Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-12-23
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"And perhaps, too, there were attractions
in this part of the world as alluring as gold" D"
He looked knowingly at Malipda as be
spoke, and he gave her another wink, which
that young lady seenedto relish, though she
blushed and appeared wonderfully embar.
rassed for moment. Joe noticed what oc-
cured, and didn't at all fancy the course
affairs seemed to be>sitting. He knew that
be should feel and appear peculiarly savage,
if he remained much longer, and 30 he hint
ed that it was about time for him to be 60
ing, and what served to enrage him more
than aught else, Malinda appeared to be Of
the same mind, for she offered no objection.
So be took his hat anG departed, with firm
ness in his step and bitterness in his heart
II don't like the looks of things at all, |"
he muttered to himself as he walked on
through the dark 'sshe's altogether too ten
der with that chap, to be agreeable to me-
If he has not turned her head, then there's
a mistake somewhere. don't believe he
has brought money enough from California
to buy rope to 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 Ma
linda, and I've been fool enough to wait all
this time before coming to final point But
perhaps it amt too late yet," he added, after
few moments reflection; "maybe she'll
consent to have me yet, if I lose no time in
asking her-Pll try it, VOW will. I'll 60
over again tomorrow, and have the thing
settled"
And having come to this conclusion, he
hurried forward, and soon after was dream
ing of Malinda Martin, the widow, himself,
and an infinite number of Reuben Sparks,
who were endeavoring to chase him up q
steep hill, and beating his brains out with
bars of California gold.
Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious next
morning to learn from her son the result Of
his mission to the widows, but Joe was 81.
lent and pensive; avoiding his mothers eye,
and keeping away from the house as much
as possible. Late in the evening, he care
fully dressed himself in his best suit, and
with look of determination stamped upon
his features he once more set out to visit the
tickle Malinda.
He found her at home and alone.
"Hope you spent an agreeable evening
remarked Joe, after he had pass
ed the usual compliments, and seated him:
self near the young lady.
- Oh, yes, I did, I assure you," was the re-
ply.
"Mr Sparks should say is very enter
tanning young man"
Joe didn't think any thing of the kind ;
but quite the contrary.
"He is, indeed" responded Malinda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at this
eucomium on his rival, and sat for some mo-
ments in utter silence. At length be turned
to the young lady and spoke:
81 came here last evening"" he said,
"with the intention of speaking to you on
particular subject, but I found you so en-
gagged that I determined to call again to-
night, and so-so"-
"Here you are," said Malinda, smiling at
his embarrassment.
"Yes, here I am. Aud now that I'm here,
I'll tell you what have come for. You
know love you. I told you as much more'n
once, and I've aattered myself that I weru't
Indifferent to you. But now wish you to
tell me if you really love me in return, and
if I may hope to make you my wife. Will
you marry ME 2"
Joe, having arrived at this important
question, looked tenderly and appealingly
into her face, and breathlessly awaited her
reply. She colored slightly and bent her eyes
to the ground.
"You are quite right" she said, Gin sup
posing that you were not indifferent to me,
for 1 regard you very highly.
"Then all my fears have been groundless," i"
uttered Joe, exultingIy.
"But," continued the lady, 81 cannot
very we'll grant your wish regarding"-
"What!" cried Joe, his countenance sud-
denly changing.
81 cannot very we'll marry you"
"And why can't you? I'd like to know
what's to hinder your marrying me if you
think enough eff me"
"There is one reason in particular"
"What is it?"
"I'm engaged to another"
Joe turned pale.
"Sparks," he cried--"tell me, is it
Sparks?"
"Well, and if it is"-
ri know it. Blast him I know what
he was AFTER"
ri don't know that Mr.. Sparks has acted
in any way as he should not" remarked the
young lady, warmly.
"He's cheatin' william" replied Joe,
indignantly.
"You don't know him; he's nothing Of
the kind"
dts you that don't know him but you
will, before long. I've been deceived, and
I amt afraid to say SO" continued he, snatch
ing up his hat; otis the money he pretendE
to have that's lost me a wife but when you
want to touch it, just as like as not you won''
be able"
He rushed from the house as he uttered
these words, and hurried homeward. He
fo,nJ b;o notbor still mn and Was eagerly