Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-05-06
Not at Home.

An elderly man, shabbily attired, was seen
walking through one Of the fashionable streets
in large city, one cold December day. His
coat was of course grey, and had evidently seen
hard service, though still perfectly whole and
neat. The traveller walked slowly along, as
have said, examining carefully as he passed the
names on the door-plates. He finally paused
before dwelling of snowy exterior, which, il
we may credit the plate upon the door, was
occupied by Alexander Beaumont.
"Alexander Beaumont! yes, that's the
house" murmured the traveller to himself as
he ascended the steps and rang the door-bell.
His summons was answered by servant
who after moments scrutiny, which appa-
rently was not of very favorable character, said
roughly
"Well, sir, what do you want p
as Mr.. Beaumont at home ?" asked the old
man, without needing the intentional rudencss
"No, sir, he is not"
"Then, perhaps, can see lis wife,"
al think it very doubtful, but will go and
sec."
The servant withdrew without asking the
old man to enter, though the day was very
cold and his clothing seemed hardly sufficient
to protect him from its inclemency.
Mrs. Beaumont was reclining on fantcui
in room handsomely furnished. The last new
magazine was in her hand, and her eyes were
listlessly glancing over its pages. She was In
terruptcd in her reading by the entrance Of tho
servant.
"Well. what now, Bctty?" She inquired.
"There is man down stairs wants to SCI
you ma'am."
"Man a gentleman, you meanY
"No. ma'am," said Betty, stoutly, for she
well understood what made up gentlemen II
the conventional sense of the term; " it isn't
gentleman at all, for he's got an old grey coa
and he has not got any gloves on"
"What can he want of me ~
al don't know be inquired after Mr.. Beau
mont first"
"You didn't bring him in the parlor, die
you ?"
The girl shook her head.
"You did right, and you'd better tell hin
I'm not at home"
"Mrs beaumont is not at home" said Betty
re-appearing at the door.
"1 suppose that means she is engaged" salc
the old man "I think she will see me whcl
she learns who am Tell her am her hus
bands uncle, and my name is Henry Beau
mont"
"The old rag-tag is masters uncle, saIt
Betty, wondering as she re-ascended the stairs
GOOD heavensp said her mistress, " i
amt that veteran who strolled off years ago
nobody knows where. | did hope he neve
would come back again. And now | suppos'
he is as poor as a rat and wants help. Well
he won't get it il can help it, but suppoS'
I must see him."
The lady deccndod, fully prepared to CIV
the visitor a frigid reception.
al am not mistaken" said the old man witt
feeling ats Alexander's wife"
"You are right, sir. am the wife OF Mr
Alexander Beaumont, and suppose from you
language you arc
'His uncle Henry. Ah me have beer
gone so many years, and it does me good t
return to my kindred"
The old man leaned on his staff, and his fea
lures worked convulsively as thoughts of th
mast came over his mind. Mrs. Beaumon
stood holding the door as if waiting for him T.
depart. She did not give him any invitation
to enter.
"Is your husband well y inquired the visl
tor, looking in as if he expected an invitation
to enter and refresh himself after his walk, D.
an interval of rest.
"He is. If you have any message for hin
YOU may leave it with me, and Will deiive
it, said Mrs. Beaumont, desirous OF riddin
herself of the intruder as speedily as possible
"You may tell him | have called, said tn
visitor in a disappointed tone, and that
would like to have seen him."
81 will tell him y and Mrs. Beaumont wa
about to close the door.
Hold there is one question more. Wha
has become of Alexanders sister Anna !"
81 don't know much about her," was ii
! .4I.er I;rIninf,,l rcrlr t hrrt think She roa'