The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-10-11

Clr1nS, as IL was quite n little walk TO the
village. Melinda at once asserted that
it was very early indeed, and he should
not think of leaving so soon whereupon
Mr.. Sparks was induced to stop q while
longer, and Mr.. Chickwee5 was secretly
enraged that Melinda should be 80 taken
up with the young sprig.
California became the topic of conver-
sation, and Reuben Sparks shone bril-
iantly in his descriptive accounts of the
country ald what he had done while
there.
"Then you weren't in the diggin's 2"
inquired Joe, in response to something
his rival had uttered.
"By no MEANS" replied Sparks,
loftily. 81 left the digging to those
who were used to it; had no taste in
that direction
"Oh, then you stopped in town !"
Certainly"
"Business. s'pose, first-rate there9"
Yes; n young man of talent will soon
engage himself in profitable employ
ment."
"Then I s'pect you must have done
extraordinarily well," in tone that he
intended should be sarcastic.
"Oh, replied the other, laughing in
meaning way, and winking with one
eye at the young lady, who appeared to
take and enjoy it accordingly" as for
that matter, I can't complain. think
improved my chance-I rather think
l did. No, I can't complain, by any
MEANS"
"Then why didn't you stay longer 2
You weren't gone but a short time; you
should have stayed year or two more,
aud made yourself independent"
Perhaps I'm independent already; I
say perhaps. Of course, can t tell you
the exact amount made-that, think,
il quite unnecessary"
".Oh, quite"
And, perhaps. too, there were at
tractious in this part of the world as
al!uring as gold.
He looked knowingly at Melinda as
hc spoke, and gave her another wink,
Which that young lady seemed to relish,
though she blushed and seemed Won
d'rfully embarrassed for moment.
J"o noticed what occurred, and didn't
fancy the course affairs seemed to be
liking. He knew that he should feel
and appear peculiarly savage if he re-
manned much longer, and he limited it
w"$ about time for him to be going
aud what seemed to enrage him more
t,'n all else, Melinda appeared to be of
tie same mind, for she offered no objec-
tin. So he took his hat and departed,
with frnlness in his step and bitterness
III his heart.
Il don't like the looks of things at
AL" he muttered to himself, as he
walked on through the dark; "she is al
together too tender to that chap to be
agreeable to me. If he has not turned
hny g s-ls L.
whore. don't believe he has brought
enough money from California to bny a
rore to hang himself. He is after the
widder's farm now, to make it up, III
bet my hat. Yes, sir, he means to catch
Melinda, and I've been fool enough to
wait until this time to come to a final
Poii t. But perhaps it amt too late vet !
mny be she will consent to have me vet,
If l lose no time in asking her. I'll try
it, l vow will. I'll go over again to-
morrow and have the thing settled"
And, having come to this conclusion,
he 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 a steep hill, and endeavoring to
beat his brains out with bars of Califor-
nin gold.
Mrs. Chickweed was most anxious
next morning to learn from her con the
result of his mission to the widows, but
Joe was silent and pensive, avoiding his
mothers eyes, 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 de-
termination stamped on his features. he
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 he
had passed the usual compliments, and
seated himself near the lady.
Oh, yes, did, 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 Melinda.
Joe looked anything but pleased at
this encomium on his rival, and sat for
some moments in utter silence.
At length he turned to the young lady
and said ::
81 came here last evening with the
intention of speaking to you on par
ticular subject, but found you 30 en-
gagged that determined to call again
tonight, and so-so"-
"Here you are," said Melinda, smil-
ing at his embarrassment.
Eyes, here am. And now that am
here, Ill tell you at once what I came for.
You know love you I've told you as
much more'n once, and I've flattered
myself that weren't Indifferent to you.
But now wish you to tell me il you
really love me in return, and if I may
hope to make you my wife. Will you
marry me :"