The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-04-19
UNCLE HENRY'S RETURN.
NOT At HOME.


though still whole and neat. The trav-
eler walked slowly along, as have said,
examining carefully as he passed, the
names on the door plates. lie finally
paused before dwelling Of snowy exteri-
or, which if we may credit the testimony
of the plate upon the door, was occupied
by Alexander Beaumont
" Alexander Beaumont Z" Yes that's
the house." murmured the traveller to
himself as he assembled the steps and rang
the door bell
His summons was answered by a SER
want who, after moments. scrutiny,
which was not apparently of a favorable
character, said roughly.
Well sir what do you want|!
els Mr.. Beaumont at home?" asked
the old man without needing the ihten-
tional rudeness.
"No, sir, he is not"
"Then perhaps l can see his wife p
"I think it is very doubtful, but | 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 fan
teule in room handsomely furnished.
The last new magazine was in her hand
aud her eyes were listlessly glancing over
its pages She was interrupted in her
reading by the entrance of her servant.
"Well, what now, Betty" she in
quired.
"There is man down stairs wants to
zee yon ma,am."
I" Man a gentleman you mean"
"No, ma am" said Betty, stoutly, for
she well understood what made up gen
tleman in the conventional sense of the
term; " it isn't a gentleman at all, for
he's got an old gray coat and he has not
got any gloves or"
"What can he want of me Z"
81 don't know he inquired after Mr..
Beaumont first"
"You didn't bring him into the par!or
did your"
The girl shook her head.
"You did right, and you'd better tell
him I'm not at home"
"Mrs. Beaumont is not at home," said
Betty, reappearing at the door.
81 suppose she's engaged" said the
the old man /" think she will see me
when she learns who am. Tell her am
her husbands uncle, and my name is
Henry Beaumont"
"That old rag-tag masters uncle" said
Betty wondering as she assembled the
stairs.
"Good heavens p said her mistress
"it amt that old veteran who strolled of
years ago nobody knows where. | die
hope he never would come back again
And now | suppose he is as poor as raj
and wants help. WE'LL he won't get it il
[ can help it but [ suppose l must see
him"
The lady descended, fully prepared tc
give the visitor frigid reception.
81 am not mistaken" said the old MAI
with feeling, it's Alexander's wife"
f" You are right, sir, | am the wife o
air. Alexander Beaumont, and | suppose
from your language you are
His uncle Harry. All me / have
been gone so many years, and it doe
me good to return to my kindred"
The old man leaned upon his staff, and
his features worked convulsively ly a
thoughts of the past came over his mind
Mrs. Beaumont stood holding the door
as if waiting for him to depart. Sh'
did not give him any invitation t.
enter.
{" Is your husband well?" inquired tn
visitor, looking in as if he expected al
invitation to enter aud refresh himsel
after his walk by aa interval Of res
"Ifyou have any message for him yo1
may leave it with me, and will delive
it" said Mrs Beaumont, desirous o
ridding herself Of the intruders as speedil,
As possible.
"You may tell him / have called" SAT-
the visitor in disappointed tone, " ant
that would like to see him"
81 will tell him." and Mrs. Beaumon
was about to shut the door"
"Hold there is one question more =
What has become of Alexander's siste