Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-10-01
Counting Under DinhcuIties.


Jacob Blake, the old miser of West
Brooks.
She was more than commonly pretty,
and her frank, engaging manner, enhanc-
ed the charms of golden hair, pearly
skin, and blue skies of summer.
At her fathers death she would be
heiress of the nice little sum of seventy
thousand dollars, and, though men gen
eralIy profess not to be influenced by pc.
cuniary matters in affairs of love, it is to
be reasonably supposed that this prospect
i've wealth by no means lessened the
number of her admirers. Among those
most ardent. and perhaps most sincere,
was Will Dartmouth, with heart larger
than his purse, and but little thought or
care for consequences.
Fortunately old Jacob never suspected
the partiahty of bis daughter for Will. He
would have put her on bread and water
before he would have consented to the
slightest intimacy with Will. Dartmouth.
John Blake was not in favor of mar
riages. Those who knew his circumstan-
ces were not surprised at this, for, to use
n phrase more expressive than elegant,
Ms. Blake was Tartar, with temper
enough for two Tartars.
Old Jake had to "walk SQUASH" for
the most part, or suffer the consequences,
which were usually descended upon his
head in the shape of any domestic
u;ensil that happened to be lying around
handy. s....-.. ..
A maiden sister of Mrs. Blake resided
in the family, whose principal business
seemed to be to act as sort of echo to
her brother rand his wife. What they
thought she thought too.
She regarded it as primary sin for
Kate to associate with young men, and
this doctrine was perseveringIy drilled in
to her niece, who, not dissenting, had her
own idea on the subject.
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife went
to Dedham to attend fair, and Miss
Peggy 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 till evening, Will felt perfectly Sc
cure in stopping a while after tea; and he
and Kate were having jolly time pop
ping corn in the old fashic ned frying pan,
over huge wood fire, when there was
sound of voices at the door.
GOOD graciousT' cried Kate turning
white with alarm, there is my Aunt
Peggy! o, Will, what shall we do?
She will scold me to death, and father
will be furious. Get under the lounge,
quick! o, Will, do for my sake"
Will could not stand the pleading in
Hates eye. and deposited himself in the
designated place.
Kate put out the light and darted into
an adjoining room, and in a moment was
apparently asleep II
Peggy's voice was heard in the hall:
/" Be careful, Mr.. Pike, there is a loose
board there. don't want to disturb my
niece. Softly, it may crack"
Peggy dear, where are you?" re-
sponded the squeaking voice of Squire
Pike, widower of year, can't tell
which way you have gone"
There Daniel, be easy. Good heav-
ems, Daniel Pike! well, NEVER" and a
report bust upon the air like the uncork-
ing of a champagne bottle.
tOh myw cried Aunt Peggy, hat
would brother Jacob say? l declare, L
haven't kissed man since, -!
"Let Jake mind his own business"
retorted the Squire. Z" You and | can
take care of ours without his helps" and
there followed a report similar to the first
only louder. 3o"st sos.
Do be quiet, Daniel, and let me get
a light. Sit righs down there, before
the fire. and make yourself at home"
A light was soon procured. Peggy
Invested herself Of her. wrapping, and
blushing like girl in her teens, sat down
opposite the Squire.
Its pleasant evening"" said she, by
the way of opening the conversation.
VERY" replied the Squire, drawing
his arm around her.
"Oh, good gracious, Daniel! don't
get quite SO nigh me! THAT is, don't
consider it strictly proper. Mercy! what
is that?"
Both listened.
1t was the wind rafting against the
window, | guess, said the Squire
Don't You go 10 getting SO nervous, Peg
gy.
thought it was Kate waking up,
and if she should l would never hear the
end of it."
SHARK there is a noise--
Gracious airth it's bells. It's Jake
and bis wife a-comiDg home. What shall
/ dof o, Squire, it amt right for US to
be nothing to one another. Do help me /!
what shall | do!" os go
a. Toll mo xubof 70 do po0ou 2av fha