The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1878-10-31

CHAPTER v.
Captain Emerson was not looked for
at home for another fortnight. For the
second time in the not very autiquated
history Of the State OF Oregon, he had
been chosen as a representative in the
halls Of legislation, and, according TO
his party's verdict, he was an adept in
craftsmanship. It is true that this ver-
dict was only agreed upon by the ma
iority representing his particular parti-
SAN organization, but that majority was
600 liciently large TO keep him in
pi minent political position, so the old
gentleman looked upon himself as OF
r ht entitled to such respectful cousid-
efation as would place him above the
1mmon herd.
have said that he was not looked forat
home foranother fortnight; but it so hap
pened that when Friday evening came, it
brought with it House resolution to
adjourn, which passed unanimously,
leaving the rubicund Captain suhi
ciently at leisure to enable him to re-
turn 10 his family and remain with
them over the sabbath
Towser, Sueezer and Ragged Tail had
scented their masters approach from
afar, and were filling the morning air
with exclamations Of joy and welcome
which Mrs. Emerson well understood.
Mother, foI heavens sake can't you
make the dogs be quiet ?'' asked Lille,
her eyes swapping.
They're welcomiu' your pap, my
child, and it pears it won't be long
afore there's nobody else 10 welcome
him but them and me" was the tremu-
lOus reply, as Mrs. Emerson hustled
anew about the cooking-stove; for she
well knew her lord would want his
breakfast, late as the hour was, and it
was the paramount aim Of her life to
serve him faithfully.
Nonsense 60 said Lille, testify.
'Father isn't coming home to-day"
Its Saturday, child; and I'm sure,
ifthere's a heart i'm him that reaches
out half as strong after his gals as it ort
he'll feel there's somethin' in the air."
you're true prophet, mother
niue" said The graceful Alouzo, with a
little laugh, "ior see him coming now
He's already well over the brow Of the
hill"
I'm mighty glad" remarked the
faithful wife, with a sigh Of relief, "for
he can settle this marryin' business"
"Is it not already settled, so far as We
are concerned ?'' asked the willy suitor
with a tender smile.
81 can't do nothin' positive without
pap's approval Ny consent is only
conditional" and the busy housewife
drowned the forthcoming reply Of be
son-in-law-to-be with a elatter of egg
beating, aud be and Grace adjourned q
Gle yet disordered sitting-roOm.
Alonzo Snowden, for almost the frs
time in his life, felt in at ease. sub
timely self-assured as he had felt an,
acted in the presence of the faithful
d0wager, he realized that Emerson per
would be a much more formidable oppo
nent, and he was not prepared Il
meet him on such short acquaintanc
with reference 20 such a subject.
There's no help for it," said Grace
ia response TO his expression Of timid
ity. "Tbe quicker you've spoken, th
sooner twill be over with"
"But suppose he should refuse &
favor my suit with his approval?"
"l'd marry you anyhow"
"Would you ,"
"Yes."
"Aud feel that you were doinI
right?"
81 would"
"But he would probably disinheri
you"
81 wouldn't care"
''The deuce you wouldn't ~ exclaime
the ahidnced husband, sotto rocc. 'Tu
sure Of one thing, and that is that 7
have DO use for wife without a patri
mouy"
But Grace Emerson did not hear, an
she certainly did not fancy that sue
thoughts We're coursing through he
lovers brain. Herself possessed Of
uoolei Beuelous nature, she did nc
dream that fate was hurryinr her on n
ward a Suion with man who wopl
sometime seem to her as dead ass
upon her bones. To her newl
awakened love sense, her suitor was
hero. There was not a noble attribu
or aspiration in her. strong woman n
ture with which she did not clothe hir
SO, when he stood before her, sile
and motionless, ruminating with
himself as we have seen, she misto
his silence for sentiment, and his n
tionless attitude for unspeakable ada
ration Of herself
Captain Emerson, followed by I
bevy Of admiring dogs, alighted
front Of bis barn-yard, and, enteriu
encountered John Anders, who, havi
saddled his horse preparatory to a d
comfited departure, was just ready
mount and take himself TO his dista
home.