The Springdale news., 1889-08-30

won't want to spend any more money than she can help. That's a great thing"
 And the squire brushed his lank hair more carefully than ever over the glossy dome of his bald cranium, and considered seriously the propriety of dying his grizzy beard
 Mother" said John Scarsby, that day, ''it isn't right for you to do all the homework by yourself It's too much for you. <"
 La. John, do hope you ain't thinkin' of hirin' help"' exclaimed Mrs. Scarsby, in dismay. "Of all the shiftess, idle, wasteful things
 We've got to do something, moth- CT, said John. II cant let you work your self out It was all true. John Scarsby had said the same thing time and again to his mother; but he said it now with genuine earnestness, looking at her as he did so, and secretly wondering how he should break to her the tid- ings of an impending daughter-in-law And Naomi Nutting, of all persons, the woman whom Mrs. Scarsby all ways designated as that poor forlorn old maid.
 John was brave man, but there are more kinds of courage than one.
 Mrs. Scarsby cried over the butter beans she was cutting up for dinner
 'l won't have a help in the house, " thought she. If John really wants a woman around, why can't he get married? And don't know no smart CT girl than Naomi Nutting. I've a great mind to go over and see if she can't break that ere contract with Squire Bagshot l wish dared to speak right out to John about it. He used to like Naomi, but men are queer.
 Naomi had just come in from weed ing her late-onion patch the next even ing, when the squire arrived, all in his best
 Good evening, squirc," said Miss Nutting, Sit down till I light the lamp"
 Don't light it." said the squire, sheepishly. I'm partial to the twi- light.
 II ain't," said Naomi. q mostly like to see what I'm doing. You've come about business, suppose?"
 '.Ahem yes" admitted the squire Although he had told himself all day long that Naomi Nutting would certainly jump at his offer he could not subdue a certain nervousness at the last moment Very important business!'
 Rat-tat-tat-t-t-t! came a knock on the panels of the lilac-shaped front door.
 John Scarsby. arriving close on the heels of the squire, had perceived the necessity for immediate action.
 He was flushed, and breathed hard with rapid walking, but he had , screwed his courage up.
 Naomi, said he, "can speak to you for one minute?"
 Naomi, holding the lamp in one hand, stared hard at him.
 I'm engaged just now" said she.
 "Engagcd?"
 Squire Bdgshot is here. e."
 Fl won't keep you long, said John. II only want one word
 Any thing happened?' questioned Naomi
 "No, but" John drew a quick breath of vexation and embarrass- ment. Will you hear me out, Naomi?"
 The squire, in the front room, cleared his throat loudly as Naomi conducted John into the back kitchen.
 Now, then. said she. What is it?"
 Did ever lover woo maiden before under such discouraging circumstances as these?
 John fixed his cycs 4on the copper boiler, and blurtcd out his tender confession at once
 It was an awkward proceeding, but it was inevitable.
 Naomi" said he. Il want a wife. Will you have me?'
 No, thankee, John" said Miss Nutting.
 John stared at her, and uttered a gasp.
 What did you say9" stammered he.
 Fl said no.'
 I'm too late, am IF" he uttered, despairingly.
 Well, yes, you are.
 Hadn't you better think it owe ?"
 Well. it wouldn't be no use"
 John went away completely dum- founded, and Naomi went back to the squire.
 What business could that young man possible have with you, Naomi?' asked the squire little fretfully,
 "It was private, said Naomi, con- posedIy.
 Naomi, " said MT. Bagshot, plung- ing hcadlong into the subject, I'm thinking of getting married.'
 Are you?' said Naomi, somewhat amazed.
 I'm tired of Twin solitary and alone and i don't know Of nobody like better than you" added Squire Bag5hot.
 Much obliged to you, I'm sure, v said Naomi.
 Do you think you could learn to love me?" said the squire, his hard features galvanized into unwonted tenderness.
 T dunno whether ] could or not. :" said Naomi, but don't mean to try"
 ''Eh?" jerked out tho squire.
 I'm engaged already" explained Naomi.
 "To that-shiftless young Scarsby?"
 "IIe ain't particularly shiftless as l know of," observed Naomi But it ain to him, as it happens
 If you're really engaged" said the squire, of whose character delicacy was hv no means prominent trait