Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1857-04-10
The Bachelor ard Baby.

What shall do 2" and the old bachelor 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-shef. /" AS sure my name Is Joseph
Phelps, that little. two.sted, largeunged nephew of
mine, is about waking, and it wants one whole hour
of the time which its mother appointed for her re-
turn. Whew actually sweat thinking about it.
What can DO with it-bow can treat 1t to sugar
what dye call ems or holl it, or ro it. or do any
thing with ii 2"
Al this juncture, faint wall from the baby re.
ceplacle brought bachelor Joseph to his taps. With
an energy and alacrity that would not lily become
husband and baby tender, he commenced rocking
the cradle; sending the indignant baby into per.
feet tremor of kicks and squalls. Backwards and
forwards from side of the pillow 10 the other,
| the round, red face rolled the infant fists were
cencbed with force that purped them while from
the white plump throat, came cry that set the
bachelor wild with fear.
Again Joe looked at the clock.
"What in the deuce can | do 2" he exclaimed,
viewing woetully the little nfamed face before him
He sat down in big chair before baby-spread a
double cradle quilt his knees, and with look
OF terror upon his face, proceeded to take baby from
IT'S resting place He drew the young hopeful into
MS lap, just as very neat old lady would pick up
pocket handkerchief with his thumbs and fingers
A fresh yell from the rosy mouth of baby was the
only expression Cf thanks he commenced the new
eE-out.ot fashion baby trot.
" II must be that something is pricking him -
ohoo snoo ,! said Joe, commencing search for the
aggraVatIug pn that driving the child into such
rage But no pin was to lie found and he made
an attempt 10 turn baby over, but OH the clumsiness
OF his ngers-the little eel.ike form slid out of his
lap TO the floor, sendirg forth cry that was louder
clearer, deadlier than before"
=" Lord save me I've broken its neck !" was the
exclamation as he picked the baby up, and in the
agony OF despair tried to quiet him. thought
struck Joe. He saw basque hanging against The
wall OF the adjoining bedroom, AID with smile o
delight upon his counenance he went for it. Sure
enough there 1t was, stufhng. bodice, and all
real monument 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 it.
head against the false breast-work
Shades of Southern plantations and cotton facto
rles J" exclaimed Joe as baby rooted its nose into il
about mile, then cuddled for snoeze. Then the
bachelor commenced singing
women are all feeting show
For mans delusion given
When he filed with bran and stuffed with tow,
They look quite we'll"
his suggestive song and before he had time to dis
array himself, the door was opened, and a roeuisb
laughing pair OF eyes peered in upon him.
Your sister is not at home, is she ?" chirrnnpe
, the visitor.
"No ma'am," stammered j. growing very red i
the lace; and have turned nursn.n
Miss Hayes laughed: offered to relieve him of hi
charge. which he willingly consented to sitting nes
by, the while. intently watching her. She manage
baby TO charm, without the basque, and Joe wa
, captvated.
Joseph Phelps married Fanny Hayes-upon m
word he did.