Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-11-09
Sclctt Storp.
COURTING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

cob Blake, the old mlSer OF west DrOok.
She was more than commonly pretty. and
her frank, engaging manners enhanced the
charms of golden hair, pearly skin, and
eyes like the bue skies of summer AT her
fathers death she would be hciress to the
nice little sum of seventy thousand dollars,
and though men generally profess not to be
Influenced by pecuniary matters in affairs OF
love, it is be reasonably supposed that this
prospective wealth by no means lessened
the number of her adorers.
| Among those most ardent, and perhaps
most sincere, was Win Dartmouth, with a
heart larger than his purse, and very little
thought and care for consequences. /
Fortunately, old Jacob never suspected
the partality of his daughter for Will; he
would have put her on bread and water be-
fore he would have consented to the slight
est degree of intimacy with Will Dart
mouth.
Jacob Blake was not in favor of marriage.
Those who knew his circumstances were
not surprised at this to use phrase more
expressive than elegant, Mrs. Blake was a
Tartar, with temper enough for two Tartars.
Old Jacob had to walk Spanish for
the most part, or suffer the consequences,
whichusually descended upon his head in
the shape of any domestic utensil which
happened to be lying around handy.
A maiden sister of Mr.. Blake resided in
the family, whose principal business seemed
to be to act sort of echo to her and his
wife. Whatever they thought, she thought
too.
She regarded it as primary sin for Katie
to associate with the young men, and this
doctrine was perseveringly drilled into her
niece, who though she never dissented, had
her own ideas on the subject.
' One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went to
Dcdham, to attend fair, and Miss Peggy
being absent at friends, Katie was left
alone. VIII Dartmouth in some way learn.
II ed the condition of affairs, and early in the
afternoon he came over to keep Katie com
', pany.
., As her parents were not expected home
until the next day, and Peggy not until
h. late in the evening, Will felt perfectly Sc
cure in stopping awhile after supper; and
ping corn in the old fashioned frying pan,
-, over a huge wood fire, when there was a
y sound of voices at the door.
Good graces! cried Kate, turning white
= with alarm, that is Aunt Peggy. Oh,
Will what will we do? She will scold me
to death; and father will be furious Get
,e under the lounge, quick! Oh, Will, do, for
', my sake!
r. Will could not Withstand the pleading in
Katie's eyes, and he deposited himself III
- the designated spot.
Kate put out the light, and darting into
a an adjacent bedroom, in a moment was ap'
parcntly asleep.
Peggy's voice was heard speaking softly
. BE careful, Mr. Pike. There's loos'
board there. | don't want to disturb m!
,e niece. Softly, it may creak.
Peggy, dear, where are you? Responded
: the squealing voice of Esquire Pike, the
widower of year. can't tell which wa!
= you've gone.
There, Daniel! be easy Good heavens
It, Daniel Pike Well, l never and repor
= burst on the air like uncorking champagne
= bottle.
o, my cried Aunt Peggy, what woule
in brother jacob say | declare, han't beei
kissed by a man since
= Let Jake mind his own business! retorte,
the squire. You and | can take care o
- ours without his help; and there followe,
a report similar to the first, only more o
Je' Do be quiet, Daniel and let me geta light
- Set right down there, afore the fire an
make yourself to home
lst A light was produced, Peggy diveste
- herself of her wrappngs and blushing ik
- girl in her teens sat down opposite tn
squire.
: It's fine evening" said Peggy, by way G
opening the conversation.
Very, replied the squire, drawing hi
chair close to hers, and laying his arm owe
her back
Oh, Good gracious! Daniel, don't ST
quite so nigh to me. THAT is, | don
> consider it strictly proper-Mercy!
Both listened attentively.
= 1t was the wind rattling the window,
guess, said the squire. Don't you go
. getting so nervous, Peggy
| thought it was Kate waking up An
=, if she should, never should hear the la
Ill of it.
Hark! There is noise-I-.
Gracious arth! it's bells. It's Jake an
marin coming back! What shall de
ne, We are done for! o, squire, faint rigl
for us to be nothing to one another? L
Tell me where to go Peggy! Say IL
word. IN go anywhere, for your sake,
T., it's up the chimney!
j., Under the lounge, quick! It's wide al
=. will hold you well enough. Quick, don
sy delay minute!
nj The squire obeyed, but the space was q
ready so well filled that it was with Difficult
that he could squeeze himself into SO SIN;
Us, a compass. And just as he had succeede
Mr.. Blake and his wife had entered q
room, foundering along in the dark, t
SC. Peggy had deemed it best to extinguish d
light.
ou Jake made for the fire which still glow
W. with red Goals, stumbled over cricket a
fell headlong against Peggy, who was stan
ing bolt upright, trying to collect her SCI
o. tered senses
- The deuce, cried Jake. Look out, the
old woman, or you'll be down over me.
- It's dark as a pocket here, and I've
''p' over the rocking chair or the churn,
can't tell which. Hullo! what's thi
reaching out his hand to feel his situate
and coming in contact with the beard
face of the squire. By George! its's {
whiskers. Peg! Peg! where are you? a
who is this?
sc. The squire did not relish the assault
his hrsute appendages, and by way of
taliation he gave series of vigorous kcl
'sssoi which hit Will yarmouth in the region
the stomach, and stirred his bile.
Look here, old chap! exclaimed he; |
perfectly willing to share my quarters W
you seeing re both in for it; but you
Y, better not undertake to play that game,
Heavens! CALCULATED Peggy; whose vo
is that?
- Who in the deuce is here? that s wha
wont to knowl criad lake struppli N ~ for