The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-08-20
POPULAR TALES.
REFUSED AND WELCOMED.
A CAPITAL DOMESTIC STORY.

An elderly man, stability attired, was seen
walking through one of the fashionable
streets of large city one cold December
day. His coat was of a coarse gray, and had
evidently seen hard service, though still per-
fectly whole and neat. The traveller walked
slowly along, examining carefully, as he
passed, the names on the different door-plates.
He finally paused before dwelling of snowy
exterior, which, if we may credit the testi-
mony of the plate upon the door, was occu-
pied by Alexander Beaumont
Alexander Beaumont! yes, that's the
name," murmured the traveller to himself, as
be assembled the steps ald rang the door bell
His summons was answered by servant,
who, after a moments scrutiny, which appa-
renty was not of a very favorable character,
said roughly:
We'll, sir, what do you wantY
is Mr. Beaumont at home? asked the old
man, without needing the intentional rude
ness.
No, sir, he is not
Then, perhaps, can see his wi(e?'
Il think it very doubtful; but l will go
and see.
The servant withdrew without asking the
old man to enter, though the day was very
cold, and his clothing seemed to be hardly
sufficient to protect him from its inclemency.
Mrs Beaumont was reclining on a fauteuil
in room handsomely furnished. The last
new magazine was in her hand, and her eyes
were listessly glancng over Its pages She
was interrupted in her reading by the en-
trance of the servant.
We'll, what now, Betty? she inquired.
y here is man down stairs wants to see
you, ma'am?
Man! gentleman you mean?'
NO, ma'am said Betty, stoutly, for she
we'll understood what made up gentlemen in
the conventional sense of the term; 1T isn't a
gentleman at all, for he has got on an old
gray coat, and he has not got any gloves on.
What can he want of me?
Il don't know; he inquired after Mr. Beau
mont first
You didn't bring him into the parlor, did
you?
The girl shook her head.
~ ou did right, and you had better tell
him I'm not at home
Mrs. Beaumont is not at home said Bet
ty, reappearing at the door
Il suppose that means she is engaged, said
tie old man; Il think she will see me when
she learns who am Tell her i am her hus-
bands uncle, and my name is Henry Beau
mont.
Betty, wondering as she reascended the
stairs
Good heavensp said her mistress, lit amt
that old veteran who strolled off years ago,
nobody knows where. did hope he would
never come back again. And now l suppose
he is as poor as rat, and wants help. Well,
he wont get it if can help it; but l suppose
/ must see.
She decended the stairs, and received the
old man at the door.
Are you Mrs. Beaumont? he inquired.
Yes, | am the wife of Mr.. Alexander
Beaumont, and l suppose from your language
you are
His uncle Henry! All me, have been gone
so many years, and it does me good to return
to ny kindred
The old man leaned on his staff, and his
features worked convulsively as thoughts OF
the past came over his mind. Mrs. Beau.
mont stood holding the door, as if waiting
for him to depart. She did not give him any
invitation to enter.
ais your husband well?' inquired the visi
| tor, looking in, as if he expected an invita-
ton to enter and refresh himself, after his
| walk, by an interval of rest.
'de is If you have any message for hin
you may leave it with me, and will deliver
! it, said Mrs. Beaumont, desirous Of riding
herself of the intruder as speedily as posi-
BILE.
you may tell him / have called. said The
visitor, in disappointed tone, and that
would like TO have seen him.