Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-05-02
The Ba cheIor and Baby.

"W hat ShGH 40 (! anu Tue oiu udCH-
elor stamped about the sitting room in a
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.
GAS sure as my name is Joseph Phelps,
that baby, tha, little two-fsted, large lung
ed nephew of mine. is about waking, and
il wants one whole hour OF the time
which its mother appointed for her return.
Whew! | actually sweat thinking about
il. What can do with it--how can |
treat il TO sugar what-d' ye-eall- or
hold it, or trot it, or do anything with
! it 2"
At this iuncture faint wall from the
baby-receprcle brought bachelor Joseph
10 his taps. With an energy and alacrly
that would not lily become husband and
baby-lender, he commenced rocking The
cradle sending the indignant baby into a
perfect lIemor of kicks aud squalls. Back
ward and forward, from one side of the
pillow 10 The other, the round red faced
rolled; the infant fists were clenchea
with force that 2urpled them while
from the white, plump throat came cry
that sent the bachelor wild with fear.
Again Joe looked at The clock.
"What in the deuce can do 2 he eX-
claimed, viewing wofully the little inlam-
ed face before him.
He sal down in big chair before baby
spread double cradle-qnilt over has
knees, and with look of terror upon his
face proceeded 10 take baby from lis rest
ing place. He drew the young hopeful!
into his lap, just as very neat old lady
would pick up pocket handkerchief
with his thumbs aud fingers. A fresh
veil from the rosy mouth OF baby was the
only expression Of thanks as he c"mmen-
ced the never.out- -ol-fashion baby trot.
at must be that something is prlcking
him. Shoe shoe - said Joe. confmen-
cing search for The aggravaling pin thai
was driving The child into such rage
But no pin was To be found, and he made
an attempt TO turn baby over 1; but oh
the cIumsiuess of his fngers--the little
eel like form slid out of his lap 10 the
door, sending forth a cry that was loud
er, clearer, deadIier than before"
Lord save me I've broken its neck y
was the exclamation as he picked baby
up. and in the agony Of despair tried 10
quiet him. A thought struck Joe. lie
saw basque hanging against the wall Of
the adjoining bedroom, and with smile
Of delight upon his counlenance, he went
for it, Sure enough. there il was, stuff
fling. bodice, and all real monument OF
feminine ingenuity. He WAS wild with
10y. He pinned il over his coat, and fast
ened the sleeves behind him. lie took
baby and laid lis head against the false
breaslwork.
"Shadcs Of Southern plantations and
cotton factories - exclaimed Joe,es baby
rooted lis nose into it about mile, then
cuddIed down for snooze. Then the
bachelor commenced singing:
"Women are all Aeeting show
For mans delusion given;
When filed th bran and stuffed with tow,
+ They look quite we'll"
! A tap upon The door stopped Joe in the
midst of his suggestive song; and before
he had time to disarry himself, the door
was opened, and a roggish, laughing pair
Of eyes peeped in upon him. "a
"Y our sister is not al home. is she =
chirrupPed the visitor.
mo ma am" stammered Joe, growing
very red in The face; land | have turned
nurse"
| Miss Hayes laughed offered 10 re-
Iieve him Of his charge, which he willing.
ly consented to sitting near by, the
while, intenlIy watching her. She mana
ged Baby TO a charm, without the basque,
and Joe was captivated.
Joseph Phelps married Fanny Hayes
--pon my word he did.