Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-02-17
CH 4RTFSTOWN EFFERSON COUNTY w. Va, SATURDAY FEBI
The Strange Guest.

In little post town amons the hIshl"n's
of Scotland, far away from any great city
there lived, fen years ago. awonian much re-
spected and well beloved, though Of lowly and
humble fortune-one Mrs Jean Anderson
She had been left widow, with one sou, the
Youngest and last Of several promising children.
She was poor, and her industry was taxed
10 the utmost to keep herself and her son, who
was n fine clever lad, and to give him the ed
ucation he srdently desired At the early age
Of sixteen, Malcolm Anderson resolved to seek
his fortune in the wide world, and become
sailor He made several voyages to India and
China, and always like the good boy that he
was brought home some useful presents to lis
mother, to whom be gave large portion of his
earnings.
But be never liked a seafaring life, tho he
grew strong and stalwart in it; and when
about nineteen he obtained humble position
in large mercantile house in Cl'cltta, where
being shrewd, enterprsing and hone-., like
most Of his .countrymen, be gradually rose to a
place Of trust aud importance, and finally TO
partnership. As bis fortune improved his
mothers circumstances were MADE easier. lie
remitted money TO secure to her tho old cot
tage home, repaired AID enlarged with \ gar
den and lawn; and placed at her command
annually, sum sufficient tomeet all her wants,
and to pay the wages Of faithful servant or
rather companion for the brisk, independent
old lady stoutly refused to be served by any
one.
Entangled in business cares, Mr. Anderson
never found time and freedom for long voy-
age aud visit home; till at last, failing OF
health. and tie necessity of educating bis
children, compelled him TO abruptly wind up
his affairs and retuin to Scotland. lie was
then man somewhat over forty, but looking
far older than his years. showing all the usual
effects cf the trying climate of India. He was
gray and somewhat bald, with here and there
a dash Of white in his da'k auburn beard was
thin aud little bent, but his youthful smile
remained full Of quiet drolery, and bis eye had
not lost all its old and gleeful sparkle by por-
ing over ledgers and counting rupees.
lie had married a country woman, daugh-
ter Of Scotch surgeon, aud had two children,
a Sob and daughter. He did not write to his
mother that he was coming home, as he wish
cd to surprise her, and test her memory Of her
sailor boy. The voyage was made in safety.
One summer afternoon, Mr. Malcolm Ander-
son arrived with his family at bis native town.
Putting up at little inn, he proceeded to dress
himself in suit Of sailor clothes and then
walked out alone by by-path be well knew,
aud tbeu through shady lane dear to bis
young, hazel nutting days, all strangely un-
changed, be approached his mothers cottage
He stopped for a moment on the lava outside
TO curb down the heart that was bounding to
meet that mother, and clear bis eyes Of a sud-
den mist Of happy tears. Through the open
window lie csught a glimpse Of her sitting
alone at her spinning wheel, as in the old
time But alas how changed Bowed was
the old dear form, once so erect, and sivored
the locks so brown, and dimmed the eyes once
so full of tender brightness, like dew-stained
violets But the voice, with which she was
grooming softly to herself, was still sweet, and
there was on her cheek the same lovely peach
bloom Of thirty years ago.
At length he knocked and the dear remeIn-
bered voice called to him, " C5omben = lcome
in) The widow rose at sight Of the stranger
and courteously offered him chair Thank
ing her in all assumed voice, somewhat gruf,
he sank down, as though wearied, saying that
be was wayfarer, stranger to the country,
and asked the way TO the next towu. The
twilight favored hin in bis little rnse; be saw
she did not recognize him, even as one she had
ever known. But after giving him the infor-
nation he desired, she asked him if he was a
Scotchman by birth.
Yes, madam, be replied " but have been
away in foreign parts many years. doubt il
my own mother would know me now, although
she was very fond Of nie before went TO sea-
"Ah, mon its little ye ken about mithers,
gin We think sac can tell ye there is IA
mortal memory like theirs" The widow some
what warmly replied; then added: "And
where hae ye lost the Scotch fra your speech ?"
In India-in Calcutta, madam"
"And then its likely ye ken something Of
my son, Mr. Malcom Anderson.
Anderson 2" repeated the visitor, as though
striving to tsnember. "There may be many
Of that name in Calcutta; but is your son
rich merchant, man about my age aud size,
with samething such fgurebead.
My son is rich merchant" replied the
widow proudly, &" bot be is younger than you
by many long year, and, begging your par
don, sir, far BONNER lie Is tall aud straight,
wi hands and feet likea lassies be had brown
curling hair sac thick and glossy, and checks
like the rose, aud brow ike the snow, aud
big blue cen, wi CLINT in them, like tie light
Of the evening star. Ma! Ia ye are guid
boy, dlnna doubt, and decent woman's son."
Here the masqueradiug merchant, considerably
taken down, made a movement as though to
leave, but the hospitable dame staying him.
F" Gin sc hae Travelled a the way from India.
We mauu be tired aud hungry. Bide a bit, aud
90. a,.d hrink Wi, ne Mnrrerv CONN down aud