The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-08-01
A "Little Nuisance"
BY MISS NJ. NJ. ELDRIDdE.

uef PERSISTENT annuity LOT tOT0 lTOCkS, muO
puddles, and dirty hands and face. Her
mamma, who went in Tor aesthetics. ,
was shocked, every day, aad every hour
of the day, at which she called the child's
"Tom- boy tastes" Perhaps, if Mrs. Les
ter had devoted little more time to her
offspring, had been little more sympa-
thetic with Katey, tho latter would have
been different. But while the "fne lady
mother WAS raying about ceramics, or
taking 10 'sons in art decoration, the poor
child was left to amuse herself as she best
might.
Katey, indeed, had but one friend, her
young uncle Tom, collcgian at home
for the summer; for Mr.. Lester was too
much absorbed in business to he able to
give any time to his little daughter. As
for her mother, Mrs. Testers eXclama-
tiOn, repeated dozen times each day,
was, "do go away, and let me have some
peace; you are a regular little nuisance"
And yet katey was always respectful
and obedient, and could have been such
an enthusiastic little friend if she had
been allowed, and would have so wor-
slipped her mother.
"Good- might, mamma dear" she said,
one evening, looking in at the door Of the
Library, where Mrs. Lester, with a learned
friend was discussing, with the deepest
interest, a repulsive ugly, but probably
correspondngly valuable piece Of china.
"Giod. night, child. Don't bother me,
now said Mrs. Lester, half impatient
at the interruption. "What n nuisance
you are.' Katey was running contented
ly off, when Uncle Tom stopped her.
"Good night, Tomtit," he said, "shall
go up and pay you call, by-and-bye9"
80, YES, do come. That will be spleu-
did. Don't forget" Aud Nancy, the
nurse, just then appearing, Kttey van
ishei
Shortly after, uncle Tom entered the
nursery, and found his niece anxiously
awaiting him alonc; for Nancy had lost
40 time in betakiug herself to the society
of IL follower" in the kitchen. Katey
and for the next halfho the room
echoed with their fun and play. Blind
mans buff was followed by leap frog, and
that by hide and seek, and by puss in the
corner, until finally Katcy, weary with
pleasure nestled contentedly in her
uncle's lap, and d,m,nded pcremptorily,
story.
"a story |" said uncle Tom, rather rue
fully; for his accomplishments did not lie
in that line. "What shall it be about9
Jack and tho bean stalk!'
"No, you told me that, yesterday"
"Puss in Boots"
"No, that's a stupid story. Ia rather
hear about a bear"
Uncle Tom, accordingly, launched into
most thrilling narrative, cmincntly sat
isfactory to his niece, but in no one in
tcresting to you and me, dear reader
The narrowing finale reached, short
pause ensued; but Katcy's versatile mind
soon entered new channel.
"Uncle Tom, what is u nuisancel"
"Well, Katey, that's rather a compre-
hensive question. What's the matter
nowl"
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 Allison's, and she
called me one, too"
.'Why, what had you been doing?"
"NNhing. only went into the Iar-
Tor, where Miss Allison 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 said,
please, too"
Uncle Tom laughed outright. SIN
afraid" he said, "you forever ruined her
obon,oe ,,;tb that faot;j;ono v.,,nn no
son, Mr.. Wood"
"Are little girls nuisances in heavcnl'
asked Katey anxiously, after a pause.
Uncle Tom was sobered instantly. He
wished, half bitterly, that his lady sister,
down stairs, could have heard the ques-
ton.
mo, dear" he answered.
"Well. them" said Kstcy, slowly, IL
guess I'll go there. Nobody but you
seems to want mo 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,
Kaiey began again.
81 went to church, yesterday" she said,
gravely.
"Did you, indeed hope you enjoyed
yourself"
ooh! no." with a long sigh. Il had to
wear gloves, and have my hair curled,
aud sit so still. had mind to make
faces at the preacher"
THAT wasn't right, Katey," replied
Tom essaying to play the mentor. 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."