The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-05-12

Joe laughed and tItl. lett the room, ana soon
after he left the house, and made his way expe-
diately as the gloom would permit, towards the
residence Of the widow Martin. A light was
burning in the front ROOM but the window cur
tains were closely drawn, so that he could not
get view into the apartment as he passed
along the yard. He knocked at the door and
was admitted by the widow in person, who af-
ter inquiring benevoently after his health ush-
cred him into the parlor.
It was already occupied by two persons -
Melinda and Reuben Sparks, the latter young
man who recently returned to Springfield from
California, and who was looked upon with spe-
cial disfavor by the young farmer
Joe was welcomed by the young lady, not SO
cordially as Joe thought his due He was
greeted by Mr. Sparks in a sort Of joking con-
descending way, that raised the ire inwardly.
However, the conversation that followed was
apparently agreeable to all parties and the even
ing wore away till the widow retired, when Mr..
Sparks was intimated that it was perhaps time
for him to be returning, as it was quite a little
walk to the village Melinda at once asserted
that it was very early indeed, and he should not
think Of going so soon whereupon Mr.. Sparks
was induced to remain a while longer, and Mr..
Chickweed was secretly enraged that Melinda
should be so taken up with the company of a
young man.
and Reuben Sparks shone brilliantly in his de-
scriptiye accounts of the country, and what he
had done there.
" Then you weren't in the diggin's ?" inquired
Joe in response to something his rival had ut
tered.
BY no MEANS" replied Sparks, loftily
left digging to those that were used to it. I
hadn't taste that way"
'Oh then you stopped in town 2"
Certainly"
:" Business I spose, first-rate there z"
Yes, young man Of talent will soon engage
himse1fi in profitable employment.
"Then l spect you must have done extraordi-
Marty WE'LL" said Joe in tone he intended
should be sarcastic.
"Oh!" replied the other laughing in mean
ing way, and winkirg with one eye at the young
lady, who appeared to take" and enjoy it ac-
corddingly Y" as for the matter can't complain
think improved my chances-I rather think
| did. No, don't complain by no means"
Then why didn't you stay longer?" You
weren't gone but short time, you should have
stayed year or two more aud made yourself
independent"
perhaps ana independent already say
perhaps, Of course can't tell you the exact
amount-that, think is quite unnecessary"
:" Oh, quite"
And perhaps, too there were attractions
III this part Of the world as alluring as gold. y
He looked knowingly at Melinda as he spoke
and gave another wink, which that young lady
seemed to relish, though she blushed and appear
ed wonderfully embarrassed for the moment
Joe noticed what occtkd, and didn't at al
fancy the course affairs scenes to be taking =
He knew that he should feel and appear peculi-
arly savage, if he remained much longer and he
limited that it was about time for him to be go
ing-and what served to encourage him more
than ought else, Melinda appeared to be Of the
same mind, for she offered up objection, So he
took his hat and departed with frmness in his
step and bitterness in his heart.
Il don't like the look of things at al" he
muttered to himself, as he walked on through
the dark she's altogether too tender with that
chap to be agreeable with 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 to buy rope to hang
him. He's after the widder's farm, now, to
make it upon Melinda, and I've been fool enough
to wait till this time before coming to fina
point. But perhaps it amt too late yet !" h
added, after few moments reflection; may bt
she'll consent to have me yet if I lose no time il
asked her III try it, | VOW I will III g
over again tomorrow, and have the thing set
tied"
| And having come to the conclusion, he hurried
i forward, and soon after was dreaming Of Melin
da Martin, the widow, himself and an inGnit
| number of Reuben Sparkses, who were endeav
oring to chase him up steep hill, and beat hi
brains out with bars Of California gold