Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-12-29
Autobiography of a Katy Did.
BY MISS CATHARINE E. BEEcHER.

habit of contradcting, which they have go often
been told is il-mannered il-bred, unady like,
and uRgentleman like.
Ian the only child Of a distinguished family
OF the Katy dds, whose musical talents are 80
well known in the forest world. was born on
tho top Of very high tree, and ever since that
time | have heard from all my friends that there
never was such beautiful, lively, interesting,
little creature az am. Indeed think I must be
very lovely; for every one around me has always
told me so, andseems to consider thai it is more
important to crafty my wishes, than 70 do any
thing else
My father and mother are both very amiable
and intelligent people, and know of no fault in
their character, except most inveterate habit Of
contradlcilhg. So singularly perscvering are
they in this practice, that when some dispute has
arisen as to whether have, or have not done
certain thing, have known them to sit up all
night aud contradict each ether.
My father would sit on pine tree, and say
katy did" "and my mother would sit on maple
tree and say "Kasy didn't" from sunset until sun
rise, and then after resting through the day they
would begin again, and continue on through
another night.
Considering the example set before me, it
is not singular that should have acquired the
same pernicious habit which, as am about to
show, has proved so serious misfortune.
When arrived at the age Of eighteen months,
the period at which we Katy dds come out"
as the fashionables have it, there was great
excitement alnoug all my friends and relatives,
as to the most suitable mode of celebrating 30
important an event. 1t was finally concluded'
that it was best to give splendid ball, to which
all the gentlemen and lady insects in the vcini-
ty should be invited. Great preparations were
accordingly made for the occasion. The place
selected for the tete was sweet little nook, uu-
der Towering hawthorn, one beautiful moon
light evening.
The most genteel and fashionable spiders
were employed to weave the slken tapestry, and
all the gow.worins and fire flies went in their
briiants to ornament the room. The brass band
consisting of sixteen negro crickets, were en-
gagged 10 furnish the music, and every other ar
rangement was in the same style OF elegance
and splendor.
AS for myself, all the mantua making silk
worms were busy for month hefors hand, in
gossipping, and planning the style of my dress
for tho evening. 1t was finally agreed that Ugh,
pea green satin, ornamen'ed with silver, W would
best accord with the time. place, and occasion.
felt some hesitation in mentioning the fact,
but the truth is, there was gentleman in the
vicinity who had for several months'paid me the
most flattering attentions, and by the smiles and
whispers Of my friends, (for cannot mention
what were the whispers Of the young gentleman)
was led to believe that when my father select
ed him for my attendant on this occasion, there
was some probability of an event which my re-
fnement prevents me from mentioning. The
name of the gentleman was Col Bundle Bee.
He was most elegant and porty looking per-
son, and generally wore yellow small clothes,
and yellow kid gloves and though his voice was
rather husky. you have no idea what soft and
beautiful things he could say.
The eventfu evening at leagth arrived, and
such brilliant and delightful scene my youth
full ewes never beheld. ! was ushered into the
room with great ceremony by the Colonel and
my entrance produced no little sensation, and
many were the whispers of admiration and of
envy that reached my ear.
Soon after was seated the dancing commenc-
ed,when was led to the head of the figure by the
Colonel, while my friend Miss Anna Letita But
terAy and her partner, the elegant Genera Horn.
bug, took the second place. You would have
been charmed to have seen how elegantly the
company appeared, and how gracefully they
danced. To be sure, there were some cxcep-
tions There was one Mr. DEVILS Darnng
Needle that spruwled about sadly, and made
much annoyance IN one Of the cotillons; and
Old Father Long Legs, after some unfortunate
attempts was content to stow up his legs IN
corner, where he spent most Of the evening in
chatting with old Miss Spider.
Young DR.. Grasshopper was very much ad-
mirsd for his graceful and sprightly dancing, as
were also the two Misses Fly, particularly Miss
Emene Horse Fly. But there were two little
fellows dressed, in black, that made great amuse
ment for US. They were the most nimble, active
dancers ever saw one could scarcely catch
glimpse of them, for, as Paddy says, when you
put your hand on him, he's aot there" They
were the two Mr. Feas, who afterwards learn
ed we're resident graduates in an adjacent uni.
versity. Professor Lightning Bug, of the same
institution, also honored US with his presence,
and had the pleasure Of dancing with him.
There was one clergyman there who every one
seemed to think was out of his place it was
the Rev. Mr.. Beetle. He looked very much in
teresled in all that was going on, but GU; of re-
spect to his cloth declined dancing.
But now comes the most painful part of my
story. As we were in the midst Of our enjoyment
noticed the entrance of a stranger. He seem.
ed to find several acquaintances, and very soon
one Of them presented him to me as Mr.. Katy
Didn't. Shortly after, heard him making some
ill-natured remarks respecting me, and finally he
observed that "though cousin Of his, Katy didn't
treat him with even common eviity when intro
duced to her." Without thinking where was,
instantly retorted '' Katy did, He faced ful
about, and staring me in the face. repeated,
6 Katy didn't" " She did," said |. "She didn't"
said he. By this time my frienes were all around
me; great uproar snsued Col. Bundle Bee drew
his dirk, and had it not been for the interference
of friends, blood would have been shed on the
spot As it was, such high words ensued among
the gentleman that the ball was broken up, and