Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-08-12
The Willing Widow.

4 score Of us were sitting in the
shade of the depot building waiting
for the train. which was an hour late,
when yoke OF oxen attached to
queer looking old cart turned the
corner. They were driven by
woman about fifty years OF age, who
was barefoot and wore mans straw
hat.
Git up thar, Buck, she exclaimed,
as she laid the CAD on the oil OK with
a resounding whack. You thar
Pete. what you skittishun' round
that way furs Whoa, now . Both OF
yous stan still -
She turned them mp 10 the plat
form, threw down some hay taken
from the cart and came up among us
to inquire of the depot agent about IA
barrel OF salt. He was busy just then
and she was waiting around when
the smart aIeck OF the crowd, who
was travelling for Il wine house, re-
marked IN tones meant for her TO
over-hear
Il have always said that il | mar
ried at all I'd marry II woman who
could drive oxen
is that meant fur me = she asked
IA she walked straight up to him.
Are vou widow, ma'amy'
Il am. Been widder ever since "A
saw log rolled over Jim nine years
ago"
And you'd marry again il you had
the opportunity, would you =
Il would. When Jim lay dyin' in
the house he told me to marry again
if had show
"Aheln see. Could you love =
second husband =
Il could. 1t runs in our family TO
love. We begin early and keep it up
to the grave. What's your proposi-
ton, I'm plain woman, full o bus
mess. and never do any foolin'. II
you've anything to say spit 1t out
afore 'em all.
II don't want TO marry just now,
he stammered.
Don't, eh' Then what's the use
OF gittin' me on my tip-toes about II
Young man, you jest the same as asked
Inc to have YOU, and just the same
as accepted you :!
"Oh No, no. Imerely made some
inquiries" he replied.
Them inquiries was about love-
sir, and my hearts n thumpin away
like all git out said Id marry
agip. and | will We are engaged
When do you want me to be ready ?
Madam, you have totally misun-
derstood me-" explained the young
man. as he turned all sorts of colors
and appeared to grow small, IL asked
you few question ont Of curiosity.
"Mebbe the jury will call II curios-
itv, and mebbe they won't" she said
as she set her jaw. They don't al
low no foolin' round IN Posey county.
When IL feller goes as fur az you hev
it's hitch or damages. I'm
tremblin' all over like II girl, an my
hearts tryin' TO jump out. It's
leg'lar love or don't know the road
home. You don't leave here young
man till this case is settled :!
But, ma'am you see ---
II don't see nothin' but marriage or
damages. You've asked me to have
you. said | would Will you marry
or settle =
"Uow-how much = he gasped, as
he looked around and failed to find
any sympathy.
We'll, Saginaw salt Is "A dollar and
a quarter bar'l,' she replied, as she
glanced Mt row OF barrels down the
platform. II guess the oxen kin git
hum with two bar'ls. Make it two
and I'll call it squar'
Everybody grinned except the
Young man. He realized that he was
done for aud got out OF the box by
planking down the two dollars 70 the
agent. The cart was driven around
to the spot, the barrels loaded up,
and then the woman came back TO
say TO the young man
i've settled the case and the salt Is
in the cart, but just wanted TO re-
mark that il you happen this way
agin, and you happen TO feel 20 awful
cunnin' that you can't hold yourself
you'd better go slow on widders.
Thar's sixteen OF W. round here, an
we all drive yaller oxen hitched to
carts. an we will go barefoot in the
summe. and sigh to get married sgin.
The reg'lar Ggger is three bar'ls Of
salt aud pound Of ten, but OWN to
your youth and that Thunderstorm
comm up I've let you of easy. Good
day, bub good day, all. ~
Nauoht