Middletown transcript., 1876-10-07
used to it; I had no taste in that direc
tion.'
'Oh, then you stopped in town.

oh, then you stopped in town
Business. I s'pose, 6rst-rate there
Yes; a young man Of talent will SOC
engage himself in profitable emplo!
ment.' ~
Then 1 s'pect you must have dor
extraordinarily WE'LL in a tone that
intended should be sarcastic.
Oh replied the other, laughing
a meaning way, and winking with on
eye at the young lady, who appeared I
take and enjoy it accordingly-'as fc
that matter, 1 can't complain. l thin
I improved my chance-I rather thin
1 did. No, l can't complain, by an
means
Then why didn't you stay longer
You weren't gone but short time; yo
should have stayed year or two more
and made yourself Independent
Perhaps I'm independent already;
say perhaps. Of course, cant tel
the exact amount made-that, 1 think
is quite unnecessary. #t
oh, quite
And. perhaps. too, there were at
fractions in this part of the world a
alluring as gold
He looked knowingly at Melinda 81
be spoke, and gave her another wink
which that young lady seemed to relish
though she blusned and seemed won
derfully embarrassed for moment
Joe noticed what occurred, and didn'
fancy the course affairs seemed to b.
takine. He knew that he should feel
and appear peculiarly savage if be re-
NAMED much longer, and be hinted i.
was about time for him to be going
and what seemed to enrage him more
than all else, Melinda appeared to be ol
the same mind, for she offered no oh
lection. So he took his hat and de-
parted with irmness in bis step and
bitterness in his heart.
Il don't like the looks of things al
all,' be muttered to himself, as be
walked on through the dark; she il
altogether too tender to that chap to be
agreeable to me- If he has, not turned
her head, then there is a mistake some
where I don't believe he has brought
enough money from California to buy a
rope to hang himself. He is after the
widder's farm now, to make it up, I'll
bet my hat. Yes, sir, he means to
catch Melinda, and I've been fool
enough to wait until this time to come
to final point. But perhaps it amt
too late yet maybe she will consent to
have me yet, i'll lose no time in asking
her, I'll try it. VOW l will I'll 90
over again tomorrow and have the
thing settled
And, having come to this conclusion,
be hurried forward, and soon after was
dreaming of Melinda Martin, the Wild
dow, himself, and an infinite number of
Reuben Sparkses, who were chasing
him up steep bill, and endsavoriug to
beat his brains ont with bars of Califor-
mia gold.
Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious
next morning to learn from her SON the
result of his mission to the widows,
but Joe was silent and pcnsive, avoid
ing his mothers eyes, and keeping
away from the house as much as posi-
Bile. Late in the evening be carefully
dressed himself in his best suit, and,
with look Of discrimination stamped on
his features, be once more determined
to visit the tickle Melinda.
He found her at home and alone.
Hope you spent an agreeable even
ing yesterday remarked Joe, after be
had passed the usual compliments. and
seated himself near. the lady.
'Oh, yes, l did, I assure you,' was
the reply.
Mr.. Sparks, I should say. was very
entertaining young man.
Joe didn't think anything of the
kind, but quite the contrary.
He is. indeed, very interesting, re-
piled Melihda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at
this encomium on bis rival, and sat for
some moments in utter silence.
At length be turned to the Young
lady and said:
I came here last evening with the
intention of speaking to you on a par
ticular subject, but / found you so en-
gagged that determined to call again
tonight, and $685.
Here you are,' said Melinda, smil-
ing at his embarrassment.
Yes, here I am. And now that I
am here. I'll tell you at once what I
came for. You know l love you; I've
told you as much more'n onoe, and I've
f1attered myself that I weren't indiffer-
ent to you. But now wish you to tell
me if you really love me in return, and
il | may hope to make you my wife
Will you marry me 2
Joe. having arrived at this i'm mportant
question, looking tender and appealing
y into her face, and breathlessly waited
her reply-she colored slightly and bent
her eyes to the floor.
You are quite right in supposing
that you are not Indifferent to me, for |
regard you very highly she said J
Then all my fears have been ground
|essp uttered Joe, exultingly.
But then,' continued the lady, Il
cannot very we'll grant your wishes re-
garding"-
What cried Joe, his countenance
changing
L cant very we'll marry you!
And why can't you? I'd like to
know what is to hinder your marrying
me if you think enough Of me-
There is enc reason in particular
What is it?'
I'm engaged to another
Joe turned pale.
Sparks. he cried !; tell me-tell me,
is it Sparks 2
'Well-and if it is?'