Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-04-17
Select Story.
COURTING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

Kate Blake was the only daughter Of Jacob
Blake, the old miser of West Brook.
She was more than commonly pretty, and her
frank, engaging manners enhanced the charms
OF golden hair, pearly skin, and eyes like the
blue skies of summer. At her fathers death
she would be heiress to the nice little sum of
seventy thousand dollars, and though men gen.
orally 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 1essened the number of adorers
Among those most ardent and perhaps most
sincere, was Will yarmouth, with heart lar
ger than his purse, and very little thought of or
care Tor consequences.
Fortunately, old Jacob never suspected the
partiality Of his daughter for Will He would
put her on bread and water before he would
have consented to the slightest degree of init
macy with viii yarmouth
Jacob Blake was not in favor of marriage
Those who knew his circumstances were not
surprised at this, for, to use phrase more ex-
pressive than elegant, Mrs. Blake was Tartar,
with temper enough for two Tartars.
Old Jacob had to walk Spanish for the
most part, or suffer the consequences, which
usually descended on his head in the shape of
any domestic utensil which happened to be lay
ing 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 brother and his wife.
Whatever they thought, she thought, too.
She regarded It as a primary sin for Kate to
associate with the young men, who, though she
never dissented, had her own idea on the sub
ject
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went to Dod-
ham to attend a fair, and Miss Peggy being alb
sent at friends, Katie was left alone viii
yarmouth, In some way learned the condition
of affairs, and early in the afternoon he came
over to keep Katie company
AS her parents were not expected home until
the next day, and Peggy not until late in the
evening. Will felt perfectly secure in stopping
awhile after tea; and he and Katie were hav-
ing jolly time popping corn in the old-fash-
ioned frying pan, over the huge wood fire );
when there was the sound of voices at the door.
Good heavens'' cried Katie turning white
with alarm, 'that is Aunt Peggy. Oh, Will,
what shall we do? She will scold me to death,
and father will be furious. Get under the
lounge, quick! Oh, Will, 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 darting into the
adjacent bed room, in moment was apparent
ly asleep.
Peggy S voice was heard speaking softly in
''Be careful, Mr. Pike There's loose
board there. [ don't want to disturb my niece.
Softly, it may creak. !"
Peggy, dear, where are you ?'' responded
the squeaking voice Of Esquire Pike, the wild
over of year. can't tell which way you
have gomez
There, Daniel be easy. Good gracious
Daniel Pike Well, [ never!' and report
burst upon the air like uncorking a champagne
bottle
"Oh, my!'' cried Aunt Peggy, 'what would
brother Jacob say? [ declare, hain't been
kissed by a man since
Let Jake mind his own business!" retorted
the squire. ''Yo ou and can take care of ours
without his help and there followed report
similar to the first only more of it.
DO be quiet, Daniel, and let me get light
Set right down here afore the fire and make
yourself at home.'
A light was soon procured, Peggy divested
herself OF her wrappings, and blushing like a
girl I, IN her teens sat down opposite the Squire
Its fine evening" said Peggy by way of
opening the conversation,