The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1867-08-09
Mistel,autnus.
COURTING UNDER DIFFICULT
TIES

TIES.
KATIE BLAKE was the only daughter
of Jacob Blake, the old miser of West
Brook.
She was more than uncommonly
pretty, and her fresh, engaging manners
enhanced the charms of golden hair,
pretty teeth, and eyes like the skies of
summer. At her fathers death she would
beheiress tothe nice little sum ofseventv
thousand dollars, and though we gene
rally pretend not TO he influenced by
pecuniary matters in affairs of love, it is
to be reasonably supposed that this pro-
spective wealth by no means lcssened
the number of her adorcrs.
Among the most ardent, and perhaps
the most sincere, was VIII Dartmouth,
with heart larger than his purse, and
/ very little thought or care for conse-
quences.
/ Fortunately, old Jacob obneversuspcctcd
the partiality of his daughter for Will;
he would have put her on bread and
water before he would have consented
to the slightest degree of intimacy with
VIII Dartmouth.
jacob Blake was not in favor of Inarri-
age. Those who knew his circumstances
wcfe not surprised at this, for to use Il
phr'se more expressive than elegant,
Mrs Blake was regular Tartar, with
temper enough for two Tartars.
on Jacob had to "walk Spanish" for
themost part or suffer the consequences,
whih usually descended on his head in
the shape ofany domestic utensil which
happened to be lying around handy.
A maiden sister of Mr. Blake resided
in THE family, whose principal business
seenrd to be act as a sort of echo to her
brother and his wife. Whatever they
thoutht she thought too.
Shdregarded it as primary sin for
katidto associate with the young men,
and this doctrine was perseveringly
drillet into her niece, who, though she
ncvei dissented, had her own ideas on
the sibject.
Oneday Mr.. Blake and wife went to
DedlEm to attend fair, and Miss Peggy
beingat friends Katie was left alone.
Will2Dartin outh in some way learned
the condition of affairs, and early in the
afternoon he came over to keep Katie
company.
As Ter parents were not expected
home until the next day, and Peggy
not lptil late in he evening, viii felt
perf4tly secure i'll stopping awhile al
ter supper and he and Katie We're hav
ing APPLY time popping corn in the old
mshiMed frying pan, over the huge
wood tire, when there was sound of
voices 1T the door,
God gracious !" cried Katie, turning
WhiteNith alarm, "that is Aunt, Peggy.
Oh, VIII, what shall we do? She will
scold lne TO death; and father will be
furious. Gat under the lounge, quick
Oh WI, do for my salle"
Willcould not Withstand the pleading |
in katie's eyes, and he deposited him |
self in the designated spot.
katieput out the light, and dartin G !
into anidiacent bed room, in II moment |
was apparently asleep.
Peggy voice wa. heard speaking !
softly inshe entry.
BE cTeful, Mr.. Pike. There's u
loose boml there. / don't want to dis
turb myhicce. Softly--it may crcak.n
Peggy dear, where are you?" re-
sponded tle squealing voice of Esquire
Pike, witltwer Of year. al can't tell
you ichwayyou've gone" .
There, Daniel, be easy. Good Heav-
ems! DanitA Pike, we'll, neverp and n
report bulst on the air like uncorlling a
champaign bottle.
"Oh, mt ?" cried aunt Peggy, "what
would Prtther Jacob say? Il declare.
talnst b%p.kissed bya man senso--'a
- . Let, Jpie mind his own. business
Satoried tlF squire. ''..Iou aud, L can
take care Il ours without his help;p
.pta thefe I9 9loWed@ report .something
similar to the first, only more of it. ....,
. DO YbeQuet Daniel and let,megot a.
light. Set rght down there afore the
lire and make yourself to hdihe." y
a light wa5 soon procured, Peggy
Invested herself of her wrappiugs, and
like girl in her teens sat
down opposite the Squire.
" It's n fine evening"" said Peggy, by
the way of opening the conversation. !,
"Nery,p replied the squire, drawing
his chair close 10 hers, and laying his
arm over the back. ...
"Oh, good gracious Daniel, don't set
iuite so nigh me. THAT is, / don't
consider it strictly proper. Mercy! what
was that"
Both listened attentively.
"ltwas thewind rattling the window,
guess said the Squire. "Don't you
go to getting SO nervous Peggy" .
81 thoughtit was our Kate waking
ip, And if She should, never should
hear tile last OF it,, Ii
" Hark I! There is noise-I-" I,
"Gracious airth! It's bells. It's Jake
md marm coming back What shall |
io' Weare done for !-Oh, Squire, 'tain't
light for Us TO be nothin' to- 'tother,
What shall | do ~ 10 .''.'
"Tcll me where to 60 Peggy! Say the
yord' I'll ~ anywhere, for your sake,
4 it's up the CHIMNEY" I.
70" Under the lounge, quitk,'It's wide 7
md VIII hold you well enough. Quick
ion't delay Il minute"
The Squire ObeVpd but fhn Snaca 4, no