Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-01-11
Courting Under Difficulties.

She was more than commonly pieit.' ""s
her frank, engaging manners enhanced the
charms of golden hair, pearly skin, and eyes
like the blue skies of summer. At her father
death she would be heiress 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 to be
reasonably supposed that this prospective
wealth by no means lessened the number OF
her adorers.
Among the most ardent, and perhaps most
sincere, was VIII Dartmouth, with heart
larger than his purse, and very little thought
or care for consequences.
Fortunately, old Jacob never suspected the
partiality of his daughter for VIII he would
have put her on bread and water before he
would have consented to the slightestintimacy
with VIII Dartmouth.
Jacob Blake was not in favor Of marriage.
Those who knew her circumstances were not
surprised at this, for, to use phrase more cx-
pressivc than elegant, Mrs. Blake was Tar
tar, with temper enough for two Tartars.
Old Jacob had to ''walk Spanish for the
most part, or suffer the consequences, which
usually dccended on his head, in the shape Of
any domestic utcnsil 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 q sort of echo to her brother andhis wife
Whatever they thought, she thought too.
She regarded it as q primary sin for Kate to
associate with the young men, and this doc
trine was perseveringly drilled into her niece,
who. though she never dissented, had her own
idea on the subject.
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went to
Dedham to attend a fair, and Miss Peggy being
absent at friends, Katie was left alone
Will Dartmouth, in some way, learned the
condition of affairs, and carly in the afternoon
he came over to keep Kate company.
As her parents were not expected home un-
til the next day, and Peggy not until late in
the evening, Will felt perfectly secure in stop
ping-a while after tea and be and Katie were
having jolly time popping corn in the old
fashioned frying pan, over the huge wood fire,
when there was a sound of voices at the door.
Good gracious. CRED Katie, turning white
with alarm, 8 There is Aunt Peggy. Oh VIII,
what shall we dogL She will scod me to death;
and father will be furious. Get under the
lounge, quick Oh, Viii, do for my sake "
Will could not withstand the pleading in
Katie's eyes, and he deposited himself in the
designated place.
Katie put out the light, and dartins into an
adjacent room, in moment was apparently
asleep.
Peggy's voice was heard speaking softly in
the hail. 8
BE careful, Mr. Pike. There is loose
board there. l don't want 10 disturb my niece.
Softly, it may creak. ("
Peggy, dear, where are you?" responded
tie squeaking voice of Esquire Pike, the widow
er of year. 81 can't tell which way you
have gone.
"Thcre, Daniel be easy. Good heavens
Daniel Pike. Well, never" and report
burst on the air like the uncorking Of cham
pagne bottle.
"Oh. my y cried Aunt Peggy, what would
brother Jacob say declare, haint been
kissed by man since -
"Let Jake mind his own business y retorted
the squire. you and can take care of ours
without his help and there followed areport
similar to the first only more Of it,
"Do be quiet, Daniel, and let me get a light.
Set right down there afore the fire and make
yourself at home"
A light was soon procured, Peggy divested
herself of her wrappings, and blushing like a
girl in the teens sat down opposite the Squire.
4It's fine evening" said Peggy, by the
way of opening the conversation
Every" replied the Squire, drawing his
arm over her back.
"oh, good gracious Daniel, don't set quite
50 nigh to me. THAT is, don't consider it
strictly proper. Mercy What : elat
Both listened attentively.
1t was the wind rafting the window,
/ guess said the Squire. Don't you 60 to
getting SO nervous, Peggy"
Il thought it was Katie waking up. And
if she should, should never hear the last Of
it,
..Hark! There is a no:se-I-'
"Gracious airth its bells. It's Jake and
1narm coming back What shall lido? We're
done for? Ga, Squire, faint right for rs to
he nothing to 'tother? DO help me' " nat
shall do %
TEL me where to 50, Peggy Say the
word. I'll 60 anywhere, for your sake II It's
up the chimney"
Under the lounge, quick! Its wide, and
viii hold well enough. Quick don't delay a