The Van Buren press., 1878-07-30
M MISCELLANY. |
A "Little Nuisance"
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BY MISS NJ, Nj. ELDRIDGE.

of spirits and vitality, which may explain
her persistent affinity for torn frocks,
mud puddles, and dirty hands and face,
Her mamma, who went in for pstho-
ties" was shocked, every day, and ev-
cry hour of the day, at which she called
the childs Tom boy tastes" Per
haps, if Mrs. Lester had devoted little
more time to her offspring, had been a
lite more sympathetic with Katey, the
latter would have been different. But
while the " fine lady" mother WAS ra,
wing about ccrumics, or taking les
sons in art decoration, while the poor
child was left to amuse herself as she best
might.
Katey, indeed had but one friend, her
young uncle Tom, q collegan at home
for the summer; for Mr.. Lester was
too much absorbed in business to be
able to give any time to his little daugh-
ter. AS for her mother, Mrs. Testers
exclamation, repeated dozen times
each day, was, "do go away, and letsme
hame some peace; you are regular little
nuisance"
And yet Katcy was always respectful
and obedient, and could have been such
an enthusiastic little friend if she had
been allowed, and would have so wor
shipped her mother.
"Good-night, mamma DEAR she said,
one evening, looking in at the door of the
library, where Mrs. Lester with learned
friend was discussing, with the deepest
interest, a rcpulsiye ugly, but probably
eorrespondingly valuable piece Of Chi
| na.
Good night, child. Don't bother
me, now" said Mrs. Lester, halt i'm
patient at the interruption. "What a
nuisance you are Katey was running
contentedly Off, when Uncle Tom stop
ped her.
Goodnight, Tomtit," he said, shall
! 90 up and pay you call, by-and-
bye p
ooh. yes, do come That will be splen-
did, Don't forgetf' And Nancy, the
nurse, just then appearing, Katey van
ished.
Shortly after, uncle Tom entered the
nursery, and found his niece anxiously
awaiting him alone; for Nancy lad
lost no time in betaking herself to the
society of follower" in the kiteh
en-. Katey sprang from her bed, to
greet. her uncle; and for the next half
hour the room echoed with Their fun
and play. Blind mans buff was fol-
lowed by leap trog, and that by hide and
seek, and puss in the corner, until
finally Katey. weary with pleasure nes
tied contentedly in her uncle's lap,
and demanded peremptorily, a sto-
ry.
"a story" said uncle Tom, rather
ruefully, for his accomplishments did not
lie in that line. "What shall it be about
Jack and the bean stalk
/" No, you told me that, yesterday"
Puss in boots p
I" No that's n stupid story. I'd rather
hear about a bear"
Uncle Tom, accordingly, launched in
to most thrilling narrative, eminent
ly satisfactory to his niece, but in no
way interesting to you and me, dear rea-
der The narrowing finale reached, a
short pause ensucd; but Kateys versatile
mind soon entered a a new channel.
"Uncle Tom, what is \ nuisance 2"
We'll, kalcy, that's rather compre-
hensivc question. What's the matter
nowt'
81 guess ! must really be one" an
swered the child. mamma, and cook,
and Nancy all say SO and this afternoon
l went over to Miss Alison's, she called
me one too
"Why, what had you been doing:"
| Nothing. | only went into the par.
lor, where Miss Alison was talking to
Mr.. Wood, and asked her to show me
how she took out her teeth for never
could get mine out, and she said, go
home, you little nuisance l said,
please too"
Uncle Tom laughed outright. "pm
afraid" he said, "you forever ruined her
chances with that fastidious young par
son, Mr.. Wood"
d" Arc little girls nuisances in hea-
ven ?" asked Katey anxiously, after u
pause.
Uncle Tom was sohcred instantly. he
wi lhcd, half bitterly, that his lady sister,
down stairs, could have heard the ques-
ton.
mo, dear" he answered.
"Wcll, then," said Katey, slowly, 81
guess I'll go there. Nobody but you
seems to want me here, unless some
times" she added, thoughtfully, "on Sun
days when papa isn't too tired to play
with me and you'll soon be going back
to college
Poor Toms heart ached for the child
He knew not what to say After awhile,
Katey began again.
II Invent to church, yesterday she said,
gravely. j..
"Did you, indeed : hope you enjoyed
yourself"
"Oh no." with long sigh, " l
had to wear gloves, aud have my hair
curled, and sit so still. ] had mind to
make faces at the preacher"
/" That wasn't right, katey' re
piled Tom, essaying to play mentort
"God could see you there, You go
to church, remember, to learn to be
good"
"Well, me tries to be good, but me gets
SO tired at church"
Katey pondcred for moment silent
is, after thin, then looked up, sud
denly. -,
"If God sees me at church, said
she, with great seriousness, "does lie see
nurse when she gets angry and strikes