Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-08-20

young lady seemed 20 relish. though she
bushed and appeared wonderfully ombarrass-
ell for q moment. Joe noticed what occurred,
and didn't at all fancy the course affairs seem
ed to be setting. He knew that he should
feel and appear peculiarly savage if he re-
NAMED much longer, and so he limited that it
was about time for him to be going and
what served to enrago him moro than aught
else. Melinda appeared to be Of the same
mind. for she offered no objection. So he
took his hat and departed with frmncss in
his step and bitterness in his heart.
81 don't like the looks Of things at all, he
muttered to himself as he walked on through
the dark "she's altogether too tender with
that chap to be agreeable to me. If he has not
turned her head then there IS a mistake some
where. / don't believe he has brought money
enough from California 20 buy a rope to hang
him. Hes after the widdcrs farm now, to
make It up, I'll bet my hat. Yes, sir be
means TO catch Melinda, and I've been fool
enough to wait till this time before coming to
q final point But perhaps it amt too late
YETI he added after few moments roacc-
tion maybe she'll consent to have me yet, il
] lose no time in asking her. I'll try 10, !
vow | will. TIL go over again tomorrow.
and have the thing settled"
And having come to this conclusion, he
hurried forward, and soon after was dream
ing Of Melinda Martin, tho widow, himself
and an infinite number Of Reuben Sparkses,
who were endeavoring TO- chas" him upa steep
bin. and beating his brains out with bars OF
California gold
Mrs. Chickwccd was most anxious, next
morning. % learn from her son the result OF
hs mission TO the widow s, 0ntJoe was silent
and pcusivo. avoiding his mothers eye, and
keeping away from the house as much as pos
siblc. Late in the evening he carefully dress
ed himself in bis best suit, and with look
Of determination stamped upon his features,
be once more set out to visit tho tickle Nc
linda
lie found her at home and alone.
Hope you spent an agreeable evening yes
terday, remarked Joe. after he had passed
the usual compliments, and seated himself
near the young lady.
80, yes, did, assure you, was the re-
ply.
"Mr Sparks, should say, is very enter
tanning Young man.
Joe didn think anything of the kind bot
quite the contrary.
"Ho is indeed. responded Melinda
joe looked ANYTHING but pleased of this en-
comium on bis rival, and sat for some mo-
mcnt' in utter silence. At length he turned
TO that young lady and spoke;
al came here last evening" he said, with
the intention Of speaking to you on partic-
ular subject. but found you so engaged that
determined to call again Tonight and So
So
Here you are, said Melinda smiling at
his embarrassment.
yes, here am. And now that I'm here,
I'll tell you what have come for. You
know love you. I've told you as much
moro'n once, and I've fattered myself that
worn't indifferent to you But now | wish
you to tell me if you really love me in return,
and II ! may hope to make you my wife
win you marry me y
Joe, having arrived ut this important qucs-
ton, looked tenderly and appcalingly into hen
face, and breathlessly awaited her reply. She
colored slightly, and bent her eyes to tho
/ ground.
"You are quite right she said. "in sup
! posing that you are not Indifferent to me, 70
regard YOU very highly
Then all my fears have been groundless !!
uttered Joe, exultingly
But continued the lady, 81 cannot yer,
well grant your wish regarding
What cried Joe, his countcnance sud
/ denly changing.
81 cannot very well marry you ~
And why cant you: I'd like to know
what's to hinder your marrying me if yoi
think enough Of me
There is one reason in particular"
"What is il;
"Im engaged to another"
Joe turned pale
"Sparks I" he cred-"tell nc, is it Sparks :
well, and if it is"
II knew it! Blast him, knew what h
was AFTER!
~ don't know as Mr. Sparks has acted il
| any way as he should not - remarked tn,
young lady, warmly.
Hes cheatiu villainl" replied Joe, in
dignanuy.
''You don't know him he's nothing Of tn
kind r.
"It's you that don't know him; but yo
will before long. I've been deceived, and
amt afraid to say so - confined he. snatch
ing up his hat ''it's the money that he pre-
tends to have that's lost me wife but whci
you want to touch it, just as like as not YOU
won't be able"
He rushed from the house as he uttere,
these words, and hurried homeward. II
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