The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-04-17
The Bachelor and Baby.

" tioo '''t'h w Otd tuC Olu DdCHC'
lor stamped about the sitting room in Il per-
iect rage OF doubt, looking first at the nap
ping babe in the little willow cradle, and
then at the busy French clock OH the man
| tie shelf.
"As sure as my name is Joseph Phelps,
+; that little, two-iisted, largc-lun.ed nephew
OF mine Is about waking, and it wants one
whole hour OF the time which its mother
appointed for her return. Whcw . I ac-
tutly sweat thinking about it. What can
l do with it-how can treat it to SUGAR
what dye calls 'cm, or hold it, or trot it, or
do anything with it!"
AT this junc;urc faint wall from the
baby receptacle brought bachelor Joseph
10 Ills tabs. With All energy and .alacrlty
that would not lily become IL husband and
baby tender, he commenced rocking the
cradle, sending the Indignant baby into
perfect trcmor Of kicks aud squalls. Back
wards and forwards, from one side of the
pillow 10 the other, the round rcd face roll
led ; the infant fists were cIcncllcd with a
force that purpIcd them while from the
white plump throat came Il cry that set the
bachelor wild with fear
Again Joe looked at the clock
wv hat III the deuce can do? :" he ex-
claimed, viewing, woefnlly the little inflam-
ed face before hlm.
Lie sat down i'll a big chair before baby
spread double cradle quilt over his
knees, and with Il look OF terror upon his
lace, proceeded to take baby from its rest
my place. lie drew the young hopeful in
FAINT to his. lap just as very neat old ladv
would pick up pocket handkerchief, with
his thumbs and fingers. fresh veil from
tho rosy mouth Of the baby was the only
expression OF thanks as he commenced the
never out-oi fashion baby trot.
Il mast be that something is pric],inr
him. Shoe! shoe r' said Joe, commenc
Ing Il search for the argravatinr pin. that
WIS driving the child into such Il rage. But
no pm was to be found, and he made an
attempt to thrn baby over, but Oh the
cumslness Of his ti,gcrs--thc eellikc form
fell ont OF his lap to the floor, sending forth
cry that was 'louder, clearer, deadlier than
before.
Lord save me I've broken its neck !"
was the exclamation AS he picked baby up,
and Ill the agony of ,lispair tried to quiet
him. A thought struck Joe. lie ssw
b'$Y"e llangng against the wall Of the ad-
joining bed room, anl with smile of de-
hight upon his countonanco he went for it.
Sure enough, there it was, stuiing, bod
dice ami all n real monument OF femin-
inc ingenuity. lie was wild with Joy. lie
pinned it ovor lis coat, and fastened the
sleeves behind him. lie toook baby and
laid its head against the false breast work.
"Shades Of Southern plantations aud cot
ton factories ~ exclaimed Joe, as baby
rooted It's nose into it about mile, then
cuddlcd for snooZe. Then the bAchc-
lor commenced singing.
Women are all II tlreting show,
For man 5 dclu:ion given,
When filled with brain AMI stuffed with two,
They look quite we'll"
\ tap upon the door stopped Joe in the
midst of his suggestive song and before he
had time to disarray himself, the door was
opened, and a roeuisl, laughing pair Of
eyes pcered in upon linn.
"1our sister is not at home, is she 2"
, chirruppcd the vister.
"No, ma'am," stammcred Joe, growing
red in the face sand have turned nurse"
Miss Hayes laughed offered to relieve
him of his charge which he willingly con-
scntcd to; sitting near by, the while, intently
Watching her. She managed baby to a
charm, without the basque, and Joe was
ca?tivatcd.
Joseph Phelps, married Fanny Hayes
upon my word, he did. 4a,.