Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-08-13
MELINDA MARTIN /:
JOE CHICKWEED'S COURTSHIP.
BY LOUIS n. BURDICK.


let this night pass without finding out
just how I stand with Melinda Martin,
then I'm cow. She's always acted so
skittish there's been no getting around
her. like her and she knows it, and
I'm inclined 10 think she likes me but
she likes more than one string to her bow,
and l amt sure but she'd slip me any
minute if she could make a better bar
gain Maybe I'm doing her an injustice,
and I hope am; but she acts some
simes ike red coquette, and l don't
know what to make of her. But tonight
be added, fitting an immensely high
and an immensely wide brimmed hat up
ID his shining head, tonight I'll settle
tie matter-I'll cross the Ru5icon, if I
eet my boots full of water. Melinda amt
got bad speck and l might do worse
nost anywhere else
DO tell if it's come to that !! exclaimed
old Mrs. Chickweed, who had entered
the room, unnoticed by her son, 10 time
to hear his last senteuce-'well I've all
along had a notion that you was aimin'
in that ere direction
Joe turned red from his eye winkers
to bis ankles, and looked very sheepish.
He worked very busily too for a few sec
onds, with brushing some imaginary dust
from place between the shoulders Of
his coat, which he couldn't reach, but
said nothing.
There amt nothing to be ashamed on
Joe,' continued the loquacious old lady,
apparently greatly pleased at making the
discovery she had, and you spoke gos-
pei truth when you said you might do
worse elsewhere. Melinda's a nice gal
Well said Joe, gaining some courage
from his mothers manner, I'm glad you
think SO, for Pm bound to make her my
wife, If
'If what asked the old lady.
We'll, if everything's favorable
Don't you fear anything's agin it
You just do your duty Joe, and Melinda's
yourn. Remember the farm
1T is a fine farm, no mistake, said
the young man earnestly.
No better farm of its size in the whole
country than the Widder Martins 7 sale
Mrs. Chickweed, in an emphatic tone.
mo, 1 think not
sAnd then see how it is stocked two
yoke of the best steers in all these parts
besides their two horses; sayin' no thin!
Of the rest Of the critters. And, ofcours
they'n all go with Melinda when tn
widder's dead, and before, too, for you'll
90 right onto the farm as soon as yo
marry, and take charge oc everything
Its good opening, that's fact sal
Joe; but put higher value on Melin
da than all the property
And well you should; though th
farm and fxin's aint to be despised.'
tOh, l aint one to despise them
Joe laughed and left the room, an
made his way as expeditely as the glool
would permit, towards the residence {
the widow Martin. A light was burnin
in the front room, but the window Gu
tains were closely drawn, so that
could not get a view into the apartmel
as he passed along the yard. He knocl
ed at the door and was admitted by Il
widow in person, who, after inquiring b
nevolently after his health, ushered hi
into the parlor.
1t was already occupied by two pc
sons-Melinda and Reuben Sparks, Il
latter young, man who had recently +
turned to Springfield from California;
who was looked upon with special dist
yOr by the young farmer.
Joe was welcomed by the young lad
not so cordially as formerly, and by
means so cordially as Joe thought |
due. He was greeted by Mr.. Sparks in
sort of a joking, condescending way, th
raised the ire inwardly. However,the CO
yersation that followed was apparent
agreeable to all parties, and the event
wore away till the widow retired, VIII
Mr.. Sparks intimated that it was quite
little walk to the village,and he had bett
be returning. Melinda at once assert
that it was very early indeed, and
should not think of leaving so 500
Whereupon MIR. Sparks was induced
remain a while longer, and Mr.. Chit
weed was secretly enraged that Melin
should be so taken up with the eompa
OF young sprig.
California became the topic of cow
sa'lon, and Reuben Sparks shone br
iantiy in his descriptive accounts of |
country and what he had done there.