll tell YOU what l have come