The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-03-05
NOT AT HOME.

seen walking through one of the fashion,
able streets. of q large city one cold De-
cember day. His coat was of q coarse
gray, and had evidently seen hard SER
vice. The traveller walked slowly along,
examining carefully, as he passed, the
names on the different doorplates. He
finally paused before a dwelling of snowy
exterior, which, Ii he may credit to the
testimony of the plate upon the door,was
occupied by Alexander Beaumont.
"Alexander Beaumont yes, that's the
name," murmured the traveller to him
self, as he ascended the steps and rang
the door bell.
His summons was answered by SER
want, who after a moments scrutiny,
which apparently was not OF very fa-
vorable character, said roughly:
'Well, sir, what do you wantW
stIs Mr.. Beaumont at homeW asked the
old man, without needing the intentional
rudeneSs.
"No, sir, he is not"
nThen, perhaps, l can see his wiiew
IL think it very doubtful; but will 60
and see."
"Mrs. Beaumont is not at home," said
Betty, reappearing at the door.
81 suppose that means she is en-
gagged" said the old man; II think she
will see me when she learns who / am.
Tell her am her husbands uncle, and
my name is Henry Beaumont"
s'rhat old rag-tag masters UNCLE"
said Betty, wondering as she assembled
the stairs.
"Good beayensw said her mistress,
ssit amt that old veteran who strOlled off
years ago.. nobody knows where. l did
hone he never would come back to us
again. And now l suppose he is as poor
as a rat, and wants help. Well, he won't
get it if can help it; but l suppose l
must see him."
She descended the stairs and received
the old man at the door.
care you Mrs. Beaumont" he in
quired.
"Yes. am the wife of Mr.. Alexander
Beaumont, and suppose from your Ian
guage you are"
"His uncle Henry! All, me, now
have beeu gone 80 many years, and it
does me good to return to my own kim
dred."
The old man leaned on his staff, and
his features worked convulsiyely as
thoughts of the sad past came over his
mind. Mrs. Beaumont stood holding the
door, as if waiting tor him to depart.
She did not give him an invitation to en-
ter.
as your hus band well?" inquired the
visitor, looking as ii he expected an in
yitation to enter and refresh himself,
after his walk, by an interval of rest.
"He is. you have any message FOR
him YOU may leave it with me. and l will
deliver it," said Mrs. Beaumont, desirous
Of Kidding herself OF The Intruder as soon
as possible. ~ hin, oo,,oa s.,s
| the visitor in disappointed tone, "and
that would liked to have seen him."
81 will tell him." said Mrs. Beaumont
as she was about TO close the door.
| "Holdl there is one question more,
! What has become of Alexanders sister
AnnaW
81 don't know much about her," was
the rather disdainful reply; but think
| she married clerk, mechanic or some
such person. His name is Lowe, and he
lives on Norton street. Is that all?"
erhat is ALL"
The old man turned his steps toward
the street indicated withimany forebod
| ings. lest his second visit might be al
unwelcome as the first appeared to have
been.
i sBetty," said Mrs. Beaumont, as sh,
closed the door, "if that old tool comes
again, be sure and not forget to tell hin
| am not at home."
Norton street was not fashionable
street, nor was the two-story dwellin!
occupied by William Lowe either cost!
or handsome. 1t was marked, however
with an air Of neatness, which indicated
that its tenants were not regardless o
outward appearances.
All at once loud knock was heard a
the door.
emma" said the mother, syou MAJ
20 to the door and see who it is, and in
Yite him in, for it is cold day."
Emma Immediately obeyed the direc
tions of her mother.
els Mrs. Lowe at home?' inquired
Henry Beaumont-for it was he.
eyes, sir" said Emma; ''please wall
in and you may see her."
She usherea him into the comfortabl
sitting-room.
i Mrs. Lowe arose to receive him.
81 believe" he said, sPm not mistaken
in thinking that your name before maj
riage was Anna Beaumontw
"You are right, sir, that was m
name."
"And you have no recollection of al
uncle that wandered away from hom
J and friends, and from whom no tiding
, nave come for many long yearW
ayes, sir, / remember him well-m,
uncle Henry-and / have many time
wished could hear something from him
Can you give me any information q
himW
81 cantor / am he.''
s.You my uncleT said Mrs. Lowe, i
surprise; "then you are indeed welcome
Emma, bring your uncle the armchair
and place it close to the fire; and Mary
bring your fathers slippers, for ar
sure your dear uncle must long to get o
those heavy boots. And now, uncle
when you are nicely rested, must de
mand recital OF your adventures"
"But you have not told me OF your hus
band. Let me know whether you hav
made good match" he added play
fully.
"ihat depends upon what is meant b.
the term. If it implies rich HUSBAND
then l failed, most certainly, fo
! Williams salary is only eight huudre
dollars year and that is what we hav
to depend upon. But for all that car
not, for kind, affectionate husband
worth far more than magnificent hous
and the most costly of furniture."
; "You are right" said her uncle; "ther
, must be something which your Unite
means will not permit you to obtain, bu
which would be desirable, is there notf
eyes," said Mrs. Lowe, 81 am quit
anxious to get Emma and Mary a mus
cal education, but Williams means wi
not allow Of such extravaganza as th
. purchase of piano; 80 that Is one {
| the things we must be content to den