The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-09-26
SUM- COUNTY, Md. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 90 1880. NO.

major thought those orbs must be elec-
trio, as they seemed to thrill him through
and through.
"The mornings are beautiful here
said the widow. 81 adore scenery, and
the view from these windows is very
charming, major. Don't you think so?'
sit is, num-" he replied. Somehow
he felt that his gift of loquacity, which
had made him the most respected and
influential citizen of the Springs, had
deserted him at the very moment when
he most wished to be able to say some
thing interesting. "The mountains is
very fine: almost as fine view as that
back of Sacramento. But you ought ter
ride over to Chino Pass to get the full
benefit Of tho scenery"
81 should like very much to go there"
she said; "but I'm afraid our stay here
will be too short to admit of much sight
seeing. I mean to take the girls back
with me as soon as possible"
You amt never goin' to leave us like
that" spoke up Jonas, quickly. "Why,
it seems only day or two sence the
young ladies there come here, an it's
been the happiest time the Springs hez
seen since ! knowed them, some five year
or more. The Springs is likely place
an risin'. It's goin' ter be big town
some O these days. We are goin' ter
have railroad, jest as soon as the Pass
is surveyed; and we're buildin two new
quartz mills an We'll have a branch of
the Prescott bank here by next fall"
Indeed" said the widow with show
of interest.
Eyes," continued the major, his elo-
quence increasing with his favorite topic.
ga railroad an bank. Then, if we
only had ladies like you and your daugh-
ters come over once in while, we'd
soon have dry goods emporium, too"
Mrs. Browning laughed. 1t was lit
tie CHEEKY laugh, and tho major felt i'm
PEELED to join In it. Itwas evident, Jack
thought, that the two were becoming ac-
quainted. SO there was little need to ap-
prehend the maternal rebuke" in that
quarter, at least.
"Mr. Browning" said the major, catch
ing his eye, ''your mother says as how
she intends to take the two young ladies
home Almost right off. I've been a-tryin'
ter persuade her to stop here awhile an
git acquainted"
Jack smiled. ~ imagine the girls will
like to be consulted about it," he said
quietly. "They may want to stay q lit
tie, mother, and you might talk it over
with them"
Indeed" said the widow, promptly,
81 shall do no such thing. have made
up my mind to take them home. They
must have been dreadfully in the way.
major" she added, apologetically.
"Bless their hearts!'' said the major,
rising. "In the way? In Jonas Blacks
way, ye mean? Why, mum, if 1 had
the choice I'd have 'em stay in the way
right along, an yourself, too, beggin' yer
pardon for sayin' it. Seems ter me that
the Springs would never be itself again
after they left. There isn't man in the
settlement as wouldn't work his thumb
nails off to please 'cm, do believe"
You are very kind-all of you," said
the widow, including Whipple and Lis
penard in her glance across the room;
"but l think it is perhaps better that
they should go back. You see our friends
expect us and"-
"But, mamma" broke in Millie, "you
might wait little
"Yes," said EN-. "You see, mamma,
we want
The widow looked puzzled. Here was
mystery under her very eyes. Here
was some secret, she felt certain. 1t
vexed her more than she cared to show
that her own children should oppose her
in this matter. Her pride came to the
rescue.
Every well. We can do all the sight
seeing necessary between now and the
next stage day, believe"
Perhaps" said Cy Whipple. rising,
and tugging at his long mustache vigor-
ously, sit would be better to be plain
and end all misunderstanding. The truth
is, Mrs. Browning we have come to the
conclusion that your daughter Miles
presence here is absolutely necessary to
the successful development of the Shag-
gy Peak mine, of which l am superin-
tendent. l have spoken to the young
lady on the subject, and we have ar
ranged, provided you are entirely agree
able and do not withhold your approval
of the plan, to enter into a permanent
partnership. In other words, madam, l
have asked your daughter to be my wife.
am aware that the conventional meth
ods in such matters are somewhat differ
ent from those that prevail here; but l
assure you that had it been possible l
would have spoken to you about it
sooner"
The widow was astounded. She sank
back i'll her chair and spoke not word.
Lispenard, who had till now been sitting
quietly ut some distance with EN-, look
ing out of the window, next faced her.
"Well," he began, in his easy drawl,
Soy has broken the ice and might as
well plunge in, too. Ny dear Mrs.
Browning, have been talking matters
over with Miss Emmeline, and we have
agreed that Redrock Springs is, as the
major puts it, very likely place and fit
to live in. 1t hasn't any palatial resi-
dences yet; but they'll come by and by.
EN- thinks SO well OF the prospect here
that she has told me she is willing to try
it, and 1 think we can both make sue
cess in building up the future metropolis
of the little Colorado, if you will kindly
acquiesce, It's a great convenience hav-
ing you here, dear Mrs. Browning. as
otherwise Whipple and would have had
TO shut down the mine and come on to