The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-08-14
RUSHING INTO LOVE.


unwavering industry, enough of this worlds
goods to be counted well-to do people. John
had already lived out the allotted time of
three score years and ten, while Aunt Becky
(as she was Familiarity called) was approach
ing sixty-fve. Without child upon earth
to take care Of one would hardly suppose
that the household work would be much, but
they were uncommonly busy this particular
morning Uncle John for everybody called
him sol had taken unusual care in complet-
ing his toilet, as also had his good spouse
she could be seen occasionally at the door,
as if expecting some one and her white cap,
with its benevolent border, and her "new
calico" told too plainly that indeed some one
was expected. Uncle John, wearied of
watching, has taken his pipe for stroll
through the orchard, which was rich with
its abundance of fruit. Not long, however,
did Aunt Becky have to wait for the antici-
pated arrival, for a carriage soon drove up
to the gate. and a saucy looking little maiden
made herself visible, and was soon kissing
Aunt Becky in style that showed very
plainly that she was really very glad to see
her. Tilsie Vane, for that was her name
was the child of Aunt Becky's only sister
and the pet of both the old couple she usually
visited.
"Come, Tilsie, sit down and tell me all
about the folks" said Aunt Becky, who was
anxious to hear of her only surviving rela-
atives.
"Well, let me see; father is WE'LL mother
is well, Charlie is-Charlie is sick"
"Poor boyl" replied Aunt Becky, SORROW
fully. "He ort tn have come too; it would
have done him SIGH deal of good to get
some eft this fresh country airl What ails
him Tilsie?"
calls him?" replied the roguish little
maiden. "Ails him? Why, Aunt Becky, he
is past cure-nothing in the line of medicines
can cure him."
LA, Tilsie, how you do talkl Is it the
same bronchitis, or"
love-"
'Now, don't be fooling, child; but tell me
that they are well, and du keep sober face.
/ can't tell when tn believe YOU"
''Everybody's well, them" replied Tilsie,
pettishly, not relishing Aunt Beckys last
speech, "even to Packet, the horse, and Ro-
yer, the dog; and so good bye, Pm going to
find Uncle john"
"Well, dear, l think you will find him in
the orchard and"
al can find him if he is on the farm" And
away she ran, while Aunt Becky called after
in vain.
"Dear, dearl What highly she isl I
wanted to tell her that Peter Stradspraker
was stopping with us; but la she could not
wait tn hear, and jest like as not she'll see
him. and"
Aunt Becky didn't finish the sentence, but
went about her homework, while Tilsie went
romping through the orchard in search of
good-natured Uncle John. Presently she
curbs her steps somewhat, for she espies Un-
=. IL Il
large apple-tree, enjoying the green mead
ows and the bright sky above him. Tilsie
creeps cautiously up behind him, and sud-
denly thrusts her roguish face into his, at
the same time hallooing "bool" She gave
one scream and made good her steps for the
house, while the gentleman, who was none
other than Peter Stradspraker, was somewhat
puzzled at such an unexpected introduction,
and ere he could recover from his astonish-
ment Tilsie was out of sight. But as the old
couple had informed him previously that
they were expecting niece there, he soon
accounted for the intrusion, and declared Ito
himself, of course), that it was not a disa.
greeable little face to have thrust into his own;
and all his mind could now conjure up was
rose bud mouth, deep blue eyes and pretty
little gaiter boots.
Tilsie reached the house nearly out of
breath.
''Oh, Aunt Becky 1 went to find Uncle
John, and when thought had found him,
/ stole up behind him to say boo to surprise
him, and dear me, l thrust my hand into a
stranger's-and mans too"
Aunt Becky could do nothing but laugh at
poor Tilsie's confusion.
"Tilsie, child, l called after you, but you
would not give heed. want to tell you that
Peter Stradspraker, young lawyer, and the
son of an old sweetheart of your Uncle
Johns, was visiting u.s."
"An old sweetheart as Uncle John2"
Why. Aunt Becky, don't think, if I were
you, I'd thank any such ones to send their
children to see me-"
"Ahl child, this was a long time ago; be-
sides, l loved her, too, and we have always
kept up the old acquaintance"
Don't you feel jealous of her sometimes,
and. fear she might steal some of Uncle
Johns affections from your" asked Tilsie
roguishly.
ala mel He never noticed her after he
became acquainted with me; so you see /
have no reason to be jealous
"What an awful sounding namel-Peter
Stradsprakerl l would like to see the woman
who would be willing to adopt that name
Harkl hear some one; 1 know that is I'm
Gle JOuH. Anu away lllsle ran, without
stopping to think for moment, and in an
other instant she had thrust herselfin the
arms of the young lawyer, who did not seem
inclined to release her, when Uncle John
made his appearance, and Tilsie went on to
tell him of the proceeding, when Uncle and
Peter laughed heartily.
This was an uneasy girl, and could not
keep quiet long; therefore the reader need
not be startled at finding her the next day
after her arrival in the barn looking for hens
eggs. She mounted the ladder to the hay
loft, and began her search; being unused to
the place, she did not heed an opening in the
floor, and ere she was aware she had stepped
through and was unable to extricate herself;
besides, she was just above the horses head,
and what if he should feel inclined to taste
of her foot-for she had heard Uncle John
speak of his biting propensities. Tilsie was
in quite quandry when the stable door
opened; and again TO her chagrin and morti-
fication, Peter Stradspraker entered AS
Tilsie expected, he came directly toward the
horse and began untying the halter, prepare
tory to taking ride. Peter espied the foot,
and instantly assembled the scaffold ana re-
leased her from her unpleasant situation,
with many inquiries as to whether she was
injured, which Tilsle answered as well as