Mexico weekly ledger., 1883-04-19
Written for the LEDGER.
TH Il
BEAUTIFUL HEIRESS.
BY MISS R. LEE WALKER.

BY MISS r. LEE WALKER
Mr.. and Mrs. Weston were ushered,
into her mothers chamber.
MY daughter, my long lost daugh-
teri" shrieked. Mrs. Weston, as she
clasped the dying woman to her
breast. s.Oh, how / have longed
and prayed for this hour, when l
should behold my child, but not, oh,
God, pallid and wasted by disease as
she now is,'' and Mrs. Weston buried
her face in the pillow ndwept.
'sMother, dear mother. have you
.conzs -at last rtfat 1 may gaze once
more into those mild blue eyes, that
IN childhood hours rested so lovingly
upon me and that my ear once more
may hear the music of the low, sweet
voice that blessed me when a child !?
Yes, the same fond mother who cared
for me so tenderly in infancy has
come that / may pillow this weary
head softly upon her bosom while my
freed spirit takes its fight to God.
Father, feel the tear-drops fall upon
my face as you impress, with sweet
tenderness, these kisses upon my
brow. Oh, how oft l have prayed
for this happy hour. when l, your
wayward child, might hear from
your own dear lips the precious
words, Daughter, you are forgiven. >
Speak, father dearest, ere the trum-
pet of death deafens my ear and their
melody be lost to me forever
sob, my child, my poor child"
exclaimed Mfr. Weston, "years, long
years ago, 1 freely forgave you all
and never ceased to love you with all
the feryor of fathers love. Other
friends may forsake and betray, but
a parents affection endureth until
DEATH
"Oh, God, l thank Thee for this
hour,' spoke Mrs. Robertson IN a
half audible voice, as she clasped her
cold, shrunken hand over her bosom.
"Thank Thee, that Thou art prayer
hearing and prayer answering God. -
For a moment all was silent; ther
a low sob burst from Madge Robert.
son IS she kneltby her mothers bed.
tside and beheld in her face the un'
mistakable workings of death. The
sob seemed to arouse the dying suf
ferer. She opened her eyes, gaze6
around the apartment and called
'Madge.''
! 81 am here, dearest mamma" re
piled her daughter.
"Ah, darling, ever near me. Faith
er, she has been the sweet sunshin,
of my declining years; the light O
my existence, and now Icould peace
fully depart did 1 know she would b.
provided and cared for. Will yol
take her, father, to your home ant
heart and love her for her mother
sake? But she, like her mother
father, will never cause thee one mo
ment's pain but will prove a joy Il
your old age. Tell me, father, vii
you love and protect my child.?"
Daughter, she. shall share m.
home and fortune if you will consen
that she be called Madge Weston in
stead Of, Madge Robertson replied
the father, while an expression o
scorn was kindled in his face at tn
mention of the name.
"Yes, father, if it be your will
Now can die in peace. L feel m.
life fast ebbing away. Farewell
mother, father. Daughter. dra,
nearer to me that I may gaze upol
your face last of all earthly things
but no, that pleasure is denied, m,
eyes are blinded with the mist o
death. All, daughter, it is in yai
you hold these icy hands within you
own or press your velvet lips agains
my cheeks you cannot warm them
Farewell, loved and cherished one,
convoy Of angels are near to bear m
spirit home. Nay, do not weep
sweet Madge, this parting will b
brief. Wen meet again in heaven.
One moment more and the free
spirit had burst forth from its cart
born casket, to bid adieu forever t
to earth's sorrows and dwell in a Ian
of peace.
Three yeais had passed swift
away-three years Of lights and shad
ows-since Madge first became
member of Mr.. Weston's family, an
this short period had brought with
most pleasing changes. The fail
bright young face had become fairer
the rippling golden curls had taken
deeper shade, and brighter world c
intellect lay hidden in the depths G
!, those soul lit eyes. Yes, time ha
, wrought its. changes in the life {
Marlge Robertson. The pale, carr
worn, suffering girl of three shol
, years ago had become a radian
!, sparkling beauty and heiress. II
acknowledged belle of the gay mi
tropolis-the sadmired of all admi
ers." And now it was the night {
the twenty-eighth of January and
. gloriously beautiful night Of starr
radiance of silver moonlight, an
deep, dark azure firmaments lights
, Inv brilliant 0aIayv of piOy