Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1854-06-04
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THE BACHELOR AND THE BABY.
BY OSCAR DUMAS.

| Edward Thornton was one of that small
class Of bachelors, who are so not from
necessity, but from inclination. He
would as soon have been suspected of
highway robbery as Of any intentions OF
committing matrimony.
Sill, he was very polite and gallant TO
the ladies'. | have observed that such is
more likely to be the case with your tho
rough-going bachelors, than with married
men. twill leave the philosophical read
er to speculate on the cause of this singu-
Iarity, if such it may be called, while
proceed with my story:
Business had called Mr.. Thornton TO a
CITY some fifty miles distantirom the place
Of his own residence. His business ar
rangements satisfactorily concluded, he
had at the opening of this veracious mar
ratiye, seated himself in the cars which
were TO bear him back.
Opposite him in the ears sat young
woman, respectfully attired, with babe,
perhaps three months old in her lap.
The baby was not remarkably pretty-no
babies at that age-and the expression Of
its countenance indicated about the same
degree of intellect as you would expect to
find in week-old kitten. The mother
for such she evidently was, encumbered
with nothing else but a small carpet bag,
which doubtless contained a supply of
clothing for the journey.
At the first way-station, the woman
rose hurriedIy and said to Mr.. Thorn
ton:
will you have the kindness, sir, 10
take charge Of my baby and carpet bag
for a moment? | have just caught a
glimpse ola friend through the window,
with whom | wish to speak for mo-
menL'
Certainly, maa'm,' said our bachelor
friend, and he took the baby awkwardIy
enough, and placed the carpet bag at his
feet.
The female, thus disencumbered, left
the cars. Our friend, not being used to
such a charge as he had undertaken, felt
little embarrassed; ; but consoled himself
by the reflection that it would be but for
moment.
But to his CONSERVATION, the cars start
ed without bringing back The owner Of the
baby.
Good Heavens = thought he, she has
been left. How distressed she will be
about ber child. Here, TO the conduc-
tor, who was just passing through the
cars, you have left one Of your passengers
behind you-a woman who occupied the
opposite seat
OH said the conductor, 'She didn'tin-
tend to get in again. She walked away
quite in an opposite direction. But here
is letter she told me to give to gentle
man with baby
Edward Thornton tore it open with
trembling hands, and read the following:
Dear Sir:-Findng it no longer con-
venlent TO retain the charge of my baby, |
have confded it TO your charge, feeling
confident from the benevolent expression
of your counienance. that YOU will take
good care of it. As il has no name, you
might give ii your own, if you like
'P. S.-The valise contains the child's
clothing, 1t is sufficiently supplied for
the present.
Good Heavens!' thought our now nm
happy bachelor. That's cool, and no
mistake. With what face shall meet my
friends with such an encumbrance =
Just then the child began 10 cry, Here
was 4 new perpleXitv.
What shall do?' thought Edward
Thornton. Let me see III ,rot it,.
And forthwith he began TO rot the
child in the most violent manner. To his
great astonishment this only male ii cry
The more.
tYour child seems troublesome-' said .
lady, who had entered the ears at the same
place where the child's mother gol ont.
Mine, ma am il IL nj mine
Excuse me. said he lady; possibly
il is friends p