Ruby's Reward — page 51: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

| CHAPTER VIL A FEAST AND AN UNDIDDEN GUESTS, | Ix October, a leading paper of the city an- nounced that ‘one of our noted poets— | whom, as this incident is a true one, we shall call Mv SVhitfield - was to be in town ! shortly, and that Mr Robert Gordon and lady would extend to him their hospitality in the forin of a grand reception to be given on the 20th.” This announcement created quite a flutter among certain people, for Mr and Mrs Gordon were literary in their tastes, moving , in the most solect circles, and were deemed a great acquisition to society ; therefore it was considered quite an honour to be bidden to a reception given by them upon any occasion, and doubly so under the present ' circumstances. The important evening arrived, and the Gordon mansion was all ablaze with light from attic to basement. Rare and frag- rant flowors and plants were arranged with taste and profusion in every room and hall, and loaded the air with their pevfame. A small but select orchestra had! Been en- gaged to diecourse choice musiv: for the rloasure of the guests, and everything had een done to make the ovening an:emjoyable as well as 2 memorable ene. comitdbootss.com