South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1889-11-15
the propris'y Of dyeins his grizzly

N~ys - scn ssSus tot ycu W 90 All
the housewstk BY yourself. It's too
much for you.' !.
liz. John. ] do hope you amt
thinkin' Of hirin' belpr exclaimed
Mrs. Scarsby, in dismay. or all the
shiftiess. idle. wasteful things -
We've got to do something moth.
err. said John. i can't let you work
yourself out
IL vas al true. John Scatsby had
said the sans thing time and again
to his mother; but he said i. now
with genuine earnestncss. looking at
her IS hs did 50. and secretly won.
dering how he should break 10 Ler
the tidings Of an impendig daughter
in-lsw. And Naomi Nu'ting. of all
persons. the woman whom M; Scars.
By always designated a. that poor,
forlorn old msid.'
Mrs. Soarsby cried ever the butter
beans che vas cutting mp for dinner.
\ voa's have . help In The honse,'
tNooens she. IT John really wanss
. woman around Why can't lie get
married. And don't know no
smarter girl than Naomi NutiinR.
I've . great mind 20 20 over and see
II she cant bfeak chat ERE contract
with Squire Bagsbot. wish I dared
TO speak right out to John about it.
He used 10 like Naomi, but men are
queer.'
Naomi had Just cofhe from weed.
ing her late onion patch the next
evening. when the squire Arrived, ali
In bis best.
Good evening. squire, said Miss
Nuiting. Sit down till I light the
lamp
Don't light f.. said the Squire,
sheepishly. I'm partial TO the twi.
light
Il amt said Naomi. Il mostly
like TO eco what I'm doing. You've
come about business. I supposep'
'Ahem-yes, admitted the squire.
Although he had told himself all day
long that Naomi would Certainly
jump at his offer. he could not subdus
certain nervousness at the last mo-
ment. Very important business =
Ratstat-tat.t-t-t.tl came knock
on the panels Of the lilac-shaded
front door.
John Scarsby, arriving close on
the heels Of the squire, had perceived
the necessity for imm"diste action.
He was fushe,. ard bresthed bard
with rapid walking. but be had screw.
ed his courage up.
Naomi said he, can l speak to
you for one ininut,2'
Naomi, holding the lamp IN one
hand, stared at him.
I'm engaged just now
Engaged p
Squire Bagshot is here
4 won't keep You long said John.
Il only want one word.
Anything happenedf ? questioned
Naomi.
No, but John drew quick
breath of vexation and embarrass
ment. will you hear me ou,2
The squire in tue front room clear.
ed his throat loudly, as Naomi con-
Quoted John into the back kitchen.
Now, them said she, what is it p
Did lover ever WOO maiden before
under such Encouraging circumstan-
ces as these p
John fixed his eyes on the copper
boiler, and blurted out his tender
con fession at once.
Naomi said he. 4 want q wife.
Will you have me p
No, tbankee john said Giss
Nutting.
John stared at her AMI uttered a
gasp.
What did you ssy? stammered he.
i said MOI
Hadn't you better think it over?<
well, it woulja't be no use.'
John went away completely dumb
founded, and Naomi went back to the
squire.
What business could that young
man possibly have with you. Naomi2'
asked the squire. little fietiully.
1t was private, said Naomi, COM
posedly.
Naomi said Mr.. Bagshot, pluug-
ing headlong into the subject, I'm
thinking Of gettin' married.
Are your said Naomi, somewhat
surprised.
I'm tired Of Twin solitary AMI
alone, and I don't know of any body
I like better tban YOU added Squire
Bagshot.
Much obliged TO you, I'm sure
said Naomi.
do you think you could learn to
love me?' said the squire, his hard
features galvanized into unwouted
tenderness.
Il dunno whether ] could or not
said Naomi, but don. mean TO try
'Ehr jesked out the squire.
I'm engaged airesdy,' explained
Naomi.
TO that--shiftiess young Scars6y.'
He aIn't plrticuistly sbiftIess as
know Of observed Naomi. Bat il
amt 10 bin, as It happens.'
IL you're really engaged said the
squire, Of whose character deIicacy
Was by no means q pFominen: trait,
what on earth are you running the
dairy business for9'
To earn money 70 be sure, said
Naomi, I'm 70 marry q rich man,
aud l don't choose TO go 10 him emo
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