Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-01-29

to fnd out If it ives the widow aud her
daughter.
never had an idea Of it before" said
a voice, which he recognized as CharIey'- 4;
" not the least in the world. He said he
hadn't thought anything about it until to-
day. ! couldn't hud out who be had ia
view. | hope it isn't old Miss Sharp
She'd like to get somebody
The Squire burst into proiuse perspira-
ton at the idea Of having Miss Sharp for
wife.
/" lie said he didn't sec as ever intend
ed to get married. went on Charley. " |
didn't tell him had got me a wife picked
out, but | wanted to. am sure he'd APP
prove my taste In making selection"
What nonsense 90 laughed clear
pleasant voice Ruth's voice, the Squire
knew the moment he heard il. " If am
going to be your wife want you to quit
aul hing at me in that sly way, pretending
you are hittering me all the time :"
" His wife Good gracious J"
The Squire was SO taken by surprise
that be came near dropping his siraWber.
ries So it was all settled between them
Aud he had come near proposing to hi,
sons intended wife He felt cold ili over,
st the thought Of it, How lucky that be
did not take Charley into his confidence,
and tell him whom he had concluded 10
marry.
" declare" exclaimed the Squire, Give
made a mistake this time, sure enough.
The rascal got the start Of me- I'd Ike
to know what I'm to do2 "l've told him
that intended to get married, and it
don't he'll likely as not mistrust something
Dear me :"
The Squire was in trouble. Another
bright thought occurred to him. There
was the widow After all she would be
more suitable for him than Ruth would
have been. She was somewhere near biz
own age. A foe woman. A smart wo-
man. She would make fue mistress for
his empty house. Why shouldn't be mar.
ry her, since he could hot have her daugl-
ter2
"Tll do it," exclaimed the Squire, bound
to 60 through with the matter since he had
got so far. an do it,"
He knocked The door was opened by
the widow, rouud.cheekcd, rosy aud smi.
ing.
why, Squire Dudley! Good evening"
she exclaimed " hardly knew yod ut frst,
you haven't been here in so long. Come
in; take this rocking. chair, aud let me
take your hat"
The widow hustled about aud got the
Squire a chair and deposited his hat on the
table before he happened to think Of his
basket.
90! Ruth told me your strawberry crop
had proved a failure, so thought I'd run
over aud bring you few. Strawberry
short-cake don't 20 bad this time Of year.
I'm a thousand times Obliged to you,
said the widow, taking the basket. was
so provoked TO think the hens should spoil
mine. Such a nice lot as would have
had"
"If you want any preserves, come over
and get EN-" said the Squire. We've
plenty Of EN-. Mrs Browu-she won't do
anything with EN-, except as we use them
in the season of them, | suppose
want to know !" exclaimed the widow.
You ought ohave them done up. They're
so nice in the winter. would like to get
some for jan; aud il Mrs. Brown won't
take care Of them, IN do them up on
shares"
81 wish you would" said the Squire.
" Things are all going to wreck aud ruin
about my place. 'faint to be expected
hired woman will take any interest inuiilifs;"
aud here be sighed deeply.
"No; that's 30"
1t was strange that the Squire had not
found out how things we're going to wreck
and ruin before Mrs. Brown had been
there ever since Mrs. Dudley died.
The Squire and the widow kept up very
brisk conversation, and at the end Of an
hour he was more deeply in love with the
widow than her daughter, and began to won.
der how he had been so blind as to overlook
such delightful woman so long.
BY and by the widow hustled out, and
presently came back with pitcher Of last
years cider and plate Of cake.
Do have something to eat and drink -
urged the widow. ." II I'd known you were
coming I'd have made cherry pie. /
remember you used to like my cherry pies. "
IL wish you'd come and make cherry
pies for me all your lile," burted out the
Squire, turning very red in the face again
Ill came to ask you to marry me, Mrs.
Lee"
After which innocent falsehood the Squire
felt decidedly relieved.
I'm sure I'd as leave marry you as any
man." answered the widow, bushing, aud
looking as pretty as a rose.
" Its all settled then" cried the delighted
Squire, and kissed her plump on her lips JUS
as the door opened aud Clarke aud Rutl
came in
ALLOW me to make you acquainted with
my new housekeeper" said the Squire
bowling very low to hide his red face
"Aud allow me topressnt my wife--that
is to be-" answered Charlie. +" You tax,
the mother and Ill take the daughter"
l am happy to say that under the " new
administration" things are not going tC
wreck ana ruin.