Maysville weekly bulletin. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1864-1866, 1864-08-18

next morning from her son the result of hi
mission to the widows, but Joe was silen
and pensive, avoiding his mothers eye, and
keeping away from the house as much a;
possible. Late in the evening he dress ID
himself in his best suit, and with look o.
determination stamped upou his features, he
at once set out to visit the fickle Melinda
He found her at home and alone.
Hope you spent an agreeable evening
yesterday says Joe, after he had passed the
usual compliments. and seated himself near
the young lady.
oh, yes, did. Mr.. Sparks is very en-.
tertaining young man.
Joe didn't think anything of the kind ,but
quite to the contrary. at length he turned
to the young lady and spoke:
Il came here last evening" he said, with
the intention of speaking to you on a par
ticular subject. but found you engaged that
L determined to call again tonight. and so
So
Here you are,' said Melinda, smiling at
his embarrassment.
Yes, here l am. And now that I am
here, I'll tell you what | have come for
Y on know l love you, and now I wish you
to tell me if you really love ms in return,
and if l may hope TO make you my wife
Will you marry me?
Joe having arrived at this important ques-
ton. looked appealngly into her face, and
awaited her reply. She colored slightly,
and bent her h cad to the ground.
You are quite right said she. lin sup
posing that you are not Indifferent to me,
for | regard you very highly. But 1 cannot
very we'll marry youh
And why can't you? I'd like to know
what's to hinder your marrying me if you
think enough of me?
I'm engaged Ia another?
Joe turned pale.
'Sparks!' he cried. Blast him, l know
what he was after. He's cheatn' villajn!'
replied Joe Indignantly.
You don't know anything OF the kindn
It's you that don't know; but you will
before long; you've been deceived, and
Amt afraid to say So continued he snatch
ing up his hat; 'It's the money he pretends
to have got that's lost me a wife; but when
you want to touch it, just as like as not You
won't be abe.'
He rushed from the house as he uttered
these words, and hurried homeward. He
found his mother still up, ;and was eagerly
INTERCEPTED nv her as to the luck he had
met with He told her all, and little con-
dolence was she able to Offer him in returu.
For two or three days following, Joe
Chickweei said little, but thought much
Oae morning he met his mother with a
smiling face and a sort Of triumph in his
look The old lady was somewhat sur
prispd at the sudden change in her sons
manner.
'Why, what on airth's the matter now,
Joe?' said she; hope you amt going crazy;
what ails you?
o, I've got it all arranged at laSt-I'vo
got 'em now.
'Who9-what?
%. us all right, said Joe, laughingly;
I'll FIX the sneaking critterl
But how-how, Joe? Can't you speak
out?
We'll, now, I'll tell you all about it, be-
gan Joe, assuming a more serious tone.-
You know the widder has always favored
my keeping company with Melinda.
well?
And do believe she is desperately down
on that fellow Sparks coming into her
family.
Yes
In that case she wouldn't likely very viii
lingy let her property 60 into his hands.
But 'cording to the will of old Mr.. NJ lar
tin, the property amt to go ont of her hands
till she is deal.
Just so-but Sparks would have all the
benefit. Aud now I'm coming to the point
it's Just wbere I'm going TO floor Sparks
Well, do let me- hear! .-
The widow Martin herself amt bad
looking woman! Joe remarked in a sort of
a mysterious tone of voice, Slancing at his
mot hers face.
No-but what's that got to do with the
matter? replied the old lady very impatient
ly.-
And she amt very old neither, continued
he, with the same air.
WHY she can't be more than forty.
So should think; and she has a good
chance of living forty more.
Well, aud what of that?
Just this. sid Joe, leaning over to catch
his mothers ear, I'll marry the wiider!
Joe was as good as his word. He sought
the widow, and made his proposal. She
was more astonshed than she knew how to
express, but was more grati6sd than aston
ished.
The evening before the nuptials of Sparks
and Melinda, the preparations for the cere
mony on the ensuing evening were COM
! peted. When darkness fairly set in, and
! Melinda was so occupied with the company
and conversation of her soon to. be- US band
as to be completely oblivious to all else. Mrs
Martin cautiously left the house, and meet
ing Joe near at hand, she fastened with
/ him to the residence of the Chickweeds.-
| The minister, who had been duly admonish
ed to secrecy was in attendance, and in les
/ than half an hour thereafter. Joe was mar
| ried man.
The wedding passed off the next day t
the satisfaction of all parties. The afai
took place 10 the morning at the residence
! of the bride, aud at the hour of noon, all the
guests, with the exception of Joe Chick
weed, departed. Why he remained 50 long
/ it puzzled the newly married pair to sur
mise, as they supposed he would not be pre-
sent at all. Joe took it very easily, however
and seemed quite unemba-rassed by the oc