Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-05-17

Many years ago during session of the Vir-
gina Legislature, wealthy merchant-n
conformity with the customs Of the times
gave dinner party to few gentleman, among
whom was member of Congress at that
period. On the appointed day, however, the
lady Of the house was much annoyed by the
intrusion of an old man at the door. Having
been met by the servant, he inquired if the
proprietor of the house-whom he called Mr..
Topham-was at home. Upon receiving
MIGHT'VE reply, and being furthermore inform
ed that he would not be at home for some
three or four hours, the man said -
Well, being as am here may as well
remain until he comes"
"Pease wait moment" said the servant,
81 will call Mrs. Topham to the door, and
see what she will say"
The servant then ran and called the merch-
ants wife, who made her appearance. The
old man then repeated what he had said to
the servant-that being as he was there he
might as well remain until her husband came.
"Well," replied Mrs. T., if you will stay,
just walk through the alley and go back to
the kitchen and take seat"
Nothing daunted, the old man obeyed Or
ders, and passed through the alley to the
kitchen, where he found Mrs. T. and the serv-
ants cry busily engaged in preparing dinner
Surprising him some old man seeking employ
ment, Mrs. I. was free in calling into requi-
sition his service in her work in preparing
dinner, and he was equally willing and ready
to render all assistance possible.
"Old man." said she, suppose you take
the bucket, 60 to the hydrant and draw us
some water"
He at once readily complied with her re
quest.
"Od man. again said she, "suppose you
assist us little in preparing dinner, as we
give dinner party to-day, and are very much
hurried. Just peel few potatoes, if you
please"
No sooner was the request made than the
odd man. got to work peeling potatoes with
u right good will. After all things were suf
ficiently advanced to release Mrs. T. from fur.
ther supervision, she went into her chamber
to arrange her toilet to receive her husbands
guests. AT the proper hour her husband
came in; and then, one by one, came those
who we're to dine with him on that day. II
due time all arrived but one-the NJ. q. Mr.
Topham then began to express his surprise al
the absence of the Virginia representative, a.
he thought he would certainly have been one
of the first, if not the first, to make his ap.
pearance, knowing that his dinner at home
was an early one.
When about comming to the conclusion
that the Virginia NJ G. would fail to make
his appearance. Mrs. It's memory which
seemed to have proved rather treacherous, be-
came efulgent, and she acquainted her hush
and with the fact that there was an !. old man
in the kitchen who had been 1iaiting to Sc.
him for the last three or four hours.
Mr.. 7. Immediately repaired to the kitchen
to ascertain the " old mans" wants, when, 10
, and behold who should he find but our M. G
himself Astonished beyond measure, ane
, with confused utterance he exclaimed -
"Why, how came you here2"
II was invited" he simply replied, to tn,
: kitchen by your wife and as came mucl
, before your dinner hour, have been making
, myself useful"
, Mr. M. at once invited and accompanies
him into the parlor, and introduced him to hi
wife and guests as " the Hon. Robert Ruther
ford, of Virginia" ta
n The lady's feelings can be better imagnet
j.: by the reader than described by the writer
e but the balance Of the day passed off pleas
antly, saving the lady's abashment, resultin,
f.om not recognizing she Virginia Membe
J. of Congress-