The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-06-20

Jack. plaintively, and wheeled the car
rage to and fro over the carpeted floor.
But the more he wheeled it, the louder
the baby screamed. all the while en-
deavoring to get out of IL, to fling her
self over the wheels, and, in every pos
sible way, to imperil her precious life.
In despair the new nurse unstrapped
the carriage and took her out; Jut at
that she screamed louder than ever.
Jack Willard glared and made faces,
tried to sing and succeeded in below
ing; tried to whistle, and nearly put
the infant into fits.
An inspiration occurred to him and
he started off in search of the kitchen,
which he found down stairs after near
ly falling into the cellar. Then he rum
mayed around until he found milk and
ugar;and with much pride in his own
rapidly developing domestic ability, he
mixed drink for the baby. But she
instantly struck the cup from his hand,
dcluging his shirt bosom and best coat
with the sweetened milk; and by and
by, having accepted buttered crust,
she completed the ruin she had made
by rubbing him over with grease and
crumbs. That accomplished, she be-
gan to scream again.
II shall 60 mad" cried Jack, rush.
ing up stairs and back again to the
pantry.
Baby magnanimously condescended
to be quiet for q minute or two, MUNICH
ing her breadcrust, and laid her head
on his shoulder.
.If she would only sleep!" thought
Jack, prayerfully; and he began to
walk softly to and fro. Baby didn't
sleep, but she was quiet as long as he
walked about, without stirring herfr
the position in which she had placed
herself. If he stopped an instant or at
tempted to change her position, she
yelled worse than ever. There was
nothing for it but calm endurance.
For two mortal hours he walked and
suffered cramp in the neck, till at last
Mistress baby succumbed to fatigue
herself, and slept like top.
Jack Willard dropped into seat and
gently removed the child's head from
his shoulder, and held her carefully in
his arms. for he did not dare to risk the
chance of waking her by placing her in
the carriage.
Then he heard the front door open,
and the next minute Mrs. Linton en-
tered. A glance told all, and likewise
informed her that Bridget had not yet
returned.
"Oh, Mr.. Willard!' she exclaimed,
"what a shame! and how sorry ] am!
But what sight you are" And as she
took the sleeping baby and tenderly
placed it in the carriage, she was glad
of the excuse TO turn away her laugh
ing face. But Jack Willard knew all
the time that she was laughing, and no
wonder. As she had said, he was
"sight." His delicate new gloves were
torn in q dozen places; his coat and
shirtbosom were dc!uged with milk and
smeared with bread and butter; his col
lar was limp. his cravat united, and
his hair was standing on end.
ooh, NJ. Willard, I'm afraid you'll
never forgive me! Indeed, am so
she continued addressing Jack.
"Oh. pray don't mention it. I've
had most interesting time" with a
dreary attempt at gaiety. "But you'll
excuse me if l hurry away now. l feel
n little disheveled, and must get home
and-ah-change my coat, you see."
And picking up his glossy hat he crush
ed it on his head, and fled.
In time Jack and Mrs. Lintc:. met
again, but the gentleman's ardor had
cooled; and Mrs. Linton who had never
suspected his matrimonial intentions,
was not enlightened; for on no future
occasion did Jack ever speak his little
piece, so carefully rehearsed on that
disastrous morning.