The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-01-09
THE POOR OLD MAN.
BY MISS NARY BROWN

Z
fashionable streets of large city one
cold December day. His coat was of
a coarse gray and had evidently seen
hard service. 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
if We may credit the testimony of the
plate upon the door, was occupied by
Mr Alexander Beaumont
alexander Beaumont. Yes, that's
the name" murmured the traveller to
himself as he ascended the steps and
rang the door bell.
Ills summons were answered by a
footman, who after moments scrut-
my, said roughly, "Well, what do you
want p
Is Mr.. Beaumont at home?" asked
the old man. without needing the in
tentioHal rudeness.
No; he IS not"
Then perhaps | can see his wife ?"
Il think it very doubtful but [ will
go and see"
mo tbo oIl man - ontor aIt.nnab tho
da7- va- ya,,v cola and bis cloth;rcr
.ae,,,a1 ~ La bardIT sufficient ~ mo
| toct hin, f,oro +, i1clomoncv
Mrs. Beaumont was reclining on a
sofa in Il room handsomely furnished
! The latest new magazine was in her
| hand and her ewes we're Estlessly
glanrin,, over its nagas She was in,
farrapfed in her reading bv the en-
trance 81 the servant
We'll. what now?" she incurred
There's man down stairs who
wants to see Won ma'am"
Man 4 gentleman you mean?"
| No. ma'm.' said Charles stoutly:
It i5a't gentleman at all, for he has
got on an old gray coat, and he la
no got any gloves on"
You don't show him into the par
lor, did you?"
The man shook his head.
"You did right, and you had better
tell him Tp not at home"
Mrs Beaumont is not at home."
said Charles, reappearing at the door.
L suppose that means she is en-
gagged" said the old man. L think
She viii see me when she learns who
am Tell her | am her husbands IN
Gle and my name is Henry Beaumont"
The man servant returned and de-
liyered the message.
"1ood heavpusw said the mistress
1T ain THAT old fellow who strolled off
years age. nobody knows where. I
| did hope he never would come back
again. And now | suppose he is as
poor as rat and wants help. Well.
he won't get it il ] can help it, but
suppose [ must see him.
She descended the stairs and rAcaiv-
ed the old man at the door.
Are YOU Mrs Mrs. Beaumont" he
inquired.
Yes, | am the wife Of Mr. Beau
mont. and [ suppose from your Ian
guage you -"
His uncle Henry, All me, [ have
! been cone so many wears. and it does
me GOOD to return to my kindred"
The old mans features worked con
vulsively as thoughts of the past came
over his mind. s.sBeaumont stood
| holding the door, as if waiting for him
to depart. She did not give him any
inviration to enter.
Is your husband well?" inquired
the visitor, looking in as if he expect
ed an invitation to enter and refresh
himself
He IS. II vou have anv message
for him Won may leave it with me.
aud twill deliver it." said Mrs. Beau
mont,
''You may to7l him / have called"
said the VIZ or in disappointed
tone. and at I would have liked to
have seen him
= vii ra, hin, . sa;a tho ladv ao
.ho- ,ras abnI,t = cIosa +bo 3oo,.
! ~Holdr There i one nnostion mora
U-bst bqz kacomn nof t1erandor,. s;Ste,
,nna >, l-- - -, - > 7'1'''i