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

Mrs. Ch1ckWeed was most ANXIOUS next morn=
ing to learn from her son the result of his mis-
sion to the widows, but Joe was silent and pen
sive, avoiding his mothers eye and keeping
away from the house as much as possible. Late
in the evening he carefully dressed himself in his
best suit, and with look Of determination
stamped upon his features, he once more set out
to visit the tickle Melinda.
He found her at home and alone
Hope you spend an agreeable evening yes
terday, remarked Joe, after he had pasted the
usual compliment, and seated himself near the
young lady
"Oh, yes, did, assure you," was the re-
ply.
Mr.. Sparks, | should say, is very enter
tanning young man."
Joe didn't think anything ofthe kind but quite
the contrary
He is, indeed, )" responded Melinda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at this
enconium on his rival, and sat for some mo-
ments in utter silence. At length he turned
to the young lady and spoke:
/ came here last evening"" he said, with
the intention of speaking to you on particular
subject, but found you so engaged that de-
termined to call again tonight, and so-so---''
/" You are here" said Melinda, smiling at his
embarrassment.
" Yes here am. And now that I am here,
I'll tell you what have come for. You know
love you. Iye told you as much more'n once,
and I've fattered myself that | waren't indiffer-
ent to you. But now / wish you to tell me if
you really love me in return, and if | may hope
to make you my wife. Will you marry me ~
Joe having arrived at this important question,
looked tenderly and appealingly into her face,
and breathlessly awaited her reply. She col
ored slightly and bent her eyes to the ground.
You are quite right, she said ''in suppos-
ing that your are not Indifferent to me for / re-
gard you very highly"
Then all my fears have been groundless p
uttered Joe exultingy.
But" continued the lady, - cannot very
well grantsyour wish concerning"
"What !" cried Joe, his countenance suddenly
changing.
81 cannot very well marry you !"
g And why can't you? I'd like to know
what's to hinder your marrying me if you think
enough Of me-"
There issone reason in particular"
What is it,"
G am engaged to another Y
Joe turned pale.
I>oo LII,
We'll, and if it is?"
~ knew it Blast him, l knew what he was
after
II don't know that Mr.. Sparks has acted in
any way as he should not" remarked the young
lady warmly.
"He's cheatin' villain !" replied Joe indig-
nantly.
You don't know him; he's nothing of the
kind
It's you that don't know him; but you will
before long. I've been deceived and / amt
afeard to say So continued he snatching his
/ hat its the money he pretends to have that's
lost nae a wife but when you want to touch it.
Just as likely as not you wont be able ("
lie rushed from the the house as he uttered
these words, and hurried homeward. He found
his mother stillup, aud was eagerly interrogated
by her as to the luck he met with. He told hel
all, and little coincidence was she enabled t.
offer to him in return.
j For two or three days following, Joe Chick
weed said very little, but he thought much. One
morning he met his mother with a smiling face
and sort of triumphant look. The old lady
was somewhat astonished in the sudden change
in her sons manner
4 q What on airths the matter now, Joe 2" sale
She; hope you amt going to go crazy"
i mot by long shot, replied Joe; II aim
quite SO big fool as that 2"
4 /" Then what ais you Z"
"Oh, I've got it all arranged at last-Iy'
got 'em now"
'1Who? What ~
d "Why, Melinda and that vagabone Reuber
Sparks ha ha II surprise HIM"
/, Well, how are you going to do it,"
Oh, its all right" said Joe, laughingly
) III do -darnedif don't I'll fix the sneak
ing cutter !"