Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-11-07

Let Jake mind his own business retort-
ed the Squire. "You and can take care of
ours without his help" and there followed
report similar to the first, only little more so.
"Do be quiet, Daniel, and let me get 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
girl in her teens, sat down opposite the squire.
ATS fine evening" said Peggy, by the way
of opening the conversation.
"yery," replied the Squire, drawing his arm
over her back
"Oh, good gracious, Daniel don't set quite
so nigh to me. THAT is don't consider it
strictly proper Mercy what's that|
Both listened attentiyely.
at was the wind rafting the window, l
guess" said the Squire. Don't you go to
getting so nervous, Peggy"
Il thought it was Katie waking up and if
she should, / should never hear the last 81 it,
"Hark there is a noise-l-"
Gracious airth it's bells. It's Jake and
his wife coming back! What shall ! do p
We're done Oh Squire faint right for us to
be nothing one to 'tother Do help =
What shall | do?"
"Tell me where to 90, Peggy? Say tho
word, III 60 anywhere for your sake, II rs up
the chimney"
"Under the lounge. quick It's wide and
will hold we'll Quick don't delay aminute.' y
The Squire obeyed, but the space was so
we'll filled that it was with difficulty he could
squeeze himself into so small compass. And
lust as be succeeded, Mr. Blake and his wife
entered the room, houndering along in the dark
for Peggy had deemed it best to extinguish the
light Jake made for the whichstill glowed
with red Goals, stumbled over the cricket, and
fell headlong against Peggy, who was standing
bolt upright, trying to collect her scattered
senses,
"Thc deuce" cried Jake, "lcok out there
old woman, or you'll be down upon me. It's
dark as pitch here, and I've fell over the rock
ing chair or the churn, ] can't tell which
Halo! what's that I" reaching out his hand 70
feel his situation, and coming in contact with
the bearded face of the Squire. "By goly It's
got whiskers; Peg Peg whereare you2 and
where's Kate and what is this2"
The Squire did not relish this assault on his
hirsuto appendages, and by way Of retaliation
he gave series of vigorous kicks which hit
VIII Dartmouth in the region Of the stomach
and stirred bis bile.
"LoOk here, old chap" exclaimed Will, "I
am perfectly willing to share my quarters with
you seen' as we're both in for il; but you'd
better not undertake TO do that again"
"Heaving% calculated Peggy whose voice
is that?"
That's what want TO know" cried Jake,
struggling for an upright position. Halo!
who's fell down over my legs2"
"t'll let you know who's down and who's
upp said the voice of Mrs. Blake; and the
old lady scrambled up, only to go instantly
down again over chair. Jake where arc
your Get up this instant, or I'll shake your
breath out when get my feet again"
Jake started TO obey, and Just then Tige, the
watch dog, who, hearing the uProar, managed
to break loose from his lair, rushed upon the
scene, and set up bis best bow-wow.
The squire had mortal horror Of dogs, and
neither fear nor love was strong enough 10 keep
him quesoent now. lie sprung 10 his feet
with yell Will followed Katie, full ofloye
for her lover, hoped out Of bed and appeared
with tallow dip-Peggy flung her arms a.
round the Squire with cry Of terror, and Jake
was silent with amazement Mrs. Blake was
the only one who possessed her wits. She
seized the corn pepper, and laid 1t about her
with yigor.
Her aim was not always correct, and in con-
sequence, she smashed the looking glass into a
thousand fragments and knocked down the
clock from its shelf and demolished two bowls
and pitcher that were reposing on the man
tle
The squire broke from Peggy's embrace and
dashed out Of the window. VIII following him
and Mrs Blake would have pursued by the
same outlet, but she was a little too large to
get through with ease.
A dreaded council was held; Jake storned;
Mrs. Blake threatened and at last Katy and
Peggy confessed And Jake and bis wife were
50 reoiced at the prospect Of getting nd of Peg
gy that they forgave their daughter and took
VIII Dartmouth home at the end of the year.
And in due time Peggy and the Squire were
made one flesh.