Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-05-06

I RED q clerk, mechanic, OF soiio sue" Pe'Sou-
His name is Lowe, and lives in Norton street.
Is that all ?"
"That is ALL"
The old man turned his steps towards the
street indicated, with many forebodinss lest
his second visit might be as unwelcome as his
first appeared to be.
Betty" said Mrs Beaumont, as she closed
the door, if that old fool comes again, be sure
and not to forget to tell him ! am not at home
Norton street was not a fashionable street,
nor was the two-story dwelling occupied by
William Lowe handsome or costly. 1t was
marked, however, by an air OF neatness which
indicated that its tenants were not regardless
of outward appearances.
We will take the liberty of introducing you
into little sitting-room, where Mrs. Lowe and
her three little children were even now seated.
! A plain. servceable carpet covered the floor,
and the remainder of the furniture though oil
kind which would hardly be selected for
drawing room, had comfortable, homellke
appearance, which simply satisfied the desire
of those who derived their happiness from
higher and less mutable force than outside
show. Mrs. Lowe was seated in rocking
chair, engaged in an employment which am
aware is tabooed in all fashionable so;iety. !
mean darning stockings.
Emma, girl of ten, was brushing up the
hearth, which the ashes from the CRATE, III
which blazing fire was now burning, had
somewhat disordered, while Mary, who was
two years younger, was reading. Charley,
little rogue of five, with a smiling face which
could not help looking roguish, was stroking
the cat the wrong way, much to the disturb
ancc of poor Tabby, who had quietly settled
herself down to pleasant dreams upon the
hearth rug.
All at once loud knock was heard at the
door.
Emma said the mother, you may 60 to
the door and see who it is, and invite them in,
for it is a cold day"
Emma Immediately obeyed the mothers di-
rcction.
"Is Mrs. Lowe at home ?" inquired Henry
Beaumont-for it was he.
"Yes, sir" said Emma, please walk in,
and you may see her"
She ushered tho old man into the comiorta-
bic sitting-room.
Mrs Lowe arose To receive him.
al believe he said, " I'm not mistaken in
thinking that your name before marriage was
Anna Beaumont p
"You arc right, sir, that was my name
"And you have no recollection Of an uncle
that wandered away from home and friends
and from whom no tidings have come for ma
ny long year 2
eyes, sir, remember him well--my uncle
Henry and have many times wished | could
hear something from him. Can you give me
, any information"
81 can, for am he
"You my uncle? ?" said Mrs. Lowe, in sur
prise, al then you are indeed welcome. Emma
bring your uncle the arm chair and place il
close to the fire; and Mary, bring your fathers
slippers, for / am sure your dear uncle must
long to get off those heavy boots. And now
uncle, when you are quite rested, | must de-
mand recital Of your adventures
"But your brother, Alexander interrupted
Mr.. Beaumont, let me first inquire about him
He lives in the city now, does he not 2?
A light cloud came over Mrs. loves face.
"Yes." she said, che does live in the city
vet, strange as it may appear, seldom or ne
vcr see him. He has succeeded well and Is
wealthy; but ever since he married wife witt
a small property and greater pride, has kept
aloof from us. do not blame him so much a;
his wife. who is said to have great influence
over him. have called once but she treated
me so coldly that have not felt disposition
to renew my visit"
! u can easily believe il, j" was the reply, "iol
too, have been repulsed."
"You repulsed? Did you give your name
andinform her of your relation to her husband?
al did, but she did not invite me to enter
and she was evidently impatient for me to D'
gone took the hint, and here ! am"
, "At least, uncle" said Mrs. Lowe, smi'ingly
+ syou need not be afraid Of any repulse here.
e "of that am quite sure, said the old gen
tleman, looking afectionately into the face o
G his niece. "But you have not told me of You
husband. Let me know whether you have
. good husband" he added playfully."
"That depends on what's meant by the term
Ifit implies a rich husband, then failed, mos
certainly, for Williams salary is only elsh
hundred dollars year, and that is what w'
r have to depend upon. But for all that care
not for kind, aaectiona;c husband is Of more
, worth than magnificent house and the mos
0 costly furniture"
"You are right, said ber unciewarmly, "anc
Infer that your husband is Of such character.
e ale is in truth"
t astill," continued her uncle, there mus
o be something which your limited income vii
D not permit you to obtain, but which would b
desirable, is there not"
Eyes" said Mrs. Lowe, " am anxious Z
give Emma and Mary musical education, 6u
Williams means will not allow Of such extray