Mexico weekly ledger., 1883-04-19

The trampling Of ateeds, and the mer-
~ tinklingof bells rang out on the
crear, cold air, as the light sleighs
party after party over the
crowded streets, then returned after
depositing their precious burdens.
Numerous lights blazed out brilliant
" from an elegant mansion in the up
per portion Of the city. and cast
their reflection on the gay throng
swarming thither. Ringing sounds
Of mirthful laughter greeted the ear
Of the passer-by, then music with its,
divine cadence fell on the startled ear
Of night.
: That was a gay assemblage at the
house Of Mrs. Clifton that night. All
the world seemed centering there for
it was reception given in honor of
Guy Clifton, who had just returned
to his native home, after wandering
for months and years among the most
interesting scenes Of the Continent.
After being fiattered and petted by
the noble and beauty, sometimes i'm
mersed in the cares relative to his
own affairs and duties, then mingling
again in high life in Europe. After
years had thus passed away, he was
in his childhood home once more,
surrounded by friends from every
part eager to speak their welcome.
All, that was night by Guy Cliff
ton loug to be remembered. Beauty
and wit, wealth and grace we're all
there-a whole constellation of every
desirable attraction. Ladies elegant
'ly arrayed f0ated through. the splen-
did apartments like figures in a dream.
Mrs. Clifton, who stood, herself, a
queen among the beautiful, felt her
heart beat proudly in her bosom as
she surveyed the lovely throng that
filed her parlors. Yet, there was
one who seemed the center of attrac-
ton, the triumphant queen Of that
favored crowd, as she moved with
sylph-like grace and spoke with the
intuition af true nobility.
Guy Clifton, as he gazed upon he1
pure, spiritual, almost supernatural
beauty, felt she had never been sur.
passed, and during the remainder oi
the evening he never left her side.
MRS. Clifton, permit me to offel
my congratulations upon the safe re
turn of your talented son; his ionf
absence must have been painful t,
you-but pray, tell me what resplen
dant beauty is that who seems to b,
the recipient of all his attention ant
smiles?' spoke DIR. Moreland as b
presented himself at q late hour be
fore his hostess.
"Why, Doctor, is it possible tina
you have not visited our city oftel
enough to become acquainted witt
this handsome young heiress. Mis-
Weston, who has been The center o
life and gayety here for nearly thre
years? Come, let me present you t.
her," was Mrs. Clifton's reply. t
this proposal Ralph Moreland gladl.
consented, for he had gazed upon th
fair beauty until strange emotion
filed his breast; a feeling he might
yet dared not analyze, and it was 70
the purpose of soliciting her acquain
tance, that led him to the side o
Mrs. Clifton.
s.Miss Weston, permit me to pre-
sent my friend, DR.. Moreland,
spoke Mrs. Clifton as she approache'
the group in which Madge stood.
slightly perceptible shudder passe'
over Madge Weston's frame; for
moment the color forsook. her chez
and her lips trembled as she raise'
her eyes and encountered the fine
noble looking form of DR.. Moreland
Fhe. who had been the bright ideal O
her every youthful fancy, he, i
whose love she had once been so hap
lpy, and for an instant the. same oil
look of unearthly devotion that reste
on Ralph Moreland three years ag
beamed from her eyes, but it 500
gave way to look of suppresse
scorn, indignation and triumph, the
she regained her self possession, an
the remainder of the evening thos
who heard the merry laugh and ga
repartee of Madge Weston. littl
dreamed of,the many emotions pas
ling in her bosom.
| evil Miss Weston favor us wit
some music?" asked Guy Clifton 8
they stood in conversation with Ralp
Moreiand.
Madge consented, and soon mu
murs of astonishment and admiratio
rose from the delighted audienc'
! Her voice was unequalled in compa'
and sweetness, and her beautiful sol
addressed itself to the heart OF h
hearers through the; modulations I
her tones. She, that night, sang d
viuely, and as the song proceede
the audience subsidized into breathlei
. attention, and when the voice hs
ceased Its low, tremulous vibration
were heard for some minutes. Mads
still stood leaning over the harp, h
small fingers yet wooing the melot
, from its strings.
II all were delighted by her som
DR.. Moreland was fascinated. Lea
. ing against the pillar opposite