Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1860-03-22

Widder's dead, and before, too, for you
will go right on the farm as soon as you
marry, and take charge of everything.
"lt's a good opening that's fact"
said Joe; "but put higher value on
Melinda than all the property"
"And well you should; though the farm
and fixings amt to be despised-"
mo, l amt one to despisc them"
Joe laughed and left the room, and
soon after left the house, and made his
way as expeditiously as the gloom would
permit, towards the residence Of the Wild
ow Martin. A light was burning in the
front room, but the window curtains were
closely drawn, so that he could not get q
view into the apartment as he passed a
long the yard. He knocked at the door,
and was admitted by the widow in person
who after inquiring benevolently after his
health, ushered him into the parlor. 1t
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 special disfavor by
the young farmer.
Joe was welcomed by the young lady,
not so cordially as formerly, and by no
means so cordially as Joe thought his
due. He was greeted by Mr.. Sparks in a
sort of joking, condescending way, that
raised the ire inwardly. However, the
conversation that followed was apparent
ly agreeable to all parties, and the eve
ming wore away till the widow retired,
when Mr.. Sparks intimatcd that it was
perhaps time for him to be returning, as
it was quite little walk to the village
Melinda at once asserted that it was very
l early indeed, and he should not think of
leaving so soon; whereupon Mr.. Sparks
was induced to remain while longer,
: and Mr.. Chickweed was secretly enraged
that Melinda should be so taken up with
the company ofa young sprig.
, California became the topic Of conver-
sation, and Reuben Sparks shone bril-
liantly in his descriptive accounts of the
country, and what he had done there.
e "Then you wern't in the diggins?" in
quired Joe, in response to something his
rival had uttered.
$ "By no means;" replied Sparks, loftily.
81 left digging to those that were used to
it. I hadn't taste that way"
20, then you stopped in town."
# "Certainly"
"Business, spose, frstrate there?"
eyes. A young man Of talent will
8 soon engage himself in profitable employ
ment."
'then I 'spect you must have done ex
traordinary well!" said Joe, in a tone he
IS intended should be sarcastic.
"Oh" replied the other, laughing in g
J? meaning way, and winking an eye ut tht
Ill young lady, who appeared to "take' ant
enjoy it according ly-"as for that mat
r ter !. can't complain. think improv
~ my chances,--I rather think I did. No
" l don't complain, by no means"
al "Then why didn't you stay longer?-
,, You weren't gone but short time; yo'
III should have stayed year or two more
and made yourself independent"
ID "Perhaps / am Independent already;
vi say perhaps. OF course can't tell yo'
- the exact amount l made-that, think
ry is quite unnecessary"
40, quite"
G. "And, perhaps, too there were attrac
tions in this part of the world as allurin(
= as gold"
He looked knowingly at Melinda as h
spoke and gave her another wink, whicl
that young lady seemed to relish, thoug
= she blushed and appeared wonderfully EN-
barrassed for moment Joe noticed wha
r occurred, and didn't at all fancy the cours
l. affairs seemed to be taking. He kney
that he should feel and appear peculiarl
savage. he remained much longer, an
so he limited that it was about time 70
he him to be going; and what served to en-
nc rage him more than aught else, Melind
et seemed to be of the same mind, for sh
s. offered no objection. So he took his ha
On and departed, with frmness in his ste
~ and bitterness in his heart.
ig "I don't like the looks of things at a
IT, he muttered to himself, as he walked o
q through the dark; "she's altogether to
CT tender with that chap to be agreeable
he me. If he has not turned her head, the
T. there's mistake somewhere. don't b.
o lieve he has brought money enough fro,
g, California to buy rope to hang him.
III He's after the widder's farm now, t
inake IL up, IL DeI my ndt. ioo, OIL
n he means to catch Melinda, and I've bee
n, !, fool enough to wait till this time befoi
nj coming to final point. But perhaps
u amt too late yeti" he added after fe
- moments reflection; "may be she'll con
L sent to have me yet if I lose no time
asking her. I'll try it, vow | will
n I'll go over again tomorrow, and hay
ed the thing settled \"
ne And having come to this conclusion
all he hurried forward, and soon after wf
N dreaming of Melinda Martin. the widow
himself, and an infinite number OF Re'
to ben Sparkses, who were endeavoring
He chase him up steep hill, and beatir
&C. his brains out with bars of California gol
lst Mrs. Chickweed was most anxio,
his next morning to learn from her son Il
he result of his mission to the widows, b
Joe was silent and pensive avoiding h
of, mothers eye, and keeping sway from 1
iy, house as much as possible. Late in {
-he evening he carefully dressed himself in
-he best suit, and with look Of determin
do ton stamped on his features, he on
l." more set ont to visit the tickle Melind
ge He found her at home and alone.
lad Hope you spent an agreeable eveni
ler vesterday - ramarkad loo oftav he n