Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-09-24

Jacob Blake, the old miser Of West
Brook.
She was more than commonly pretty,
and her frank, engaging manners enhanc-
ed the charms OF her golden bair, pearly
skin. and eyes like the blue skies OF sum
nler. At her fathers death she would be
heiress Of the nice sum of seventy thous-
and dollars, and though men generally
profess not to be influenced by pecuniary
matters in affairs Of love, it is to be rea
sonably supposed that this prospective
wealth by 10 means lessened the number
of her adorers. Among those most ar
dent and perhaps sincere, was Will OAR
mouth, with a heart larger than his purse,
and very little thought Or care for conse-
queaces.
Fortunately, old Jacob never suspected
the particularly of his daughter for Will;
he would have put her on bread and wa
ter before he would have consented to the
slightest intimacy with vii. Dartmouth.
Jacob Blake was not III 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 Iartars
Old Jacob hal to walk Spanish" for
the most part. or suffer the consequences
which usually descended on his head III the
shape of any domestic utensil which hap
pened TO be lying around handy.
A maiden sister of Mrs Blaks's resided
IL tbs q IL to E es IS gGt 81 ss0 IS
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 into
her niece who though she never disscnted,
had her own idea on the subject
One day MIR. Blake and his wife went
to Dedham to attend fair, and Miss Peg
gy being absent at a 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
Kate company.
As her parents were not expected home
until the evening. Will felt perfectly Sc
cure in stopping awhile after tea ; aud he
and Kate were having jolly time popping
corn IN the old fashioned frying pan. over
the hugh wood fire, when there was a sound
OF voices at the door Good graclous?'
cried Kate, turning white with alarm
there is Aunt Peggy. Oh viii! 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 p
Will could not withstand the pleadings
in Rates eyes, and he deposited himself
in the designated place.
Kate put out the light and darted into
an adjacent ROOM and iii moment was
apparently asleep
Peggy's voice was heard in the hall.
BE careful Mr.. Pike. There is
loose board there 1 don't want to dis
turb my niece. Softly, it may creak."
Peggy, dear where are you ?" respon-
ded the squeaking voice Of Squire Pike,
widower of year. II can't tell which
way you have gone
There. Daniel, be easy. Good Hea-
vens! Daniel Pike Well, never !" and
a report burst upon the air like the un-
corking of a champaign bottle
"Oh my 2" cried Aunt Peggy, what
would my brother Jacob say declare
| haven't been kissed by man since"
LET Jake mind his own business +
retorted the Squire. You and | can
take care Of ours without his helps" and
there followed report similar to the first,
only little more SO.
DO be quiet, Daniel, and let me get
Ugh. Set down there atore the fire and
make yourself at home"
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
''It's fine evening" said Peggy, by
The way of opening the conversation.
Very, replied the Squire, drawing
bis arm over her back.
oh COOK gracious, Daniel. don't set.
quite so nigh to me. THAT is don't
consider it strictly proper. Mercy whats
hat 2"
Both listened attensively.
1T was the wind rafting the window,
guess" said the Squire. Don't yon go
% getting so nervous, Peggy"
Il thought it was Katie waking up,
lad if she should, should never hear the
asst of it.
'Hark there is noise--I--" /,