The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-05-03
CllAPER III.
THE AerREss AppEAns ~ pupL1c.

1t was evening IN London, few nights
subsequent TO the events related in our
preceding chapter, aud the fashionable
portion of the uptown aristocracy were
gathered in the handsome building known
rs the st. James Theatre, and there, in
expectant impotence, awaited the appear
ancc Of the new star who had, within o
few months, como out upon the boards Of
the St. James, and had turned the heads
and hearts of most of the young noblemen
who were theartricslly inclined. Made
moiselle Nleyser was the name of the
beautiful and talented actress and dan
scuse and she combined the rare quail
ties Of youth loneliness, and uncloudcd
reputation, and, though many OF the gay
mobiles of the court had sought to obtain
m introduction to this rare star after she
had left the boards Of an eyening-had
sought the grecn-room, aud sent her many
messages by hired menials, ye, none could
say, as yet, that they had caught a
glimpse Of the actress after she had left
the public gaze, to whose service alone she
appeared to dedicate her society.
Upon this evening in question, the
theatre was more than well-filled, for it
seems that Mademoiselle Meyser was to
take new cast, and that the exquisite
tones Of her voice. and the agility Of her
petite ieet, as she performed an intricate
dance, were to be tested to the full. And
SO all the seats aud boxes were filed at
an early hour, and the impatient audience
were anxiously awaiting the rising Of the
curtain.
Within private box, near to the front
of the stage, were seated the four noble
men friends. whom We have seen at the
Boar's Head Inn. Lord Edgar Dunbar
ton seemed r,n,inent amid the number !;
and next him, the Duke Of Bridgenor,h,
who was even handsomer, and Of more
distinguished style than the elegant Lord
Dunbarton, who was considered one Of the
most regal young mobiles in Lcn,o The
Duke Of Bridgsnorth had o manner and
air that at once proved his foreign extrac-
ton, ind showed that he was not English
born; and when it was known by those
with whom he CHANGED to become acquait-
ed that the Duke was a native Of France,
and that he only dwclt in London because
his grandparont on his mothers side, who
was English, desired him 10 inhabit his
estates near the metropolis, then all NJ
once ceased TO wonder at the exquisite
grace and courtesy Of his manners, so
superior to the more Jrusqte and less dis.
tingue air Of his noblemen associates.
Now, the handsome duke was the tar
get FOR many sly glanccs bestowed from
the fair court ladies'. WHO, with their
noble gallauts occupied boxes near. But
the young man appeared not to heed any
attention of the Dunbar,on, Derby, and
Mordaunt, who were all In lively mood
and kept up pleasant chatter Of light
words and witty rrpar.ec. And in thi,
manner. some thrce-fourths Of an hour
glidcd by, and then then musicians ap.
peared in their places at the foot of the
stage, and commenced the overture fol
the evenings entertainment.
Presently there was u lull in the music
and then the envious curtain, which had
previously forbidden the public gaze from
resting upon the stage, was now slowly
rolled aside and bower Of Towering
shrubs, and royal green foliage was re
vealcd beyond and seated within this
bosom Of sllrubbery was Madcmoiscll,
Meyscr, who in The first fascinating scene
attracted and h ID the gaze Of all thai
vast, noble audience.
For moment the donscpsc remained
seated, and then when little lull had oc.
CURED after the first stormy expression
Of greeting which was sent forth to hcl
by the assembled crowd OF spectators
then she arose and advanced nearer The
footlishts and bowed low in graceful nc
acknowledgement Of the thanks she thus ex
pressed. Then wien the musician.
commenced u light, sportive strain, she
began the measures of fancful, grac,
!, rul tempting dance, in which her motion
seemed like poetry and music combined
SO light and nrial did they appear. Nov
upon the tips Of her tiny feet, and amor
swinging her arms and slender hands
above her head, she glided to and fro
scarce seeming TO touch the stage, ant
looking like some beautiful spirit will
wings, at whose presence all should bow
in admiration Round and round, in ant
out, and through ipnunerable intricai,
changes and measures. sped the beautiful
aansease, her step all poetry, her form al
grace, and her brilliant face lighted b,
midnight eyes, and shrouded by ebon
) hued hair; and the gaze of many hund
red eyes we're upon her, and the heart!
of many scores Of these lookers.on were
filed with half.adoring, distracted
thoughts of the exquisite captivator o
their senses.
Lord Edgar Dunbarton aud bis coin.
panions leaned Gar out over the edge Of
his lordship's handsome box and each Of
the young mobiles felt that they would
give many n golden sovereign could they
but gaze forever upon the regal beauty o.
the actress ldnSepse. But the time