Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-05-05
The Bachelor and Baby.

"What shall do 2" and the bachelor STAMPED
about the sitting room in perfect rage of doubt,
looking first at the mapping babe in the little willow
cradle, and then at the busy French clock on the
mantle shelf "As sure as my name is Joseph
Phelps, that little, two fsted lunged nephew of
mine, is about waking, aid it wants the whole
hour of the time which its mother appointed for re-
turn. WhewlG actually sweat, thinking about it.
What can do with it how can treat it to sugar
what dye call ems, hold it, or trot it, do any,
thing with it ?" r--=---.-
At this juncture faint wall from the baby re-
ceptacle brought bachelor Joseph to lhis taps
With an energy and alacrity that would not fully
become husband and baby tender he commenced
rocking the cradle sending the indignant baby in
to perfect tremor of kicks and squalls. Backwards
and forwards from one side of the pillow 10 the
other the round, red rolled the infant fists were
cenchcd with force that purpled them while
from the white plump throat, a cry that sent
the bachelor wild with fear
Again Joe looked at the clock
"What in the deuce can l do IN he exclaimed
viewing woefulIy the little inaamed face before
him
He sat down in big chair before baby, spread
a double cradle quilt over his knees, and with
look ofterror upon his face, proceeded take baby
from its resting place. He drew the young hope
ful into his lap, just as very neat old lady would
pick up pocket handkerchief with his thumbs and
fingers fresh yell from the rosy mouth of baby
was the only expression of thanks as he conIuen-
ed the enever-out-of- fashion baby-trot
1t must be that something is pricking him
Shoe! shooP said Joe commencing search for the
aggravating pin that driving the child into spcb
rage. But no pin was to be found, aud he made
attempt to turn baby over but OH the clumsiness
of his fngers-he little eel like form slid out of his
lap to the sending forth cry that was louder,
clearer deadlier than before"
"Lord save mel I've broken its neck ~ wns the
exclamation as he picked baby up, and in the agony
of despair tried TO quiet him. A thoughtestruck
Joe. He saw basque banging against the wall of
the adjoining bed room, and with a smile of delight
upon his coun:enance, he went for it. Sure enough:
there it was, stufng, boddice and all real mou-
ument of feminine ingenuity. He was wild with
joy. He pinned it over his coat, and fastened the
sleeves behind him, He took baby and laid his head
against the false breast work
"Shades of Southern plantations and cotton fac
toriesT exclaimed Joe, baby rooted its nose into
it about mile then cuddled for a snooze Then the
bachelor. commenced singing: r.
'Women are all Heeting show,
For man S deluslon given
When filed with brand and stuffed with tow,
They look quite we'll 80
tap upon the door stopped Joe in the midst OF
his sugges i've song and before he had time to dis
array himself, the door was opened, and roguish,
laughing pair of eyes peered in upon him.
"Your sister is not at home, is he?' chirrupped
the visitor.
"No ma'am," stammered Joe, growing very red in
the face; "and have turned nurse"
Miss Hayes laughed offered to relieve him his
| charge, which he willingly consented to; sitting
near by, the while, inteutly watching her. She
managed baby to charm without the basque, and
Joe was captivated.
7 Joseph Phelps, married Fanny Hayes-upon my
| word he did. -.rrg d, ~