Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-04-18
Counting 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 enhan-
ced 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 generally profess
not to be influenced by pecuniary matters
in affairs of love it is to be reasonably sup
posed that this prospective wealth by no
means lessened the number of her adorers
Among those most ardent, and perhaps
most sincere was Will Dartmouth, with a
heart larger than his purse, and very lit
tie thought or care for consequences.
Fortunately, old Jacob never suspected
the Partially Of his daughter for Will !; he
would have put her on bread and water
before he would have consented TO the
slightest intimacy with Will Dartmouth
Jacob Blake was not in favor of mar
riage. Those who knew his circumstances
were not surprised at this, for, to use a
phrase more expressive 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 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
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, aud
this doctrine was perseveringly drilled in
to her niece, who though she never dis
scented. had her own idea on the subject.
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went
to Delham to attend fair, and Miss Peg
gy being absent at friends, Kate was
left alone. Will Dartmouth, in some way,
learned the condition of affairs, and early
in the afternoon he came over to keep Kate
company.
As her parents were not expected home
until the evening. Will felt perfectly Sc
cure in stopping while after tea and he
and Katie were having jolly time pop
ping corn in the old fashioned frying pan,
over the huge wood fire.. when there was a
sound of voices at the door. GOOD gra-
cious J" cried Kate turning white with
alarm =
There is Aunt Peggy. Oh Will, wha,
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 p
| Will could not withstand the pleading
in Katies eyes, and he deposited hlmse Il
in the designated place. 49, -.
Katie put out the light, and darting in
to an adjacent room in moment was appaf-
emily asleep. ~ -
Peggy's voice was heard in the hall, ;.
BE careful, Mr.. Pike. There is a
loose board there, I don't want to disturb
my niece. Softly. it may creak' eo
Peggy, dear, where are you ?" re-
sponded the squeaking voice of Esq. Pike,
the widower of year. lsf
II can't tell which way you have gone.'
"There, Daniel be easy. Good hea-
vens Daniel Pike. Well I never p and
report burst on the air like the uncork.
ing Of champagne bottle. s s5.'li
"Oh my !" cried Aunt Peggy, "what
would brother Jacob say? I declare I
hain't been kissed by man since <
let Jake mind his own business" re-
torted the squire. You and I can take
care of ours witheut help;"H and there fol-
lowed report similar to the first only
more of it.. 81 3 iaa@s !.
do be quiet. Daniel, and let me get a
light. Set right down there before the
fire and make yourself at home. is t''''2
A light was soon procured, Peggy d.
vested herself of her wrappings and blush
| ing like a girl in her.teens sat- down OPP
posite the Squire.
aa'tIt's a fine. evening"" said Peggy, by
the .way-of opening the conversation. Ala
las.Very," replied the Squire, drawing
bis arm over her back. 10Y
! "Oh, good gracious Daniel, don't set
quite SO nigh to me THAT is / don't con-
slider it strictly proper. Mercy what's
that?" r.s..,.-ss.'-s. ..;.
Both listened stteutively.