Year: 1872

SHELLEY.


In fashionable quarter off well-known
Southern city stood Mr.. Moreton's home.
And home it was in every sense of that ex-
pressive word. Wealth, refinement, affection,
congeniality-all combined to render it a most
attractive spot to any who were admitted with
in its charmed circle.


Of unusual culture and most winning ex.
terror, Mr.. Moreton was lawyer of high re.
pute, and man of distinguished position in
his native State His wife, though devoted
to her domestic affairs, was considered as a
leader in the brilliant society Of M. She was
very handsome woman, and as Mildred had
never seen her, she could scarcely believe that
this youthful.looking person was the mother
of two tall stately daughters, who eagerly ad-
vanced with her to welcome the newcomer.


In the late October afternoon the bright
comfortable drawing-room was inexpressibly
cheering to Mildred, who had been travelling
the whole day, and was much fatigued by the
unusual excitement.


"You must come to your room at once"
exclaimed the elder cousin, Kate, a dark
haired girl, strikingly like her mother. IL
know all about that tiresome Gulf-road, and
what tortures one suffers on the stuffed seats.
Come this way, Mildred. Mamma-papa-
please send Fulton up with the trunks. You
can bring that shawl, Eta; will take the
satchel and basket


Full of spirit and energy, she stepped light
ly on with both hands full, her dark eyes
sparkling with affectionate gladness, while
Mildred and the quieter Henriette followed
her.


"A lovely young creature" Mrs. Moreton
observed, as she watched the three figures as
cend the wide staircase; "but I fear she is
very delicate. Her complexion is so marvel
ously transparent-don't you think ?"


eyes; but that is scarcely an evidence of
ill.health," responded her husband, as he
passed his arm around the plump figure and
seated her on the sofa beside him. "The
truth is, Marian, do not think have ever
seen more perfect specimen Of feminine DEL
icacy united to a depth of mind and strength
of feeling unusual in so young a girl. Such a
musical genius, too it is a sad lot for wo'
man."


"What! Do you say so? Surely, wo'
man can meet the responsibility of such a
gift without shrinking if she have what you
allow Mildred-strength of mind and energy
of purpose"


"But not strength of body. There lies the
danger; the sword may wear out the sheath.
We must guard her carefully, Marian. Her
mother makes great sacrifices in giving her
up for this winter"


"We must do our best. I will take the
same care of her that bestow upon Kate and
Henriette"


Mildred was not loath to be persuaded to
retire early that night; ard it was not until
the next day, when fully recovered from her
fatigue, that she began to look about her new
home and to realize the bright prospects she
had formed.


Her cousins were truly amiable girls, but
distinctly diverse in character. There was
also brother who had been abroad for several
years and though frequently stirring up the
household by threats of an immediate return,
he had thus far persevered in disappointing
them from time to time, till at length Jacks
coming home had become a proverb among
his friends. Mildred had not been long with
her cousins before she found that this absen-
tee was the idol of the house.


Mr.. and Mrs Moreton as we'll as the more
demonstrative sisters, and even the family SER
wants, contrived to bring in the beloved name
under all circumstances. At breakfast, if
there happened to be unusually fine oysters
as was the case the morning after Mildreds
arrival-some one was sure to say:


"Now if Jack were only here, how he would
enjoy these! He never gets any half so large
at those abominable continental hotels"


So papa had declared, and two eager young
voices echoed


"Oh yes, am sure he longs for home and
its comforts. When do you think he will
come, papa?"


"That is as hard to answer as the riddle of
the sphynx, Pussy. I should think we may
begin to look for him when We hear him
laundering at the front door some of these
dark nights. You ought to see this famous
boy, my DEAR" he added, turning to Mildred.