The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-10-14
RUSHING INTO LOVE.

unwavering industry. enough OF this world s
goods to be counted well-to- do people
John had lived ont the allotted time OF
three score years and ten, while Aunt Becky
as she was familiarly called, was approach
ing 10. Without child upon earth to take
care of. one would hardly suppose the
household work would be much. but they
were uncommonly busy this morning. I'm
Gle John, for everybody called him so,
had taken unusual care in COM
plotting his toilet, as also had his good
spouse, she could be seen occasionally ut
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. yea
ried of watching, had taken his pipe for a
stroll through the orchard, which was rich
with its abundance of fruit. Not long, how
ever did Aunt Becky have to await the an
ucipated arrival, for Il carriage soon drove
mp to the gate, and n saucy looking little
maiden made herself visible, and was soon
kissing Aunt Becky in q style that showed
very plainly that she was really very glad To
See her. Tilsie Nane, for that was her
name, was the child of Aunt Becky's only
sister, and the pet of both the old couple
she annually 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-
tive.
We'll, let me see; father is well, mother
is we'll, Charlie is-Charlie is sick"
Poor boy" replied Aant Becky, sorrow-
fully. He ort to have come, tn; it would
have done him such II deal of good tn get
some of this fresh country air. What ais
him Tilsie?"
''Ails him." replied the roguish little maid
H.
pasture-nothing i'll the line of medicine
can cure him"
''Ha. Tilsie, how You do talk! Is it the
same bronchitis, or"
Mono aunty: he is in love-really in
love"
Now, don't be foolish, child; but tell
me that they are WELL and du keep Il sober
face. can t tell when to believe YOU"
''Everybodys WE'LL then replied Tilsie
pettishly, not relishing Aunt Becky's last
speech: .'even TO Packet, the horse, and
Rover the dog; and 81 sood-by, I'm going
Ia find Uncle John.
Well, dear, | think You will find him
III the orchard. and"
Il can find him if he is on the farm"
And away she ran, while Aunt Becky called
after her in vain.
Dear, dear! What Il nightly she is. ]
stopping with us; but la she could not
wait to hear, and jest as like as not she'll
See him, and"
Aunt Becky didn't finish this sentence.
hut went about her housework. while Tilsie
went rompinG through the orchard i'll search
of good natured Uncle John. Presently
she curbs her steps somewhat, for she es-
pies Uncle John, rs she thinks, sitting
against large apple tree, enjoying
the green meadows and the bright
sky above him. Tilsie creeps cautiously up
behind him and Suddenly thrusts her
roglish face into his, at the same time hal
LONG boo" She gave one scream and
made good her steps for the house, while
the gentleman who was none other than
Peter Stadspnker, was somewhat puzzled
at such an unexpected introduction, and ere
he could recover from his establishment
Tilsie WAS out of sight. But as the old
couple had informed him previously that
they We're expecting niece there, he soon
accounted for the intrusion, and declared,
ito himself, of course, } that it was not dis
agreeable little face to have thrust into his
own; and all his mind could now conjecture
up was rosebud mouth. deep blue eyes, and
pretty little gaiter boots.
T'ilsie reached the house nearly ont of
breath.
"Oh, Aunt Becky! | went to find Uncle
John, and when thought had found him,
] stole up behind him to say boo" to sur
prise him. and dear me, 1 thrust my hand
into a stranger sand a mans, too"
Aunt Becky could do nothing but laugh
at poor Tilsie's confusion.
''Tilsie, child, | called after you, but you
would not give heed. / wanted to tell you
that Peter Stndspraker n young lawyer,
and the son of AN old sweetheart of your
Uncle Johns was visiting US.
AN old sweetheart of Uncle Johns?
Why Aunt Becky, / don't think, if | were
You, I'd thank any such ones to send their
children to see me-"
All. child, this WAS II long time ago; be-
sides, 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 you?" asked Tilsie
roguishly.
La me, He never noticed her after he
became acquainted with me; so, you see /
have no reason to be jealous"
What an awful sounding name.-Peter
Stradspraker! | would like to see the wo-
man who would be willing to adopt that
name. Hank hear someone; / know that it is
Uncle John" And away Tilsie ran, with
out stopping to think for a moment, and in
another instant she had thrust hefSef IN the
arms of the Young lawyer, who did not seem
inclined to release her, and when Uncle
John made his appearance and Tilsie went
on to tell him of the proceeding, Uncle Pc
ter laughed heartily.
Tilsie was an uneasy girl, and could not
keep quiet long; therefore the reader need
not be startled at finding herin the barn the
next day after her arrival looking for hens
eggs. She mounted the ladder to the hay
loft and began her search; but 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 in
clned to taste of her foot-for she had
heard Uncle John speak of his
biting propensities. Tilsie was in
quite quandary when the stable
door opened, and again, to her ehagrin
and modification, Peter Stradspmker
entered. As Tilsie expected, he came di-
rectly toward the horse and began untying
the halter preparatory to taking ride. Pc
ter espied the foot, and instantly assembled
the scaffold and released her from her I'M