The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1868-08-05
MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARING E
OF TIE
GRINFALDI BROTHERS.
BY CuAS. DICKENS.

One evening IN the secOnQ Week OI NofGlh-
Der, 1903, Grimaldi, when playing at Drury
Lane, had been called by the prompter, and
was passing from the green room to the stage,
when a messenger informed him that two
gentlemen we're waiting to see him at the stage
door Afraid Of keeping the stage waiting
he enjoined the messenger to tell the gentle
men that he was engaged at that moment, but
that he would come down to them directly he
left the stage. The play was ga Bold Stroke
for Wife," Miss Melon was Anne; Bannis-
ter, Feignwell Aitkin, Simon Pure; and
Grimaldi, Aninadab
As soon as he could get away from the stage
he hurried down stairs, aud inquiring who
wanted him, was introduced to two strangers,
who were patiently awaiting his arrival. They
were young men Of gentlemanly appearance,
and upon hearing the words, "Here's Mr..
Griualdi who wants him 2" one of them
turned hastily around and warmly accosted
him.
| He looked about his own age, and had
evidently been accustomed to a much warmer
climate than that of England. He wore the
fashionable evening dress Of the day-that is
to say, blue body coat with gilt buttons, a
white waiscoat, and tight pantaloons, and car
ried in his hand small gold headed cane.
''Joe, my lad" exclaimed this person, hold
| ing out his hand in some agitation, show goes
it with you now, old fellow p
He was not little surprised at this familiar
address from person whom he was not con-
scious Of ever having seen in his life, and after
moments pause replied that he really had
l a. W or ncnr'c GcNn1lnt,
ance.
eNot the pleasure Of my acquaintance, = re-
peated the stranger, with "a loud laugh. "Well,
Joe, that seems funny, anyhow" lie appeal
ed to his companion, who concurred IN the
opinion, and they both laughed heartily. This
was all very funny to the strangers, but not at
all 50 to Grimaldi he had vague idea that
they were rather laughing at than with him,
and, as much offended as surprised, was turn
ing away, when the person who had spoken
first said, in a rather tremulous voice
sJoe, don't you know me now p
| He turned and gazed at him again. lie
! had opened his shirt, and was pointing to a
scar upon his breast, the sight of which at once
assured him that it was no other than his bro
ther. who stood before him-his only brother
who had disappeared under the circumstances
narrated in an earlier paat Of these memoirs
They were naturally much affected by thi'
meeting, especially the elder brother, who had
been SO suddenly summoned into the presence
of the near relative whom long ago he had
given up for lost. They embraced again and
again, and gave vent to their feelings in tears
aCome up stairs" said Grimaldi, as soon as
the surprise was over. "Mr Wrouehton is
there-Mr. Wroughion, who was the means O.
YOUR going to sea he'll be delighted to see
you.' The brothers were hurrying away
when the friend, whose presence they had
Iquite forgotten in their emotion, said:
"Well, John, then I'll wish you good night.
Good night! good night" said the other
shaking his hand 81 shall see you in thu
morning"
| eyes" replied the friend, sat ten, mind
"At ten precisely I shall not forget an
swcred John.
The friend to whom he had not introduced
his brother in any way departed, and the.
went upon the stage together, where Grimal
di introduced his brother to Powell, Bannister
Wroughton, and many others in the green
room, who, attracted by the singularity of hi
return under such circumstances, had collect
ed around them.
Having his stage business to attend to, h
had very little time for conversation, but 0
course he availed hlmselfef every moment tina
> he could spare of the stage and in answer t.