THE BACHELOR AND THE BABY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 94, 17 May 1909, Page 4

THE BACHELOR AND THE BABY.

(By a Knowing Mother.) Do bachelors like babies 1 Well, as a matter of fact. I'm not certain. They like little children, I know. Watch an average bachelor playing with children, lie forgets the rigid creases in ' his trousers—forgets that neckties have an irritating habit- of climbing up the backs of collars to peep at the world whenever possible.

I once watched an immaculate young man killing dragons under the table. Presently, very dishevelled, he told me that he was enjoying himself immensely. HE HATES TO HOLD ONE. Hut babies? Well, if -bachelors do not become enthusiastic about babies, it is usually the fault of the young mother. Sometimes, as a sort of treat, a bachelor is shown a baby. He stares blankly down at the infant; the infant, with just touch of contempt in its eyes, stares back at the helpless bachelor. Sometimes, as a special mark of favor, a bachelor is allowed to hold a baby. The average bachelor just hates that. The average bachelor would far rather be excused; but he dare not protest. He takes the tiny mite gingerly, and trtes to hold it in what he imagines to be a sensible position.. As a rule he tries to make it sit bolt upright, anil then everyone screams at the bachelor, and he feels like a detected murderer.

That is Mother reason why babies are not over-popular with bachelors. Hound tlie bachelor is a crowd of people waiting to hear what lie will say. And the bachelor mjver does know what to sav under such circumstance.-;. He blushes scarlet, and cudgels hi,' brains vainly as to what on earth .people do say when they are introduced to babies. Ajkl finally he remarks'fatuousIv. "Er—jolly Tittle beggar, and all that! What?" KISSING MAKBS HIM FEEL. AWKWARD.

Occasionally a baby is held up so that a bachelor may kiss it. The bachelor hesitates visibly, then kisses the child. He gives' it a kiss, gentle enough, in all conscience, but entirely without feeling. And then the bachelor blushes and feels awkward and wretched. 1 can give Tio explanation of the phenomenon, but it is it psychological fact that bachelors always feel awkward and wretched alter kissing a baby in public. ft is not that the bachelor does not like the babvas a baby, but that he has little interest in it as an eighth wonder of the world.

Tn his heart of .hearts the bachelor is fond of babies. To him a babv is a bundle of helplessness and innocence, and there is nothing more potent to swav his manly feelings. Just a little fragile bal>y, and he looks down at it with a very tender feeling.