The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-05-09
The Bachelor and Baby.

"What shall l do?" and the old bachelor
stamped about the sitting-room in pcrfcc,
rage Of doubt. looking first at the mapping
babe III the little willow cradle. and then a,
the busy French clock on the mantel shelf
/ AS sure as my name is Joseph Phelps
that little, two-fstcd. large-lungcd nephew
of mine is about waking. and it wants one
whole hour OF Tie time its mother appc;nte,
for her return. Whcw. l actually sweat
thinking about it. What can l do with it
how can treat it to sugar what dive call ems
or hold it. or trot it, or do anything with it,
AT this juncture faint wall from the baby
receptacle brought bachelor Joseph to his
tops. With an energy and alacrity that would
not lily become 4 husband and baby tender
he commenced rocking the cradle, sending
the indignant baby into perfect tremor OF
kicks and squalls. Backwards and forwards
from one side of the pillow to the other, the
round red face rolled; the infant fists were
clcnchcd with a force that purpled them
while from the white plump throat came a
cry that set the bachelor wild with fear.
Again Joe looked at the clock.
What i'll the deuce rnm doo" he exclaim-
ed. viewing woefully the little ini;alned ace
before him.
lie sat down in biz chair before baby
spread double cradlc-quilt over his knees.
and with look of tcrror upon his face. pro-
cccdcd to take bah: from its resting place.
He drew the Young hopeful into his lap, Just
as 4 very neat o!l lady would pick up a pock-
ct handkerchief. with his thumbs and fingers.
\ fresh yell from the rosy mouth of the hab.
was the only expression Of thanks as he COM
menccd the ncscr-out-of-faShion baby trot.
1T must be something is pricking him.
Shoe. Shoe. said joe. commencing 4 search
for the agSravating PIN. that was driving the
child into such Il rare. But no pin was to be
found. and he MADE an attempt to turn baby
Over. but oh. the clum>incss of his fingers
the little eel like form fell out of his lap to
The floor. sending forth CRY that was loud
rr. clearer, deadlicr than before
Lord save ne. I've broken its neck" was
the exclamation as he picked baby up. and in
the agony of despair tried to quiet him. \
thought struck Joe. He saw basque hang
ing against the wall of the adjoining bed
room. and with smile of delight upon his
countcnancc he went for it. Sure enough.
there it was. stut!nS. bodice and all. Il real
monument Of feminine ingenuity. lie was
wild with JOY. He pinned it over his coat.
and fastened the sleeves behind him. He
'ock baby and held its head against the false
brca>twork
"Shade> of Southern plantations and cot
ton factories. exclaimed Joe. As baby rooted
It's nose INTO i; ahout mile. then cuddlcd for
L L
singing:
.'"'",'', are All 4 footing show,
| @! man : dru>;on given.
When filled witt. bran and stuffed with tow.
IhcE looh quite we'll
\ tap upon the door stopped Joe i'll the
midst of his suggestive song. and before he
had time to dis-arrav himself. the door was
opened. and rogui>h. laughing pair of ewes
pccrcd III upon him.
Your sister is not at home. is sheao" CHR
rurpcd The visitor.
No. ma'am. stammcrcd Joe. growing
very rcd in the face; land have turned
nurse.
Miss Hayes laughed: offered to relieve him
OF his charge. which he willingly consented
to. sitting near by the while. intcntlv watch
ing Ecr. She managed baby to a charm.
and Joe was cartivated.
Joseph Phelps married Fanny Hsvcs-up-
on NY word he did