The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1881-04-21
entire satisfaction of all parties. The

entire satisfaction OF all parties. The
affair took place in the morning, at the
residence of the bride, and at the hour of
noon all the guests, with the exception
of Joe Chickweed, departed. Why he
remained so long, it puzzled the newly
married to surmise, as they had not sup
posed be would be present at all. Joe
took it very easily, however, and seemed
| quite embarrassed by the occasional BAN
tering of the happy Sparks.
"S'pose," said Joe, addressing himself
to the newly made husband, as they
were assembled in the parlor together,
II s'pose you'll take up your residence
in the village right away-buy you a
nice house and live fashionably?"
20, no." replied j Mr., sparks-"dOn't
"What! Well, now, I calc'late you
don't have any idea Of settling on farm ?
you amt used to that work, you
know" go
"Don't know but I may" said Sparks,
assuming careless air and. tone; coming
on hot weather, you know, and living in
town is bore in Summer. Yes, I think
I shall try country life for while. Amt
in the best of health, and farm life may
improve me-" s,-,,.
,aWell,". responded Joe, deliberately,
"can't, say thats1'm sorry you're goingto
stay with US. think myself that it
would be to your benefit to work on a
farm for q while; and we'll make it as
comfortable for you as We can"
Mr.. Sparkle looked at him.. They then
looked at one another and laughed.
'sNo doubt" remarked Mr.. Sparks,
"you'll make very agreeable neighbor
very agreeable indeed" -
ooh, we'll be nearer than neighbors a
good sight-of course we will" said Joe,
glancing with look of intelligence to-
wards the former widow.
Again: Mr. and Mrs. Sparks glanced
at one another, but this time they
didn't laugh.
G"What do. you mean?" they asked,
simultaneously.
sob, excuse me; forgot that you
didn't know what had transpired. The
fact u.s., the widow here. and myself, taking
mutual liking 10 each other, were mar.
.ried last nightl We should have invited
you to the wedding, but we knew you
were engaged"--
"What! married. p cried Mr.. Sparks,
springing to his feet, while look of hor.
ror oyerspread his features. His wife sat
pale as q ghost, utterly unable to speak
word.
"Certaiuly, married." said Joe, cool
"Is:thiss 80 ?ps he, inquired, turning to
| the late widow.
replied.
| upon-deceived. And you knew of this
also, and led me on!' he continued in a
violent tone, addressing his wife. "You
worked to net me, while this internal
cheat gets all the property"
"No-it's not SOL exclaimed Malinda,
bursting into tears. t'L knew nothing of
it ;sandS thought you ,narriedime for my
self, and not for my money-7you pre-.
tended to have enough of that yourself"
Reuben Sparks smiled sickly and
scornful smile.
cts even as I thought. His moneys
so deep in the bank that he'll never be
able to dig it out" remarked Joe.
:"Yo uscheming- rascal !" "gasped Sparks,
looking as if it would be pleasant to eat
him entirely up body and bones.
"Oh, fire away ! it don't hurt any and
I'ye got long lease of the farm.
."You scoundrelI'
"And the horses and steers"
ooh, you miserable cheat!
"And the fixins generally
"Foolw
"And moreover" continued Joe, assu-
ming d more sober and sterner, tone, and
grasping Sparks firmly by the, collar as
be spoke, "Among other things, I've got
a word or two of advice for you. You
married ;Malinda in the expectation of
stepping into a. snug ittle.-property,
palming yourself off as a man of means
to accomplish your end. You are ethe real
schemer, but part Of your scheme has
failed. Take my advice, and it will he
we'll with you. Use your wife as you
should-go to work like a mainland
strive to be an honest one And finally,
don't let me hear you make use ofany more
such expressions as you just now bestowed
on me or IN thrash you within an inch of
your life |" Remember" added Joe,
giving him shake, as terrier would
rat, "you're my son now, 'cording to
law, and you must have slight respect
for your father"
Rueben Sparks seemed to come at once
to his senses, and after little reflection
concluded that the advice he had re-
ceived was, upon the whole, the best
he could act upon; and many years
thereafter Joe Chlckweed looked upon
him as most valuable assistant.