The Plymouth weekly Democrat., 1867-08-22
Courting under Difficulties

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 by
the charms of golden hair, pearly skin and
eyes like the skies of summer. At her
fathers death she would be the hciress OF
the nice little sum Of seventy thousand
dollars. and though men profess not to be
Influenced by pecuniary matters in affairs
of love. it is to be reasonably supposed that
her Prospective we alth by no means les
scned The number of her adorers.
Among those most ardent, and perhaps
sincere was Will Dartmouth, with heart
larger than his purse, and very little
thought or care for consequences.
Fortunately old Jacob never suspected
partiallity of his daughter for Will; he
would have put her on bread and water be-
fore he would have consented TO the
slightest intimacy with Willard Dartmouth.
Jacob Bike was not in favor of mar
riage. Those who knew the circumStan-
ces were not surprised at this, for, to use a
phrase more expressive than elegant, Mrs.
Blake was n Tarter, 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 domestic uten-
sill which happened to be laying around
handy.
A maiden sister of Mr.. Blake's resided
in the family, whose principal business
seemed to be to act sort of echo to her
brother and his wife. They all thought
the same. She regarded it as primary
sin for Kate to associate with young men,
and this doctrine was preservingly drilled
into her neice, who though, she never dis
sented, had her ovn ideas on this subject.
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went
to Dedham to attend fair, and Miss Peg
gy being absent at friends, Kate MAS
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 evening, Will felt perfectly secure in
stopping awhile after tea, and he and
Kate 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 2" cried Kate, turning
VIII ite with alarm, ''thcre is Aunt Peggy.
Oh, Will. what shall we dol She will
scold me to death and father he will be
furious. Get under the lounge quick
On, Will do for my sake"
Will could not withstand the pleading g
in Kate's eyes, and he deposited himself
in the designated place.
Peggy's voice was plainly heard in the
hall
''Bc careful, Mr.. Pike; there is loose
board there don't want to disturb my
neice Softly, it may creak"
Peggy, dear, where are youF" respon-
ded the speaking voice Of Esquire Pike, a
widower of a year. IL can't tell which
way you have gone"
"There, Daniel, be easy. Good
Heavens Daniel Pike. Well, l never ~
and report bust upon the air like the
uncorking of champagne bottle.
"Oh. my :" cried Aunt Peggy, "What
would brother Jacob say? l declare, ]
haven't been kissed by man since"
''Let Jake mind his own business !" re-
tortcd the Squire. "You and can take
care of ours without his help;" and then
followed report similar to the first, oaly
little more SO.
"Do be quiet, Daniel; and let me get a
light. Sit down there afore the fire, and
make yourself at home.'
n light was soon procured, Peggy di.
vested herself of her wrapPings, and
blushing like girl in her teens, sat down
opposite the Squire.
Its fine evening"" said Peggy, by
way of opening the conversation.
Very" replied the Squire, drawing his
arms over her back.
"Oh, good gracious, Daniel don't set
quite so nigh to me. THAT is, l don't
consider it strictly proper Mercy whats
that :"
Both listened attentively.
at was the wind ratting the window,
guess" said the Squire. Don't you so to
getting SO nervous, Peggy"
Il thought it was Kate waking up, and
if she would, never should hear the last
of it."
"Hark there is a noise-I-"
"Gracious airth it's bells. It's Jake
and his wife coming back! What shall !
do? We're done oh, Squire, tain't
right to be nothing one to 'tother. Do
help me What will do ?"
Tell me where to 60 Peggy say the
word, I'll 90 anywhere for your sake if ii
is up the chimney
"Under the lounge, quick It's wide
and will hold well. Quick don't delay a
minute"
The squire obeycd, but the space was so
well filled that it was with difficulty he
could squeeze himself into so small a COM
pass. And just as he had succeeded, Mr..
Blake and his wife entered the room floun-
dering along in the dark, for Peggy had
deemed it best to extinguish the light.
Jake made for the fire which still glowed
with red Goals, stumbled over the cricket,
and fell headlong against Peggy, who was
standing bolt upright. trying to collect her
scattered senses.
''The deuce!" cried Jake. "Look out
there, old woman, or you'll be down over
me. It's as dark as pitch here, and I've
fell over the rocking chair, or the churn,
| can't tell which. Hallow what's that =
reaching his hand to feel his situation. and
coming in contact with the bearded face Oi
| H. Co,:xo l,D,, ,,olI,- 10 rot whiSt or,