Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-03-09
COURTING UNDER Diff
CULTIES.

-
of Jacob Blake, the old miser of
West Brook.
She was more than commonly pref
ty. and her frank, engaging manners
enhanced the charms of golden hair,
pearly skin, and eyes like the blue
skies of summer. At her fathers
death she would be heiress to the
nice little sum of seventy thousand
dollars, and though men generally
profess not to be influenced by pecu-
mary matters in affairs of love, it is
to be reasonably supposed that this
prospective wealth by no means les
sened the number of her adorers.
Among those most ardent, and per-
haps most sincere, was Will Dart
mouth, with heart larger than his
purse, and very little thought or care
for consequences.
Fortunately, old Jacob never sus-
pected the partiality of his daughter
for Will he would have put her on
bread and water before he would
have consented to the slightest init
macy with Will Dartmouth.
Jacob Blake was not in favor of
marriage. Those who knew his cir
cumstances were not surprised at this,
for, to use phrase more expressive
than elegant. Mrs. Blake was a Tar
tar, with temper enough for two Tar
tars.
Old Jacob had to 'swalk Spanish"
for the most part, or suffer the conse-
quences, which usually descended on
his head, in the shape of any domes-
tic utensil which happened to be ly-
ing around handy.
A maiden sister of Mr.. Blake re-
sided i'll the family, whose principal
business seemed to be to act sort
of echo to her brother and his wife.
Whatever they thought, she thought
too.
She regarded it as primary sin
for Kate TO associate with the young
men, and this doctrine was persevere-
ingly drilled into her neice. who
though she never dlssented, had her
own idea On the subject.
One day Mr.. Blake and his wife
went to Delham to attend fair, and
Miss Peggy being absent at a friends,
Kate was left alone. Will Dartmouth,
in some way, learned the condition OF
affairs, and early in the afternoon he
came over to keep Kate company.
As her parents were not expected
home until the evening, Will felt per-
fectly secure in stopping while after
tea; and he and Katie were having q
jolly time popping corn in the ole
fashioned frying pan, over the huge
wood fire, when there was sound oi
voices at the door. ''Good 9raci-
GUS y cried Kate, turning white will
alarm, "There is Aunt Peggy. Oh
Will, what shall we do? She viii
scold me TO death and father will bt
furious. Get under the lounge, quick
Oh, Will, do for my sake -
Will could not withstand the plead
ing in Katie's eyes, and he deposited
himself in the designated place.
Katie put out the light,and dartins
into an adjacent room in momen
was apparently asleep.
Peggy's voice was heard in In
:, hall.
''Be careful, Mr.. Pike There i
loose board there, | don't want t,
disturb my niece. Softly, it ma,
creak."
Peggy, dear, where are you?" re
sponded the squeaking voice of ESQ
Pike, the widower of year.
II can't tell which way you hav
gone"
"There, Daniel. be easy. Goo
= heavens Daniel Pike. Well | new
i, er p and report burst ON the al
? like the uncorking of champaign
;, bottle.
ooh myr' cried Aunt Peggy
"what would brother Jacob say?
declare 1 hain't been kissed by ma
since"
ssLet Jake mind his own business
retorted the squire. s'You and
can take care of ours without hi
help" and there followed a repol
similar to the first only more of it.
s'Do be quiet, Daniel, and let IN
get light. Set right down there be
fore the fire and make yourself a
home.
A light was soon procured, Pegg
, diyested herself of her wrappings
and blushing like girl in her teen
sat down opposite the Squire.
'It's fine evening" said Peggy
by way of opening the conversation
Very" replied the Squire, draw
ing his arm over her back.
"Oh, good gracious Daniel, don
set quite so nigh to me THAT is
don't consider it strictly proper
Mercy! what's that?''
Both listened attentively.
ssIt was the wind rattling the win
dow, | guess said the Squire
"Don't you go to getting so nervous
Peggy"
s'I thought it was Katie waking u
and if she should, / should neve
hear the last of it."
ssHark There is a noise-I-"
sGracious airth it's bells. tt
Jake and marin coming back Wha
I'LL r loo uTo,.o ,1ooot on, Co,;,o