Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1861-03-28
The Bachelor and the Babv.

What shall do?' And the old bachelor
stumped about the sitting room 10 a perfect
rage OF doubt, looking FIRST at the inspiring baby
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
oaoy' that baby, that two-fsted, large-lunged
nephew OF mine, is about waking, and it wants
one whole hour of The time which its mother
appointed for her return. Whew! | actually
sweat to think about it-how can I treat it to
sugar VIVA t.d'ye-Clll-ems or hold it, or do any,
thing with il z"
Al thus Junc;are faint wall from the baby
receptacle brought bachelor Joseph 10 his taps.
WIN an energy and alacrity that would not il.
Iy become husband ald baby.tender, he com.
menced rocking the cradle. sending the indig.
nant baby in perfect tremor Of kicks and
squalls. Backward and forward from one side
OF the pillow to the other, the round, red face
roll d; the infant fists were clenched with a
fore" that purpled 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 duce can dog" he exclaim.
ed viewing wofully the little inflamed face be.
fore him re sat down in big chair before
the baby. spread double cradle quilt over his
knees, and W tn a look of horror upon his face,
proceeded TO take the baby from it's resting
pihce. lie drew the young hopeful Just BE- a
very neat old lady would pick up a pocket
handkerchief, with his thumbs and fingers. A
fresh yell from the rosy mouth of the baby was
the only expression OF thanks, as he commence
ed the Observation-Disclosures baby trot.
at must be that something is picking him.
Shoe Shoe!" said Joe commencing a search
for the aggravating pin that was driving the
child into such a rage. But no pin was to be
found aud he made an attempt to turn the baby
over; bur oh the clumsness of his fingers
the little eellike form slid out Of his lap to the
floor, sending forth a cry that was louder,
clearer, desdler than before"
"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. A
thought struck Joe lie saw a basque hanging
against the wall of the adjoining bedroom, md
with smile of delight upon his countenance
went to it. He was wild with Joy. He pinned
II over his coat, and fastened the sleeves be-
hind him. tie took The baby and laid its head
against the false breasi-work
Shades Of Southern plantations and cotton
factories exclaimed Joe, as the baby rooted its
nose into II about mile then cUddled down
for snoOze. Then the bachelor commenced
Singing:
Women are all a fleeing show,
For mans e!uson given,
When filled with bran and stuffed with tow
, They look quite well"-
A 'aPa the door stopped Joe in the midst
OF his suggestive song, end before he had time
TO dIsatraY himself, the door was opened nd a
r"gu1sh, laughing pair Of eyes peered in upon
, him.
"Yeur sister is not at home, is she % asked
, the visitor.
:" No ma'am," stammered Joe. growing very
D red IN the face, Z" and | have turned nurse"
s M s. Hayes laugeed, offered to relieve him
of his charge. VIII CHI he willingly consented TO-
e sitting near by the while ntently watching
: her. She managed the baby to a charm, with.
' Gu the basque, and Joe was captivated.
= Joseph Phelps married Fanny Hayes, 'por
!. my word he did.