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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/18145-8.txt b/18145-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..247c0c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/18145-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6269 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Lady Rosamond's Secret, by Rebecca Agatha +Armour + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Lady Rosamond's Secret + A Romance of Fredericton + + +Author: Rebecca Agatha Armour + + + +Release Date: April 10, 2006 [eBook #18145] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET*** + + +E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from +page images generously made available by Early Canadiana Online +(http://www.canadiana.org/eco/) + + + +NOTE: Images of the original pages are available through + Early Canadiana Online. See + http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/ItemRecord/06086?id=b0c2884123a43f2a + + + + + +LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET: + +A Romance of Fredericton. + +by + +RE. AGATHA ARMOUR. + + + + + + + +St. John, +N. B. Telegraph Printing and Publishing Office. +1878. + + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The object of the following story has been to weave simple facts into +form dependent upon the usages of society during the administration of +Sir Howard Douglas, 1824-30. The style is simple and claims no +pretensions for complication of plot. Every means has been employed to +obtain the most reliable authority upon the facts thus embodied. The +writer is deeply indebted to several gentlemen of high social position +who kindly furnished many important facts and showed a lively interest +in the work, and takes the present opportunity of returning thanks for +such support. In producing this little work the public are aware that +too much cannot be expected from an amateur. Hoping that this may meet +the approval of many, the writer also thanks those who have so +generously responded to the subscription list. + +Fredericton. August, 1878. + + + + +LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET + +A ROMANCE OF FREDERICTON. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE. + + Breathes there a man with soul so dead, + Who never to himself hath said, + This is my own, my native land!--_Scott._ + + +A September sunset in Fredericton, A. D. 1824. Much has been said and +sung about the beauteous scenes of nature in every clime. Scott has +lovingly depicted his native heaths, mountains, lochs and glens. Moore +draws deep inspiration amid scenes of the Emerald Isle, and strikes his +lyre to chords of awakening love, light and song. Cowper, Southey and +Wordsworth raised their voices in tuneful and harmonious lays, echoing +love of native home. Our beloved American poet has wreathed in song the +love of nature's wooing in his immortal Hiawatha. Forests in their +primeval grandeur, lovely landscapes, sunrise, noonday and sunset--each +has attracted the keen poetic gaze. Though not the theme of poet or +pen--who that looks upon our autumn sunset can deny its charms? The +western horizon, a mass of living gold, flitting in incessant array and +mingling with the different layers of purple, violet, pink, crimson, and +tempting hues of indescribable beauty; at intervals forming regular and +successive strata of deep blue and red, deepening into bright red. +Suddenly as with magic wand a golden cloud shoots through and transforms +the whole with dazzling splendour. The bewildering reflection upon the +trees as they raise their heads in lofty appreciation, forms a pleasing +background, while Heaven's ethereal blue lies calmly floating above. The +gently sloping hills lend variety to the scene, stretching in +undulations of soft and rich verdure; luxuriant meadow and cultivated +fields lie in alternate range. The sons of toil are returning from +labour; the birds have sought shelter in their nests; the nimble +squirrel hides beneath the leafy boughs, or finds refuge in the +sheltering grass, until the next day's wants shall urge a repeated +attack upon the goodly spoils of harvest. Soon the golden sheen is +departing, casting backward glances upon the hill tops with studied +coyness, as lingering to caress the deepening charms of nature's +unlimited and priceless wardrobe. + +Amid such glowing beauty could the mind hold revel on a glorious +September sunset in Fredericton, 1824. To any one possessed with the +least perception of the beautiful, is there not full scope in this +direction? Is not one fully rewarded by a daily stroll in the suburban +districts of Fredericton, more especially the one now faintly described? +If any one asks why the present site was chosen for Government House in +preference to the lower part of the city, there would be no presumption +in the inference--selected no doubt with due appreciation of its view +both from river and hills on western side. Truly its striking beauty +might give rise to the well established title of "Celestial City." +Though unadorned by lofty monuments of imposing stateliness, costly +public buildings, or princely residences, Fredericton lays claim to a +higher and more primitive order of architecture than that of Hellenic +ages. The Universal Architect lingered lovingly in studying the effect +of successive design. Trees of grace and beauty arose on every side in +exquisite drapery, while softly curved outlines added harmony to the +whole, teaching the wondrous and creative skill of the Divine. The +picturesque river flows gently on, calm, placid, and unruffled save by +an occasional splash of oars of the pleasure seekers, whose small white +boats dotted the silvery surface and were reflected in the calm depths +below. + +On such an evening more than half a century ago when the present site of +Government House was occupied by the plain wooden structure known as +"Old Government House," a group of ladies was seated on the balcony +apparently occupied in watching the lingering rays descending behind the +hills. Suddenly the foremost one, a lovely and animated girl whose +beauty baffled description, espied a gentleman busily engaged in +admiring some choice specimens of flowers which were being carefully +cultivated by a skilful gardener. Bounding away with the elasticity of a +fawn, her graceful form was seen to advantage as she stood beside the +high-bred and distinguished botanist. The simple acts of pleasantry that +passed shewed their relationship as that of parent and child. Sir Howard +Douglas was proud of his beautiful and favorite daughter. He saw in her +the wondrous beauty of her mother blending with those graces and rare +qualities of the heart which won for Lady Douglas the deep admiration of +all classes. Beauty and amiability were not the entire gifts of Mary +Douglas. She was endowed with attainments of no ordinary stamp. Though +young, she displayed uncommon ability in many different branches of +education; shewing some skill as a composer and musician, also a talent +for composition and poetry. With simple earnestness she placed her hand +lovingly upon her father's shoulder, exclaiming "Papa, dear, I have come +to watch you arrange those lovely flowers." "Well, my dear, you are +welcome to remain. I am certainly complimented by such preference. You +must allow me to acknowledge it by this," saying which, the fond parent +plucked a white rosebud and fastened it in the snowy lace upon the bosom +of his child. "Papa, dearest, one act of love certainly deserves +another," exclaimed Mary, as she fondly pressed the lips of Sir Howard, +adding "remember that you are my chevalier for the remainder of the +evening. When you have finished, we will rejoin the company." Mary +Douglas seated herself in a rustic chair and chatted in gay and animated +tones while her father listened with a deep interest. The well tried +soldier, the gallant commander at Badajos, at Corunna, the hero of many +fierce conflicts, and the firm friend and favourite of the Duke of +Wellington, listened to the conversation of his daughter with as much +keenness as a question involving the strongest points of diplomacy. + +"Papa, this garden will fully repay you for your labour. I do wish that +I could understand and enter into the study of plants and flowers as you +do." "Ah, my Mary," exclaimed Sir Howard in a deep reverential tone, as +his thoughts went back to the days of his boyhood, "I had a kind +benefactress, and I may say _mother_ in my aunt Helena. She created in +me an early love for flowers, and I have always cherished it. Often +during my campaign in the Peninsula, the sight of a lovely flower would +call up emotions that would for the time unman me for the raging +conflicts of battle. I always look upon flowers as the trophies of God's +grace. Mary, I trust you yet will be able to attend to the cultivation +of Heaven's choicest offerings, and remember, that by so doing, you only +contribute a small share in the beautifying of nature." Having enjoyed +this strain of converse for some length of time, Mary Douglas rose, +exclaiming, "Now, Papa, you are at my service." Sir Howard bowed, and +offered his arm to his fair daughter. Together they went out, being +greeted by the merry party still lingering on the verandah. "Explain, +Mary," said the foremost of the party, "this breach of confidence and +utter contempt of the necessities of your friends. We have been vainly +waiting your appearance to join us in a walk, and now it is nearly time +to dress for dinner." "Very prettily said, Lady Rosamond," replied Sir +Howard, "but as I wear my lady's favour, you will grant me a hearing on +her behalf." Pointing to the spray of mignonnette and forget-me-not +which Mary Douglas had placed on his coat, he continued, "I hope that +your company has employed the moments as profitably. We commenced with +vows of love and constancy, then followed topics of general +conversation, and ended on the study of flowers. With this explanation +perhaps some of this goodly company might favor us with a like result." +"I venture to say, your Excellency, that in the present instance, we +might too clearly prove the old saying as regards comparisons," returned +Lieut. Trevelyan, "and would therefore enjoin silence." "Ah, no, Mr. +Trevelyan," said Miss Douglas, "we will not allow our claim to be set +aside in this manner. We must muster courage in our own self-defence as +an offset to your acquiescence, or else papa will wear his laurels very +lightly." + +"In the first instance," said she, "we were admiring the beautiful +sunset, the soft outline of the hills, and the beauty of the landscape. +Is that not worthy of describing, papa?" The eldest daughter of this +distinguished family made this appeal with a face beaming with the +enthusiasm of her deep appreciative nature. Anne Douglas possessed not +the great beauty of her sister Mary, yet was a lovely and loveable +woman, capable of inspiring deep regard. Sir Howard acknowledged by +saying, that if she continued, the comparison would turn the weight on +the other side. "Not yet, papa dear," said Miss Douglas, "you must hear +further. We were speaking freely of our warm reception from the citizens, +of the social resources of Fredericton, its commercial interests; and +before you joined us, were planning to ask your assistance, by giving +your views and opinion of Fredericton in its general aspect, as presented +on your arrival." "Mr. Trevelyan," ventured Sir Howard, "I am sorry to +acknowledge that the ladies have sufficient cause to charge you with +desertion of your colours; but the end may not justify the means." "Ah, +papa, your inference is indirect--you will not surely justify Mr. +Trevelyan." "In the present state of affairs," exclaimed Sir Howard, in +playful military tone, "the enemy is preparing for action. The only +chance of success is thus--retreat under cover of fire, or fall back on +the strength of defence." "Your Excellency has a stronghold in the +enemy's quarter," joined in Lady Rosamond, who had been seated at the +side of Captain Charles Douglas, their eldest son. "Before testing the +strength of our forces let there be a short truce, on condition that His +Excellency will give us the desired information this evening," said Mr. +Trevelyan, playfully endeavouring to conciliate Miss Douglas. At this +moment Lady Douglas formed an attractive feature to the group. Her +graceful form, dignity of gesture and gentle expression was a subject of +admiration. Her winning smile was greeted by recognitions of deep and +respectful courtesy on the part of the gentlemen. + +"My Lady, fortune has at last condescended to favour me by your +appearance among us," said Mr. Trevelyan, rising and advancing towards +Her Ladyship, while a blush suffused his handsome face, hastily making +its way with deepening colour, showing the clear and open hearted spirit +of the young Lieutenant. "We now have hopes of a speedy restoration." Mr. +Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to the fair arbitress, who +listened with keen relish and enjoyment. "As I have arrived at this +unfavourable moment," said Her Ladyship, "I will try to end the matter +satisfactorily to all parties. His Excellency being one of the chief +actors, shall forfeit his liberty by devoting an hour in satisfying the +present demands of the company. Mr. Trevelyan also, will only extricate +himself from his present position by giving one of his many excellent +renditions from Shakespeare or any of the favorite authors. Do you not +all agree to this decision?" As Lady Douglas glanced towards her daughter +Mary, she read in those beautiful eyes a mischievous flash directed +towards Miss Douglas. "If I judge aright there is yet another to be +brought to hasty retribution," said the former. "Pardon me, but I think +your Ladyship is rather severe," said the youthful lieutenant with a +boyish flush of youth upon his brow. "I beg that the penalty imposed upon +Miss Douglas may be something which rests upon her direct choice." +"Treason within the camp," exclaimed Captain Douglas, in his military +tone. "Trevelyan, beware, you are being caught in a pitfall." Lady +Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss Douglas, saying "Mr. Trevelyan's +request shall be granted, you can choose your own task of imposition, +music, reading, or any other pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to +her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to +mature my views for the coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour +being announced warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group +separated leaving the verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a +spaniel, and a pair of tame rabbits. + +While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of +Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr. Howe, +private secretary to Sir Howard. The carriage, a handsome one, is driven +by a span of full-blooded Arabian horses; magnificent specimens of their +species; proudly sits their owner in his costly equipage. As a man of +wealth, high family, Mr. Howe occupied a prominent position in the +household of the Douglas family. His coming is awaited with eagerness. +Captain Douglas, his friend and companion, is at his side in a moment +addressing him with hearty familiarity, "Howe, you are late. Has business +been pressing? Takes some time to get reconciled to the hum drum of life +in New Brunswick! Well, old fellow, send around the horses and we will +yet have time for a cigar before dinner. Strange, I enjoy one better +before than after. You know I am an odd bird in every sense. Was odd last +evening at mess when we got the rubber." "Douglas, one thing is +confoundedly odd." "How did the natives of New Brunswick ever impose upon +the British Government to send a governor and a private secretary," +interrupted Charles Douglas. "Ha, ha, ha," laughed the latter, with +repeated and renewed attacks. "Howe, you have been baulked in some design +to-day; perhaps the fair one smiled on another, or odder still, some +rival is ready to exchange a few kindly shots." "Oh, Douglas, for +Heaven's sake stop and save your breath for more interesting topics," +exclaimed the latter. The secretary lit a cigar and sat down to glance +over the contents of a letter. Muttering some irreverent expressions upon +the writer. "Howe, you 'see through a glass darkly,'" yelled Captain +Douglas, "to-morrow you will see face to face Major McNair and the sports +of H.M. 52nd. It will be mightily odd if you do not give them a brush. +Count upon me, too, as I intend to show in earnest what stuff Prince is +made of." "One thing you show," said Mr. Howe, with a strange grin--"a +desire to turn parson or priest. I might make a few suppositions without +interruption. Perhaps you have been initiating yourself in the good +graces of a Rev. Clergyman, by a few such quotations. Perhaps the church +might take better in New Brunswick than the army. Douglas, with all your +perhapses, you are a cunning diplomatist." "You certainly do me credit, +Howe," said his friend; "I possess enough cunning to perceive that you +are not in your native element this September 22nd, 1824." + +The private secretary of His Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, was a man +of no ordinary stamp. He had ability and coolness; the last named +quality had gained him much favour from the veteran commander, and a +desire to retain his service. Tall, slight and athletic, Mr. Howe was +foremost in all feats of physical sports. Horse racing was his greatest +mania. Few could manage a horse as he, and fewer still could own one +faster than his favourite mare, Bess. Quickly he rose to his feet with +"Jove, Douglas, I feel angry with myself and everybody." "Then keep your +distance, I beseech you," returned Captain Douglas, in his usual jolly +manner. "Listen for a moment and hear my scrape," said Howe. "Down in +the mess this afternoon we got talking,"--"horse, of course," said the +Captain--"yes, horse," said the former, "and got mixed up into one of +the greatest skirmishes ever heard of. Captain Markham swore and raged +like a wild beast Captain Hawley bit his lips with anger, and when I +tried to conciliate matters, they turned on me like a set of vipers. In +fact, with two or three exceptions, they hung together and irated me in +good round English, forward and backward with little regard to Johnson +or any of the time-honoured lexicographers. It was a hot encounter. In +spite of anger, I cannot help laughing, to think how they abused each +other, and, in turn, united themselves into a general force, directing +the fire of their battery upon me. By St. George of England, it was too +much. Of Course this is only the beginning of a series of such +demonstrations." "All's well that ends well," returned Captain Douglas, +"a night's sleep will restore all to a former footing. Major McNair +would frown upon any breach thus made." + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +AMID THE HOUSEHOLD + + +The spacious dining hall of Government House now assumed an aspect of +studied splendour. The tables groaned under the weight of tempting and +delicious dishes. The culinary intricacies of Sir Howard's table were +often under comment. Viands of all kinds stood on every side, while the +brilliant scintillations from chandeliers--massive silver and sparkling +glasses--were of wondrous radiance. Sir Howard, preceded by Mr. Howe and +Lady Douglas, led his beautiful daughter to a seat at his side. Captain +Charles Douglas was the escort of Miss Cheenick, the family governess, +and companion of Miss Douglas. The remaining part of the company took +their places in like order, thus completing the usual dinner party. None +but those who have passed much time in the company of Sir Howard +Douglas, and enjoyed his many gay and social dinners and parties, can +form any just conception of the true worth and genuine goodness of this +fine specimen of an English gentleman. The flashes of wit and graceful +repartees, mingled with sound judgment and truthful dignity, +characterized the nature of the gallant Sir Howard. He was ever on the +alert to minister to the wants of others. No one was neglected within +his knowledge or recollection. From his daughter beside him to every +guest around this festive board, none were allowed to go forth without +coming directly under his recognition. The stern realities of military +life through which he had passed, had in nowise interfered with those +social qualities which so endeared our hero to the hearts of all. In +Lady Douglas, Sir Howard found a faithful helpmate, a loving wife and +deeply affectionate and pious mother. Lady Douglas never wearied in +watching and caring for the welfare of her children. No mother could be +more amply rewarded in seeing her family grow up loved and honoured; her +sons true types of gentlemanly honour; her daughters having all those +graces which are desirable to beautify the female characters, and make +woman an ornament in her family and in society. "Mr. Howe," exclaimed +Sir Howard, glancing towards that personage, "you escaped a severe +ordeal by being tardy this afternoon. You have proved that every rule +has an exception, but I must be careful not to introduce any +comparisons;" thus saying, his Excellency directed his smile towards Mr. +Trevelyan. Seated beside Miss Douglas, the young Lieutenant once more +heightening the effect of his handsome dark eyes by the deepening colour +of his cheeks. "Come, come, Mr. Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind +His Excellency's smile." "Pardon me, Mr. Howe," said Lady Douglas, "I am +pledged to relieve Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley. A truce was +effected until the compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room." +"I thank your Ladyship," said the Lieutenant, bowing. "Then, Your +Excellency, that theory falls to the ground at present," said Mr. Howe, +"I am not classified as an exception." The secretary smiled as he +thought of the cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation +would make for the gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn. "My Lady +Rosamond is rather demure," said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young +lady with his truthful smile. "Really Your Excellency cannot forget that +I have been studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls." "Ah, you cunning +rogue, you are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party," +returned Sir Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions +from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of +others." Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please +bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond +Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past +delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be +conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner +progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were +salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was +the absence of anything that could not be received by the most +fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were +discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas. + +One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond +Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that +distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period. +Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction. Her Father, Sir +Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable, respected +and admired. He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the daughter of an +English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left two sons and one +daughter--the Lady Rosamond. Placed under the care of a maiden aunt, the +young lady had the benefit of learned instructions. Sir Thomas was +determined that his child should receive all possible pains in her +education. Though displaying no uncommon ability, Lady Rosamond was +studious and persevering, compensating for genius by never failing +application. She made considerable progress in classics, literature and +poetry. In mathematics she was deficient. "I will do my best," she would +often say to her tutor, "but you know I never was expected to be a +mathematician." Lady Rosamond was indeed beautiful. The perfect features +of her oval shaped face were lit by sparkling black eyes, full, large +and dreamy, sometimes bewildering one with their variety of expression. +While residing with her aunt, Lady Rosamond had formed an intimacy with +Mary Douglas, which increased as they grew older. Together they spent +many happy hours, and never wearied in their bright day dreams thus +woven together. Nothing could exceed the grief of those companions when +it was announced that the family of Sir Howard Douglas was soon to +depart for New Brunswick. Lady Rosamond was inconsolable, and after +urgent entreaties on the part of Lady Douglas, Sir Thomas Seymour +consented to allow his daughter to remain with them for two years, after +which she would for a time assume the duties and responsibilities of his +household. Hence, Lady Rosamond Seymour came to New Brunswick with the +family of Sir Howard Douglas, and thus we find her the friend of Mary +Douglas in Fredericton. + +In after chapters will be found the reason for thus introducing Lady +Rosamond. To return to the preceding narrative. After the ladies +withdrew the gentlemen remained to discuss over their cigars and wine. +Mr. Howe began by repeating the affair among the messmates of the 52nd, +and the result of his friendly interference. The warmth of his passion +was aroused and he vehemently exclaimed, "Trevelyan, I both regard and +respect you as a gentleman and friend, and feel regret that you were so +unfortunate as to become attached to one of the most dissolute and +dissipated of His Majesty's Regiments." The secretary was about to +proceed when he was interrupted by Captain Douglas. "Strong terms, Howe. +Your case would in some instances demand redress but I repeatedly avow +not if considered in the light of reason." Mr. Howe saw in the strange +light of Sir Howard's eye that His Excellency would now give, in a few +words, his decision with unerring judgment. "Gentlemen," said he, rising +from his seat and casting successive glances at all, "Mr. Howe seems to +feel that the treatment received this afternoon should justify his +seeking redress from those military gentlemen. Would any here think it +necessary to create a breach between the Regiment and ourselves, from +the fact of their having, while under the influence of liquor, shewed an +incapacity to treat a guest with becoming respect, being utterly +indifferent to every feeling save that engendered by abuse of appetite? +Do I state it aright Mr. Howe?" "Your Excellency is right," said the +Secretary, "sometimes I see the foolishness of being hot-tempered, but +never more than on this occasion." + +"We can afford to laugh at the matter now, Howe," said Captain Douglas, +"to-morrow you will heap coals on their heads with a vengeance." The +company enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which His Excellency joined. "You may +have cause to bless your stars that you were absent, Trevelyan," said +Mr. Douglas, "as you might have been pressed into service against Howe." + +Guy Trevelyan was indeed a young man of marked ability and much promise. +His father, Colonel Trevelyan, was a brother officer with Sir Howard +during the Peninsula campaign. For signal service he was rewarded by +knighthood and the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Having obtained for his +son, Guy, a commission in H. M. 52nd Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel +Trevelyan hailed with delight the tidings of his friend's appointment to +the Governorship of New Brunswick. The Regiment was then stationed in +Fredericton and St. John--headquarters at the former--with Major McNair +in command, while the companies stationed at St. John were in charge of +Sir Thomas Tilden. In His Excellency, Guy Trevelyan had a warm-hearted +friend. The son of Colonel Trevelyan was dear to him. Many times Sir +Howard looked upon his handsome boyish face, pleased with tracing the +strong resemblance between father and son. The open, generous and manly +disposition of the young Lieutenant shone in every lineament of his +countenance. Guy Trevelyan was loved by every member of the Douglas +family. Lady Douglas showed him daily marks of favour, making him at +ease in the bosom of her household. Nor did our young officer abuse +these acts of true kindness and personal privilege. Unassuming, gentle +and affable Guy Trevelyan was more eagerly sought than seeking. Sir +Howard admired his favorite, his diffidence and bashful coyness. "He is +one to make a mark," said he. "Give me the disposition of Guy in +preference to those aping and patronizing airs assumed by the majority +of young gentlemen on entering the army." Once, on addressing +Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, he wrote the following: "Have no fear for +Guy; he is a true scion of the old stock. His nature is truthful, +honourable and sincere, not being addicted to those vices which ruin our +bravest soldiers. He has endeared himself to our family, in fact, Lady +Douglas would lament his absence almost the same as one of her own +sons." + +Having made this digression, thus introducing the principal members of +the company, we will now ask the reader to follow the ladies into the +drawing room. Government House drawing room was indeed an apartment of +costly elegance. Richly covered and gilded furniture was arranged in +stately profusion. Quaintly and gorgeously embroidered silken draperies +were festooned with graceful effect. Rare paintings adorned the frescoed +walls. Priceless cabinets, vases and statuary were grouped with artistic +hand. Turkey carpets of the most brilliant hues covered the floor, while +the flashing and almost dazzling light radiating from the massive +chandeliers, made the scene one of surpassing grandeur--something almost +incredible outside the lustre and surroundings of a kingly residence. +Such is a correct picture of old Government House over half a century +ago. Then it shone with true chivalric glory. Now with its structure and +surroundings a dream of the past. + +In the midst of her group sat Lady Douglas occupied in some fancy +netting, while each lady had some especial task. "Miss Cheenick," said +Her Ladyship, "will you be so kind as to assist Miss Mary in the +selection of suitable shades of silk for this piece of embroidery. You +will accompany her to-morrow after luncheon, as she is anxious to +commence." "It is to be hoped that we will meet with success as, judging +from the appearance of the stores in this city, there is not much to +select from," said Mary Douglas, "but, Miss Cheenick, only think, it +will be our first attempt at shopping in Fredericton." "How much better +and more convenient if there were exclusive dry goods stores as in +England," said Lady Rosamond. "It is rather amusing to see all kinds of +groceries and provisions on one side, and silks, satins and laces on the +other. Pardon me, mamma, if I use the expression of Mr. Howe, +'everything from a needle to an anchor.'" "Well, my child, you will +agree that both are useful," said Her Ladyship, "but I am doubtful +whether the last named article is to be obtained here." + +At the close of these remarks, the gentlemen were received. Sir Howard, +true to his obligation, had found a seat beside his daughter Mary. +"Papa," she exclaimed, "my knight is true,--'A good knight and true.'" + +"At Lady Douglas' suggestion, I am duly bound to disclose some views +upon New Brunswick and its capital. In the first place, I must plead +ignorance, from want of sufficient time to note the general aspect, +features and surroundings. This is a primitive soil, populated and +toiled by a primitive people. Agriculture is yet in its infancy, and no +prospect at hand for the furtherance of this important calling. Well +wooded land, fertile valley and pleasing variety, show that this should +be the great and only resource of this country. What facilities are +afforded to the farmer for the importation of produce, were this noble +river to be opened up with steam navigation. In a year hence, if my life +be spared, I shall be able to afford you some information on life in the +back settlements, and the means resorted to by the settlers. At present +there are only five roads in the whole Province; three of which you have +seen, as they lead from this city in different directions; the one to +St. John; also, that passing our door to Quebec; and the third which I +shewed you last week as leading to Miramichi. The fourth leads to St. +Andrews, a small seaport in the south-west; while the fifth leads to +Halifax." "Pardon me, Your Excellency, I could not help observing that +the condition of these roads pay small tribute to McAdam, or Telford, +being a rapid and sudden succession of up hill and down dale." "One +would need a vigorous constitution," returned Sir Howard, "to make a +practical test. People do not have much traffic upon these roads, from +the fact that the settlements are more numerous along the river, which +holds out more advantages." + +"Papa," exclaimed Sir Howard's favourite daughter, "How much I should +like to accompany you on an expedition through the forests of New +Brunswick." "Perhaps you may, when the roads are more accessible, when +there will be established comfortable inns where one can rest and be +refreshed. None will press me to give any further report of the country, +when I make a guarantee to do so at some time in the future, when there +will be, I trust, good progress made." + +"Many thanks, Your Excellency," said Mr. Howe, in response to Sir +Howard, and, "in behalf of the company, may I express a hope that your +wish be realized in the future of New Brunswick's history. May this +province yet rise in commercial prosperity and national wealth, and may +New Brunswick's sons yet assume their proud position as Governors of the +province." "Mr. Howe is growing eloquent," remarked Lady Rosamond, to +Mr. Trevelyan.--"A conspiracy on foot," exclaimed Miss Douglas, glancing +towards Lady Rosamond. "Now Mr. Trevelyan will play his part," said +Captain Douglas, with mock solemnity. + +The young Lieutenant selected a passage from "Cymbeline," receiving the +gratitude and applause of the ladies, to whose repeated entreaties he +also read an extract from "King Lear," commencing with the line "No, I +will be the pattern of all patience." Guy Trevelyan's voice was full, +soft and musical, having the power of soothing the listener; but when +required for dramatic readings, could command a versatility that was +surprising. Miss Douglas archly proposed to Lady Douglas her wish to +join in a game of whist. Thus engaged, the remainder of the evening +passed quickly away. Mary Douglas still retaining her gallant partner, +having secured the rubber against Mr. Howe and Miss Douglas, warmly +congratulated Sir Howard on their success. "Never despair, Miss +Douglas," said Mr. Howe, "we bide our time." The secretary's carriage +being announced, with smiles and bows he took leave, followed by Mr. +Trevelyan, who accepted the proffered invitation. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +AN EVENING IN OFFICERS' MESS-ROOM. + + +Many of our readers are familiar with the old building still standing, +facing on Queen Street, known as the officers' barracks. At the time +when this story opened, this was a scene of continual festivity--life in +its gayest aspect. Here were quartered the noisy, the swaggering, the +riotous, the vain, the gallant, the honourable, and all those different +qualities which help to form the make-up of the many individuals +comprising the officers of H. M. 52nd Regiment. At no period, before or +since, has Fredericton ever risen to such notoriety. Several +enterprising gentlemen of this body in connexion with a few of the +leading citizens planned and laid the first regular and circular race +course, near where the present now is situated, under the management of +J. H. Reid, Esq., and the members of York County Agricultural Society. + +On the old race course it was no unusual occurrence to witness as many +as a dozen races during the space of two days. Sons of gentlemen, both +in military and private life, were the owners of thorough-bred horses, +each claiming the highest distinctions regarding full-blooded pedigree. +These were Fredericton's glorious days--days of sport; days of chivalry; +days of splendour and high life. On the evening in question, a festive +board was spread with all the eclat attending a dinner party. Some hours +previous a grand assemblage had gathered on the race course to witness a +race between Captain Douglas' mare Bess, and a celebrated racer +introduced on the course by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden, ridden by his +groom. Much betting had arisen on both sides. Excitement ran high. Bets +were being doubled. The universal din and uproar was growing loud, noisy +and clamorous. The band played spirited music, commencing with national +airs, and, in compliment to an American officer, a guest of Sir Thomas +Tilden, finished off with Hail Columbia. Bess won the race. His +Excellency, Capt. Douglas, in the capacity of aide-de-camp, Mr. Howe and +Mr. James Douglas, with their friend, Lieutenant Trevelyan, stood on an +eminence bordered by woods. Here Sir Howard watched the afternoon's +sport with keen interest. He saw in the assembly many features to be +discountenanced. None admired a noble animal better than Sir Howard, and +none were more humane in their treatment. Captain Douglas entered more +into the sport of the proceedings. His whole mind for the present was +centered on the expectation of his noble little animal. In gaining the +race he was generous to the last degree. Honor was the password in all +his actions, while he gave his opponents that feeling which led them to +thank him for an honorable defeat. + +The occasion of Lt. Col. Tilden's arrival was always hailed with a round +of festivities. This evening was the commencement, servants in livery +were at every footstep. An array of butlers and waiters was conspicuous +arranging the different tables. The grateful odors emitted from several +passages presaged the elaborate dishes to be served. The rattle of +dishes, clinking of glasses, and drawing of corks, hinted of the viands +in unlimited store. While the above were conducted in the mess-room, +many of the guests were as busy in their own private apartments making +the necessary toilet for the reception. In the foremost tier of rooms to +the left, facing the river, on the ground floor, is the one occupied by +Lieut. Guy Trevelyan. He is brushing out the waves of chestnut brown +hair which, though short, shows a tendency to assert its nature despite +the stern orders of military rule. A shade passes over the brow of the +youthful-looking soldier as he dons his scarlet uniform. His thoughts +are not at ease. Guy Trevelyan feels a vague and unaccountable +yearning--an undefined feeling which is impossible to shake off. "Well, +Trevelyan," soliloquized he; "you are a strange old fellow; such a state +as this must not be indulged amidst the stir and hurly-burly of +to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder that Trevelyan +thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs broke upon him--the +barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of steps upon the +pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a babel--a +distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were amusing in +the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction +being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a table! Such an +array that one would only get into difficulty by attempting to describe +it. Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right of Lt. Col. Tilden and +received that attention which characterizes Sir Thomas. Mr. Howe, once +more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat beside the incorrigible +Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets produced such sensitive effects +upon the ears of the secretary sometime previous. Major McNair, a +brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier, always ready to do the honors of +the Regiment under his charge, had on his right Captain Hawkins, an +American officer; on his left an American youth and nephew of the +officer. The convivial resources of these dinners were of a nature +sometimes loud, boisterous, and exhilarating. Though indulging in +countless practical jokes, various scenes of carousal, revels, mingling +with toast upon toast, cards and amusements, there was a general good +feeling throughout the whole proceedings. Misunderstandings sometimes led +to sharp words, but the intervention of a superior had a healing effect. +In nowise did Lieutenant Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow +officers as for habits of moderation. They often dubbed him "Saint Guy, +the cold water man," which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant. The +attention of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening +with deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished +father. "Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the +term," said the Major. "There is no need of that explanation, sir," said +the American; "it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish +face. His father will yet be proud of such a son." "The words of His +Excellency," returned the Major. In the flow of general conversation +that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and responded +by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at dinner. Sir +Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on his success, +hoping that they may meet soon on the same business. This called from +the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and humorous +speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia with the entire +company in a deafening chorus. After a short pause, cries of "Howe! +Howe!" Nothing short of an oration would satisfy. The secretary rose and +delivered something which would take some investigation to classify +either as an epic, oration, or burlesque. They wanted variety and such +it was. A puzzled expression rested on Lieutenant Trevelyan's face as he +tried to follow Mr. Howe in the lengthy harangue. + +The band afterwards played "Hail Columbia," which was the signal for +Captain Hawkins to respond. The American thanked the Commander and +Officers of H. M. 52nd Regt. for the marked hospitality and courtesy +extended to him during his stay. Alluding to the feeling of +dissatisfaction existing between the sister nations, he hoped to see a +firmer footing established between them; and all former animosities +wiped out forever. These and other like sentiments called forth loud +applause, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner." Speech followed +toast and song until the hours wore on unheeded. Lest it might be +considered an absurdity, we will not say how many toasts were +actually made--not in water, either, on this occasion. The strongest +proof of this fact was found in the dozens of empty bottles lying +scattered in profusion upon sideboards, tables and floors, the following +morning, as servants looked on in dismay. The task of removal is no +slight task. Before the company breaks up let us take another glance at +Lieutenant Trevelyan. In respect to his superiors the young gentleman +still remained as one of the company. Though twenty-one years had +lightly passed over our young friend and favourite, one would not judge +that he was more than eighteen. His smooth and beardless face had the +delicate bloom of a young and pretty girl. Dimples nestled in his cheeks +playing hide and seek to the various emotions of the owner. Guy +Trevelyan had not mastered his feelings during the "hurly burly," as +firmly as was his wont. Relapsing into an existence half reality, half +dreamlike, he was striving to divine the true state of his thoughts when +called upon by Sir Thomas Tilden. "Here is Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +Adonis of our Regiment, whom we cannot accuse of a breach of impropriety +to-night, except it be that of reserve." "Come now, Trevelyan, you are +in for a song," exclaimed a dozen voices, pressing around the young +Lieutenant, in noisy appeals. Contrary to their expectations, Trevelyan +did favor the company with a patriotic song, which drew forth stirring +applause and made him the hero of the evening. "Well done, my hearty," +exclaimed Captain Hawley, slapping him on the shoulders, shouting +lustily, "Hurrah for Trevelyan, hip, hip, hurrah for Trevelyan." "Eh, +old chum," muttered Lieutenant Landon, in incoherent and rambling +speech, about "faint heart and fair lady." "As congratulations are at +present the rule, I cannot make an exception," said Mr. Howe. "Thanks my +boy for this, and may you soon have occasion for another." "And +another," roared the crowd, taking up the last words of the secretary. +"My warmest thanks, Mr. Trevelyan," said the Lieutenant Colonel, warmly +pressing his young friend's hand. This last act of courtesy was more +gratefully received by Mr. Trevelyan than the noisy demonstrations of +his brother officers. Soon afterwards, guest after guest departed in +various moods and in various ways; some making zig-zag and circuitous +routes, while others were more steady in the bent of their direction. +More definite description might be given of these parties than that +pictured here. More details might be given of scenes of dissipation, +when each member must "drink himself under the table," to achieve the +respect of his fellows; but the writer forbears not wishing to expose +the darker shades of the picture, allowing the reader full control of +his or her imagination, if willing to go further. Suffice it to say, no +brawls had marred the "jolly time." All went away in good humour, while +the American was so loud in praise, that he almost wished himself an +officer in H. M. 52nd Regiment. Having made his adieu, Captain Douglas +took leave for his bachelor's quarters, held in the house on the site at +present occupied by George Minchin, Esq., on King Street, whither his +friend Howe had preceded him. In this building, was kept the Governor's +Office, as well. Here Captain Douglas found himself, as the darkest hour +that precedes the dawn reminded of approaching day. "Howe," said +he, "sit down and have a chat for a few moments. What did you think +of the affair? Of cousin Jonathan and his nephew?" "One question at a +time, Douglas," said Mr. Howe, pulling out a cigar case and passing one +to his friend. "In answer to your first, I may say that under the +circumstances there was some credit for being merry. It happened at a +deuced bad time, but Sir Thomas took his defeat manfully, while those +animated volcanoes, Hawley and Markham were wonderfully passive--a fact +we must attribute to Major McNair. The general melee and pow-wow in +which I was so unceremoniously toasted, taught a lesson. Jove, the Major +is entitled to an order if he can, by any means, reclaim any of the +52nd. But the most amusing of the crowd is Trevelyan, who reminds me of +an Englishman in Paris. He is clear, too. The oftener I see him the more +I find to admire. He has a stock of drollery in reserve, too. Only think +of the song and how received; Jove, he can sing like a thrush or +nightingale." + +"Sometimes he wears a puzzled look which I cannot define; but Trevelyan +one day will make his mark if not led astray by some of his comrades. +Still, in the same youth, there is considerable backbone, plenty of +determination if necessary." "Hold on, Howe, when are you coming to the +second question," exclaimed Douglas, in slightly impatient tones. "Bide +your time, old fellow. Getting sleepy too, by Saint George," said the +secretary, using his favourite Saint and Patron as necessary expletive. +"Oh! about Jonathan, or Sam, or cousin Jonathan. Cousin Jonathan is +certainly a jolly fellow. How they did stuff him with compliments. +Cousin Jonathan is a bigger man than when he arrived, and Markham, would +you not think he hailed from the 'ould country,' by the quantities of +that commodity supposed to come direct from Killarney, which he used +upon cousin Jonathan and Hail Columbia. Ha, ha, ha." + +"Douglas, the younger Jonathan is a genuine specimen of Young America. +By Jove, to see him at good advantage he should have been seated beside +Guy Trevelyan--our Adonis. Is not the old chap mighty complimentary? +Think it was rather hard on the vanity of Landon and Grey. We must be +sure give the toast to Trevelyan, when they are present, to have another +skirmish." "Judging from your state of mind at the first, one would not +deem it advisable to enter the lists a second time," said Captain +Douglas. "Bear in mind the Major has too much on his hands already." +"Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits," said Mr. Howe, with +a vein of sarcasm in his tones. "It grows late, or, I should say, +early," said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence. "Howe, +good morning, I shall retire." "Au revoir Douglas." + +"Oh, sleep! Oh, gentle sleep! Nature's soft nurse," murmured Captain +Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the +last evening and remaining part of the night. Soon the "gentle sleep" was +upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully, +regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan. + +His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank +another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing: "By Jove, I shall watch +him closely. He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him. If +he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him. Douglas has +not the penetration to perceive it, but I can. Can any young lady be +mixed up in the affair? If so, I may be at a loss to discover." In the +meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to +gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing: +"That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word." Here he +stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel +refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day. The coming +day intended to be almost a repetition of the past. Morning, public +parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room. Sir +Thomas Tilden's arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with +grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers. To these seasons the +officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond +expectation. Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and +chivalry of Fredericton. Nothing but gaiety on every hand. Such events +marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a +century ago. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +LADY ROSAMOND'S REVERIE. + + +In a small but exquisitely furnished apartment in Government House sat a +young and beautiful lady. The room commanded a north-west view, showing +a bright and silvery sheet of rippling water. This was the private +apartment of Lady Rosamond. It is the hour when she is occupied in +writing letters and attending to the many little matters demanding her +attention. An open letter lies upon her lap. Lady Rosamond is listlessly +leaning against a dressing-table, with one hand partially shading her +beautiful face. Quickly turning round to look at some object beyond +gives a full view, which reveals a tender sadness resting in the depths +of those powerful dark eyes. Lady Rosamond is in a deep study--one which +is not of an agreeable nature--one which she is not most likely to +reveal. Alternate shades of displeasure, rebellion and defiance, flit +across her brow, which remain, in quiet and apparently full possession, +until reluctantly driven forth by the final ascendancy of reason, at the +cost of many conflicting feelings of emotion and deep despondency. + +Again Lady Rosamond reads the letter very slowly, as though to find, in +each word and sentence, some other meaning which might allay her present +distracting thoughts. Vainly did the reader search for relief. The +diction was plain, clear and definite. No chance to escape. No fond +smiles from Hope's cheering presence. Hope had fled, with agonizing +gaze, as Lady Rosamond once more read that letter. Every word was +stamped upon her heart in characters of bold and maddening outline. +Heaving a deep sigh she folded the letter, placed it within her desk, +and mechanically stood gazing upon the quiet river, peaceful and calm, +save the little ripple on the surface. Lady Rosamond contrasted the +scene with her troubled depths and superficial quiet exterior. + +Quietly opening the window the cool sharp breeze of an October morning +was grateful to the feverish flush partially visible upon the cheeks of +Lady Rosamond. She was usually pale, save when an occasional blush +asserted its right. Standing here in such a state of mind Lady Rosamond +was indeed beautiful--a lovely picture with delicate expression and +coloring. While she is thus engaged let us intrude upon the privacy of +her feelings by taking forth the letter from its hiding place, and +examining its contents. It seems a sacrilegious act, but it is in our +great sympathy and interest on behalf of Lady Rosamond that we yield to +the temptation. + +The writing is in a bold, masculine hand, clear, legible, and uniform. +If there be such a thing as judging the character of the writer by the +chirography in the present instance, there was decision, firmness, +bordering on self-will, and resistance to opposition. The letter ran +thus:-- + + Chesley Manor, Surrey, Oct. 4th, 1824. + + My Dear Child: + + Having a few moments to spare this morning I devote them to your + benefit, with a fond hope that you are as happy as the day is long. + It does seem rather hard for me to be moping around this quiet + house and my little girl away in New Brunswick, but it is useless + to repine. In a few days I will take charge of a ship to go abroad + for some months. Our fleet now demands my attention, which, I am + happy to say, will drive away loneliness and repinings for the + little runaway. Was much pleased to meet an old friend of Sir + Howard Douglas--Colonel Fleetwood--who served in the same regiment + while in Spain, and is ever loud in praise of his friend. Though an + old soldier now, he has the true ring of military valor, which + would gain the esteem of Sir Howard. + + Your aunt is enjoying a visit to Bereford Castle; writes in good + health and spirits. Your cousin, Gerald, is again on a political + campaign, being sanguine in the prospect of being re-seated in + Parliament the next session. I am watching the event as one which + concerns us deeply. Bereford is a young man of much promise. He + will indeed fill well his position as owner of Bereford Castle, as + well as peer of the realm. Lord Bereford is truly proud of his heir + as the noblest of this ancient and loyal family. My dearest child, + it is my fondest desire that in you may be doubly united the + families of Seymour and Bereford. Gerald is the son-in-law of my + choice, and it is my earnest desire that you may favor a fond + parent's views in this matter. That your cousin regards you both + fondly and tenderly I am truly convinced. He expressed his opinion + very freely on making a visit last week, when I gave him my + unbounded confidence and direct encouragement. On leaving he + requested me to intimate this feeling towards you in a quiet + manner, which I now do, with sufficient knowledge of your character + to know that a parent's wishes will not be opposed. Gerald Bereford + will be in a position to give you that ease and affluence your + birth demands. As Lady Bereford, Lady Rosamond Seymour will neither + compromise rank, wealth, nor dignity, and will be happy in the love + of a fond, devoted husband, and the blessing of a doting father. It + is my great love for you, my child, that urges this settlement. I + am certain that you will have no hesitation in giving your answer. + You are young, and have as yet formed no prior attachments, for + which circumstance thank heaven, and allow me to congratulate you + for being so fortunate as to secure the heart and hand of Gerald + Bereford. Do not imagine that it is our wish to shorten your stay + in New Brunswick. You are at liberty to enjoy the companionship of + your friend Mary till the years have expired, after which I think + that my daughter will be anxious to see her only parent, and to + form high opinions of her cousin Gerald. My dear, I do not wish to + hurry you, already knowing your answer. Wishing to be kindly + remembered to Sir Howard and Lady Douglas, and the family, with my + fondest love. + + Remain, Your Father. + +Such was the tenor of the epistle which had caused these feelings within +the bosom of Lady Rosamond. Sir Thomas Seymour was a man not to be +thwarted in his designs. He loved his child with deep tenderness, and, +as he said in the letter, this was the reason of his solicitude. It had +always been the secret pride of the Admiral's life that Gerald Bereford +should wed Lady Rosamond, but he kept his favorite plans closely guarded +until means were offered to aid him. Many times Sir Thomas fancied that +Gerald Bereford admired his lovely cousin, and had a faint hope in the +realization of his wishes. When the climax was reached, by those avowals +on the part of the suitor, the great joy of the solicitous parent knew +no bounds. He seemed to view the matter as one which would give entire +happiness to all parties. Lady Rosamond was to be congratulated on the +brilliant prospects of her future. The Bereford family were to be +congratulated on their securing such an acquisition as Lady Rosamond, +while Gerald Bereford was to be congratulated on having won the heart of +such a pure and lovable being as his future bride. All those +congratulations were in prospect before the mental vision of the Admiral +as he lovingly dwelt upon the matter. + +From the effect thus produced upon Lady Rosamond it was certain she +viewed the matter in a different light. True, she had never, by thought +or action, been betrayed to show the least possible regard or preference +towards any of the many gallants from whom she oftentimes received many +flattering attentions. + +Towards her cousin Gerald she had always been considerate and friendly. +When on several occasions he had taken particular pains to gratify her +slightest wish, and pay more deferential regard than was necessary to +the demands of their relationship, Lady Rosamond affected utter +ignorance of the cause by treating him with a familiarity that gave him +no opportunity to urge his suit. + +When Sir Thomas gave consent to his daughter's reception in the family +of Sir Howard Douglas, it was in the firm belief that on her return her +mind would be matured to enter more fully upon plans relative to her +settlement in life. At the death of Sir Thomas the lands and estate of +Chesley Manor would be inherited by Frederick Seymour, the eldest son; a +smaller estate, bordering upon that of Lord Bereford, affording a +moderate income, went to the second son Geoffrey, while an annuity of +four thousand pounds had been settled upon Lady Rosamond, with a +marriage jointure of fifty thousand pounds, to be placed in the hands of +the trustees. By the marriage of Gerald Bereford and Lady Rosamond, the +latter would secure an inheritance of which she was next direct heir, +being the niece of the present lord incumbent. + +Lady Rosamond weighed all these arguments and tried to find by some +means a possibility of escape, but all lay in the dark and dim distance, +exacting heavy payment from her ladyship. + +This was a heavy blow to a person of Lady Rosamond's sensitive nature. +The thought was revolting to her. For some time previous a dim +foreboding haunted her--a presentiment of gloom and of deep sorrow. On +receiving the letter its weight seemed to lie heavily upon her. Now the +contents again caused her much pain. To whom could she go for comfort? +To whom unburden her mind? Leaning her head upon the table Lady Rosamond +sought refuge in tears. She sobbed bitterly. "It is at this trying +moment I miss my dear mother," murmured the poor girl in faltering +accents of outspoken grief. "Heaven pity those who have no mother. With +her loving and tender heart my mother never would have allowed the +sanctity of my feelings to be thus invaded and trampled upon. And my +dear father, I love him, but can I fulfil his wishes? It is my duty! Oh, +heaven direct me!" + +Poor Lady Rosamond! Her sorrow was indeed deep. In the midst of such +murmurs she arose, walked to the window, and once more fanned her cheeks +with the cooling breath of heaven, which afforded momentary relief. + +As the large plate mirror opposite reflected the tear stains upon her +pale but lovely face, Lady Rosamond resolved to banish all traces of +sorrow. Returning from the adjoining dressing-room not a shade clouded +the features of the suffering girl. The silken ringlets of her raven +black hair were rearranged with bewildering profusion, while the +feverish blush added to her surpassing charms. A faint smile passed over +Lady Rosamond's features as she tried to appear gay and assumed those +girlish charms which made friends on every side, from Sir Howard to the +youngest member in the household. "Oh, dear, what shall I do?" escaped +the lips of the sufferer. "What will bring this matter to an end?" But +pride would not allow Lady Rosamond to reveal her feelings. She would be +a true Seymour. It were well that she possessed this spirit, being in +this instance an offset to injured delicacy. + +Having remained in privacy longer than it was customary, she reluctantly +prepared to meet the family. Descending the upper stairway, she was met +by one of the children who had come to summon her to join them in a +walk. + +Lady Rosamond was always a favorite with children and the family of Sir +Howard formed no exception. They loved to accompany her on long walks in +search of any thing the surrounding woods afforded. Scarce two months +had passed since their arrival and they were familiar with all the cosy +retreats, nooks and pretty spots to be found. Surrounded by her +followers, Lady Rosamond appeared as a naiad holding revel with her +sylvan subjects. + +In her present mood the woods seemed to suggest calm. With her +companion, Mary Douglas, and the romping children, Lady Rosamond was +seemingly happy. A slight accident occurred which somewhat disturbed the +enjoyment of all, more especially those whom it most concerned. + +In crossing a narrow brook by means of a small plank which, being +rotten, gave way, Lady Rosamond was thrown into the water with no regard +to ceremony. A loud scream from Helen Douglas, who was standing near, +brought the whole company, while terrified shrieks arose on all sides. +In an instant Master Johnnie Douglas appeared in sight followed by +Lieut. Trevelyan. The mischievous disposition of the former could not +prevent an outburst of laughter despite all his high notions of +gallantry. The young lieutenant came boldly forward, seized the hand of +Lady Rosamond, and led her to a seat at a short distance. The dripping +garments clinging to the form of the frightened girl moved the young +soldier with pity and showed the tender nature of his manly heart. The +heartless Johnnie was dispatched for dry wraps and more comfortable +clothing. Lieutenant Trevelyan could not force a smile. The same puzzled +expression which had baffled Mr. Howe forced itself upon him. + +Mary Douglas had wrapped her companion's feet in the shawl taken off her +own shoulders, and sat anxiously awaiting their courier. The children +were more demonstrative in showing their grief. During the moments that +passed the minds of the elder members of the group were busily engaged. + +Lady Rosamond, regardless of her situation, was busied in projecting +schemes the most fanciful. She was thinking of the contents of her +father's letter. In spite of the strong efforts of will her thoughts +would turn in another and far different direction, which, perhaps, on +this occasion it would be more discreet to conceal. The painful and +ill-disguised look was attributed to the accident. Well for Lady +Rosamond if it were so. Yes, an accident, a painful accident--forgive +the expression--an accident of the heart. Poor Lady Rosamond! + +Ah, Mr. Trevelyan, we have an undue curiosity to follow the turn of +_your_ thoughts; but, as we once more note that puzzled look, think your +generous heart and honest nature deserve more _generous_ treatment. At +least, this time, we grant you further respite. + +Johnnie's arrival prevents further moralizing. No room for gravity when +Johnnie Douglas is near. His mischievous spirit is infectious. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, ETC. + + +The months pass quickly away. October, with its brilliant trophies of +the wood, has departed, leaving behind many pleasing memories of its +presence. November, in its raw and surly mood, is allowed to take +farewell without any expression of regret. The last of this numerous +family--December--is greeted with a hearty reception from every member +of the Douglas family. The purity of the soft snow flakes, falling in +myriads, are invested with indescribable charms. The clear, cold, and +frosty atmosphere is exhilarating to the bright, fresh countenances of +the youthful party sliding on the ponds and brooks. The river affords +amusement for skaters. The jingle of the bells is music sweet and +gratifying as the horses prance along with a keen sense of the pleasure +they afford to the beautiful ladies encased in costly furs and wrapped +in inviting buffalo robes. + +A happy season is in prospective. Christmas is approaching with its +time-honored customs and endearing associations. High and low, rich and +poor, have the same fond anticipations. In the lowly cot, surrounded by +miles of wilderness, little faces brighten as quickly at mention of +Christmas as those who are reared in the lap of luxury and expectant of +fond remembrance in showers of valuable presents in endless variety. + +Preparations were being commenced at Government House on an extensive +scale. Lady Douglas was remarkable for the labors of love in her family +at this approaching season. Christmas was to her a time of unalloyed +happiness. "Peace and good will" reigned supreme. Every minute was spent +in promoting happiness by devotion, recreation or charity. The last was +one of her most pleasing enjoyments, for which Lady Douglas received +many blessings. From her childhood this noble lady had exercised her +leisure moments in relieving the wants of the poor, often leaving to +them food and clothing with her own hands. + +At the suggestion of Miss Douglas, who was always ready for any +important duty, a party was proposed to visit the woods to procure +boughs for greening the grand hall and drawing-room. Foremost was +Johnnie Douglas, master of ceremonies, whose presence on the occasion +was indispensable; so said Johnnie, throwing a mischievous glance at +Lady Rosamond as a reminder of his services on a former expedition. The +rising color on his victim's face brought a reprimand from Mary Douglas. + +"Don't be of such importance, Johnnie, there are plenty of gentlemen at +our command." + +"Ha, ha, ha," roared the young gentleman in undisguised and unsuppressed +fits of laughter. + +"Miss Mary, don't be of too much importance; there may not be so many +gentlemen at your command as you reckon on," said Johnnie, bent on +following up his argument; "Mr. Howe is engaged, Mr. Trevelyan goes on +parade this morning, Charles is away; now where are the reserves? +Answer--Fred, and your humble servant." + +"Well, Johnnie, you are holding your ground manfully," exclaimed Sir +Howard, smiling as he passed through the group in the lower hall, where +they still sat discussing the grounds of Johnnie's superiority. + +Decision turning in favor of the champion, the party set off--boys, +ladies, and children--forming a pretty sight. Lady Douglas stood on the +balcony waving approval and beaming with happy smiles. + +The shouts of Master Johnnie, laughter of the ladies, and romping of the +children, kept the woods busy in the constant repetition of echoes on +every side. + +"Oh, Lady Rosamond," cried the hero of the expedition, eager to maintain +his position, "here is the brook, but where is the water to receive some +one with another cooling reception, and where is Mr. Trevelyan with his +gallant service and kind sympathy?--Not hinting of the hasty retreat of +your valuable pioneer!" + +Mary Douglas, detecting a shade passing over Lady Rosamond's brow, came +to the rescue with another mild reprimand upon the incorrigible Johnnie. +"I am afraid, sir, that you take the opportunity of reminding Lady +Rosamond of your former importance without due regard to her feelings, +which, you are aware, is not very gentlemanly." + +"If your ladyship is offended," said the mischievous but generous and +manly Johnnie, turning to Lady Rosamond, "I beg your pardon in the most +humble manner, feeling deeply sorry." + +"Lady Rosamond you really do not think I would consciously give you +annoyance," said master Johnnie, throwing down the bough which he had +lopped from a tree near, and drawing up his boyish form with true +dignity and an amusing earnestness in his tone. + +"Of course not, Johnnie," returned her ladyship, "you and I are on the +best of terms. Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the +contrary, it always amuses me." + +This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas. Apparently +engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she +was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts. She was +wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look +which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something +disagreeable to Lady Rosamond. + +Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred's arrival with a +request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing +some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a +large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary. + +On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which +brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan. + +"Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr. Trevelyan," exclaimed the +pioneer Johnnie, "else you might have formed another of our party." + +"The ladies might not have accepted your decision," returned Mr. +Trevelyan, hastily; "however, I thank you kindly for your +consideration." + +After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary +upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served. Mr. Howe and Mr. +Trevelyan remained. Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion +to the brook. Lady Rosamond was calm, possessed, and entertaining. +Everybody seemed inspired with the occasion. Sir Howard was deeply +immersed in the furtherance of those measures and means to be resorted +to for the benefit and advancement of the Province. "I have promised," +said he, "to be able to give clearer views upon the improvement of New +Brunswick a year hence, and, in order to do so, must not neglect one +moment. Another object which claims my notice very urgently is the +establishment of laws regulating a better system of education. The +grammar school is in a state of mediocrity, its support not being +secured on a proper basis. We want a college--an institution where our +young men can receive a thorough education and be fitted for entering +upon any profession." + +In every measure advocated by Sir Howard he had the full concurrence of +Lady Douglas and her intelligent and highly educated sons and daughters. +Perhaps to this cause may be attributed the amazing success which marked +Sir Howard's career through life. He had the entire and heartfelt +sympathy of his household. He was loved with the truest and fondest +affection as a husband and father. He, in return, placed every confidence +in his lovely and amiable wife and daughters, knowing that through them +he received great happiness; and, unfettered with those domestic trials +which attend some families, he was able to discharge the duties of state +with full and determined energy. + +The hours that elapsed between luncheon and dinner were spent in the +various styles of decoration suggested by Lady Douglas. The important +Johnnie was under the direct supervision of Miss Cheenick, cutting off +and preparing little twigs for garlands, with occasional sallies of good +natured badinage. + +Miss Douglas was making illuminated mottoes and texts in a quiet corner +of the apartment. Mary Douglas and her companion were busily weaving +pretty and graceful festooning. To each member was allotted some +especial part. + +Every one participated in the preparation by noting each successive step +towards completion. Thus the work progressed until it was time for the +ladies to dress for dinner; after which the evening was spent in the +same occupation, with the valuable assistance of Mr. Howe and Captain +Douglas. + +After several days had elapsed, the work was considered complete. The +design was choice and beautiful. Nothing was necessary to produce a more +graceful and pleasing effect. Holly there was none, but our woods +supplied the loss with lovely evergreens of native growth. + +It was the day preceding Christmas eve. Mirth and joy revelled around +the glowing firesides. Happy faces beamed with radiating smiles. Each +was trying to do some small act of kindness for the benefit of the +household. A Christmas tree, in all its mysterious surroundings, was +being laden with beautiful presents. Loving tokens of friendship were +placed on its strong branches by lovely and delicate hands. Lady Douglas +presided over these mysteries, in the secret chamber, with the vigilance +of the dragon who guarded the golden apples in the classic shades of the +Hesperides. All busy little feet were turned towards the door, but +further entrance was barred by gentle admonition from her ladyship. + +Lady Rosamond had been allowed the privacy of her own apartments without +interruption. She was preparing some tokens of regard for different +members of the family. Many chaste and valuable articles had been +received from home for this purpose, but she wished to make some choice +trinkets as her own work. Many times she had stolen a half-hour to +devote to this labor of love. An elegant silk purse had been netted for +Lady Douglas. For Mary Douglas she is engaged on a prettily-designed +portfolio. None were forgotten, not even Sir Howard, who was the +recipient of a neat dressing-case. As Lady Rosamond's deft fingers +wrought upon each article her mind was busy upon a far different, and, +to her, important matter. She longed for sympathy and advice. Her father +gave himself little concern regarding her ambiguously-written message. +He saw that his daughter was somewhat cold and indifferent to her +cousin's preference, but he expected that, on her return, she would +readily agree to anything which met his approval. Not wishing to repeat +the sentiment of the letter thus described, Sir Thomas Seymour had +considered moderation as the surest hope of success. Having thus +expressed his opinion to Lady Bereford, the Admiral was assured and +confident. On this Christmas season he had selected a costly locket, +studded with diamonds, as a gift to Lady Rosamond, and dwelt, with +loving pride, upon the many gentle qualities of the lovely girl; her +happy prospects as Lady Bereford, adored by a fond husband, beloved by +all. + +Happy Lady Rosamond! in thy busy thoughts. Dared we venture for thee an +encouraging word, it would be "Every cloud has a silver lining." + +Christmas eve was a scene of stir and excitement. Though work was done +in a systematic manner, the unusual tasks of labor and love were +hurrying upon each other with increasing rapidity. The servant's hall +was not to be passed over at this joyous time. Everyone, both family and +servants, shared in the festivity. How the graceful form of Mary Douglas +flew from room to room, arranging some pleasing surprise, planning some +little act of courtesy or civility. The housekeeper's room, stealthily +invaded by bribing another domestic, becomes the hiding place of a +handsome lace cap. Each maid finds under her pillow a sovereign and some +little trinket, as a ribbon, scarf or work box. + +These were happy moments in the life of Mary Douglas. In the performance +of such acts of goodness she was truly happy. This lovely girl was +possessed of the united virtues of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Free from +the remotest clouds of sorrow or care, Mary Douglas was indeed to be +envied. Her father's smile was of more value to his gifted daughters than +the most flattering attention from the many admirers who vainly tried to +receive the slightest sign of encouragement. + +That Lady Rosamond often longed for the happy and contented hours of her +companion--for a like participation of uninterrupted and halcyon days, +should form no ground for surprise. "How I should like to tell Mary my +trouble and receive her sweet counsel," murmured the sad girl. "I should +feel the burden lighter to bear, but it would seem almost a sacrilege to +invade upon such quiet harmony, for, with her sweet sympathizing nature, +I know that Mary would grieve over my sorrow. Dear girl, your Christmas +shall not be clouded by me," soliloquized Lady Rosamond, "I love you too +deeply to wish you care like mine. Ah, no, Mary darling, may you never +know the depth of sorrow such as mine." + +Lady Rosamond stood before her mirror to place a tiny rosebud in the +raven hair that encircled her stately head in luxuriant coils. Slight +and graceful in form, she saw indeed a pretty picture reflected there. +It seemed to mock her with pitying gaze. Her black silk dress revealed +the snowy whiteness of her beautifully rounded shoulders and arms, pure +as the marble mantel upon which she rested. The costly locket, with its +flashing diamonds, suspended by a heavy gold chain, rested upon her +bosom. She thought of her father's kindness as she placed his gift to +her lips, exclaiming, "Poor, dear papa, how I should like to see him +to-night; I love him so fondly. If he knew what I am suffering perhaps +he might relent. No doubt he is lonely to-night and wishing to see his +'only little girl,' as he lovingly calls me." + +Presently Lady Rosamond was formally ushered into the apartment where +the company, comprising the family and a few intimate friends, were +assembled to divest the Christmas tree of its gay clothing and +appendages. + +As a veritable Santa Claus presented each present, the all-important +Johnnie was ready to exclaim: "Thank old Sandy for that, can't you? What +a hale old chap is Sandy!" Turning to Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +incorrigible ventured to ask who might be Sandy's tailor? + +When among the presents a tiny case, lined with white velvet, revealed a +jewelled cross of exquisite design, Sir Howard exclaimed gaily, "Lady +Rosamond, a coincidence--the cross followed by an anchor!" producing at +the same time a costly ornament in the form of an anchor. "Have no fear, +your cross is outweighed by the anchor Hope in the end. What a beautiful +encouraging omen!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +ST. JOHN'S EVE. + + +It was St. John's Eve; Government House was a scene of splendour; truly +every precinct was a blaze of dazzling light. Here was assembled the +distinguished, gay, beauty, and wit of the Province; the learned and +severe as well as the thoughtless. Hearts beat with throbbing and +exciting pulsation, fired by hope's fondest dreams. The spacious +drawing-room, already described in a preceding chapter, now assumed, if +possible, a more brilliant aspect--flooded with light, rendered more +effective by an additional chandelier, a gem of countless scintillations, +distracting in variety and prismatic design. The courtly reception, +high-born dignity and ease exhibited in every smile, gesture, word and +action of the distinguished occupants, might recall vivid conceptions of +the days when beauty and chivalry were conspicuous in homage to royalty +and grand pageantry. + +Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent. +Rank took precedence with studied regard. The many guests were attired +in a style and elegance becoming the occasion. Conspicuous was the +military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty's +service--colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those +insignias of like distinction. Among these might be found hidden, +viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles +and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses +worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the +most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and +gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly +furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of +jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion +to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by +bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own +upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than +Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem +of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady +Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female +friends. On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To +gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in +the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try +describe her as nearly as possible:--A white satin robe with court train, +bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin +petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing +the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with +pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy +the name she bore--a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who +won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the +good and pious young Edward. + +Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among +whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and +the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any +preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for +the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to +her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life +the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor +was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a +revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much +to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present. + +Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently +happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond +indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In +appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be +considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been +of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond. + +Colonel L----, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady +beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many +years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the +happiest moments of their life." + +In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped +forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar +way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the +younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in +crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly, +Montague, whenever you wish. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was +the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not +that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her +form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those +companions." + +This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth +standing within hearing. Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went, +Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal +of feeling which fortunately had not been detected. + +As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had +retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to +exclaim, "What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan! He has +such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate. +Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I +have a great interest in his welfare. It is said that his father won +distinction in the army." + +"Yes," returned Lady Douglas, "I can remember his father when he really +appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our +dear friend Guy." + +"Ah, there he is," exclaimed one of the eager admirers. + +At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as +his partner in the dance. + +"What a charming couple," said one. "How striking the contrast of their +dress," said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond's bodice, +while the blue satin added a pretty effect. + +"How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner," said one of the +group. + +"Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?" replied Lady +Douglas. + +"Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain +caused by one look or smile from her ladyship's lovely face." The +speaker here lowered her voice, continuing: "I cannot explain or account +for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant +Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it +would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to +admire." + +"Mrs. B----," said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof. "You +really would be tempted to become a match-maker?" + +"Yes," replied the other, "if by any means I could further the present +scheme." + +"Lady Rosamond is indeed amiable and loveable, and worthy of a true and +noble husband, while Lieutenant Trevelyan is in every sense a gentleman +worthy the fairest and best. It would grieve me to see him rejected, +yet, Lady Rosamond is not in a position to favor any suitor until she +returns to England." + +While the preceding remarks were being made by the group in the corner, +the totally unconscious pair were apparently enjoying the music and +dancing. + +Lady Rosamond seemed in a sweet and uninterrupted dream of happiness, as +she floated along in the mazes of the waltz, supported by the strong and +graceful arms of her admirable partner, the young lieutenant. He +likewise had his dreams, but of a different nature. He could not calmly +enjoy the present in firm defiance of the future. A hopeless uncertainty +lay before, which forbade approach. Lady Rosamond's reserve was a +subject he dare not analyze. But the frankness which won him friends and +passport had come to his relief just at the moment when his partner was +most likely to chide with friendly courtesy. Both could look back to +this evening during the course of after years. + +When various amusements had succeeded, interspersed with dancing, the +climax was yet to be reached. A grand surprise awaited. A tableaux was +in preparation. + +When the drawing-room was partially darkened the curtain rose, showing a +simple background, with two children of the family sleeping quietly in +the foreground. Standing over them was Helen Douglas; her hair fell over +her shoulders. She wore a black dress, while a black lace veil, spangled +with gold stars, covered her from head to foot. With her arms extended +she is in the act of covering the sleeping children. A band of black, +with silver crescent, on her forehead, and stars on the band, added to +the beauty of the lovely Helen, and formed a true conception of the +subject. + +"Ah, the rogues," exclaimed Sir Howard; "how quietly they stole upon +us." + +Few failed to detect the word, showing a deep appreciation of the grace +of Helen Douglas. + +The second scene represented a parlor with a young girl in the +foreground, having on her head an old-fashioned hood. This character is +assumed by Arabella Farnham, the daughter of an officer retired from the +service. Near the young lady stands a gentleman in the act of pulling +off the hood to see her face. On the opposite side is another young girl +in the person of Mary Douglas, in full evening dress, pointing to the +hood, and laughing at its old and peculiar shape. + +Much applause greeted the actors upon the success of these parts, but +the crowning scene was the third and last--the united terms of the +preceding ones. The effect was grand beyond description. The scene was +supposed to be the great hall of Kenilworth, hung with silken tapestry, +lit with numerous torches. The odor of choicest perfumes fell upon the +senses, while soft strains of music floated in the distance. In the +centre of the background forming this magnificent apartment was a chair +of state, with canopy in imitation of a throne, and covered with rich +drapery, on which is seated one personating Queen Elizabeth, whose smile +is resting upon the courtly form of Walter Raleigh, upon whom she is in +the act of conferring knighthood. Grouped around the throne are +characters representing the Earls of Leicester, Essex, Oxford, +Huntingdon, and a train of lords and ladies, conspicuous among whom was +the Duchess of Rutland, the favorite maid of honor in Her Majesty's +household. The character of Elizabeth was sustained by Lady Rosamond, +arrayed in queenly robes and blazing with jewels. + +"She looks every inch a queen," exclaimed one of the spectators. + +"The young knight's heart is in a dangerous situation," said another. + +"Beware, Sir Walter," said a third; "Essex and Leicester are dangerous +rivals, especially the latter." + +Kneeling with courtly grace was Lieutenant Trevelyan in the role of Sir +Walter Raleigh. The young officer had performed his part with that +graceful ease which had so won the affection of the great sovereign. + +A slight shudder passed through the form of Lady Rosamond as she +remembered his sad fate. Thinking the present no time for boding +ill-starred events, she hastily turned her mind from the subject. + +As the Earl of Leicester, Captain Douglas was apparelled in white. "His +shoes were of white velvet, with white silk stockings, the upper part of +white velvet lined with silver; his doublet, of cloth of silver; the +close jerkin, of white velvet embroidered with silver and seed pearls; +his girdle was of white velvet with buckles of gold. The scabbard of his +sword was of white velvet and gold; his poniard and sword belt mounted +with gold. Over he wore a loose robe of white satin with broad collar +richly embroidered in gold. Around his neck was the golden collar of the +garter, and around his knee the azure garter."[1] Truly was the costume +executed, and raised admiration warm and long sustained. + +[Footnote 1: Leicester's description taken from Sir Walter Scott.] + +Mr. Stanley, the son of an influential citizen, personated Sussex, who +wore a purple velvet doublet, lined with golden cloth, and a richly +embroidered jerkin of the same color with broad golden collar, black +silk stockings and shoes of purple velvet. A richly ornamented girdle +and gold mounted sword completed the costume, being rich and elegant and +next in splendour to that of Leicester. The remaining nobles were +dressed in courtly apparel and becoming the scene. Mary Douglas was, it +is needless to add, in the capacity of the favorite Duchess of Rutland, +the friend and confidante of Her Majesty. The whole had a beautiful +effect and gave additional eclat to the evening's series of +entertainments. + +When Lady Rosamond again joined the dance, she was playfully advised to +act well the policy of the character, by preserving towards the rival +earls a well balanced line of judgment, and concealing any strong +attachment toward the knight of the cloak, to Squire Lack-Cloak, as +Raleigh was termed by the attendants at court. + +Throughout the whole evening there was one who entered with heart and +hand into the spirit of such gaiety--one foremost in the dance, foremost +at the whist table, and foremost in gay and animating conversation. +Notwithstanding those demands, there was another subject foremost in the +mind of His Excellency's private secretary. Mr. Howe was a man of the +world, gay, fascinating and striving to please. He had some faults, (and +who has not?) but he had his good qualities full as well. He had a +generous nature--a heart that wished well to his fellow man, and above +all, his friends. + +Since his arrival in New Brunswick, Mr. Howe had formed a strong +attachment to his "boy friend," as he often designated the young +lieutenant. Sir Howard was pleased with the fact and showed every +encouragement by allowing Guy Trevelyan full privilege in his household. +There were on several occasions within our notice, a troubled and half +defined expression on the hitherto radiant and joyous countenance of Guy +Trevelyan. This fact had given much food for the mind of the secretary. +After a scrutinizing search and untiring effort the hidden secret +revealed itself in the bosom of Mr. Howe. He now possessed a _secret_ +that gave a _secret_ pleasure by which the true nature of human sympathy +could assert itself. Thus musing, and overjoyed at his recent success, +Mr. Howe being reminded of the last dance, participated in the closing +festivity celebrating St. John's Eve. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE DISCLOSURE. + + +Winter had far advanced; its reign of severity and pitiless defiance was +near its end. Already the genial days of joyous spring were heralded by +a vigorous effort of the shrubs and plants to show themselves in +resistance to the tyrannizing sway of the ice-crowned monarch. An +occasional note from the returning songster was welcomed as the +brightest harbinger of the truly delightful season. Merry voices mingled +in tones of deep gratitude as they once more sallied forth to enjoy the +pleasure of the woods. + +None were more exultant than the inmates of Government House. From Sir +Howard to the child at the feet of Lady Douglas, all shared alike in the +pleasure of anticipation. Foremost in gleeful demonstration was the +pioneer Johnnie, who danced and sang in the enjoyment of his native +element--light and sunshine. Every hour that could be laid aside for +this purpose was equal to a fortune. + +But our young friend was no miser in this respect. Every available guest +must be in readiness to join the incorrigible Johnnie when bent on his +excursions. All stood on equal rights. Youth and age were all in the +same order of classification. It was a remarkable trait of Johnnie's +character that denials were not considered as sufficient excuse for +delinquency on the part of any favored with invitations, and, in +consequence, all made a point of being in readiness. + +A bright Saturday morning had been arranged for one of those +expeditions. April showers had already been the means of bringing forth +flowers (if not May flowers), only to be found by the penetrating eyes +of "Trapper Johnnie," as some of the more mischievous urchins had dared +to designate their leader. + +When, on the auspicious moment, at the marshalling of the clan, two had +dared to break the rules, so strictly laid down, surprise was +momentarily visible on many faces. + +Lady Rosamond, the next in importance to Johnnie, had pleaded inability +to attend, with a desire to retain her friend and companion. There was +something in the pleading and beautiful eyes of Lady Rosamond that drove +vexation at a respectful distance, and welcomed, in its stead, a feeling +akin to sympathy within the heart of the manly boy. True chivalric +dignity asserted itself in every form when necessity demanded. Her +ladyship instantly received permission to remain, with a generous grace +that made Johnnie a true hero in the estimation of his fair suppliant. + +"Accept this favor, Sir Knight, as a token of the sincerity of your +lady," said Lady Rosamond, stepping forward with a knot of pale blue +silk in her hand. + +With the brave gallantry of a Douglas, our hero knelt at the feet of her +ladyship, and, receiving the favor, in graceful recognition kissed the +fair hand that placed it there. + +"Well done, my boy!" cried Sir Howard, who had been watching the +ceremony from an open window, whence he had heard all that passed, and +the circumstances which led to it; "you have already shown that spirit +which I hope will always characterize my children." + +After the picnickers had departed Lady Rosamond and Mary Douglas +returned to the house, where they were met by Lady Douglas. + +"My child, are you ill to-day?" said her ladyship; "you are unusually +pale, while your eyes have a wearied look." + +"I do not feel quite well this morning," returned Lady Rosamond, +languidly. + +"You need rest, my dear, after the fatigue of last evening; too much +gaiety does not bring a bloom to my Rosamond," said her ladyship, +kissing the pale cheek of the lovely girl, adding: "My dear, you must +retire to your room, while I prepare a gentle sedative." + +Lady Rosamond did retire. She also received the cooling draught from the +fair hand of Lady Douglas, whose kindness shone in administering to the +wants of others. + +Poor Lady Rosamond's rest could not be gained by the simple sedative. + +Physical ailments are not the worst form of suffering that afflict +humanity. Lady Rosamond was enduring a mental conflict that was crushing +in its intensity. The more she tried to baffle its power the more +forcibly did it affect her. Vainly had she struggled within herself for +aid, but no response. Faint hope dawned in the form of appeal. She now +resolved to go to her dear companion with all her trials and tale of +suffering. At intervals this hope died away, but in the end gained the +mastery. It was this resolve that kept Lady Rosamond from joining in the +festive train that set off that morning. It was this resolve that +detained Mary Douglas as well. It was this resolve that bade Lady +Rosamond to seek the quiet of her chamber preparatory to the trying +disclosure. + +Lady Douglas little divined the cause of those pale cheeks, as she +ascribed them to the recent fatigue of an evening. + +With heavy heart Lady Rosamond prepared for the reception of her +confidante. A most beautiful picture is presented to the imagination in +those lovely girls sitting side by side the arm of Mary Douglas around +her companion. + +"Mary, my love," began Lady Rosamond, "I have often longed for this +moment, but could not summon the courage which the occasion demands." + +"Rosamond, you startle me by your earnestness," said the former with +deep surprise, dropping the title, as familiar companions, at the +suggestion of her ladyship. + +"Have patience, my darling; you shall hear it only too soon." + +Between sighs and sobs Lady Rosamond told the whole history of her +troubles--the letter and its stern proposal--not forgetting her father's +kindness and his great love for her; "but oh!" she continued, "he cannot +realize the depths of my misery." + +"My poor darling," said Mary Douglas, with great tears dimming her +beautiful eyes, "why did you thus suffer in silence? Can it be possible +that you can have passed the long winter with such a weight upon your +heart, my darling Rosamond?" + +"Ah, my Mary," replied her ladyship, "I hope that you may never know how +much the heart can bear, or how much woman, in her uncomplaining nature, +may suffer. If I could only learn 'to suffer and be strong'--in that +source lies my weakness. I am only one of the many thousands of my sex +who have had such struggles. I do not wish to shirk the duty imposed on +me, but if more strength were given me to bear it." + +Mary Douglas sat in silence for some moments, as if waiting a sufficient +reply. She knew her friend's disposition too well to venture any advice +that would require a third person's knowledge of the matter. Gladly +would she have referred it to her father or mother, but the idea gave no +relief. + +"Rosamond, my darling, if I could afford your mind instantaneous relief +I would gladly do so, if even at a very great sacrifice. Of one thing +rest assured--you have my service in any way that you wish to command +me; besides, you have my sympathy and interest for life. It may be that +I can slightly alleviate your sorrow. Can I not propose some plan in the +future to re-arrange those affairs which at present seemed so irrevocably +fixed? Kings have made laws to be broken when the cause demanded +retribution. Darling, be more hopeful--trust in Providence and do the +right--in the end you will be happy. Let me read your horoscope:--dark +clouds within the visible horizon, succeeded by bright stars in +ascension--hope and joy without fail." + +A spirit of inspiration seemed to shine upon the face of Mary Douglas as +she read her companion's future. + +A smile lit up the features of Lady Rosamond. + +"Thank heaven, darling, for that smile," said the gifted daughter of Sir +Howard, throwing her arms around the sorrowing girl and kissing her +affectionately. + +Lady Rosamond felt happier and more encouraged from the fact of having +such consolation and hope. + +Mary Douglas had shed a ray of comfort in one unhappy heart. She knew +not the load which was thus removed. + +Lady Rosamond clung to those kind words with a fond pertinacity: not +only the _words_, but the manner in which they were uttered. + +Some evenings after the preceding interview had taken place, Sir Howard, +Lady Douglas and family were assembled in the drawing room. Miss Douglas +was seated at the piano, while Miss Mary Douglas sang the song so dear +to every Scottish heart--Highland Mary. Lady Douglas listened to the +melodies of her native land with heartfelt admiration. She loved to +cultivate such taste on the part of her daughters. None could give a +more perfect rendition of Scotch music and poetry than they. + +When Miss Douglas sang "The Winter is Past," another of Burn's melodies, +Mary Douglas fancied she saw the beautifully chiselled lips of Lady +Rosamond tremulous with emotion. The first verse ran thus: + + "The Winter is past, and the Summer's come at last, + And the little birds sing on every tree; + Now everything is glad, while I am very sad, + Since my true love is parted from me." + +The finely cultivated voice of the singer entered fully into the spirit +of the song, giving both expression and effect as she sang the last +verse: + + "All you that are in love and cannot it remove, + I pity the pains you endure: + For experience makes me know that your hearts are full of woe, + A woe that no mortal can cure." + +"One would judge that my sister had some experience, if we take the face +as an index of the mind," said Captain Douglas, in playful badinage +directed towards his favorite sister, who in reality did have an +experience, but not of her own. + +She felt the blow thus unconsciously dealt at Lady Rosamond. Luckily for +the latter, the coincidence thus passed over without any betrayal of +feelings. In Mary Douglas was a firm and watchful ally. In her were +reflected the feelings which passed unobserved in Lady Rosamond, or +attributed to absence from home, separation from familiar faces, or +clinging memories of the past. Another great source of protection lay in +the composition of the character of the gifted ally. + +Mary Douglas was possessed of a temperament most keenly sensitive to the +finest perception of poetic feeling. Life to her was music and poetry. A +beautiful picture either called forth joy or sorrow; a pathetic song +thrilled her soul with well timed vibrations of feeling; a touching +story brought tears to those lovely eyes, that would move one with pity. +Thus was concealed the sympathy for Lady Rosamond, as none would +sacrilegiously question those motives save in playful reminder from +Captain Douglas, who bowed in fond adoration to the shrine of his +sister's loveliness and goodness. + +The entrance of Mr. Howe changed the current of conversation. Politics +naturally took the lead. The House of Assembly being now three weeks in +session, having opened April 15th, many important discussions took +place. Much turmoil had to be suppressed by the sagacious judgment of +Sir Howard. His predecessors had loudly contended against the troubles +arising from the sources and expenditure of revenues. Happily, in the +present administration, this matter had in a great measure subsided. For +the general advancement of the Province, His Excellency left no means +untried. His waking moments were almost entirely devoted to the +interests of political welfare. His conversation within the family +circle very often showed his zeal and the subject which lay near his +heart. It was at this very time that he assembled all the legislators +and influential citizens of Fredericton, addressing them in terms of +burning eloquence, impressing on them the value of extending the +progress of agriculture, showing the nature of the soil of New +Brunswick; its perfect adaptation to the different kinds of products, +and the independence of a country that can largely subsist upon its own +resources. "The day will come, I hope," said Sir Howard, "when our +farmers will be nobles of our land, and their sons and daughters +ornaments to society, proud of the soil which raised them above the level +of their less active fellow creatures." + +As the speech had given rise to much comment throughout the different +classes, it was freely discussed at Government House. This intelligent +family often formed into a party of politicians and assumed the measured +terms and knotty difficulties of political lore with an ease that was +both instructive and amusing. + +"If papa would favor this august assembly by taking the floor of the +house, we might be more free to avow our feelings." + +"I beg you will allow me to correct you, Miss Mary, as being rather +sentimental in the choice of your last word," said Mr. Howe, appealing +to Sir Howard with the question, "Your Excellency, have I not a right to +make the correction?" + +"I acknowledge your suggestion, Mr. Speaker," said Mary Douglas in her +own defence, "and hope, before the session is over, to make a decided +improvement both in views and technicalities." + +"What!" exclaimed Captain Douglas, coming towards Mr. Howe. "Are you and +Mary to take opposite measures already?" + +"Not at all, sir," returned Mr. Howe, "I was merely setting her right +on--" "technicalities," said the young girl, with a merry ringing laugh. + +"Ah, Mary!" cried Charles Douglas, playfully pulling back the clustering +ringlets from his sister's white forehead, "poetry and politics cannot +exist on very intimate terms of friendship, at least too much poetry." + +"Have a care, young man," said Sir Howard, laughing at the last remark. + +"Ah! there are exceptions to every rule, sir, which you did not give me +an opportunity to add, and I still make the former assertion to be, to a +certain extent, counterbalanced by the latter." + +From the appearance of different speakers the house seems to be out of +order. + +From playful remarks followed an interesting and varied stock of earnest +political conversation, in which Lady Douglas joined with apparent ease. +From agriculture the question led to education, one in which His +Excellency had spent much time and labor. + +It is to Sir Howard that the present university owes its first +existence, its various stages of progress and final success. It was he +who procured the first charter granting the privileges of a university. +Few can realize the difficulties that Sir Howard met before +accomplishing this great boon, and fewer still could see the way for +raising the means necessary for the support of this institution. But an +endowment was raised by grants from the revenue arising from the sale of +unoccupied lands, and equal grants from the House of Assembly. + +The next barrier presented by the colonists, for the suppression of the +Thirty-nine Articles and the admission of Dissenters, was in itself a +formidable array of difficulty, notwithstanding the next uprising of +Episcopalian remonstrance. A sea of troubles! But reason, the true +pilot, never deserted Sir Howard. The greatness of the cause was +sufficient motive. + +As the story progresses we hope to give a few facts which will prove +what success awaited him. In the administration of this distinguished +military ruler, New Brunswick found a warm and true-hearted friend and +adviser--one whose memory is yet cherished within the hearts of those +who had once seen his benignant and happy smile. Such is a faint picture +of the domestic and political bearing of the gifted and distinguished +Sir Howard. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +BEREFORD CASTLE. + + +In a beautifully remote district, between the celebrated towns of +Hastings and Brighton, may be found the quaint old structure known as +Bereford Castle. From the style of architecture it may be dated to the +time of Edward the Third, bearing a striking resemblance to the castle +re-erected in that monarch's reign by the Earl of Warwick. The castle of +this period had degenerated or become more modernized. The closed +fortress was rapidly assuming a mixture of the castle and mansion. +Instead of the old Norman pile, with its two massive towers and arched +gateway, thick walls, _oilets_ and portcullis, Bereford Castle comprised +stately and magnificent halls, banqueting rooms, galleries, and +chambers. The keep was detached from the building, a stronghold in +itself, surrounded by smaller towers and the important and necessary +moat. During the civil wars it had stood many sieges, but, after +repeated attacks, in the course of time it fell into decay. Much labor +had been spent in repairing the part occupied as a residence until, at +the present time, it was in good condition. The fine old park contained +a valuable growth of trees--fir, spruce, pine, birch, elm, and the +stately oak--which grew in luxuriant profusion. The north side of the +castle commanded an extensive view of the surrounding hills, valley, and +the winding river, with its numerous small inlets and tributaries. + +The owners of Bereford Castle prided themselves upon their extensive +gardens, for which purpose many obstructions had been removed. An +artificial labyrinth of choice trees was contrived with marvellous +effect, producing echoes of unceasing variety. In this enclosure, +comprising many acres, were the most beautiful designs of parterres, +borders, walks, galleries, cabinets, pavilions, porticoes, and many more +intricate inventions of landscape gardening. Fountains gushed forth with +untiring and fantastic wreaths of crystal foam; grottoes, cascades, +mounts and precipices, seemed to steal away thought and quietly bear one +to sleep to the music and dreams of fairyland. + +The interior of the castle was in keeping with the grounds. The great +hall which, in olden time, formed the most important part of the whole, +was somewhat reduced in its dimensions. The windows of stained glass +were emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the family, while the +walls were adorned with life-size portraits of their ancestors. The +richly carved roof, with its massive timbers and pillars supporting it; +the old relics, in the shape of banners, helmets, swords, shields, and +other implements of warfare, were arranged on every side. On each wing +of the main building were spacious, modern rooms, occupied by the family +as private apartments, viz: the drawing-room, dining-room, and sleeping +apartments. + +But perhaps the most attractive feature of the castle is the extensive +library--an octagonal room in a small tower, apparently built at a +recent date. The stained glass of its oriel window is very beautiful; +the handsomely gilded ceiling and pannelled walls have a fine and +striking effect; the floor is paved in marble, with inlaid mosaic; the +shelves of rosewood and oak are filled with the most costly productions +of literature, ancient and modern. This ancient family had cherished a +fond taste for letters and science. The present lord, uncle of Lady +Rosamond, still found leisure to devote many hours in his favorite +resort--the library. Gerald Bereford cultivated a taste likewise. He was +a young man of strong literary preferences, showing a desire for +learning, with a keen appreciation of the pleasures and pastimes of +daily life. + +The drawing-room of Bereford Castle was indeed a superb display of +taste, grace, wealth and classic design. Though firmly believing that a +description will dispel the charm lingering around those beautiful +rooms, I cannot resist the inclination to give one. + +Lofty ceilings, frescoed and gilded, blazing in gold, with the arms of +the family in bold relief; walls with wainscoting, arras and gorgeous +tapestry. Furniture polished, carved and decorated; chairs embroidered +in crimson and gold; Turkey carpets of fabulous price and texture; +statuary, the work of ages; pictures, the work of a lifetime. Mediæval +grandeur in every niche and corner. Add to this a view of the gardens +from the deep embayed windows, and you have a faint conception of the +drawing-room scene at Bereford Castle, the intended home for Lady +Rosamond Seymour. + +Within this apartment are two occupants. Seated, or rather reclining, +near the lower window is Maude Bereford, a young girl, graceful and +intelligent, but possessing no claim to rare beauty. A second glance +increases your approbation. Goodness of heart is indelible upon that +face. The other occupant is a lady about sixty years of age. Time had +been generous in its demands by drawing small usury from his allotted +spoliations. Lady Bereford had been a beauty in her day, and, judging +from the skilful devices practised, wished yet to retain her passing +glories. Her fair complexion still showed a lingering bloom, the haughty +eye still preserved a kindling glance, while her countenance and mien +gave evidence of a stronger and more spirited cast of character than that +of the young girl here mentioned. + +"Maude," said her ladyship, "what news from Lady Rosamond?" + +"Here is the letter, mamma, which you can read," said the young girl, at +the same time placing a daintily folded letter in the lap of Lady +Bereford. + +With elevated eyebrows her ladyship looked over the contents of the +letter. An occasional frown showed the displeasure which some sentences +gave to the reader. + +"It does not seem to please you, mamma," ventured Maude. + +"I cannot think that Lady Rosamond is very complimentary to her friends +in England. She makes no very kind allusions to her former companions +here. You certainly will admit that fact." + +"Oh, mamma, I am inclined to believe that you have formed mistaken +opinions of dear Lady Rosamond. You see that she refers to scenes +wherein all took a part, and I am sure that she is still my friend now +as before she left us." + +"Allow me, Maude," exclaimed Lady Bereford with impatient gesture, "you +have neither age nor experience on your side; but I feel convinced that +Rosamond has formed some attachment in New Brunswick, which she has +cleverly concealed. Throughout her whole letter there is a want of +earnestness that betrays her--an unsettled and vague uncertainty +dictates every sentence. Sir Thomas did a very foolish action when he +gave consent to his daughter's separation at a time when her nature is +most susceptible to the temptations and flatteries of society." + +"Mamma, I do not like to hear you speak thus of dear Rosamond. I love +her dearly, and I could not bear the thought of her forming any +attachment outside our family." + +"That is one reason why I have been thinking so deeply upon the matter. +That Gerald loves his pretty cousin, we know full well, and the +mortification of his being refused would be a heavy blow to our pride as +well. From a conversation with Sir Thomas a few weeks ago, he gave us +every assurance of an alliance of the families. Gerald is living on the +consummation of his hopes being realized, while I would fain remind him +of the line--'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'" + +"Mamma, dear, you always seem to prefer the dark side," returned Maude. +"Let us change the subject, as it is surely unjust to Rosamond." + +"It is to be hoped that your fond dream may serve you aright," said her +ladyship, with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice. + +At that moment Maude Bereford arose and playfully approached the door +wherein stood the future Lord Bereford, the heir of Bereford Castle. + +Tall, handsome, and affable, Gerald Bereford bore a strong resemblance +to her ladyship, but lacking that severity which predominated in the +latter. Bold, regular features stamped the face of the young man. There +was firmness about the mouth that indicated a strong energy and +perseverance, at the sacrifice of much feeling. On the whole there was +much in favor of Gerald Bereford's preferences; his clear, grey eye +showed keen intellect, combined with mirth and humor; a deep manly +voice, with purity of tone, spoke of truth and conscientious +convictions. Such was the character and personal appearance of the +nephew and favorite of Sir Thomas Seymour. + +Maude led her brother to a seat beside Lady Bereford, and seated herself +on a stool at his feet. + +"Is this not a golden evening, Gerald?" questioned the young girl, +looking up in her brother's face. + +"Yes," replied Gerald, "but to enjoy the golden beauty, as you term it, +I enforce strict and immediate attention to my wishes, and request your +ladyship, and this little girl, will accept the escort of your liege +lord." + +"My liege lord will need those gallantries in reserve," returned the +sister, in arch and naive tones. + +Lady Bereford waived the imperative demand by desiring to remain. Maude +accepted the proffered arm of Gerald to stroll beneath the inviting +branches of the dear old oaks, so firmly interwoven in the scenes of +innocent childhood and succeeding girlhood. The tender, sensitive girl +loved her brother too deeply to believe that any could supplant his +place in the love of Lady Rosamond. Her true criterion was the pure, +innocent, and trusting love of a sister. + +"Gerald, my dear, I am glad this opportunity has been so timely chosen," +said the fond sister in an earnest tone, placing her delicate little +hand upon her brother's shoulder. + +"Pray, what has happened, Maude, that you look so sad?" said Gerald, +breaking out into a hearty laugh. + +"Nothing has happened," answered Maude; "really, if I look sad I do most +wrongfully disavow my intention, having news for you--good news, too, I +assure you," said Maude, again looking at her brother wistfully. "Can +you not guess?" said she. + +"How should I?" returned Gerald; "that would be a fruitless task." + +"Since you have exercised such patience I will tell you," said Maude: "I +have just received a letter from Rosamond." + +A blush quickly overspread Gerald's face as he bowed acknowledgment. + +Maude did not produce the letter which had been the cause of such +annoyance to Lady Bereford, but she disclosed part of the contents and +part she kept for herself. Together they talked long and earnestly. +Though she took no liberty in showing the relationship in which she +considered Lady Rosamond, her simple and earnest nature seemed to give +assurance to Gerald. He listened to his sister's repeated praise of her +companion--of their girlish attachment--and heartily hoped that Lady +Rosamond would return the deep love which he had unreservedly placed at +her disposal--his heart, name, riches--all were given the absent and +beautiful maiden. + +Musing awhile, Gerald was aroused by his sister, who almost petulantly +exclaimed: + +"Oh, Gerald, I do wish that Rosamond was home again, never to leave us. +Two years separation seems a long time in the future. I grow so +impatient. Do you know, Gerald," added Maude, with a bright eagerness, +"I am going to write and urge her to shorten this lengthy probation. I +cannot endure the thought. _Two years!_" repeated she, a second time, +with strong emphasis. + +"But you must remember the fable of the boys and the frogs," said +Gerald, with an amused smile. + +This remark reminded Maude of the sentiments of her mother, but she +would not repeat them in the presence of her brother. She did not wish +to cherish or countenance anything that would be disloyal to Lady +Rosamond. In her sincerity she would not believe any views relating to +her friend unless they received her direct sanction. + +Gerald Bereford had misgivings regarding his hopes, but trusted that +time and the favor of Sir Thomas would eventually disclose a brighter +prospect. No jealousy had crossed his mind. Had Lady Bereford expressed +her opinion in his presence he might have formed a far different view of +the matter. At present all was tranquil. Maude's earnestness momentarily +affected him--nothing more. + +Lord Bereford, the present incumbent, was a man of sterling integrity--a +firm friend of his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Seymour. Though a man of +high birth, distinguished, and sought by the great and learned, he was +gentle, unassuming, and benign. + +From her father Maude Bereford inherited the quiet and unobtrusive +demeanor, so strongly in contrast to the haughty and obsequious bearing +of Lady Bereford. Gerald was a strange compound of both--a fact that +gave birth to the honest convictions of his nature. + +Lord Bereford was an ardent admirer of Lady Rosamond--"a true +Bereford,"--the counterpart of her mother, Maria Bereford, whose beauty +had been the theme of unusual admiration. For hours could he gaze upon +his sister's child and recall the past, when a beautiful girl wandered +through the old familiar spots and looked to him for brotherly sympathy +when any annoyance rose before her. When the young girl grew to +womanhood and gave her affection to his boyhood friend, Sir Thomas +Seymour, he bestowed his blessing. Was he to repeat that blessing upon +the child? Many times did Lord Bereford dwell upon this subject. His was +a nature endowed with lasting qualities, true sympathy was the key note +to his heart. He loved Lady Rosamond with devout, tender solicitude as +his only daughter, and her happiness was his. If the love that Gerald +Bereford bore towards his niece was not entirely reciprocated, and at +the great sacrifice, would the true-hearted nobleman have urged upon Sir +Thomas the error of his conduct? Such liberalism upon his part provoked +the resentment of Lady Bereford, who could not brook any interference +with the strictly defined principles of conservatism so long entailed +upon every branch of her family. Sir Thomas Seymour was a staunch +worshipper of his sister-in-law's doctrine. He cherished every idea with +fondness, occasionally bringing them forth to view as opportunity +favored. While Lady Rosamond is sadly watching the days and months drag +slowly along within the bosom of Sir Howard Douglas' happy household, +such are the motives actuating each of those who endeavor to seek her +welfare; such is the state of their respective feelings, such their fond +hope--their brightest dreams--laboring under the fatal delusion of +giving happiness to her future. + +Ah, your ladyship! were a kind fairy, in the form of a godmother, to +breathe a few words into the ear of your loving and tender uncle, Lord +Bereford, his kind heart would go forth to meet thee and save thee from +a world of misery--from the fiery ordeal through which thou must pass! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +MEMORABLE SCENES OF AUTUMN, 1825. + + +The summer and autumn of this year were indeed the most memorable in the +annals of New Brunswick's history. Many there are still living who +distinctly remember that awful visitation. The season of drought was +unparalleled. Farmers looked aghast and trembled as they viewed the +scanty, withered products of the land. All joined in the common +uneasiness, daily awaiting relief. None felt more anxiety than Sir +Howard Douglas, whose sole interests were those of his people. + +Wishing to know the true state of the country, his Excellency made a +tour of the farming districts, penetrating back settlements where the +greatest suffering might be expected. + +While absent on this errand of mercy, a sad misfortune befell the inmates +of Government House. On the 19th of September their home was wrapped in +devouring elements of flame, being almost entirely consumed. + +It is on such occasions that the nobler side of our nature asserts its +true dignity and shows qualities that otherwise would remain in +obscurity. Lady Douglas, with calm and dignified composure, prepared her +family to realize the situation, and with heroic firmness persisted in +rescuing nearly all the valuables within Government House. The great +assistance rendered by the citizens in their indefatigable labors, +showed the unbounded and grateful respect borne towards this +distinguished family. Every one was ready to offer aid. The daughters of +Lady Douglas reflected her ladyship's cool intrepidity. + +With tears in her eyes, Mary Douglas viewed the smoking mass where she +had passed so many happy hours. Captain Charles Douglas, knowing well +the tenor of his sister's poetic nature, kindly and encouragingly +exclaimed, "Never mind, Mary dear; thank heaven no lives are lost. We +will soon be united." Those simple words had the desired effect. The +tender hearted maiden at once saw the ingratitude of her murmurs, and +felt deeply thankful for her brother's gentle reproof. + +Lady Rosamond, if possible, had stronger claims upon the heart of Mary +Douglas and the entire household. She had wrought with a determination +to do what she could--aye, more than she could. On being advised by +Charles Douglas to desist, she firmly replied, "Not until everything is +done that I can do." + +A young officer, who happened to hear these words, received them as a +valuable souvenir years afterwards, realizing their true worth. + +It was, indeed, a most remarkable circumstance that so much valuable +furniture and perishable articles were saved. One act of recklessness to +be regretted was the cutting down of a valuable chandelier which, +falling with a heavy crash, was shivered in a thousand pieces. + +In a few days Lady Douglas and family sought shelter among their +friends, from whom they received the strongest proofs of kindness. To a +lady friend in England her ladyship writes: "The sympathy and real +kindness received from the citizens of Fredericton I can never forget. +The fire proved that the old adage, though homely, is a true one--'a +friend in need is a friend indeed.'" + +When Sir Howard returned, and was once more received in his family, he +felt grateful to Providence for His kind deliverance. No vain or useless +repinings marked the course of his conduct. With renewed energy this man +of indomitable courage was again immersed in the public weal as well as +the re-establishing of his family in comfortable quarters. A large and +commodious building on King street, the property of Henry Smith, +Esq.,[2] was now being prepared for the reception of His Excellency. The +Government expended a considerable sum in making the necessary +improvements, and within a very short time the citizens of Fredericton +had the pleasure of seeing their beloved ruler and his family once more +situated in a happy home. But Sir Howard was to face more terrific and +threatening dangers. His unbounded sympathies had further and unlimited +room for exercise. + +[Footnote 2: The house at present occupied by Chief Justice Allen.] + +October came, attended by the long continued drought. Gloom was depicted +on every side. Many conjectures were afloat regarding the vicinity of +the fire, which gave evidence of its existence in the density of smoke +that filled the atmosphere. + +In the midst of this impending danger, on the 7th October, a fire broke +out in the woods surrounding "The Hermitage," the residence of the Hon. +Thomas Baillie, on the Government House road. Here the forethought of +Sir Howard was exhibited with unequalled prudence, having every +available engine and means of succor close at hand. By great exertions +the house was saved. Danger still lurked in the woods. Within an hour an +alarm was given in the city. Sir Howard was the first on the spot, +having ridden furiously his spirited and favorite steed. Engines were +again in quick action, while the military were only a short distance +behind, being ordered up at the double. + +The scene was terrific. High winds blew the fire from one building to +the next, until the third part of the city was a mountain of +flame--cracking, roaring, tremendous in its fury. Water was kept up in +constant streams, having but little effect. Many sat down and cried in +their frantic emotion. Hundreds of families without home, food, or +clothing. + +In the midst of this sickening sight was one whose very presence lifted +a weight from the hearts of the sad and homeless. Sir Howard never once +deserted his post--working, encouraging, and aiding. By his advice the +fire was stayed--two-thirds of the town still remaining. The stifling +air and glowing heavens made the hearts of many grow sick and faint. + +Perhaps it would be wiser to end the tale of misery here, but as the +chapter would seem incomplete, it may be necessary to make slight +allusion to a wilder and more terrible fire. + +The consummation of terror, madness, and dismay, depicted in its most +awful form, would fail to do justice to this sickening calamity--the +Miramichi fire. + +The forests, for hundreds of miles in every direction, were one solid +mass of living fire, roaring louder than thunder; in its fury shaking +the bowels of the earth and leaping up to the heavens which seemed, +also, to be enveloped in flames. Nothing more awful will be witnessed +until the judgment day. Many were of opinion that the time was at hand +when "the heavens and earth shall melt away." Hundreds lost their lives, +while property was destroyed to an immense amount. + +An ordinary mind would have sunk under the weight of grievances that +pressed on all sides; but Sir Howard Douglas rose above the situation. +With Spartan firmness and unswerving courage he set about raising means +for the distressed by subscription, both at home and abroad, in money, +food, and clothing. Letters were sent to all parts of America, England, +and Ireland. Not thus content, Sir Howard went himself to visit burnt +districts where man or beast could scarcely penetrate, climbing over +miles of fallen brushwood. Those poor creatures tried to show their +gratitude by words, but were unable. Their tears were a more gracious +tribute than jewels--being the grateful offering of a stricken +community. Their benefactor had conveyed provision for their sustenance, +and clothing for their wives and families. Many were the fervent prayers +offered for their noble-hearted and humane ruler, and none more +gratefully acknowledged these than he. + +Much more might be told in connection with those sad events, but as the +details might not be acceptable to the reader, therefore we refrain. + +Once more gathered in their home, the family of Sir Howard were not +inactive. The spirit of charity was manifest in every action of those +lovely girls. Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond had formed a sewing circle, +to which they invited some of their young acquaintances. In this +charitable employment they spent many hours. Clothing was made and +distributed with increasing demand. The severity of winter caused many +poor people to look for assistance in every possible form. Gaiety was +for a time forgotten. Festive parties and sumptuous array were set aside +for the necessities of the season. + +It is a well established fact that the miseries of others often +alleviate our own. To none could this application be more forcible than +Lady Rosamond. In her bitterness of heart she experienced a quiet relief +in assisting her companions to provide clothing for the sufferers. The +scenes through which she had passed counterbalanced the feelings she had +hitherto experienced and taught her gentle resignation. Her thoughts +were of a more serious nature--a source whence she derived much comfort. +Her parent's views were unaltered; her hopes were no brighter in the +distant future, but, as afterwards expressed, she had more strength +given her from the bitter trials of suffering humanity. + +As Christmas drew nigh the inmates of Government House could not resist +a desire to look back to the joyous season which they had passed in the +home now laid low, its surrounding woods, their pleasant excursions, and +the extensive preparations in decorating for the festive scenes that +followed. + +Pioneer Johnnie was loud in regrets for the apparent neglect which the +sylvan deities must naturally feel by his temporary absence from their +select and stately assemblages. + +"Keep up your spirits, Master Johnnie," once remarked Lady Rosamond, +"the next time we go back the trees will recognize the compliment with +music and grateful homage." + +"As none but you and Lady Rosamond regret being turned out, I presume," +exclaimed Charles Douglas, who was always ready to join any conversation +that afforded amusement. He continued passing careless jokes until the +clock in the hall reminded him of his business. + +"Really, Lady Rosamond, I credit you with driving away dull care and my +forfeiting all claims to the future good will of my friend Howe by +disregarding his message. Pardon me, ladies, for having almost forgotten +to say that the sleigh will be in readiness in half an hour." + +"Half an hour," exclaimed Mary Douglas, somewhat hastily, "really, +Charles, I cannot pardon you for such neglect, as it sadly interferes +with my plans." + +"Come, little one, frowns do not become thy brow," returned Captain +Douglas, kissing the forehead of his sister. + +"That is much prettier," said he, pointing to the smiling face which in +turn rested upon him. + +Taking up a book which lay open beside the seat hitherto occupied by +Lady Rosamond, Captain Douglas commenced to read some lines from +Tennyson, when accosted by his companion, Mr. Howe: + +"You seem to be taking things very cool, old fellow. Where are the +ladies?" + +"They are getting ready; come in while we are waiting." + +"This is your fault again, Douglas. It is past the hour, and a large +party awaits us," said Mr. Howe impatiently. + +"Better late than never," vociferated Captain Douglas, as he went out +singing, quickly returning with Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond. + +"It is all Charles' fault," said the former, by way of explanation. + +"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Captain Douglas, "I knew this was coming, but I +must be as jolly as I can." + +"Your ladyship is under my protection," said the incorrigible +delinquent, offering his arm to Lady Rosamond, while Mary Douglas was +assigned to the companionship of the private secretary. + +"This is indeed a merry party," said Lady Rosamond to her gallant, as he +placed her beside him and wrapped the daintily lined robes around her. + +"I am half inclined to be angry with Trevelyan," said Mr. Howe, turning +around in his seat and facing Captain Douglas. + +"What are your grounds?" questioned the latter. + +"Enough to justify my declaration," said the former, apparently looking +at Captain Douglas, but in reality casting sidelong glances at Lady +Rosamond. + +What did he seek there? Did jealousy cause that stolen glance? What was +the motive? These important questions certainly deserve some attention, +which, in justice to Mr. Howe and the parties concerned, and last, but +not least, the reader, this concession must be granted. + +As admitted, the private secretary of Sir Howard Douglas entertained a +warm friendship towards Lieutenant Trevelyan, treating him with the +tenderness of a younger brother. Being constantly thrown in the society +of each other, there was much to be learned on both sides. That the +young lieutenant returned this friendship he took no pains to conceal, +knowing that in Mr. Howe he had an interested friend and adviser. For +some time in the past the keen eye of the former detected a sudden +strange and half concealed manner possessing his young friend, which +completely puzzled him: Various conjectures presented themselves, but +all unsatisfactory and vague. Still further watch was kept upon the +actions of Guy Trevelyan, but nothing appeared to solve the difficult +problem. An opportunity at last rewarded this perseverance. As explained +in a preceding chapter, one side of mysterious question was solved +without any effort or seeking the on the part of any one. By a mere +accident Mr. Howe learned the cause which had so deeply influenced the +course of Guy Trevelyan's actions, and, furthermore, his feelings. Here +was something gained: did it bode good or evil to the young lieutenant? + +These were questions that revolved themselves in the mind of the +reasoner. Gladly would he do anything that would further the interest of +his young friend, yet there might be a likelihood of stretching this +prerogative if it in anywise interfered with the direct affairs of +another. Whichever view of the matter was taken difficulty arose on +every hand. + +Let us hasten to the main point of the argument. That Lieutenant +Trevelyan loved Lady Rosamond with a pure and ardent love was a matter +beyond doubt. She was the ruling passion that influenced every action, +guarded or unguarded. It was this knowledge that now gave the secretary +so much perplexity. He entertained towards Lady Rosamond a kind and +friendly regard; he was willing to serve her under any ordinary +circumstances and in any friendly capacity. In the present instance Lady +Rosamond was under the charge and protection of Lady Douglas, who would +be, in a measure, responsible for any attachment thus formed while she +remained her guest. On this point were many conscientious scruples to be +overcome, which did not meet the approval of that course of honor which +had hitherto characterized Mr. Howe's principles and actions. He must +not sacrifice these even at the great risk of gaining the happiness of a +young and respected friend. + +But the sight of the young lieutenant pleaded more eloquently than the +most glowing and pathetic language. His thoughtful eyes, his pure white +forehead, and clustering ringlets of chestnut hair, had a wealth of +appeal hidden beneath, conveying more subtle beauty than the production +of the countless volumes of mystic ages. Thus situated, the secretary +felt the awkwardness of his position. It was not curiosity that +prompted; it was a secret influence which the young lieutenant +inspired--an influence that held the former bound and enchained with no +means of escape at hand. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE INTERVIEW. + + +In a small but handsome reception room adjoining the library of Bereford +Castle sat its stately mistress, with an impatient and eager look upon +her countenance. Trifling with a pretty trinket which she has in her +hand, her ladyship is apparently ill at ease. Something has given cause +for annoyance and grave deliberation. An anxious and hasty glance +towards the door, shows that a visitor is momentarily awaited. + +Taking advantage of these moments, I will occupy them in dilating upon a +few of the qualities and characteristics of the distinguished occupant. +Lady Bereford was a woman of shrewdness and capacity, possessing a +subtle weight of influence that bore with irresistible force, and was +stoutly prepared to resist an opposing element in any quarter. The +daughter of a London barrister of considerable reputation, her ladyship +dwelt with pride upon her fond preference for the legal profession. Her +conversation was frequently interspersed with learned remarks, savoring +of the inner temple, its dingy courts, volumes of dust and musty +manuscripts. "Evidence and proof" were leading points always at hand. +Caution was the inevitable watchword, based upon a scrutinizing and at +times heartless penetration. In short, the character of Lady Bereford +might be summed up in a few words--as a cool, clever and calculating +woman of the world--one not to be baffled by ordinary circumstances. On +the present occasion her eye has a fire in its depths that brooks no +interference. Her brows are knotted with an angry frown; as she raises +them hastily, the frown has departed. The small and still plump white +hand is extended. Sir Thomas Seymour bows very low, receives the hand, +kissing the tips of the taper fingers, is seated in an elegantly +embroidered fauteuil opposite her ladyship. + +After the usual pleasantries had passed, Sir Thomas commenced by way of +explanation: + +"Your ladyship will pardon this detention, from the fact of my being +absent when your note arrived. Business demanding my presence at the +admiralty office I was unavoidably detained for some days. On arriving +yesterday I immediately telegraphed the fact to Lord Bereford, but hope +that the present misfortune will not seriously interfere with any of +your ladyship's plans." + +Assuming an air of much importance, her ladyship began; "When I +addressed you, it was merely in the form of a note, not wishing to +convey a subject of such importance to paper, deeming that it demanded +your personal attention. I fully exonerate you by the ready response as +shown at this instance." + +This remark Sir Thomas politely acknowledged with a deep bow, while a +shade of uneasiness was visible upon his features. + +With another assuming air to gain, if possible, a more wise and legal +manner, her ladyship thus resumed: "Sir Thomas, you must certainly be +aware of my motives in thus requesting an interview. You cannot be +insensible to the fact that it entirely concerns the Lady Rosamond." + +Here Sir Thomas became somewhat agitated, but her ladyship continued: +"Strictly speaking, it concerns both families, as how can it apply to +the former without a direct application to Gerald Bereford, in which +case is involved that of his connexions." + +Sir Thomas felt the necessity of waiving those points of nicety, but +knowing too well that any interference would entail a more definite +investigation, listened with utmost composure in the hope of instant +relief. + +With the stem gravity of a learned judge, ready to pronounce sentence +upon the culprit arraigned, her ladyship in graver tone continued: "I +cannot but admit that the matter has given me very great annoyance. I +again refer to Lady Rosamond." + +The affair, at each mention of the latter, assumed a graver importance, +while Sir Thomas inwardly struggled to maintain a studied demeanor as +becoming the grave occasion. + +"You are possibly not aware of the position in which her ladyship is +being placed by this temporary separation from her family?" ventured +Lady Bereford, with full interrogative force that at length afforded an +opportunity to Sir Thomas. + +"The matter," returned he, "has never given me any serious +apprehensions, and, pardon me, I must confess to your ladyship that +there seem no apparent grounds for any. Lady Rosamond has been made +acquainted with our views regarding Gerald, and knowing this, I have too +much confidence in her nature to harbor a thought that she will either, +in word or action, entertain a wish in opposition to that of a fond and +solicitous parent." + +"I admit that Lady Rosamond is indeed a worthy and dutiful daughter; +yet, pardon me, there are many little undesirable and inconsistent +fancies which, in the waywardness of youth, are ready to take form in +the tender and susceptible nature of a young girl, and which, if not +constantly watched, assume a degree of strength almost uncontrollable. +Allow me to state the case," continued her ladyship, "when, perhaps, you +may see the matter in a clearer light." + +At mention of the word _case_ Sir Thomas dreaded another succession of +legal points, but demurely listened to the following version: + +"You have unwittingly placed your child in a very dangerous position. To +none would I so readily give the protection of my daughter as Lady +Douglas, who is, in every sense, a true mother and a dignified woman; +yet there are moments when Lady Rosamond can assert her right to control +her own impulses and feelings. As a guest she has an entire right, while +it would otherwise be a stretch of prerogative on the part of the +guardian." + +"You cannot but admit," said her ladyship, still bent on influencing her +attentive listener, "that Lady Rosamond is indeed very beautiful, which +alone has sufficient reason to sustain my argument. Beauty, through +countless ages, has been the source of much misery. Through Helen was +lost a Troy; Cleopatra, Roman glory." + +Her ladyship was going to cite further examples when interrupted by Sir +Thomas exclaiming: + +"Your ladyship will pardon me, but it would certainly be deep injustice +at present to raise an objection on this point; it surely did not bring +misery in its train to Lord Bereford." + +At this compliment to her beauty and vanity, a rare smile lit the face +of Lady Bereford, while she gaily added: + +"Sir Thomas, you still cling to your former gallantry with the +pertinacity of an ill-favored suitor." + +Seeing that the last evidence was ill-grounded, her ladyship, having +reconsidered the situation, again resumed: + +"You must admit that among the military staff of Sir Howard Douglas +there are many attractive and eligible young gentlemen worthy of the +hand of the fairest. Besides, there are many families holding high +position in New Brunswick, the descendants of persons of rank equal to +our own. Among these are gentlemen--brave, handsome, and equally +fascinating. It would indeed be a very extraordinary case if the Lady +Rosamond, with all her beauty and accomplishments, daily surrounded by +an admiring crowd, should not unconsciously fall a prey to her already +susceptible nature. Sir Thomas," continued her ladyship, with more +vehemence in her manner, "you do not seem to weigh matters as I do, or +you would certainly see the error you have committed--the great wrong +you have done to your child. Were I to disclose the facts, they would +astonish you, but if in the future, when too late you make such a +discovery, you will have only yourself to blame. That Lady Rosamond has +formed an attachment I am certain; of its value I am not prepared to +say; but, in honor to Gerald Bereford, I have a right to demand your +attention." + +At this sudden declaration Sir Thomas was astounded. + +"Where is the proof of this?" demanded he in startling surprise. + +Her ladyship then referred to the letter--its unconnected and +half-hidden sentences--and expressed her firm conviction of the +certainty of those predictions. + +Sir Thomas drew a sigh of relief when he found no stronger evidence +against the straightforward and conscientious spirit that had hitherto +pervaded his loved child. + +Lady Bereford possessed the tactics of a clever reasoner. When she had +failed in bringing her own arguments to bear directly she had recourse +to more forcible measures. The mention of Gerald Bereford had +instantaneous effect. Sir Thomas' eye brightened with renewed lustre; +his whole expression betrayed the ruling passion within him. Her +ladyship took advantage of the situation. + +"If you will empower me to act in this case there will be no further +trouble to be apprehended. Woman is the best judge of woman. Leave the +matter in my hands, Sir Thomas, and you will have no further anxiety. I +will assure you that Gerald will meet no refusal when he asks Lady +Rosamond to become his wife." + +Sir Thomas yielded. He knew that in this lay his child's happiness, +which, as a parent, he was in duty bound to promote. + +"Your ladyship is right," exclaimed Sir Thomas, "but in granting this I +request that you will not in any way shorten the visit of Lady +Rosamond." + +"Rest assured," cried her ladyship, "that no such demands will be made. +The happiness of her ladyship will be our sole interest; kind and +friendly advice, with gentle admonition, is the only safeguard." + +When Lady Bereford had gained the case (according to her legal version) +her manner changed as if by magic. Gay smiles played over her features +with inexpressible delight; her voice was soft, smooth, and bewitching +with sweetness. + +Sir Thomas was persuaded to remain to luncheon. The party consisted of +the family, Sir Thomas, and Colonel Trevelyan, a gentleman whose +acquaintance Lord Bereford formed while visiting an old friend. The +conversation was friendly and animated. Many topics of general interest +afforded them an opportunity to pass the hours in a pleasant, lively and +genial manner. Having by accident referred to his connection with the +Peninsula campaign, Lord Bereford was delighted to find another intimate +friend of Sir Howard Douglas. Sir Thomas Seymour joined heartily in the +general discourse. Colonel Trevelyan, or properly speaking Sir Guy +Trevelyan, told many incidents of military and social life, in which Sir +Howard and himself had figured quite conspicuously. + +Great was Maude Bereford's delight when she learned that the young +officer, so often alluded to in the letters received from Mary Douglas, +was the son of their guest. At this intelligence a sudden frown rested +on Lady Bereford's brow, but momentarily vanished. She had gained her +point; such matters did not so forcibly affect her now. Naturally many +inquiries were made respecting the young lieutenant, all of which were +answered in a quiet and unassuming way. The character of the father +betrayed that of his son. Without questioning why Maude Bereford felt a +deep interest in the young unknown, she had already been forming plans +of inquiry to ascertain a further knowledge. Lady Rosamond would +certainly be able to give her a correct description. Certainly her +ladyship must spend much time in the company of one who had such claims +on the friendship of Sir Howard. Reasoning thus was the gentle daughter +of Lady Bereford, while the latter was exultant in having formed a plan +for the furtherance of a scheme which lay near her heart. + +The next morning her ladyship was alone in her boudoir. A delicately +folded sheet lay upon the exquisitely inlaid writing desk before her. +Satisfaction beams upon her by occasional smiles. Again she seizes the +unclosed letter, examines closely its contents, and, with evident ease, +places it in an envelope which she seals and addresses. A servant in +livery answers the summons of a silver bell standing beside the desk. +Her ladyship, drawing aside a hanging of silver tissue, approaches the +door where the missive is delivered in charge of the liveried attendant. +With a sense of relief Lady Bereford returns to the library to await the +morning mail. + +Lady Bereford indeed lavished all the fondness of a mother's pride upon +her first-born. Maude was to her a simple-minded, gentle girl, whose +sole influence was her mother's will. The daughter of Lord Bereford was +a true type of her father: gentle, conscientious and sympathetic. + +In Lady Rosamond, Maude Bereford could see no reason for such anxiety as +was manifested by her mother, yet she would feel disappointed if her +companion would form another attachment. Maude loved her brother with +all the tenderness of her nature, while Gerald Bereford returned this +love with deep fervent gratitude. His sister was to him the connecting +link with Lady Rosamond. He took pleasure in daily walks with Maude, +whose playful childish ways often reminded him of the absent cousin. The +future lord of Bereford Castle was worthy the love of the fairest, +purest and truest. He possessed a spirit of independent manliness, and +would brook no favor that was not warranted by honor. + +When Gerald Bereford asked his uncle for a right to address the Lady +Rosamond, it was from a spirit of honor. He dearly loved the beautiful +girl, though he had never avowed his feelings, and when she treated his +advances with coolness, he still cherished the hope that in the end his +love would be reciprocated. On receiving the joyful assurance from Sir +Thomas that the great object of both families was the consummation of +these hopes, the ardent lover was happy beyond doubt. Sir Thomas had led +Gerald Bereford to believe that the Lady Rosamond had always favoured +his suit, but in girlish caprice had refused him any encouragement until +the expiration of her visit, when she would return home ready to receive +the courtly attentions of her relative. + +Cheered by these fond assurances, Gerald Bereford did anxiously look +forward to Lady Rosamond's return. Sir Thomas had indeed communicated +this matter to his nephew with a firm assurance of the realization on +the part of both. He doubted the true feelings of his child, but he was +determined that the event should take place after sufficient time had +elapsed. Lady Bereford knew that Sir Thomas was really deceiving himself +as well as his nephew; but with the keen perception of her nature, kept +her own counsel. She, as well as Sir Thomas, was determined to carry out +her design, for which purpose she closely concealed part of her views +from Maude upon the reading of Lady Rosamond's letter, also her message +to Sir Thomas, their interview, concessions and result. + +Practical and calculating woman of the world as was Lady Bereford, might +it be possible that she could heartlessly seal that daintily perfumed +missive which was to become the source of such almost unendurable +anguish? Really, one would fain exculpate her ladyship of the great +wrong--a wrong which for years could not be obliterated from the hearts +of those whose sufferings were borne silently and without reproach, each +bearing the burden with a sickening heart, feeling that death would be a +happy relief. + +What a world is ours. What a problem is life. Is there any word in the +English language more suggestive? Life--its surroundings, aspects, all +its outward associations. Is this the limit? Would to Heaven in some +instances it were so, that the end be thus. What a hollow mockery does +it impart to the heart of Lady Rosamond, whose cause of misery remains +as yet half told. Life--a troubled dream, a waking reality, yet we cling +to it with fond delusive hopes. What astute reasoner will solve, the +intricacies of this problem? Can one who has suffered? The muffled +throes of crushed hearts are the only response. God pity them! + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC + + +The year following the great fire was marked by great progress +throughout the Province. Farmers were again in homes which they had +built upon the site of those destroyed by the devouring element. Fields +once more showed signs of cultivation. With Sir Howard Douglas to +stimulate the prosperity of his people, progress was the watchword--the +general impulse. + +Fredericton, like the phoenix, had arisen from its ashes; buildings +arose in rapid succession. Wooden houses of moderate pretensions lined +Queen and King streets, from Westmorland to Carleton street, the limit +of the burnt district. + +Business was carried on by a few upright and enterprising merchants, +foremost of whom stood Rankine & Co., the leading firm of the city. This +establishment was situated on Queen street, between Northumberland and +Westmorland streets, in which was constantly pouring an unlimited source +of supplies for conducting the immense lumber trade established by this +firm, whose name shall be remembered while New Brunswick shall continue +to produce one stick of timber. Many farmers of that time yet have +occasion to refer to the generosity which characterized this long +established firm. Many yet bless the name of Rankine & Co. + +The public buildings of our city were in keeping with the private +residences. No Barker House or Queen Hotel adorned our principal street +as now; no City Hall, Normal School, or Court House. On the present site +of the Barker House was a long two-story wooden building, designated as +Hooper's Hotel under the proprietorship of Mr. Hooper. This was the only +accommodation for public dinners, large parties, balls, etc In this +hotel the St. George Society annually celebrated their anniversary by a +grand dinner party where heart-stirring speeches, toasts and patriotic +songs, were the general order of programme, of which the following +verses are an example. They were composed in April 1828, and sung by one +of the members of this society at a public dinner that year, after the +toast of "Lord Aylmer and the Colonies." The idea was suggested to the +young law student by looking upon a map showing the territory explored +by the Cabots and called Cabotia. The writer will be readily recognized +as one of New Brunswick's most eloquent, gifted, and favored statesmen, +recently holding the highest position in the Province:-- + + When England bright, + With Freedom's light, + Shone forth in dazzling splendor, + She scorned to hold, + The more than gold, + From those who did befriend her; + At space she spurned, + With love she burned, + And straight across the ocean + Sent Freedom's rays, + T' illume their days + And quell their sons' commotion. + Hail, Britannia! + Thou loving, kind Britannia! + Ne'er failed to wield + Thy spear and shield. + To guard our soil, Britannia! + + But rebels choose + For to refuse, + The boon thus kindly granted, + And with vile art, + In many a heart, + Black discord's seeds they planted; + Now civil war, + In bloody car, + Rode forth--and Desolation, + Extended wide, + Its horrid stride + For mock emancipation. + O Cabotia! + Old England's child Cabotia! + No rebel cloud[3] + Did e'er enshroud + Thy sacred soil, Cabotia! + + The purple flood + Of traitors' blood + Sent vapors black to heaven, + And hid the blaze + Of Freedom's rays, + By a kind parent given; + But Liberty, + Quite loath to see, + America neglected, + Came to our land, + And with kind hand + Her temple here erected; + O Cabotia! + Them favored land, Cabotia! + While we have breath + We'll smile at death, + To guard thy soil, Cabotia! + + When foreign foes + We did oppose, + Britannia stood our second, + And those we fought + Were dearly taught, + Without their host they reckoned; + And should they now, + With hostile prow, + But press, our lakes and rivers, + The Giant-stroke, + From British oak, + Would rend their keels to shivers. + And thou, Cabotia! + Old England's child Cabotia! + Would see thy race + In death's embrace + Before they'd yield Cabotia! + + While Shamrock, Rose, + And Thistle grow, + So close together blended, + New Brunswick ne'er + Will need to fear, + But that she'll be befriended; + We need not quake, + For nought can break + The sacred ties that bind us, + And those, who'd spoil + Our hallowed soil, + True blue are sure to find us. + O Cabotia! + Our native land, Cabotia! + For thee we'll drain + Our every vein, + Old England's Child Cabotia! + +[Footnote 3: Long before the Canadian Rebellion.] + +Here the St. Andrews Society also gave their national celebration. Last, +but not least, came the St. Patrick Society. The last named might, +indeed, be called _the_ Society. Aided and encouraged by Colonel +Minchin, Hon. Thomas Bailie, Mr. Phair, and many other distinguished +Irish gentlemen, the St. Patrick's Society of Fredericton at that time +attained a high social position. On St. Patrick's eve a yearly +celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on +Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office. +Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those +meetings. The following instance will serve to give an idea of the +spirit which inspired those reunions. On one occasion a member of this +organization--a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years--spoke +as follows: "Mr. President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention +to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman. Who was the +gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from +the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country's cause? +Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm +and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear? Who fought +with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands +of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain? Who dared to face Napoleon? +Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate? Who but the +proud 'hero of a hundred fights,'--the Duke of Wellington! What country +gave him birth?" "Ireland!" was the answer, amid deafening shouts of +applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet. This is +but one of the stories told of those meetings, showing the spirit of +interest manifested. + +To return to hotels. On the site at present occupied by the Queen Hotel +formerly stood the Market Inn, kept by Mr. Richard Staples. This was a +comfortable and convenient house, frequented by farmers as they came to +the city to dispose of their produce. In those days people settled +principally near the St. John river and its numerous tributaries, with +their lakes; therefore farmers generally used small boats for means of +conveyance, waggons being looked upon as an extravagant +luxury. Another public house, kept by Mr. Robert Welch, and known as the +Albion Hotel, also occupied a prominent position, being well furnished +and affording comfort and good accommodation to the travelling public. On +Waterloo Row was situated the time-honored Royal Oak, kept by Miss Polly +Van Horn, a name well known to those residing in the lower country +districts. + +Of other public institutions less may be said. On the square now adorned +by the imposing City Hall, with its memorable clock, formerly stood or +rather squatted the old Tank House, serving rather in the capacity of +use than ornament. An old marketplace occupied the ground on which is +now erected the County Court House. + +It would be impossible to enter into details regarding every building; +we merely cite a few facts to give a general idea of the situation of +Fredericton at that time. + +Before leaving these matters we must not omit mention of a quiet social +organization then known as the Philharmonic Society. It was composed of +a number of young gentlemen, members of the most influential families of +the city. Wallace, band-master of H. M. 52nd regiment, took an active +part in instructing these youths, who, within a short period, had +acquired such proficiency as to enable them to give a series of +entertainments in Hooper's Hotel. These consisted of selections +displaying musical skill, ability and taste. + +Conspicuous among the members of the Philharmonic Society was a young +student named Vivian Yorke, afterwards a member of the legal profession; +in later years, his burning eloquence had power to thrill the eager +audience attendant upon his appearance. As a lover of music, the young +scholar had from his childhood won a reputation beyond his years, while +his association with the organization had given it a stimulus worthy +such encouragement. Vivian Yorke had won high position within the social +circle as well. His genial disposition, frank, manly bearing, dignified +form and handsome face were sufficient passports irrespective of his +other claims to distinction. It is almost needless to add, that Mr. +Yorke stood high in the estimation of the band-master, who arranged +several airs especially adapted to a number of patriotic songs composed +by his talented pupil. In succeeding chapters we will allude to the +rising career of Mr. Yorke as the occasion demands. + +In this year the House of Assembly was opened by a warm debate upon the +College Bill, which received stout resistance from all dissenting +bodies. The episcopalians sought aid from the Archbishop of Canterbury +and the Bishop of Nova Scotia. But the judgment of Sir Howard was equal +to the occasion. His measures were such as must ultimately accomplish +the desired end. + +The 52nd Regiment, as yet stationed in Fredericton, still maintained +their unbounded popularity, entertained their many friends at princely +dinners, gave an unlimited number of balls, parties and festive +gatherings. The race course still continued to be the daily resort for +the distinguished horsemen. Races were a favorite pastime. Cricket and +foot-ball had now become quite common. On the old square situated +between York street and Wilmot's alley the youths of the city daily +assembled to practise these sports, while the military occupied a space +within their own ground. The inhabitants also enjoyed the music +furnished by the 52nd band, which almost daily performed in the +officers' square. + +A large and imposing structure was now being erected upon the exact site +where the former Government House stood. The present building, owing to +its greater proportions, consequently covered more ground. The model was +a handsome residence in the island of Jamaica; the plans were drawn up +by a celebrated architect, who had formerly been acquainted with Sir +Howard Douglas, under whose direct supervision the entire building was +constructed. + +As, for some time, New Brunswick was ruled by a military governor, +Government House was so arranged that a military and civil staff could +each occupy a separate wing of the building, while the main body was +allotted to the family. It was well for the Province that Sir Howard +Douglas was then at hand. The handsome and substantial edifice remains a +lasting monument of grateful remembrance. + +While public affairs are thus engrossing the attention of the country at +large, the family of Sir Howard are now quietly enjoying their temporary +home in the lower part of the town. Lady Douglas, beloved by all, is +assisting and cheering His Excellency with all the energy of her nature. +The young ladies are happy in their varied labors of love. + +Lady Rosamond has not yet turned her thoughts homeward, save to quiet +the rebellious thoughts that rise with occasional and twofold +bitterness; she has the heavy trial before her; she drives away the +mocking realities of the future. Vain are the hours wasted in useless +repining. When Lady Rosamond made the disclosure to her companion, Mary +Douglas, receiving the full and deep sympathy of true friendship, had +she fully relieved her mind of its entire burden--its crushing weight? +Ah, no! there was hidden deep in the most remote corner of Lady +Rosamond's heart a secret which she would never reveal. Time would bring +its changes. Her ladyship would return to her native home, and, amidst +its gay scenes, pass a lifetime of seeming happiness; and the secret +will burn its impress in characters of flame. + +One evening Lady Douglas remained in her own apartments somewhat longer +than her custom. Had prying eyes been active the cause might be assigned +to the entrance of Lady Rosamond, who had joined her ladyship nearly an +hour previous. On seeing the agitated face of the pale but beautiful +girl her ladyship experienced a pang of deep remorse. She felt her +strength deserting her, yet the task was to be accomplished. + +"Rosamond, my darling," said the gentle lady, "I have received a letter +from Lady Bereford, who, judging from the tone of the writing, seems to +have some anxiety on your behalf." + +This revelation afforded momentary relief to the high-born girl, who +was, indeed, a lovely picture, reclining on a cushion at the feet of +Lady Douglas. A shade of sadness rested upon her face, giving her the +expression of a Madonna--a study for Raphael. + +"Lady Bereford intimates, in touching terms, that I am to exercise a +careful surveillance upon your girlish fancies," continued her ladyship, +with slight sarcasm in her tone. + +"Rosamond, my darling," cried she, by way of apostrophe, "I have every +reason to place in you full confidence. I cannot see any ground for such +intimation." + +"Your ladyship is right," returned Lady Rosamond, throwing her arms +around the neck of Lady Douglas, giving full vent to the feelings which +almost overwhelmed her, adding, between tears and sobs: "I have always +obeyed my father's wishes and will not shrink from my duty now. Gerald +Bereford is worthy of a nobler wife than I dare ever hope to be. He has +indeed conferred on me a distinguished honor, and I must try to make +amends with all the gratitude of which I am capable." + +Saying this the brave girl tried to force a smile, which, from its +superficial nature, cost a great effort, adding: + +"Your ladyship will have nothing to fear; my father's wishes are mine." + +From the spirit of determination, which left an impress on the beautiful +features of Lady Rosamond, Lady Douglas apprehended no need of +interference. She knew that Lady Rosamond would fulfil her father's +wishes. She was aware that the affectionate daughter would return his +confidence, even at the greatest sacrifice a woman can make. The noble +nature of Lady Douglas felt deep sympathy for her gentle relative--a +vague uneasiness filled her mind. Some moments later when Lady Rosamond +appeared in a rich and elegant dinner costume not a trace of emotion was +visible. Its recent effects had entirely disappeared. Lady Douglas had +found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character +which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden. + +At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good +humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation. Each tried +to please. All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion. Sir +Howard always set the example. Pressing cares of state, perplexing +questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight +when he entered the family circle. All was unrestrained pleasure and +genial delight on this evening. Lady Rosamond was seated beside the gay +and attractive secretary, who was endeavoring to engage his companion as +an ally against the more formidable onset of Captain Douglas. She did +fairly surprise the latter by the earnestness of her replies, her +forcible expressions, and the weighty arguments upheld by superior +judgment. Lieutenant Trevelyan, as he converses with Lady Douglas, +betrays no outward feeling. He shows no preference for Lady Rosamond, +being more frequently the companion and attendant of Mary Douglas, who, +in trusting friendship, reposes in her young friend a happy confidence. +Despite this assumed ease on the part of Guy Trevelyan, the keen +interest hitherto exhibited by Mr. Howe has lost none of its freshness. +The charm still lingers. All hope has not fled, though the light is in +the uncertain future. In Lady Rosamond the well concerted plans of the +secretary find no compromise. Dreading an exposure of her weakness she +has thrown around her a formidable barrier which the most deadly shafts +cannot penetrate. In the possession of this defence she can withstand +the united efforts of a lengthy siege. Upon all those operations she can +look grimly on and bid defiance. Mr. Howe felt this as he tried to force +an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if +possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects. +An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those +thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the +fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private +secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true +manliness. + +One evening as Captain Douglas and the latter were indulging in a quiet +chat the conversation turned upon Lady Rosamond. + +"She is indeed possessed of remarkable strength of character, which is +the more surprising from the natural timidity and gentleness of her +disposition," remarked Captain Douglas. + +"I have greatly admired her of late, and have, on more than one occasion +tried to study the depths of her nature," returned Mr. Howe, with sudden +earnestness. He was bent upon disclosing further plans to his friend +when the latter exclaimed: + +"By jove! Gerald Bereford is a lucky fellow, to win the Lady Rosamond as +his future bride." + +A look of startled surprise betrayed the excited feelings of Mr. Howe, +leading Captain Douglas to remark: + +"Look here, old chap, one would be apt to imagine that _you_ were deeply +smitten were they now to get a glimpse of your face." + +Mr. Howe smiled. + +"Yes," continued Charles Douglas, "her ladyship is to marry her cousin, +Gerald Bereford, shortly after her arrival in England." + +This was certainly a new aspect of affairs. Mr. Howe now viewed the +matter in another light, yet he could not heartily respond. Vainly he +strove to banish these thoughts, silently murmuring "poor Trevelyan!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +CHANGE. + + +We now arrive at the period when many changes are about to take place. +The gayest and most gallant regiment ever stationed in Fredericton was +under orders to be in readiness for departure. This was a source of much +regret to the citizens, who shared in the extravagant scenes of gaiety +so lavishly furnished. The sportsmen of Fredericton lamented the fact +with deep regret. We cannot let this opportunity pass to relate an +incident showing to what excess horse racing was carried in those days. +Captain H----, an officer of the above named regiment, a true sporting +character, owned a stud of the best thorough-breds in America. He +annually spent an immense income in horse racing and various sports. In +the meantime there lived in the city of St. John a coachman named Larry +Stivers. If ever any individual sacrificed his entire heart and soul to +the management, training and nature of horses, it was the self same +Larry. Though possessed of limited means, no privation was too great in +order to gratify such demands. A race was finally agreed upon between +Captain H---- and this remarkable individual, which in the horse records +of New Brunswick has no precedent, the case being unparalleled at home +or abroad. One fine morning in March, 1826, the magnificent team of +horses, driven by the captain, made its appearance in the market square, +St. John. After the lapse of a few moments a second team arrived and was +drawn up aside the former. No inquiry was made as to the ownership of +the latter. Everybody recognized it as the turnout of Larry Stivers. But +the most remarkable feature of the proceeding, that excited curiosity, +was the slight construction of the sleighs. It could scarcely be +conceived that they would stand the trying test of the proposed race. +But they did. Each driver having purchased a bundle of whips, jumped +into his seat. The word was given. Off they went at full speed, going +the first nine miles over bare ground. The news spread over the city of +St. John with almost incredible rapidity. Excitement filled the mind of +everybody. No telegraphic despatches could furnish details as at the +present. On they trotted side by side over the smooth surface of the St. +John river, which course had been taken after the first nine miles. +Whips were freely used upon the flagging animals. Sometimes Captain +H---- kept ahead, in another minute Larry was quite a distance in +advance. On, on the infuriated animals raced to the heavy lashes of +their merciless drivers. Whip after whip was broken; still on they went +over the glittering surface, the only sound the ceaseless crackling of +whips and the ring of hoofs upon the still frosty atmosphere. About nine +miles from Fredericton, as those heartless sportsmen were madly urging +on their jaded beasts, a well-known lumber merchant of the town was +accosted by the leader demanding a whip, which, one is sorry to +acknowledge, was given. They had used the whole bundle, and mercilessly +begged for more. Still on they came, the exhausted animals panting and +ready to fall. The goal must be reached. Fredericton must be the only +stopping place. One at least was to be disappointed. Four miles have yet +to be passed. Larry Stivers is ahead, with visions of hopeful victory +before him. He is suddenly stopped. One of the brave animals dropped +dead on the spot. Hope instantly vanished. Captain H---- wins the race, +while the former arrives shortly after his contestant with the dead +animal upon the sleigh. Fredericton is reached. A distance of +eighty-five miles is trotted in six hours and thirty minutes, inclusive +of twenty minutes for rest and dinner. This wonderful feat caused +general astonishment. Hundreds drove from Fredericton to meet the +contestants, while crowds gathered to see the effect thus produced upon +the poor exhausted animals. Soldiers were in attendance upon their +arrival, almost dragging them up the bank. Being rubbed and dosed they +were soon restored. The horse that dropped had been substituted for the +famous "Tanner," and not having sufficient training was unequal to the +task. The surviving animal, belonging to Larry Stivers, afterwards +became one of the best and fastest horses in the Province. This incident +is not introduced to interest horsemen, but merely to show how far men's +judgment may be led astray by the force of such ruling passions. + +To return to our narrative. Hearty demonstrations were participated in +by the citizens in testimony of the appreciation of the military. Balls +were given, dinners, speeches and testimonials. No efforts remained +untried to express deep sympathy. Great was the joy at Government House +when Captain Douglas informed the family of Lieutenant Trevelyan's being +transferred to the succeeding regiment. Colonel Trevelyan had obtained +this change at the request of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Though a +favorite in the 52nd regiment, Lieutenant Trevelyan's character did not +harmonize with those of his brother officers--a circumstance that did +not escape the notice of His Excellency. The matter formed the subject +of correspondence between the latter and Colonel Trevelyan, resulting in +the announcement previously made by Captain Douglas. Much delight shone +on every countenance. Lady Douglas congratulated her young friend. Mary +Douglas testified her joy with childish gaiety. Pioneer Johnnie looked +forward to another sylvan pilgrimage with boyish glee. Merriment had +exchanged places with murmuring and regret. The secretary alone remained +in a state bordering on hesitation. He would indeed miss his boyish +companion, yet the sense of his presence gave pain. Though not expressed +by word or action, he was aware of the deep and passionate attachment +which Lieutenant Trevelyan had formed for Lady Rosamond Seymour. He was +aware of the hopeless result of this knowledge, and felt a sense of +relief in the thought that changing scenes and new acquaintances might +claim attention and heal the wound which otherwise would remain fresh +and painful. + +The arrival of the 81st regiment was, as customary on such occasions, +celebrated by a general muster of the citizens. + +The York County Militia presented a fine soldierly appearance. The +grenadiers were indeed worthy of the tribute paid to their manly form +and graceful bearing. Conspicuous was the rising favorite, Vivian Yorke. +His flashing eye, regular features, broad, intellectual forehead, and +firmly chiselled lips, received many compliments as he stood beside his +companions. Lieutenant Trevelyan, in the military staff of His +Excellency, also was not allowed to pass unnoticed. It was a remarkable +coincidence that on this occasion, as the crowd bore down upon the +company, Lieutenant Trevelyan was nearly in line with the young +grenadier officer. A thoughtless young lady, standing near, exclaimed +hastily to her companion: "Fanny, how much that young officer resembles +Mr. Yorke." The remark being overheard by both parties, caused slight +embarrassment, accompanied by a boyish blush from Lieutenant Trevelyan. +Though an intimacy was formed between those young gentlemen, no allusion +was made to the circumstance until many years afterwards, when Mr. Yorke +was in England transacting some important political business, he was +laughingly reminded of the affair by a gentleman in the prime of +manhood--no longer a blushing young officer. Mr. Yorke and Sir Guy +Trevelyan joined heartily in the joke, the former remarking that this +young lady must have been colorblind in respect to their eyes. Many such +comparisons were made rendering defective the perception of the fair +judge, and causing much amusement to the assembled company. But this is +a digression which the reader will excuse. + +Lieutenant Trevelyan was now serving in H. M. 81st regiment under the +command of Colonel Creagh--a veteran of Waterloo--who was highly pleased +with the flattering testimonial he had received from Major McNair, +relative to the irreproachable character borne by the young favorite. + +A heavy cloud lowered over Government House. Its inmates were once more +wrapped in gloomy thought. Mary Douglas already felt the pang of +separation. Lady Rosamond was to return home. Her visit had been +lengthened beyond the term allowed; now she must obey the summons +without further delay. Painful thoughts crossed her ladyship's mind as +she made the necessary preparations. Her fate was already sealed. She +could not turn aside the resistless torrent that marked the course over +which she must be borne by the skill of the fearless and merciless +pilot, Lady Bereford. + +In the outward conduct of Lady Rosamond none could detect the spirit +which actuated her feelings. Lady Douglas closely watched every +movement. Were it not for the emotion which the former betrayed on +receiving the contents of Lady Bereford's letter, would it not have +occurred to her to suspect the heart of Lady Rosamond. It was this +circumstance which gave concern to Lady Douglas. She kept her own +counsel, yet was impressed with the belief that Sir Thomas Seymour, in +conjunction with Lady Bereford, was forcing her favorite into a marriage +that was distasteful to her wishes. The longer her ladyship dwelt upon +the matter the more deeply she felt concerned; but knowing the +inflexible temper of Sir Thomas and the influence of Lady Bereford, she +concluded that the case was indeed a hopeless one. + +Mary Douglas was the only being to whom Lady Rosamond had confided the +secret relative to her father's wishes. Some days preceding her +departure the beautiful features of the young girl bore traces of grief. +In the arms of her fond companion she had wept sad and bitter tears. + +"This shall be the last exhibition of my feelings," vehemently cried +Lady Rosamond, "you will never again see a tear of mine, at least from +the same cause, but darling promise me now that you will never divulge +my secret?" + +"Accept my promise, Rosamond," returned Mary, impressing a fond kiss +upon the lips of the gentle and loving girl. + +The promise thus made was faithfully kept to be referred to in after +years as a dream of the past which was still fresh in the beauty and +loveliness of true friendship. + +Lieutenant Trevelyan bore the knowledge of Lady Rosamond's departure +with firm composure. He was kind, genial and entertaining. The strange +and uneasy expression came and went with no remark save that it gave +much annoyance to the kind hearted secretary. + +The latter saw that no advances were made on the part of the young +lieutenant. Her ladyship would depart while the story would remain +untold. + +It is needless to enter into the details attendant upon Lady Rosamond's +removal from Government House. Sad and tender were the scenes. Mary +Douglas could not repress the stifling sobs and outbursts of grief. True +to the previous determination, her ladyship had schooled herself for the +trying moment. Under the tender care of Sir Howard, the lovely girl took +leave of Fredericton, leaving behind those whom she fondly loved. She +carried with her many reminiscences of the scenes and trials through +which she had passed never to be forgotten throughout her lifetime. + +In the meantime a question arose in political affairs which required the +mature deliberation of Sir Howard. The boundary dispute was now argued +within every district with an earnestness that showed the importance of +the cause. The present grievance had grown out of a former one. + +In the treaty of 1873, the description of boundary limits between the +United States and the Colonies was vague. Owing to a want of proper +procedure, England and America merely took their limits from a certain +point on the coast, one choosing to the right the other to the left. + +The interior boundary was the watershed dividing the sources of the +Connecticut and St. Croix rivers from those which emptied into the St. +Lawrence. By this the Americans gained all the land bordering their own +rivers, while the British had the banks of all the rivers extending to +the sea coast. Breach after breach was made, yearly inroads upon British +territory were effected, until the free navigation of the St. Lawrence +was claimed, leaving the colonies without a frontier. + +In the State of Maine, a hostile feeling influenced the entire +population. A spirit of fiery independence asserted itself in the face +of the British government. Sir Howard kept his eye on the stealthy +movements of his disorderly neighbors. He was not to be outwitted by +such aggressions; he was determined that neither Colonist nor American +should transgress; his rights were to be respected. A New Brunswicker +had been prosecuted for attempting to interfere. Equal justice was to be +extended to all. The filibusters were not to be pacified; they abused +England and her representatives in the most violent and abusive terms. +The grievances of Maine must be redressed. Governor Lincoln ordered out +the militia to the frontier, while an army of filibusters was ready to +take possession of the territory. They thought to work a plan to throw +blame upon Sir Howard, in the hope that the English troops might be led +to engage in a conflict with the American militia; but the experience of +the British representative served him aright, as on former occasions. + +Baker, an unprincipled filibuster now resolved to force proceedings, +rushed into British ground and tauntingly hoisted the American flag. At +this juncture of affairs it was expected that English troops would +interfere and a general fight would be the result. + +Sir Howard had kept the troops at a respectable distance, where he could +order them up at short notice; but he had no such intention. Imagine the +surprise of both parties when a constable, having arrived, knocked down +the flag and took Baker prisoner. Heavy imprecations fell upon such a +course of conduct. Federal troops marched to the frontier, a +circumstance of which the colonists took no notice. Sir Howard took +further steps; he ordered the prisoner to be brought to trial before the +Supreme Court at Fredericton, where he was found guilty, with sentence +of a heavy fine. + +Threatening attitudes were assumed by the leaders of this dispute, but +to these Sir Howard paid not the least attention. Messages were sent by +Governor Lincoln with urgent demands for Baker's release without any +effect. They had to treat with one whose character was marked by firm +determination. An American officer was also sent urging the necessity of +the release of the prisoner. He was not granted an interview, but was +kindly cared for in the mess-room of the 81st, where the officers gave +him a hearty reception by a grand dinner, ordered expressly for the +occasion. Despite the swaggering and menacing tone of this guest, the +evening was spent in successive rounds of mirth and exciting gaiety. +Songs, toasts and speeches greeted the ears of the envoy, and amidst +these he almost forgot the object of his mission. At last the fine was +paid. It was not until the matter was finally settled, by the decision +of the king of the Netherlands, that comparative peace was restored. + +This chapter now ends, having described the principal events that marked +the year 1827. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +CHESLEY MANOR--MARRIAGE OF LADY ROSAMOND. + + +We are again introduced to Lady Rosamond, now reinstated in the home of +her childhood. A sense of gratitude is awakened within her as she fondly +gazes upon the old familiar scenes surrounding Chesley Manor. The quaint +old structure was an exact specimen of an English manor house in the +early part of the seventeenth century, having been designed by an +architect of the royal household in the reign of James the First, whence +it still continued in the possession of its illustrious descendants. + +The style adapted to the above named structure was more strictly +domestic than defensive. It was built in quadrangular form, containing +only one large court, upon which opened the stately hall, chapel, and +principal apartments. Though not commanding the imposing aspect and +grandeur of Bereford Castle, Chesley Manor had an air of true gentility +in keeping with that of its owner. Lofty windows, reaching to the +ground, looked out upon the gardens, which were enclosed by a high wall. + +The period in which the present edifice was constructed was that of the +best style of English architecture, contrasting the more elegant and +graceful manor house with the frowning keep and embattled walls of the +olden castle. + +Surrey, with its old historic associations, was a fitting abode for the +dreamy and poetic nature of the lovely, high-born maiden. The adjoining +districts, with vale and meadow, had a pleasing effect. Long neglected +parks and straggling decayed mansions, afforded ample scope for the +fanciful flights of her ladyship's fond imagination. + +Sir Thomas was indeed happy in thus having his daughter once more to +brighten the home so long desolate and lonely. He enjoyed the perpetual +sunshine of her bright presence. He loved to caress his beautiful child +and admire her sweet and bewitching charms. Lady Rosamond seemed happy +when in her father's presence. She returned his tender endearments with +childish and playful gestures; she brought sunshine in her path in which +the flowers of affection bloomed with luxuriant beauty. She was esteemed +by the train of domestics and functionaries who performed the duties of +the household. This fact somewhat conciliated the young mistress of +Chesley Manor. Her grateful nature could not view these matters without +feeling their import. + +Wandering through the exquisitely arranged suites of spacious rooms +which had been renovated with a desire to meet her approbation, Lady +Rosamond could not but experience a pang of heartfelt sorrow. Parental +love overcame her weakness. Sir Thomas alone possessed the key that +gained access to her feelings. He alone could turn aside the channel of +her resisting thoughts and mark the course for the tide of conflicting +torrents as they surge madly on. + +Maude Bereford is once more cheered in the daily companionship of Lady +Rosamond. In their girlish and pretty ways those lovely girls form a +pleasing picture to grace the interior and surroundings of Chesley +Manor. Maude has a gentle and lovable disposition which wins the +admiration of both sexes. Though not a beauty, she is truly +beautiful--beautiful in heart, beautiful in soul. None see this mental +beauty more clearly than the young mistress of the manor. The gentle +nature and simple-minded heart of Maude Bereford sees in her cousin the +sweetness and worth which are so fondly adored by her brother Gerald. + +That Lady Rosamond sees in her future husband all that can make the +heart truly happy is a source of constant delight to her loving cousin. +Maude has not the keen perception of the nature of the human heart. + +Lady Bereford was sanguine over the result of her diplomatic tact. There +lay no obstruction in the path which she had marked out for Gerald +Bereford. No rivals had given cause for offence. Lady Rosamond had +readily encouraged the advances made by her suitor. It was now a settled +conclusion. The fact had been communicated throughout the country. Sir +Thomas had already received hearty congratulations on the brilliant +prospects of his only daughter. The event was eagerly anticipated in the +fashionable circles of high life. Many high-born maidens felt a tinge of +jealousy as they listened to the brilliant preparations awaiting the +marriage of the future Lord Bereford. His courtly manners, pleasing +graces, and handsome appearance, were the comment of many. His proud +privileges as peer of the realm, his princely castle and great wealth, +furnished themes for eulogy. + +While the great event was pending, and general curiosity was awakened in +the course of proceedings, the Lady Rosamond alone remained passive. She +calmly listened to the different reports of those to whom was entrusted +the management of affairs with an ease that was perplexing in its +simplicity. A genial smile repaid any effort to please. She gave advice +with a gentle deference that surprised her most intimate friends and +companions. With calmness and subdued feelings did her ladyship examine +the costly satins and laces scattered in lavish profusion, and being in +readiness to assume the most courtly and elegant costumes at the +sanction of the fair enchantress. Maude Bereford was radiant with joy, +the delightful prospect was at hand. Bereford Castle was to receive her +dearest Rosamond. A splendid house was to be in readiness in the suburbs +of London, where she would revel in the delights of fashionable society +and the daily companionship of Lady Rosamond. + +Gerald Bereford looked forward to the consummation of his hopes with +fond solicitude. Having received from Lady Rosamond a quiet appreciation +of his tenderness and deep love, he dared not to question closely the +motives which actuated her. Sometimes he had momentary doubts concerning +the entire reciprocation of her ladyship's trust and confidence, which +caused considerable anxiety, but the sweet, pensive smile which asserted +itself was sufficient to drive out a host of smothered grievances. + +When Lady Rosamond promised to become the wife of Gerald Bereford she +did so from a true sense of duty and affection towards her only parent. +For him she would make the great sacrifice. Did the occasion demand, she +would sacrifice her life on his behalf. In reality she had made such a +test of her faith when she made her betrothal vow, bartering love, +happiness, and life. Yes; life, with its true enjoyments, by this +sacrifice, would become a mocking, bitter trial, to which even death +were gladly welcome. Yet the noble girl shrank not from the task which +the stern voice of duty had assigned. She would bear it without a +murmur. None save Mary Douglas should know the depths of feeling of +which her nature was capable. Gerald Bereford would acknowledge the +daily attention of a kind and dutiful wife. No human being should know a +secret that was to her more than life--a soul within--a burning, +smouldering fire, around which clings the shuddering form of outraged +Hope. Lady Rosamond has kept her secret, therefore the writer will keep +it in respect to her ladyship's inward sanctity. The reader may have +gained it; if not, dear reader, you will in the end be rewarded for your +patience by a disclosure. In the meantime let us follow her ladyship +through all the perplexing moments of her unhappy existence, admiring +the true courage and grateful sentiments which sustain her. + +The day appointed for the eventful ceremony had arrived. Cards of +invitation having been issued to the most distinguished nobility +throughout the kingdom, a vast assemblage of expectant guests filled the +seats and aisles of the ancient gothic cathedral in which the marriage +was about to be solemnized. Happy smiles beamed upon all faces as they +glanced around the handsome edifice so beautifully decorated for the +occasion. Flowers and garlands were lavishly strewn around, scattered +upon the floor, upon the steps, upon the way-side; literally all space +was crowned with flowers. Gerald Bereford was truly a prepossessing +bridegroom, worthy of loving and being loved in return. His truthful +countenance was beaming with manly love. He was now ready to pronounce +those vows which in his heart met a ready response. Lady Rosamond and +her train of lovely bridesmaids have arrived. Hundreds of spectators are +anxious to catch a passing glimpse of the beautiful bride as she is led +to the altar by Sir Thomas Seymour, who gazes with loving tenderness +upon the object so soon to be taken from his heart and home. + +The feverish flush of excitement upon the transparent complexion of the +bride lent additional aid to her matchless charms. Lady Rosamond is +indeed a creature of surpassing loveliness. The soft texture of white +satin that floats in bewitching folds of drapery around the faultless +form is heightened in effect by an intermixture of costly lace and +flashing jewels. The bridal veil, with its coronet of diamonds and +orange blossoms, conceals the features so passive in the efforts to +conceal the emotions which are struggling within the bosom of the fair +one as she slowly utters those vows which, in accordance with her former +resolve, she will earnestly strive to perform. Conscience awakens in her +a deep shudder by setting forth painful convictions of promises given +where her heart beats no response. But lady Rosamond felt relief from +the thought of her efforts to do what she could to atone for this +knowledge. Her husband would be happy in her presence if not her love. +Those were the thoughts that occupied the lovely bride as she accepted +the congratulations of the crowd who gathered around her. A pleasing +smile greeted every one of the guests; even Lady Bereford was satisfied +with the grateful acknowledgement. The bridegroom was a happy man. He +adored his lovely bride. He looked upon her as the perfect embodiment of +love and truth. Such were the sentiments that stimulated Gerald Bereford +as his wife was received into society with all the eclat attendant upon +rank, wealth and beauty. Her appearance on several occasions was hailed +with universal delight. Her unassuming manner, childlike disposition and +elegant grace made friends at every footstep. Jealousy found no favor in +the wake of Lady Rosamond. Her presence was sufficient warning to the +green-eyed monster to make hasty retreat. + +Lord Bereford took a fond interest in his newly found daughter. He had +always loved Lady Rosamond as his own child. She reminded him of the +lovely sister who shared in his youthful joys. Maria Bereford was the +favorite sister of his early days; her daughter was a tender link in the +chain of memory. Lady Rosamond fully returned the affection borne her by +Lord Bereford. She found a strange relief when sitting by his side +listening to the stories which brought before her vivid conceptions of +her childhood and its happy past never to return--the days when her +heart was free to roam in its wayward and fanciful nights full of ardour +and the bouyant aspirations of unfettered youth. + +Gerald Bereford proved indeed a tender and loving husband. His heart was +always ready to upbraid him if he were not ready to meet the slightest +wish of his young wife. Every kindness that could be bestowed on Lady +Rosamond daily suggested itself to the mind of her thoughtful husband. +He was only happy in her presence--she was the sunshine of his heart, of +his life, of his soul. Without Lady Rosamond this world was a blank--a +region "where light never enters, hope never comes." Nor was the fact +unknown to the dutiful and amiable wife. It grieved her deeply to +witness such an exhibition of true love and tenderness without its +receiving equal return. With heroic bravery she endeavored to reward her +husband by little acts of thoughtful kindness greeting his return from +the turmoil of political struggles. Pleasing surprises often met his eye +when least expected. Many pretty trinkets made expressly for his use, by +the fair hands of Lady Rosamond, were placed in careless profusion +around his private apartments. These trifling incidents were an +hundredfold more worth to Gerald Bereford than the most well-timed and +flattering acknowledgments of the many who daily courted his friendship. +Thus did her ladyship strive to make amends to her husband without +having recourse to deceit. She returned his caresses, not with a fervent +love, but with a feeling that such generous love exacted her sympathy. +In the tenderness of her heart some recompense must be made. Would she +ever learn to love her husband as he indeed deserved to be loved? When +would the hour arrive when she could say: "Gerald, I love you with my +entire heart and soul; I live for you alone; none other can possess the +great love I bear for you, my husband." Those questions were frequently +present in the mind of the devoted wife of Gerald Bereford. But he knew +it not. He was in blissful ignorance of the fire within as he fondly +dreamed of the pleasing graces of his lovely wife. He had no reason to +be otherwise than happy. + +Lady Rosamond Bereford was above suspicion. She had no desire to possess +popularity outside her own household. The flattery of the opposite sex +was lost upon her. The false smile of base and unprincipled men found no +favor in the sight of her ladyship. She discountenanced many practices +sanctioned by the usages of good society. Virtue was the true criterion +upon which was based her ladyship's judgment. + +It is almost needless to add that congratulations reached Lady Rosamond +from the family at Government House in Fredericton. It was not a matter +of surprise to Lady Douglas. She had too much confidence in the +character of her relative to doubt her resolution. Mary Douglas fondly +clung to the hope that her companion would, by some unforeseen power, +avert the threatening blow. She betrayed no astonishment. Though daily +expecting the sickening news of the marriage, the private secretary of +Sir Howard almost staggered under the sudden weight of anxiety which +possessed him when Captain Douglas made the startling disclosure, with +the accompanying remark: "Jove! I always said that Gerald Bereford was a +lucky fellow." + +The thoughtful gaze of Mr. Howe as he stood in mute and silent +astonishment, raised a laugh from his companion, with the addition of a +second remark, implying that her ladyship must have made sad havoc upon +the heart of a certain individual, judging from the effect produced by +the announcement of her marriage. + +True indeed! Lady Rosamond had made havoc upon the heart and affection +of a _certain individual_, as Captain Douglas roughly remarked, but not +the one to whom he made direct allusion. + +The heart that suffered most will be the last to acknowledge. "Heaven +pity poor Trevelyan," murmured Mr. Howe. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +NEW FRIENDS--THE 81ST--SOCIAL RECREATION. + + +Fredericton society was now becoming amply compensated for the loss +sustained by the departure of the 52nd Regiment. The gallant Col. Creagh +had become a general favorite. Waterloo, with its bloody scenes and +brilliant victory, was still fresh in his memory. He never wearied in +relating these with fond pride, while his heart was fired with an +enthusiasm that stirred every vein with renewed patriotic impulses. The +gentlemanly conduct that marked the officers of the 81st, soon won the +esteem of the citizens, and placed them on confidential and friendly +terms within a short time after their arrival. Though not distinguished +by the sporting propensities of their predecessors, the general tone of +society received a loftier impetus, social intercourse on a moderate +basis was the general feature of the present. Balls and parties were of +greater importance than the sports of the turf or field. It must not be +inferred the 81st Regiment was quiet and inactive from the facts thus +stated. On the contrary, they were gay, dashing and animated, full of the +vigour and energy of military life; but the comparison affects them not +when we say that the sporting reputation of the 52nd Regiment was +unprecedented in military records. Among those deserving notice was +Jasper Creagh. He was a winning and agreeable youth, displaying much of +the daring and military spirit of his distinguished sire. Many hearts +beat faster when they listened to the manly voice of the young soldier. +Within a very short space of time an intimacy sprang up between the +latter and Lieutenant Trevelyan, who more than sustained the very +flattering reputation forwarded by Major McNair. + +Jasper Creagh found much pleasure in the company of his newly made +friend, while the observant Colonel was well pleased by the preference +which showed such judgment on the part of his eldest son. + +Frequent allusions were made to the marriage of Lady Rosamond. This +brilliant match had afforded much subject for gossip in the higher +social circles. Lieutenant Trevelyan quietly listened to the earnest +congratulations showered upon this union with apparent interest, often +replying to the inquiries of Jasper Creagh with marked concern. His +secret was unknown, he could brave the matter with heroic fortitude, +while perhaps in after years, time will have effaced those fond +memories. It was a bitter trial, but had he known that hearts more +liable to succumb to the frailties of nature had borne up bravely +against the struggling conflicts of feeling, the thought would have +afforded some relief. + +Captain Douglas in his boisterous jocose remarks had unconsciously been +the means of aiming many unerring and merciless shafts at the heart of +the despondent lieutenant. Mr. Howe, on many occasions, would generously +have forced his companion to desist, but the sacrifice would have been +too great. It were better that the secret remain untold even at the +expense of a few such stabs. + +In spite of the maneuvering conversational tactics of Mr. Howe, +Captain Douglas could not resist the vein of humor which flowed in +incessant remark upon those with whom it came in contact. "Lady Rosamond +made sad havoc in Fredericton," was his endless theme. "Look at Howe, +judging from the length of his face the matter has assumed a serious +aspect. There is some doubt as to the exact state of Trevelyan's heart. +If the face be taken as an index to the mind, we will pronounce his case +as a milder type of the same disease." + +Many like jokes were passed around by the incorrigible Charles Douglas, +but to all Guy Trevelyan was invulnerable. He betrayed no sign of the +inward tempest raging within, save by the almost imperceptible +expression which had attracted the scrutinizing eye of the generous +hearted Mr. Howe. + +The band of the 81st was a great source of amusement to the citizens. It +daily furnished music on the Officers' Square, which was entirely free +to every peaceably disposed citizen. Another attractive feature was the +frequent sights of numerous barges rowing up and down the river. The gay +strains of music that floated upon the air, the flutter of +bright-colored pennons, the waving of streamers, bright faces, merry +hearts, and joyous song, made the scene both enjoyable and imposing. +Frequently the excursionists landed on the islands above the city, +enjoying the hours in roaming around the woody precincts, in merry +conversation, outdoor sport, or the pleasure of the dance. Thus did the +citizens spend the greater number of the pleasant summer evenings in the +indebtedness of their military friends. + +The band-master stood high in the esteem of all ranks and classes. Mr. +Hoben had indeed succeeded in filling the position occupied by his +predecessor in relation with the Philharmonic Society, sparing no pains +in the instruction of every member. + +The above named musical organization had now attained a degree of +proficiency that was manifest on every public appearance. + +Mr. Yorke, of whom mention was made on several former occasions, was a +great favorite in musical circles. His taste was consulted on the +arrangement of many programmes intended for public dinners, and such +demonstrations as called forth a ready response from the general public. +The musical abilities of Vivian Yorke were afterwards kept in constant +requisition. + +The various schemes pushed forward by Sir Howard Douglas for the +advancement of the welfare of the Province were heartily endorsed by the +people. Steady advances were being made in every pursuit, while that of +agriculture was foremost. Societies were formed with a view to adopt +measures the most favorable for the advancement of a cause to which all +others were secondary in the estimation of Sir Howard. York County +Agricultural Society, at that time, was composed of a body of +influential members, whose places have never since been filled by any +who took such a deep interest in those matters. Such names as those of +the Hon. Messrs. Baillie, Odell, Street, Black, Saunders, Bliss, Peters, +Shore, Minchin, and many others, grace the pages of the yearly reports +issued by the society. + +An event occurred about this time which had considerable effect upon the +social atmosphere of Fredericton. The old part of the officers' +barracks, known as the mess-room, was completely destroyed by fire. It +was in the depth of winter, on a very cold night, and many experienced +much exposure and fatigue. The promptness displayed, both by military +and citizens, may still be remembered by some of the older inhabitants. +On this occasion a poor soldier would have been suffocated were it not +for the presence of mind displayed by Mr. Yorke, who, on hearing the +groans of the distressed man, burst in the door and bore him out amid +stifling volumes of smoke and flame. + +Much inconvenience arose from the fact of being deprived of comfortable +quarters at such an inclement season; but the citizens soon had the +pleasure of seeing the officers' mess-room of the 81st stationed in the +brick building situated on the corner of Queen and Regent streets, where +they had procured temporary accommodation until another and more +commodious building should be erected on the site of the former. It was +only by such fires that the town of Fredericton succeeded in presenting +a more imposing appearance. Small two-story wooden houses, with smaller +door and windows, occupied Queen street with an air of ease, seeming to +defy progress, and only to be removed by the devouring elements which +occasionally made havoc upon those wooden structures. + +The present season was remarkable for the many skating tournaments which +were held upon the ice in the vicinity of Fredericton. Among those who +distinguished themselves were Captain Hansard, an officer retired from +the service, and a young gentleman afterwards known in connection with +the Crown Land Department and later as a member of the Executive +Government, yet an active member of the Legislative Council. The most +astonishing feats were performed during the time thus occupied. The +officers of the 81st were superior skaters, among whom was Major Booth +whose remarkable evolutions gained great notoriety. It is a matter of +question whether the feats of the present day to which our attention is +sometimes directed, could in anywise compete with those of the days of +which we write. Lieutenant Trevelyan had acquired a proficiency in the +art that was worthy of admiration. In this healthy pastime he took +secret delight. It afforded moments when he could steal miles away and +give himself up to those quiet reveries from which the dreamer finds +relief. To a sensitive and poetic mind, what is more enjoyable than the +silent hours of solitude when the soul is revelling in the delights of +idealism; its sweet commune with kindred spirits; its longing and +fanciful aspirations? Who that is not possessed of those precious gifts +of the soul can realize the happiness that Guy Trevelyan derived from +this source? He could, as it were, divest himself of earthy material and +live in the ethereal essence of divine communion. In those flights of +bliss the loved form of Lady Rosamond was ever near. Her presence +hallowed the path whereon he trod. None others invaded the sanctity of +this realm of dreams. One soul was there--one being--alas! to wake in +one realty. + +Mary Douglas was at all times a true sympathizer. She always took a deep +interest in her friend Guy. She liked to sit beside him and recall +little scenes wherein Lady Rosamond took part. Her merry ringing laugh +showed the purity of the mind within. Together they spent many hours in +interesting and amusing conversation. Not a thought save that of true +friendship entered the mind of either. From this alone arose the full +confidence alike reposed in each. Mary Douglas was even more beautiful +than Lady Rosamond. Her features were formed as regularly as a model of +an Angelo; her expression might be a life-long study for a DaVinci, a +Rubens, or a Reynolds. Yet such beauty had not power to fan anew the +smouldering fire which consumed the vitality of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +existence. On the other hand this lovely girl saw not in her companion +anything that could create any feeling akin to love. Such was the entire +confidence thus reposed that they were amused at any trifling remarks of +those who daily summed up what evidence supported their conjectures. +Frequently Mr. Howe turned his attention to the affairs of the +unfortunate lieutenant, vainly wishing that such an attachment might be +formed and likewise reciprocated. He was certain of the fact that Guy +Trevelyan was worthy the hand of the most distinguished and beautiful. He +was aware that Sir Howard entertained the highest regard to the son of +his old friend Colonel Trevelyan who, as a baronet and gentleman, had a +reputation worthy his manly son. The arguments advanced by Mr. Howe were +by no means lessened when he wondered if Lady Rosamond could possibly +have gained the secret which possessed Guy Trevelyan. He held too high an +opinion of her ladyship to harbor the thought that she would triumph in +the conquest thus gained on the eve of her marriage with Gerald Bereford. +Ah no! Lady Rosamond could not have known it. So reasoned the thoughtful +secretary. + +In the meantime Lady Rosamond is enjoying the constant whirl and gaiety +of London life. Her husband is immersed in the broil of parliamentary +affairs. As a representative of his native borough, he is responsible +for every grievance, real or imaginary, under which his constituents +are daily groaning. The party with whom he was associated was daily +becoming unpopular--a crisis was at hand--a dissolution was expected. +Another appeal to the country would probably take place. Her ladyship +was not a politician; she understood not the measure so proudly +discussed by the wives of statesmen and representatives. Still she could +not but feel a desire to share in the interests of her husband. In the +bustle and turmoil of busy life she felt grateful. Excitement fed her +inquietude; it bore her along upon the breast of the dizzy waves. It was +well that Lady Rosamond was thus occupied. She gave grand and sumptuous +dinner parties, and entertained her guests with balls on a scale of +princely magnificence. Her luncheons were indeed sufficient to cheer the +most despondent and misanthropic. Gaiety in its varied forms +predominated over Lady Rosamond's establishment. + +Gerald Bereford was proud of the homage poured at the feet of his +beautiful wife. Her praise was music in his ears. He listened to the +flattering courtesies with childlike pleasure. Her happiness was his. +Often when overcome with the cares and anxiety of public affairs a smile +from her ladyship had a charm like magic. A quiet caress was sure to +arouse him from the deepest apathy. + +Lady Rosamond strove hard to repay her doting husband. Every attention +was paid to his wishes. He knew not what it was to suffer the slightest +neglect. Gerald Bereford was happy. His happiness was often the subject +of comment of the associates of his club. His wife's unassuming beauty, +her grace and virtues, attracted many who were solicitous to cultivate +her acquaintance. + +"How did you manage to secure such a prize, Bereford? She is the most +beautiful woman in the United Kingdom," exclaimed a gentleman to Gerald +Bereford, after being introduced to Lady Rosamond at a ball given by the +French ambassador, where, without any conscious effort, she had been +pronounced the most attractive amidst a bewildering array of princely +rank, wealth, dignity, youth and beauty. + +None could deny the assertion. The rich and elegant black velvet robes +worn by her ladyship displayed the beautiful transparency and form of +her snowy arms and shoulders. Flashing jewels lent a glow to the lovely +face, reflecting their purity and priceless worth. + +In the midst of her greatest triumphs Lady Rosamond felt her misery the +most unendurable. Then she experienced the cruel mockeries of the world; +_then_ she felt pangs that the glare and display of wealth must +cover--that the tribute of homage vainly sought to satisfy. At those +moments a picture of never-fading reality would flit before her mental +vision in mocking array--a picture in which her ladyship knelt with +expressive and silent gaze at the feet of the stern monitress, Duty, +whose defiant scowl denies appeal from the speaking depths of the +mournful dark eyes. Two forms are discerned in the background; the +foremost reveals the features of Gerald Bereford casting fond glances +towards the kneeling figure in the foreground. Duty wears a smile as she +beckons his approach with tokens of deep appreciation. There still +lingers another form. Whose can it be? Can we not recognize that face, +though indistinct, in the dim outline? Duty steps between and intercepts +our view. This is the picture from which Lady Rosamond vainly tried to +withdraw her thoughts, repeating the consoling words with saddened +emphasis: "Everything is ordered for the best." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +POLITICAL LIFE. + + +While Lady Rosamond received the homage of a thousand hearts and plunged +into the ceaseless round of busy life, her husband was engaged as a +fierce combatant in earnest conflicts in the political arena within the +limits of Parliament. Enclosed by vast and wondrous piles of stately +architecture, the champions fight for their respective boroughs with +untiring energy and vehement fiery ardour. The ministry, headed by the +Duke of Wellington, stood much in need of all the force which it could +bring to bear upon the rallying strength of the opposing element. Among +the latter was arrayed Mr. Bereford. His penetrating judgment and shrewd +activity were considered an important acquisition to the ranks of his +colleagues. His masterly and eloquent harangues never failed to force +deep conviction and prove the justice of his principles. Even Lady +Rosamond felt a secret pride in listening to those earnest appeals which +disclosed the honest motives by which they were actuated. Though not +gifted with the brilliant powers displayed in the conversational genius +of those women who had evidently devoted much attention to the study of +politics, her ladyship tried to feel an interest in the measures for +which her husband had devoted many of his waking hours, his superior +intellectual powers, his fond ambition. In this source she seemed to +find a sense of relief. She never flinched when any exaction was +required. If she could make some recompense for such pure and fervent +love, no matter at what cost or sacrifice, gladly would the +conscientious principles of Lady Rosamond accept the terms. Her marked +concern and unremitting attention failed not to elicit admiration from +the Premier, who, despite his stern, disciplined nature, had not +forgotten to pay tribute to the attractions of a beautiful woman. The +Iron Duke indeed showed a decided preference for her ladyship. He was +charmed with the sweet, unassuming, and childlike manner of the young +matron, and took delight in contrasting these with the glaring and +ostentatious demeanor of these high-minded and profound women with whom +he daily mingled. + +Lady Rosamond repaid the gallant Duke for such attention. She loved to +engage him in earnest and animated conversation, and watch the fire that +kindled the soul within by the light emitted from the deep flashing eye. +She felt a deep interest in the stern old warrior from the endearing +associations which his memory had woven around her. While in Fredericton +her ladyship had heard many stories in which her friends had also +figured in close relation to the hero of a hundred fights. Sir Howard +Douglas had oftentimes entertained his family circle with a recital of +such scenes. The friend of Sir Howard, Colonel Trevelyan, was also an +actor in the great drama. But the last personage could not possibly +cause any tender interest to the mind of Lady Rosamond. + +Gerald Bereford was opposed in principle to the present administration. +He formed one of the strongest leaders of the opposition. His heart was +in the work before him; he would not flinch from the responsibility. His +haggard countenance often gave evidence of the spirit which influenced +his actions; yet he wearied not. A mild reproof from his lovely wife +would for the while have some effect, when he would devote all his +leisure to her comfort and pastime, being fully repaid by the most +simple caress or quiet smile. + +Early in the next year an event followed which had a great effect both +on political and social life. His Majesty, George the Fourth, had passed +away from earth. Among those within our acquaintance few there were who +deeply regretted the circumstance. + +Lady Rosamond, in writing a friend, said: "We cannot indeed entertain +any lasting regrets for one who inflicted such misery upon one of our +sex. The unfortunate queen and her tragical end inspires me with a +feeling bordering upon hate towards the author. As women we must feel +it, but as women we must forgive." + +Thus was the matter viewed by her ladyship, who now looked forward with +happy anticipation to the approaching and brilliant pageantry. The +"Sailor King" sat peacefully on the throne of England. In the days of +her childhood Lady Rosamond loved to climb upon the knee of a handsome +nobleman--in truth a gallant prince. Lovingly did she nestle against his +manly breast with eager, childish confidence, throwing her beautiful +silken ringlets over his shoulders in gleeful pride. Many times had she +kissed the lips of her royal patron, while he playfully designated her +his "White Rose of England." Among the many beautiful trinkets she had +received at his hands none were more valuable or precious than the +jewelled locket bearing the simple inscription "William," appended to a +miniature chain, which she had always worn around her neck in grateful +remembrance. The kind-hearted prince had won the lovely child. Kind +memories can never be obliterated from kind hearts. + +Lady Rosamond in after years never forgot the sailor prince of her +childhood days. The old admiral was proud of the attachment thus formed +in his early career. He had entertained towards the generous prince a +warm regard. In naval cruises they were often thrown in company, while +on more than one occasion Sir Thomas had granted leave to obtain the +service of his young friend for a lengthened cruise. + +It is not, therefore, a matter of surprise that Lady Rosamond hailed +with rapturous delight the accession of the sailor prince as William the +Fourth of England. Her hopes beat high as she thought of the approaching +ceremony when she would once more be recognized by her old friend. Has +she outgrown his memory? or has he kept her still in view through each +successive stage of life? Many were the speculations formed within the +mind of her ladyship as she made the elaborate preparation necessary for +the intended reception. The day at length arrived. The king and queen +were to receive the nobility of the realm. Dukes, earls, viscounts, +marquises, baronets, with all the titled members of their families, were +to pass in array before the conscious glance and smile of majesty. + +The royal reception chamber blazed with dazzling splendour. Titled +courtiers in costly dresses of crimson, purple, and violet velvet, +embroidered in gold, glittering with the many orders upon their breasts, +while the jewelled hilt of the golden scabbards flashed in dazzling rays +of light. These lined the apartment or moved to and fro at the summon of +royalty. Ladies of honor were grouped at respective distances from their +sovereign mistress ready to obey her slightest behest. Their costly +robes, courtly grace, and distinguished appearance, befitted the noble +blood which ran through their veins as proof of their present proud +position. To a stranger the scene was impressive. On first entering the +train of attendants and military display is sufficient to quell the most +stout hearted. Passing along with as much dignity as the person can, he +is announced in loud stentorian tones by the lord chamberlain, who +glances at the card thus presented. Then advancing towards the throne, +kneeling down, kissing the back of His Majesty's hand, and passing along +in the train of his predecessor forms the remaining part of the +ceremony. During this time hundreds will have taken part in these +proceedings, happy in the thought of having received a respectful bow +from the grateful monarch in return for the deep and almost overpowering +embarrassment that possesses the one taking part in those imposing +ceremonies. + +The rising blush on Lady Rosamond's cheek showed the excitement that +stirred the depths of her inward feelings. She was carried back to the +happy child days when no shade hovered near; when no bitter concealment +lurked in the recesses of her joyous heart; when her fond plans were +openly discussed before the sailor prince with intense merriment and +glee. Vainly she sighed as she thought of what might have been. Though in +the present the inference was distasteful, her ladyship could not dismiss +the subject. As she stands quietly awaiting her turn in the order of +presentation, let us once more picture the beautiful face and form which +have won our entire sympathy. + +Lady Rosamond has lost none of the beauty hitherto depicted in her +charms. She is still lovely as when described while a guest at +Government House. Her cheek has lost none of its roundness; the outline +is full, striking, fresh and interesting; the expressive dark eyes have +lost not their usual brilliancy, save a mournful tenderness that is more +often betrayed than formerly; the lustrous black hair is wantonly +revelling in all the luxuriance of its former beauty. Time nor +experience has not the ruthless power to desecrate such sacred charms. +Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the +blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where +seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy. Well might Gerald +Bereford have been fond of his wife as she approached the "Sailor King," +in her train of white satin and velvet sparkling with diamonds, with a +grace bespeaking ease, trust and dignified repose. The announcement of +Lady Rosamond Bereford afforded striking proof of the warm-heartedness +of his majesty, showing he did not forget his former white rose of +England. His eagle eye detected the small jewelled gift almost concealed +within the breast of her ladyship, as she lowly bent down to kiss the +hand of her sovereign. A beautiful blush overspread the features of Lady +Rosamond as she felt the directed gaze. "Your ladyship has not forgotten +the sharer of her childhood joys," exclaimed His Majesty with expressive +smile. + +A deep blush succeeded when the kneeling suppliant recovered sufficient +self-possession to reply. "Your Majesty will pardon this occasion to +acknowledge the great honor conferred by this tender allusion to a loving +and loyal subject." + +In her blushing loveliness, Lady Rosamond received a fragrant and +beautiful white rose from the hand of her liege sovereign as expressive +of the desired continuation of his former regard and endearment. This +was truly a remarkable moment in the life of her ladyship. She felt the +true force and depth of friendship. If the favor of her monarch could +give happiness, would she not exercise a large monopoly? Yet there was +happiness enjoined in the ceremony. His Majesty was happy to meet his +former friend and companion. Her Majesty the Queen was happy to find one +in whom her husband found so much to admire. Gerald Bereford was truly +happy in having such royal favour extended towards the lovely being upon +whom he lavished his fond love. + +These circumstances gave some relief to lady Rosamond and taught her +many lessons through suffering to which she could return with thankful +gratitude for the bitter trials so heavily imposed. Sometimes a feeling +of remorse took possession of her ladyship as she looked upon the face +of her husband and fancied that there rested a yearning, wistful look, a +lingering for her truer sympathy. She sometimes felt that her husband +also cherished his vain regrets, his moments of bitter conflicts when he +tried to smother the unbidden thoughts that would thus arise. These +fancies often roused Lady Rosamond to a sense of her duty with wholesome +effect. + +This mark of royal favor was not lost upon Lady Rosamond. Her Majesty +expressed a wish to receive the king's favorite among the ladies of her +household. But the tearful eyes of the beautiful matron forbade any +further mention. The German propensities of Queen Adelaide would not +force any measure thus proposed. Lady Rosamond had full access to the +royal household, receiving the confidence of her royal patroness with +true grace. + +Now began the struggle for Reform in the Parliament. Throughout the +kingdom arose the cry of Reform which had been echoed from the second +French revolution. Among all classes arose the war note of Reform. It +sounded loud and high. It was borne over the continent. Nothing but +Reform. Reform of the House of Commons was the subject discussed at +every fireside. + +Affairs had now reached a political crisis. The Duke of Wellington, with +his unrestrained and high-bred principles of conservatism, could not +brook such an innovation upon the time-honored laws and customs of the +British constitution. He could not favor a faction that would +countenance the spoliation of England's hitherto undimmed greatness and +national pride. Hence arose a new ministry under the united leadership +of Earl Grey and Lord John Russell. In Gerald Bereford the supporters of +the Reform measure found a zealous adherent. He seemed to lay aside +every other consideration in advancing the scheme which lay so near his +heart. Lengthy and private consultations were held between the latter +and his sincere friend and adviser, Earl Grey. Days and nights were +passed in fierce and endless controversy in the House of Commons. + +This was the only point in which Lady Rosamond failed to convince her +husband of the injury sustained by such constant turmoil and anxiety +involved in these measures. When she quietly endeavored to reason upon +such a course of conduct he smilingly replied: "My darling, duty calls +me and you would not see me inactive when the demand is so imperative? +Surely my beautiful rose would not like to have the breath of slander +attached to her husband as guilty of cowardice or desertion from the +ranks of his party? Ah, no, my darling," cried the earnest politician, +preventing his wife's retort with the tender kisses of a true and ardent +love. It did indeed seem strange that the more earnestly Lady Rosamond +pleaded with her husband the more firmly did he resist, and, if +possible, the more ardent he became in his attention. Lady Rosamond felt +a strange and unaccountable desire to interfere with the plans laid down +by Gerald Bereford. Many times she urged upon Earl Grey the necessity of +moderation, and, with a vehemence foreign to her nature, strove to +impress him with prophetic visions of anxiety, doubt, and fear. Her +ladyship was somewhat reconciled by the resignation of the Premier, who, +in his joking manner, attributed his want of success to the hostile +attitude of the wife of his friend, Gerald Bereford. + +But the conflict was kept up with renewed energy. The Reform party were +not to be thus easily outwitted. They were still sanguine. During the +period when the ministry vacillated between the Conservatives and Whigs, +the spirits of the latter never drooped. Victory was the watchword that +attached itself to the Reform party. Victory was the cry of Gerald +Bereford as he labored day and night with untiring zeal, utterly +regardless of the ravages thus made upon his hitherto robust +constitution. In this exciting struggle the young politician was +unconscious of the deadly and venomous growth taking root within +under the baneful effect of negligence and over-taxed powers. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +NEW BRUNSWICK. + + +The capital of New Brunswick was the scene of more than usual +excitement. Extensive preparations throughout the higher classes of +society indicated that some very important event or events were about to +take place. Extravagant purchases made in the several stores where were +displayed dry goods, intimated that the fair sex looked forward to the +approaching festivity with intense and joyous anticipation. + +New-year's eve has arrived. Happiness expresses itself in rippling +smiles beaming upon all faces. Every citizen has cause for rejoicing. +The commodious structure planned under the supervision of His +Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, is now ready for the reception of a +numerous assemblage of guests. The family are reinstated in Government +House, happy in being once more able to extend their far-famed +hospitality as on former occasions. + +Nothing was wanting to make the present reception one of the most +gorgeous in the social records of provincial life. Every window in the +entire building was brilliantly illuminated in the most beautiful colors +of every hue and in a charming variety of scenes. There were represented +the western heavens at sunset in crimson and gold; the rising glories of +the approaching monarch shown on the eastern hill tops; scenes of +classical beauty shone in bewitching effect. Any attempt to +particularize fails in the very effort. Suffice to say Government House +blazed, not in the spontaneous spirit which displayed itself when the +former building succumbed, but by the heightening aid of artistic skill +and design. From a distance the sight was truly beautiful. Many gazed +with unwearied eyes anxious to behold a view which might never again be +afforded them. The incessant peals of merry sleigh bells seemed to +harmonize with the merriment and gaiety of the guests as they hurried to +their destination. The array of rank, wealth, youth and beauty thus +assembled are never again to be realized. Every colony in His Majesty's +domains in America was represented. Every one holding high rank or title +was present. Lady Douglas with kindling eye glanced through the +different rooms and pronounced the affair a decided success. + +Mary Douglas experienced a feeling of sadness while drawing a comparison +between the present occasion and one in which Lady Rosamond was an +honored guest. She could not but feel a deep yearning towards her old +friend--a fond and tender longing to embrace the beautiful Lady Rosamond +Bereford. + +The drawing-rooms reflected credit upon those who assisted in the +decorations. Brilliant colors, banners, emblems, mottoes, flags, +pennons, and coats of arms were intermingled with an eye to harmony and +graceful effect. + +The military precedence on every hand shewed the spirit which influenced +Sir Howard and his distinguished family. Nearly all the gentlemen of the +household were distinguished by their uniform. Every attendant was in +uniform. Soldiers lined the grounds; soldiers kept hourly patrol; +soldiers executed every command. The social atmosphere of Government +House breathed of a true soldier-like element. The ladies felt its +influence as they took delight in listening to the chequered scenes +amidst the lives of the many veterans who sat at their table. + +The 81st now graced the evening by a numerous body of officers with the +gallant Colonel Creagh foremost in the assembly. The genial countenance +of the old veteran, his sparkling eye and animated gestures found ready +entrance into many hearts. Conspicuous were Jasper Creagh, now attached +to the regiment as holding a lieutenant's commission, and his friend +Trevelyan, now promoted to the rank of Captain, and still enjoying the +unbounded good will and confidence of superiors and inferiors. + +The faithful secretary still sustained his former resources for +enjoyment and festivity. He had made himself agreeable to many fair +ladies, acting the part of a gallant attendant, but his heart remained +unimpressed, often a source of keen enjoyment to Captain Douglas, who +vainly tried to captivate his friend in many ways. Mr. Howe was a +distinguished and fine-looking gentleman, remarkably tall and straight, +while the keen glance of his dark eye was sufficient to convince one of +the powers of penetration forming such weighty proportion in the make-up +of his character. His olive skin formed a pleasing contrast to the pearl +white complexion of the beautiful daughter of the household, as they +mingled together in the dance. The sparkle of that lovely eye was enough +to drive the adoring suitors to distraction, yet Mary Douglas coolly +withstood their ardent gaze. Dance and song mingle in successive round. +Youth and age alike join in the fairy scene. Arch glances pass from +courtly cavaliers to beautiful maidens who "blush at the praise of their +own loveliness." The rustle of silken draperies sound to the ear as +unseen music at the hand of the warbling genii. Robes of spotless purity +and gossamer texture flit around, keeping time to the merry ringing +silvery peals of girlish merriment. Such are the scenes that greet the +eye and ear in roaming amid the gay throng at Government House, +Fredericton, on the New Year's Eve of 1828. + +It would be a difficult task to make particular mention of the +aristocratic matrons; still it would be a great injustice to pass over a +matter of so much importance. In fact, by some, the married ladies bore +off the palm for beauty and intelligence. Of a certainty the comparison +excepted the ladies of Government House, there being none who could +compete with Mary Douglas, her beauty being of a superior type. + +At the ball a married lady of rank wore diamonds valued at a cost +seeming fabulous. Others followed in the wake of such extravagance by +wearing necklaces, bracelets, head-dresses, ear-rings, and brooches, in +almost unlimited profusion. Add to this the magnificent array of Sir +Howard's supper table, its glittering plate in massive style, its +enormous chandeliers, its countless train of liveried attendants, and +you can then only form a very faint conception of the first ball given +in the present Government House, nearly half a century in the past! + +Truly this was the chivalric age in the history of the capital of New +Brunswick--the age when proud knighthood was the ruling passion in the +breasts of the sterner sex, when true heroic bravery was the quality +which won the maiden fair, when the breath of slander could not be +tolerated without calling forth a brave champion on behalf of the +wronged. This is the age that has passed away never to return. Progress +and Reform are the two great powers combined to crush out all traces of +those by-gone days. In united action they ruthlessly wipe out every +vestige or lingering relics of past greatness. Nothing must stand in +opposition to their will. Reform suggests, Progress acts--Reform +suggests the removal of all old landmarks--Progress assists in the +accomplishment. By such means, and through successive stages, did those +days pass away, now to be reviewed, as a beautiful dream of the past. + +Leaving this point we will proceed with the facts of the story. + +The day following marked an event of much greater importance than that +of the preceding evening--it was important to all--all classes were +afterwards to be benefited by the great boon thus conferred on the +people of New Brunswick. Every parish and county had reason afterwards +to rejoice in the great work of this auspicious moment. + +On New year's day of this year was opened the College at Fredericton. +The Charter had been procured by Sir Howard after having withstood a +storm of violent opposition, under which an ordinary spirit would have +sunk in hopeless despondency; but the iron will and calm judgment of the +wise statesman and ruler had outlived the fury of the opposing element, +who now reaped the reward of his indefatigable labors by the +accomplishment of the great work. + +The king showed his sanction by conferring upon this Institution the +name of "King's College, New Brunswick," while to Sir Howard he assigned +the honor of being its first chancellor, in acknowledgment of the great +service thus rendered to the cause. + +In this office His Excellency was duly installed on the present +occasion. Divine service was performed as the first ceremony. The +professors and students were in their places. Members of the legislature +and the royal council occupied seats, while the public thronged the +building to the utmost capacity. + +Great and heartfelt was the burst of applause that greeted Sir Howard as +he took his place: greater still, when he announced the intention of the +king in conferring his name upon the College. The expressive features, +high, broad intellectual forehead, earnest eye, benign countenance and +honest smile perhaps were never more significant of the earnestness that +pervaded every thought and action of the gentleman, scholar, and +soldier, as when he uttered sentiments which shall be cherished through +after ages, so long as King's College shall remain a monument to the +memory of the best and greatest man that ever trod the soil of New +Brunswick. + +Let us make use of his own words: "I shall leave with the College," he +said, "I trust, for ever a token of my regard and best wishes. It shall +be prepared in a form and devoted to an object which I hope may prove a +useful incitement to virtue and learning; and at periodical +commemorations of the commencement it may serve to remind you of the +share which I have had in the institutions and proceedings of a day +which I shall never forget." + +Nor did this friend of education ever forget his promise. The Douglas +Gold Medal is still competed for though many years have rolled between +the time when the first and last were presented. The distinguished donor +has passed away, but his pledge remains. Memory fondly clings around the +deeds of Sir Howard and throws over them a halo of light that will shine +with increasing splendor as time lengthens the distance between. + +The boundary question still assumed a troubled and unsettled state. Many +complaints were laid before his Excellency, but he calmly resolved to +grant no concessions. He treated every messenger with polite firmness. +Congratulations poured in from the Governor General from Canada and the +British Minister at Washington, regarding the cleverness and ability +displayed on the occasion. At last it became evident that no direct +conciliation could be effected between the disputants. Another course +must be adopted. An arrangement was agreed upon between the English and +Americans that the matter be left to arbitration, to the decision of the +king of the Netherlands. In such knowledge the people felt and saw a +common dread, a common anxiety, a gloomy foreboding. Such knowledge +brought the painful idea of separation. Sir Howard was appointed to +prepare the case for presentation. His presence was imperative in +England. A heavy blow fell like a death knell on the future hopes of the +colonists. Their true friend, sympathizer and ruler was about to take +leave. Many mourned his departure as that of a father or brother. Their +friend in prosperity and dire adversity; he who had struggled with the +calamities and worked for the advancement of his people, their interests +and direct benefits, was now to embark for his native land. + +Regret was depicted on every face as the colonists moved in large bodies +to return grateful recognition for the zealous labors spent in their +behalf. Every society took active measures in showing their mingled +regret. Tears rained thick and fast as many old friends grasped the hand +of Sir Howard, murmuring a last God bless you. The kind-hearted soldier +could not but feel deeply when he witnessed such hearty demonstrations, +yet he had hopes of returning to New Brunswick. He cheered the people +with such remarks and strove to make the least of the matter. + +Nor was the family of Sir Howard less to be regretted. Their kind +hospitality, generous hearts, and unassuming dispositions, had made many +friends in Fredericton and throughout the Province. + +Lady Douglas strove to conceal her regret with many well-timed remarks. +Mary Douglas lovingly lingered among the well-remembered walks and paths +where she had spent peaceful and happy days. The lovely spring-time +which she had looked forward to, with its songs of birds, bright +sunshine, lovely flowers, and green fields, had come again, but not for +her enjoyment. Other ears would listen to the warbling songster--other +forms would sit in her accustomed seats and enjoy the pleasing +sunshine--other hands would pluck the lonely flowers blooming in beauty +all around--other footsteps would roam over the soft green grass that +gently raised its head as she tripped lightly along in former years. +_These_ were the friends of Mary Douglas, truly the child of nature. +Birds, flowers, fields, sunshine, rain, and storm, were the constant +companions of the gifted and beautiful student. The warble of the birds +was to her of more worth than the most bewitching strains of an English +opera; flowers taught lessons more inspiring and sublime than the most +profound theological discussion. Verdant fields and bright sunshine were +constant reminders of Heaven's choicest blessings and never-failing +truth, while the stormy conflicts of nature's elements taught the heart a +wholesome lesson in the thought that life has its changing moods, its +bitter conflicts, its merciless storms. + +Sad was the heart of the dreamer as she wandered for the last time amid +these never-to-be-forgotten haunts. Tears dimmed her lovely eyes and +trickled down her cheeks. The scene was too sacred for other eyes. She +had started off alone, wishing to pay the last tribute of respect to her +silent friends in a manner becoming the solemnity of the occasion. + +We leave Mary Douglas in her sylvan retreat and follow other members of +the family in their tender leave-taking. + +Miss Douglas echoes the same spirit as her sister, but with less poetic +eloquence and fervent inspiration. She looks upon the faces of many dear +young friends and feels a deep pang of sorrow as their tears mingle with +her own. John Douglas, no longer a mischievous, romping, and noisy boy, +but an engaging and attractive young gentleman, ready to enter the army, +takes a hearty leave of his former schoolmates and companions with +sincere regret, bearing with him their united wishes for his future +welfare and success in life. + +It would be an endless task to enumerate the bitter repinings and tender +leave-taking between each member of the family, and the numerous hosts +of sincere friends who pressed around them, eager to wish God speed on +the journey. Suffice to say, amid the last parting word, the last +pressure of the hand, and the last fond embrace, the beloved family of +Sir Howard Douglas took their last glimpse of Fredericton, dimmed by +their fast falling tears, as the steamer slowly passed from the wharf, +whence issued the plaintive strains of "Auld Lang Syne," to be borne +ever after in the memory of those who listened to the last parting +tribute wafted from the shores of Fredericton. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +REGRETS. + + +Though most of those in whom we have taken such deep interest have left +the Province far behind, we cannot bear the thought of following them +until more fond ties be broken that binds them to our native home. Ah! +were we to consider every fond tie, there could be no hope for +separation. There are ties which bind the heart as lovingly as those of +friendship, there are ties which cling while we breath the inspiration +of every page within the universal volumes of Heaven's choicest +productions--the great book of nature--the teacher and refiner of the +soul. This is the tie which clings to us through the medium of holy +thought, inspiring, elevating and cheering. + +Among those who most deeply felt the departure of the inmates of +Government House, none were more reserved in their demonstrations than +Captain Trevelyan, who calmly watched each successive step in the order +of preparation with a quiet reserve that to the uninitiated would appear +as void of feeling. + +But the brave and handsome officer showed not the fathomless depths and +feelings of his true heart, which throbbed with a renewed emotion. With +a sense of utter loneliness he lamented the bitter misfortune which had +been his attendant since he had left the peaceful home of his +fatherland. Mary Douglas, his kind friend and companion, had been as a +gentle and loving sister to raise for a time his flagging spirits. Mr. +Howe had ever been at his side to show unceasing acts of kindness and +brighten those dark hours with a tender but inexpressive sympathy. +Captain Trevelyan could never forget the motives which actuated these, +still he did not exhibit any outward show of gratitude save by a firm +and passive confidence. + +Knowing the true nature of such friendship, Mr. Howe would have +experienced deeper regret at parting were he not aware that he would +meet Captain Trevelyan early in the following year. + +Left to the undisturbed quiet of his own thoughts, Captain Trevelyan +formed many plans regarding his future career. A work was steadily going +on within while he attended the duties devolving upon him in connection +with his military life. + +It had always been the true aim of this soldier to discharge his labors +faithfully and with a desire to please. His genial nature and generous +heart gained the popularity of the entire regiment. Not only did he +treat his superior officers with profound respect but his inferiors as +well. Every subordinate officer and private loved to meet his friendly +smile. Every one vied in doing some act that would receive his +approbation. Truly did Colonel Creagh make the following remark to a +distinguished General, who was inspecting the troops: "If ever man were +born who possessed not a single enemy, I believe that man is Captain +Trevelyan." + +"I believe you," returned the General, "goodness is stamped upon his +handsome face, but seldom is it so clearly defined as to insure such +general approval." + +"Sometimes," added the Colonel, "I have doubts regarding the serious +intentions of our friend. It has been whispered that he begins to weary +of the service. I have not had sufficient reason to confirm the truth of +the statement, but I shall feel much dissatisfied if it prove correct. +Sir Howard Douglas always maintained that Trevelyan is a scion of the +old stock, that he possesses the same qualities that distinguished his +father. It would indeed be a source of regret were all to be +disappointed by his retirement," said the Colonel, in a tone of deep +earnestness. + +"If the family resources are large he may have sufficient reason for +such an act," ventured the General interrogatively. + +"Sir Guy Trevelyan," said the Colonel, by way of explanation, "owns a +fine old estate in Hampshire, which yields a moderate income. His only +son will be his direct heir, and Captain Trevelyan can at any +opportunity enjoy the ease and retirement of private life." + +"I should not be surprised were he to avail himself of the departure of +the regiment," exclaimed the general, adding, "there is not much +distinction now to be gained in the service. Captain Trevelyan might +remain an honorable officer in His Majesty's service for years to come +and not attain the position marked out by his distinguished parent." + +Many remarks were thus applied to this officer by the gallant colonel of +the 81st Regiment. Every sentence showed not only the high esteem in +which Captain Trevelyan was held by the veteran of Waterloo, but the +fears entertained by the latter in regard to his rumoured retirement. + +Not long after the above conversation took place Fredericton was to +witness another departure--the gallant 81st, under orders, were to be +relieved by the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. The same formalities +of interchanging regrets were to be passed between those departing and +the citizens. The same congratulations were to be presented in +appreciation of the high esteem entertained towards the entire regiment +in the presentation of testimonials and other marks of respect. + +The morning preceding the departure of the company to which Captain +Trevelyan was attached, afterwards formed an important one in his life. +Colonel Creagh's fears were realized by intimation from Captain Trevelyan +with intention to make application for a discharge immediately on his +arrival in England. + +After long and grave deliberation he had fully made up his mind, while a +letter received from his sister gave twofold assurance of the great +delight which such news communicated to the family. + +As this young girl will now be introduced to the reader, we take the +liberty of inserting the letter, showing the tenderness of feeling +existing between the brother and sister, the fond anticipation breathed +through every sentence, and the deep interest manifested in the friends +of the absent one. + +Frequently did Guy Trevelyan re-open the envelope and bring forth the +precious missive, written in a delicate feminine hand, containing the +following:-- + + Trevelyan Hall, near Winchester, Sept. 19th, 1830. + + _Dear Brother Guy_,-- + + Your fond letter of the 20th was received in due time, conveying + the most delightful news that ever was written. How can I await + your dear presence? Really it seems almost too much happiness to + realize that you will once more return home to remain. Papa writes + that he warmly approves of your decision, intimating that I must + have been instrumental in procuring such good fortune for us all. I + dare not dream too fondly lest by some means I may be disappointed; + but, dearest Guy, once restored to us, our delight will be + unbounded. + + You must not expect to have a very long letter this time, as I + cannot settle my thoughts to think of aught but yourself and "The + Restoration." If the second be not of such universal display as the + one so grandly portrayed in history, it is doubtful whether the + sincerity attending the latter be not of a more lasting nature and + one showing the true affections of loyal and devoted hearts. + + I had almost forgotten to mention that I have frequently met Mary + Douglas, who is, at present, visiting her friend Maude Bereford, at + the Castle. Also, had the pleasure of being introduced to your + friend Mr. Howe, and feel a deep interest in him on your behalf. + Imagine my delight when he informed me of his intention to accept + your invitation to remain with us for a few days on your arrival. + It seems that I cannot remember anything. I must not forget this + time to say that great anxiety is expressed and felt at the Castle + regarding the failing health of Lady Rosamond's husband--Mr. Gerald + Bereford. For some time past he has sadly impaired his constitution + by taxing his powers beyond endurance, and when almost too late, he + withdrew from political life. Great sympathy is extended Lady + Rosamond who seems very despondent. Medical advice suggests change + of climate, and I have heard that they intend to spend the winter + in Italy. Not wishing to give any more news until I see you at + home, dear Guy, and having nothing further to add but our love, + + I remain your expectant + + Fanny. + +Fanny Trevelyan's letter had a double effect upon the mind of the +recipient. It involved both happiness and despondent gloom, and +unconsciously had struck a tender chord which vibrated with redoubled +sadness in its deep sympathy. + +Why do the waking echoes of the past take cruel delight in presenting to +the mind visions which otherwise would be laid aside in a retired recess +or a secret chamber sacred to the relics of other days and other scenes? +Why are those realities to present themselves in merciless and mocking +array to gloat upon our sufferings with fiendish delight? These are +questions only to be answered when the causes which call them forth have +ceased to exist. + +Captain Trevelyan's retirement was the subject of much concern for the +officers and men. Many discussions arose as to the motive. Lieutenant +Creagh remonstrated, but to no purpose. As the slow sailing ship bore +the gallant regiment across the Atlantic, hope reigned supreme in many +hearts. Friends and home greeted them on arrival. At Gosport, Captain +Trevelyan took formal leave, having received the strongest proofs of +sincere friendship existing between man and his fellowbeings. + +Great was the joy that awaited Guy Trevelyan as he once more entered the +fine old park enclosing the grounds of "Trevelyan Hall." His mother, a +staid and stately English matron, forgot all dignity as she threw +herself fondly into his arms. Fanny, the pet of the household, clung to +her brother with tightening embrace, showering him with kisses pure as +her maiden heart. Nor was the dutiful son less tender in his expressions +of joy, as lovingly he gazed upon the fair girl seated with her arm upon +his shoulder. He could scarcely realize that the little girl of twelve +was now the lovely maiden of eighteen almost matured into a gentle and +loveable woman. In her sweet childish manner Guy Trevelyan found much to +admire. The firm, steady gaze of her deep blue eyes had a power to rivet +the attention of the beholder, that puzzled him. He knew from the calm +and earnest tenor of his sister's manner that her heart was unfettered +by any deeper attachment than those of family ties. In the bitterness of +his feelings he thanked Heaven for this fond assurance, fervently +praying that the love of his pet sister would never be given where it +would never be returned. + +He now listened with eager curiosity to the affairs of Lady Rosamond. +Her husband had indeed, when too late, listened to her urgent +admonitions. He had resigned his seat in parliament when his physical +powers were a mere wreck of his former self. Disease had crept in by +stealth and was only too truly realized by the deep ravages thus +made--by the wasted and emaciated form--the feverish cheek and sunken +eye. + +The noble sympathetic nature of the dutiful wife felt a severe shock as +she daily was brought face to face with the dreaded fact--the awakening +reality of her husband's condition. Every care that could be bestowed by +the hand of woman was lavished upon Gerald Bereford with unceasing and +untiring devotion. No duty was too troublesome, no wish was slighted, +except that which urged her ladyship to be more attentive to her +personal wants. Every sacrifice must be made that can possibly give +returning health and strength to the future lord of Bereford Castle. No +bitter repinings now possessed the heroic woman. Her whole being was +thrown into the scale to balance the opposing weight which crushed her +husband's almost lifeless existence. The voice of one who repeatedly +made the halls of parliament ring with deafening applause was now with +an effort heard by those standing near. + +It was when such trouble bore heavily that Mary Douglas opened her heart +towards her friend Lady Rosamond. She came unbidden to offer such +service as was in her power to perform. She silently watched by the side +of Gerald Bereford with that gentle caution so needful when suffering is +apparent, or when an interval of pain or depression is to be guarded +against as a thief in disguise. + +Not a single expression ever passed between those friends with reference +to any thing that happened in Fredericton. Mary Douglas was careful to +avoid any allusion to circumstances which might call up a sudden host of +by-gone fancies which, ere this, should be consigned to the remotest +regions in the realm of utter oblivion. She was now the friend and +sympathizer of Lady Rosamond Bereford, not the childish maiden as when +first introduced, but a lovely, gifted, talented and accomplished woman, +whose mind matured with her years. Time has not lain heavily on her +hands, she having labored assiduously in exercising those talents +committed to her keeping. In after years we find the following: "Her +gifts were so varied that she was both a composer and musician, a +novelist and poet." The friend of Lady Rosamond Bereford was not to be +affected by the emotions of Lady Rosamond Seymour. The past was a sealed +casket, forever sacred to the intrusion of the present. This was the +state of feeling that existed between those noble women as they +ministered to the wants of Gerald Bereford. + +What fervent prayers were offered for the dutiful and self-sacrificing +wife as she tried to win a smile from the patient invalid. What grateful +love went forth to her as she pressed the lips of her uncomplaining +husband. In sickness as in health she had never seen his frown. His life +had been a constant source of happiness. Lady Rosamond had been the +day-star which illuminated his path with undimmed lustre and brilliancy. +In her presence he felt not the weight of suffering that at intervals +seized his exhausted frame. As symptoms of the disease began to abate +and recovery was expected, her ladyship, accompanied her husband to +Italy, where they had intended to remove some time previous, but were +prevented by a relapse of the invalid. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +SIR HOWARD DOUGLAS. + + +In order to follow up the brilliant career of this great man while +connected with the administration of New Brunswick, we will endeavor to +give a few facts to prove the marvellous ability he displayed in +carrying out his plans. + +On the passage homeward Sir Howard and family encountered many dangers. +During the whole voyage there was kept up a constant gale, sometimes +threatening the destruction of the rudely constructed brig of war named +the _Mutine_. Amidst these daily mishaps and perilous exposures the +Douglas family maintained the utmost self-possession. Sir Howard was +always ready to offer advice and assistance with a coolness that nerved +the whole crew, and gave fresh hopes at the darkest moments. During the +six weeks that elapsed, while braving the dangers of the deep, Mary +Douglas never lost an opportunity to make the most of the occasion. She +became interested in the stormy elements, learning lessons that served +her to breast the struggling conflicts of life. Observation was largely +developed in the mind of the gifted maiden. Nothing was presented to her +eye that did not afford food for study and reflection. + +The joy with which they were received in England was boundless. Friends +gathered around with heartfelt demonstrations. Sir Howard was once more +surrounded by many of his former companions. The Duke of Wellington gave +him a hearty welcome, while statesmen could scarcely refrain emotion on +beholding one who had taken such deep interest in the welfare of the +nation and showed such firmness and decision in the boundary question. +But another more distinguished honor awaited him. The University of +Oxford were ready to recognize such greatness by conferring the degree +of D. C. L. Sir Howard was called upon to be present at the +commemoration of 1829, where crowds jostled each other to get a glimpse +of this honored man. Patriotism has been, throughout history, the +leading spirit governing the Universities of Great Britain and the +present occasion proved no exception. Students were animated by the +presence of a true patriot. Cheer upon cheer greeted the announcement of +Sir Howard. Applause was boundless as he received presentation from the +public orator. That the spirit which prompted such action on the part of +this dignified body may be seen, we insert the following oration, taken +from the life of Sir Howard Douglas: + + _Most illustrious Vice-Chancellor, and you, learned Doctors_, + + I present to you a distinguished man, adorned with many virtues and + honors, belonging to military and civil affairs, as well as to + literature--Howard, a Knight and Baronet, a worthy heir of the + latter order from a renowned father, the former richly deserved + from his own king and that of Spain; a member of the Royal Society + of London, on account of the fame of his writings; for many years + the Governor of New Brunswick, followed by the admiration and favor + of his country and the reverence and love of the Province; lastly, + Chancellor of a College in that Province, built under his care and + direction, to which its patron, the king, gave his name and a + University's privileges. Behold the man! I now present him to you + that he may be admitted to the degree of a Doctor of Civil Laws for + the sake of honor. + +Further comment upon the above is unnecessary, it being sufficient to +convince one of the degree of popularity which Sir Howard had attained. + +The next place in which he plays a most conspicuous part is in the +presence of royalty at the Dutch court, where he was received with all +the honors his rank, position and claim demanded. His Majesty entered in +a lengthy and earnest conversation regarding the important question now +to be settled by his decision. Sir Howard stated clearly every +circumstance in connection with the affair from beginning to end. To +every question he gave a prompt reply, showing the clearness of judgment +by which every argument had been maintained. In order to explain why +such a question should be brought up forty-seven years after the treaty +had been signed, he showed that it was founded on some indefinite or +ambiguous clauses of the treaty of 1783, but not proposed until 1820. +Here was a delicate point for His Majesty to settle without giving +offence to either English or Americans. But Sir Howard was resolved to +support the claim which contended for the rights of his nation--for +justice and for truth. He was not desiring territory, but protection and +security to the interests of his people, _security_ to prevent the +Americans from claiming the privileges of the St. John river or +classifying the Bay of Fundy rivers with those emptying into the +Atlantic. However, a decision at length was given which did not meet the +wishes of either party, but the matter was set partially at rest. + +Soon afterwards Sir Howard was engaged in discussing the cause and +events of the Belgian insurrection. He showed to the British Government +the design which France had contrived to her aggrandizement by the +dissolution of the Netherlands, and urged intervention on the part of +the British Government. The measures taken in determining the strength +of the Dutch territory and the trouble thus averted which must have +involved war and bloodshed, secured the hearty thanks of the English +monarch who acknowledged the debt of gratitude in terms of deep +sincerity. + +The colonists were now awaiting Sir Howard's return with great anxiety, +watching his movements with deep concern. Hope once more filled their +hearts as news spread abroad that their ruler was making preparations to +return to New Brunswick. But a new source of uneasiness arose. The Home +Government raised a question abolishing the protection on colonial +timber. Sir Howard was aroused to a sense of the situation. By the +abolition of such protection the trade of New Brunswick and the other +colonies would be ruined, while the Baltic trade would reap the benefit. +Was he to tamely submit to measures injuring the resources of the people +whom he represented? No, he would appeal in a manner that would have +public sympathy. Hence was produced the well written pamphlet bearing +his name, setting forth the grievance in a way that could not fail to +prove the justice of the cause. Every point was discussed with clearness +and based upon the most reliable facts and statistics. Newspapers took +up the subject and complimented the author in the most flattering terms. + +A general excitement was now raised and the question was discussed on +every side. In the House of Commons it gained much popularity. Great was +the joy of Sir Howard when the result of his work was announced by the +defeat of the government. This proved the patriotism of Sir Howard. He +could not sacrifice the interest of his country to those of himself and +family. He purchased his country's welfare with the resignation of the +governorship of New Brunswick! + +Where do we find such true nobility of character, such brilliant genius, +and such unsullied virtue? Well might the Colonists have exclaimed with +one voice when tidings conveyed the news of Sir Howard's resignation: + + "He was a man, take him for all in all, + We shall not look upon his like again." + +However, some recognition must be made to show their gratitude to one +who had made such a sacrifice. Meetings were held in different parts of +the Province resulting in a general subscription towards the purchase of +a valuable service of plate which was presented him in England, +accompanied by an address, breathing the spirit of heartfelt regret at +the loss of their much beloved ruler. Sir Howard never forgot this +circumstance. He often referred to his stay in New Brunswick with +feelings bordering on emotion. Years afterwards his heart beat with +quickening impulse as he fondly recognized the familiar face of a +colonist or received some cheering account of the welfare of the people. +Through the remaining years of his life he never ceased to keep up a +faithful correspondence with several of his former friends, particularly +the Rev. Edwin Jacob, D. D., who received the presidency of King's +College through his kind patron,--the tie of friendship which bound them +was only severed by death. + +Much more might be said regarding this great man, but we must now leave +him to the active duties of a busy and useful life, surrounded by his +family in the comforts of an English home and enjoying the true +friendship of the philosopher, the historian, and the poet. Among the +most intimate in this list was Sir Walter Scott--the friend of Mrs. +Bailie, the foster mother of Sir Howard. Doubtless the name of Douglas +was sufficient to awaken in the mind of the Scottish bard a feeling +worthy of the friendship of Sir Howard. Together they spent many hours +in conversing upon the scenes which had formed subjects for the poet's +pen and awakened a deep veneration for the legends of Scottish lore. +Perhaps in no other way can we better pay a parting tribute to the +memory of Sir Howard Douglas than by inserting the following letter +which had been forwarded when the latter had arrived from New Brunswick: + + "Abbotsford, Near Melrose, 21st July, 1829. + + "_My Dear Sir Howard_,-- + + "I have just received your most welcome letter and write to + express my earnest wish and hope that, as I have for the present no + Edinburgh establishment, you will, for the sake of auld lang syne, + give me the pleasure of seeing you here for as much time as you can + spare me. There are some things worth looking at, and we have + surely old friends and old stories enough to talk over. We are just + thirty-two miles from Edinburgh. Two or three public coaches pass + us within a mile, and I will take care to have a carriage meet you + at Melrose Brigley End, if you prefer that way of travelling. Who + can tell whether we may ever, in such different paths of life, have + so good an opportunity of meeting? I see no danger of being absent + from this place, but you drop me a line if you can be with us, + and take it for granted you hardly come amiss. I have our poor + little [illegible] here. He is in very indifferent health, but no + immediate danger is apprehended. You mention your daughter. I would + be most happy if she should be able to accompany you. + + "Always, my dear Sir Howard, + Most truly yours, + Walter Scott." + +Here is an instance of genuine simplicity and hearty friendship existing +between men of like nature. The true greatness of Sir Howard was +appreciated by one whose themes of poetic beauty and fervent patriotism +kindle a glow of inspiration that will burn undimmed while time shall +last. And now we close this chapter by bidding the noble, great and good +Sir Howard Douglas a fond farewell! + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +TREVELYAN HALL--THE ARRIVAL. + + +The fine old building, well known to the surrounding country as +Trevelyan Hall, was indeed a true specimen of an English home. Its +present owner had, notwithstanding the fact of his being abroad in +service, spent much means to make it a home-like and delightful +residence. Its situation added to the other resources in gaining for +"The Hall" a wide-spread reputation. + +The extensive park contained some of the best wooded ground in the +county of Hampshire. Its fine streams afforded means of enjoyment for +those who devote their pastime in angling and other such health-giving +recreation. Its gardens were carefully cultivated, showing much neatness +and elegance, though not affording a varied extent of scenery. + +Captain Trevelyan's return was now to be associated with new and varied +interest in the interior and exterior management of this pleasant home. +Fanny Trevelyan was cheered by the hope of her brother's presence. +Company would now be entertained in a manner creditable to the former +hospitality which distinguished the Trevelyans. The handsome and elegant +apartments assigned to the daily use of the inmates in nowise +deteriorated from the exterior prospect. The extensive drawing-rooms, in +which were arranged, with tasteful effect, rich furniture, gorgeous +carpets, and all those beautiful collections of art, requisite to adorn +the home of the great and refined. The inviting library with its massive +display of well-lined shelves, the cheerful breakfast room with its +eastern aspect, the countless retreats, balconies, verandas, and summer +houses, formed a pleasing feature in the every-day life, pursuits, and +recreations of this affectionate family. Home was the spirit-like +influence which was infused in every feeling, thought, and action. A +sense of ease and comfort was enjoyed throughout the entire household. +Despite the difference of rank, wealth, and dignity, the poor dependents +felt a warm and devoted confidence in their high-born superiors. In the +sweet and childlike Fanny Trevelyan there was a subtle magnetizing +influence which compelled acknowledgment. In her kind and loving heart +was much room for the troubles and daily cares of the dependents +surrounding the estate of Trevelyan Hall. Many acts of kindness were +performed in a quiet and childlike way that was indeed pretty to see. + +The only daughter of Colonel Trevelyan was a maiden of a rare and +striking character. Her gentle disposition was sufficient to win +admiration irrespective of the purity and noble qualities of her mind. +Though eighteen summers had lightly flown over the head of this lovely +girl, her manner was that of a sweet, intelligent, lovable, and +sensitive child. Sweetness of disposition was truly the coloring most +profusely portrayed in the character of Fanny Trevelyan. In this fact +lay her great delight upon Captain Trevelyan's return. Upon this fact +was based the happy expectation of seeing the generous-hearted Mr. Howe. +From this source she found all that contributed to make life pleasant +and enjoyable. + +The possessor of those charms had no great claim to personal beauty, yet +she might be called beautiful. The regular features of her small and +well formed face were devoid of any distinguishing lineaments, the deep +blue eyes had a quiet, earnest light, which often shone with increasing +brightness, when accompanied with the expressive smile so often bestowed +upon those who dwelt within and around "The Hall." + +As sometimes one hears remarks paid to beauty called forth by blushes, +surely in this instance we can fairly claim the compliment due Fanny +Trevelyan, whose maiden blushes indeed made her appear in truth very +beautiful--of the beauty which shall last when all other shall fade--of +the beauty which flows from the heart, kept fresh in the daily +performance of those duties that spring from the impulses of a beautiful +soul. Thus might be classified the type of beauty which adorned the +sister of Captain Trevelyan--beauty of disposition--beauty of +mind--beauty of soul. + +During the last two years a friendship had sprung up between Fanny +Trevelyan and Maude Bereford. They had studied for a short time under +the same masters, from which fact arose the present attachment. A +striking similarity of disposition was noticeable between those friends, +yet, in many respects they were widely different. Though Fanny Trevelyan +was so deeply sensitive, childish and engaging, there was a depth of +character underlying these which found no comparison in Maude Bereford, +the former possessing powers of thought and reflection, which were +entire strangers to the mind of the latter. In the preferment of Lady +Rosamond, they were of the same mind. While on a visit to the Castle, +Fanny Trevelyan had received many proofs of affection from its beautiful +young mistress. She took much pleasure in the company of Maude Bereford +in strolling amid the lovely gardens, but experienced keener delight in +listening to Lady Rosamond's description of scenes in New Brunswick +rendered so dear by being associated with her brother who was still +indeed her great regard. Many times Fanny Trevelyan tried to form +various conjectures concerning this beautiful woman, wondering why she +had such an influence that was more powerful when removed from her +presence. She wondered if her brother Guy felt the same powerful +influence as herself. He had never expressed any decided opinion in +favor of her ladyship, yet she did not consider the fact as of much +importance; but he had not shown in any manner, nor by repeated +inquiries, any betrayal that would lead one to suppose that he +entertained any regard whatever for the lovely being. + +Fanny Trevelyan was now busied in matters of great importance. +Preparations were being made for the reception of Maude Bereford, Mary +Douglas and Mr. Howe. Then she would hear still further of New Brunswick +life--its pleasures and its inconveniences. Gaily did she perform the +many little offices left to deft fingers and untiring patience. Maude +had availed herself of the temporary absence of her invalid brother and +his devoted wife. Three weeks were to be spent in the society of +Trevelyan Hall. Fanny Trevelyan had a little secret project in her mind +which gave much pleasure. She would be in a position to introduce Maude +Bereford to the notice of her brother Guy. With girlish glee she +anticipated much from the circumstance, wondering in what way her friend +might be received at the hand of the last named gentleman. + +On the other hand Captain Trevelyan had _his_ plans to mature. Without +consulting his sister's opinion, he had a secret pleasure in the hope +that his ever true friend might find much to admire in the young girl +who was soon to be their guest. He had not the slightest wish to enter +on any schemes by which his loved sister might be complicated. Fanny +Trevelyan was fancy free. It was his fond hope that she remain so many +years to come. Bitter experience taught Captain Trevelyan a lesson from +which he could draw many useful hints and resolves. He was careful to +guard against any exposure to which his loved sister might be subjected. + +Amid these doubly laid plans the inmates of the hall welcomed their +visitors, in whom were also included Captain Douglas. The sincerity of +the latter was expressive in the humorous and hearty congratulations +showered upon the genial host. + +"Trevelyan, old boy, you are a mighty fine specimen of the old school! +Egad, what would the Frederictonians say could they look in upon you +now," exclaimed the incorrigible Charles, with the ruling passion +uppermost, while he threw himself upon an easy chair in a free and +jovial manner. + +"I am inclined to think that they would not be favorably impressed with +such a wholesale exhibition were each one to repeat the same performance +as yourself," retorted Mr. Howe, assuming an air of nonchalance. + +"Ah, I see how it is with my honored friend," once more ventured Captain +Douglas, "he already is maturing plans to place me at disadvantage +before I have fairly secured entrance to Trevelyan Hall; but," added the +speaker, with an air of playful menace, "old chap the tables may turn, +as they did many a time in Fredericton." + +Much as Mr. Howe regarded his friend, Charles Douglas, he wished that +the last remark had not been made. Though it were said with the ease of +unconscious and humorous gaiety, the quick glance of the secretary saw +the instant effect. This was the only point on which he remained +reticent to his bosom friend. They had been together for years. They had +grown from childhood together, yet Captain Trevelyan's secret must +remain a secret. Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have +cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime +marked out the strait laid down by the great poet: "where one but goes +abreast." But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood. Everything +contributed to make the reception a flattering one. Fanny Trevelyan was +at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother. Mary +Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan. On +several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of +Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald +Bereford's health and strength. Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining +and happy. A more pleasant party were never gathered at "The Hall." Lady +Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment +and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which +endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance. +It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the +entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her +only son when placed among strangers in a distant land. By every +possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude +and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family +who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant +when first deprived of the society of his own happy household. Such was +the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested +friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright +light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening visions of +disappointed hopes or vain delusions. + +This happy family have realized their parents' wishes. Captain +Trevelyan's retirement was urged by an earnest entreaty on the part of +his mother. By it he could attend to the numerous requirements of the +estate, which had lately become an onerous duty devolving upon Mrs. +Trevelyan. The faithful steward of the family had grown old in the +service and not capable of managing the business as in the days of his +prime. Yet the fact only added to his reputation. Captain Trevelyan +advised in such a quiet and suggestive manner that the old servant +scarcely felt his growing inability. No discord prevailed. Moderation +was the true secret. The family of Colonel Trevelyan treated their +dependents with gentleness and kindness. Lady Trevelyan often sought +advice from them in such a way as both showed her confidence in their +opinion, and gained unbounded respect towards the relationship thus +existing between them. Mary Douglas at first seemed inclined to shrink +from the reserved demeanor of her ladyship, but further acquaintance +made her feel comparatively at ease. Really the present occasion +afforded opportunity for what may, with due propriety, be termed a +complication of plans, or more properly still, plans within plans. Lady +Trevelyan had formed her little plans. To do justice to her ladyship we +will not say that she formed it, but that she would very agreeably and +readily have acquiesced in the matter. Reader, we are half inclined to +keep her ladyship's--no, we will not say plan--fond dream--a secret. +Supposing that many of you are not considered temper-proof we dare not +provoke the multiplied assaults of hitherto amiable and patient friends, +therefore we will treat you fairly by taking you into our entire +confidence at present. Lady Trevelyan had soon learned to love Mary +Douglas with a feeling akin to her nature. She fondly watched every +effort or action in the movement of her favorite guest. Every playful or +fond gesture was carefully hoarded up as a store of treasures in the +mind of her ladyship. Faithfully did she note each mark of favor shown +at the hand of the genial young host. Lady Trevelyan was _only a woman_ +as all others. Do not chide if she had set her heart upon one fond +thought--if she secretly hoped that Guy Trevelyan would endeavor to +secure for her another daughter in the beautiful Mary Douglas. Is a +devoted mother always rewarded for such anxiety towards her first-born +and heir? Do these respective heirs and highly-favored children strive +to further the wishes of those deeply interested parents, especially +mothers? In a more particular sense, did Captain Trevelyan take any +steps to advance the scheme which lay near her ladyship's heart? + +Fanny Trevelyan was also busily occupied in watching the daily progress +of her fond projects. She was not overjoyed in fond expectation, yet was +contented to await the result of daily companionship for an indefinite +period, as Maude Bereford was to remain until her presence was demanded +at the castle. Still the young hostess gave herself no uneasiness about +her brother's affairs. If he would form an attachment to Maude Bereford +it would be a source for much rejoicing and happiness. She was +altogether unconscious of the counter plots or schemes laid to thwart +her own. Mr. Howe was vastly entertaining in his endless variety of +diverting moods, making himself by turn the especial cavalier of every +lady in the company. To Lady Trevelyan he was doubly considerate and +devoted. Captain Trevelyan knew the motive and warmly appreciated it. He +had many times wished for an opportunity to return such passing acts of +kindness, yet in vain. Captain Douglas fully sustained his former +reputation for satirical jests and well-timed jokes at the expense of +his friends. Frequently those whom he regarded _most_ received attacks +in proportion to the value of such regard. Formerly to Lieutenant +Trevelyan and his friend Howe were daily administered doses of almost +equal quantity and in double proportion to those outside the household. +Yet who did not admire the gifted, manly, and handsome son of Sir Howard +Douglas? Who was not ready to welcome him with heart and hand around the +festive board or social circle? Who has not become infected by his +jovial, gay, happy, and generous nature? Truly, Captain Charles Douglas +was a worthy son of an honored race--the royal house of Douglas. In the +midst of such a company of "tried friends and true," the days and weeks +must have flown rapidly away while enjoying the hospitality of Trevelyan +Hall. + +Fanny Trevelyan, admired, petted, and caressed, had still the same +childlike nature when friendship had been matured by daily +companionship. Mary Douglas was charmed with the sweet and engaging +manner which was at first attributed to a want of confidence. Frequently +she spoke to Captain Trevelyan concerning his "child sister," as she +playfully termed her once, exclaiming: "How beautiful if Fanny shall +always be a child woman." + +"It shall be my earnest wish," returned Guy; "I would not have her +otherwise." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +A WINTER IN THE ETERNAL CITY. + + +Gerald Bereford was now enjoying the soft summer breezes, blue skies and +golden sunshine of an Italian climate. His health seemed to improve as +he neared the far-famed city--the eternal city--the gigantic monument of +what has been in ages of the mighty past. Many visions arose before Lady +Rosamond's mind as she contemplated the magnificent ruins that met her +at every gaze. In the company of several acquaintances they visited +scenes of impressive and peculiar interest: St. Peter's, in all its +glory, rising from its piazza of stately columns and fountains, +something too grand for description. This imposing specimen of classic +architecture, with grandeur inconceivable, the interior, the lofty dome, +called up emotions her ladyship could never forget. In the coliseum the +invalid seemed to enjoy returning vigor as he looked down from the upper +halls and viewed the triumphal arches of Constantine, Septimus, Severus +and Titus, now crumbling into decay, the lofty corridors left to the +mercy of the elements, the endless porches grass grown and unprotected +from the wild beast, the mouldering parapet, taught the one inspiring +theme--mortality. This ruin of ruins--what can it not recall to a vivid +imagination? The thousands who lined those seats in eager gaze upon the +arena with its bloody and heart-sickening conflicts, its array of +blood-thirsty antagonists, its dying groans, its weltering victims. +Where are they? What remains? Awful solitude, awful grandeur, awful +beauty, desolation. Peace, the emblem of Christianity, now reigns in the +ancient stronghold of barbaric passion, butchery and strife. Lady +Rosamond had visited ruins of palaces, castles, bridges, arches, +cathedrals, monuments and countless relics of the past, but none had the +power to chain her thoughts as the stupendous coliseum, viewed in the +solemn stillness of a moonlight night. The present was a beautiful +dream. It had a softening effect upon the devoted wife, infusing peace, +content, and calm repose. The solemn reminders on every side had a charm +to soothe her hitherto troubled breast. Holy emotions were nurtured +within the heart where once reposed unresisting conflicts of rebellious +strife and discontent. + +With the warm breath of nature came awakening life into the emaciated +frame of the invalid. Lady Rosamond devoted every waking moment to her +husband. In the charming eventide they sat upon the balcony of their +residence overlooking the Corso, catching a glimpse of the open country +beyond the surrounding mountains and the ever restless Tiber. +Frequently, they rode slowly along the Appian Way, now almost impassable +for heaps of rubbish, mounds, and broken fragments, temples, columns, +pillars, and successive piles of neglected relics. The Campagna, in its +dreary aspect, often tempted their stay. Sometimes her ladyship would +have a feeling of vexation, knowing that it was utterly impossible to +visit more of the sights of Rome. They might remain for years and leave +many scenes unexplored. The palace of the Vatican formed a life-long +study for Lady Rosamond. Only a few of its four thousand rooms could be +visited, yet these were bewildering in variety. Here they could view the +most wonderful collections of art and grandeur that the world affords. +Here were stored the endless piles of antique trophies of every +clime--rooms representing oriental scenes throughout, starlit skies, and +monsters of unknown existence meet one on every side and fill the mind +with awe. + +For the benefit of the reader we will insert the letters written by Lady +Rosamond to her friend, Mary Douglas, containing a short description of +some important places, and showing the tender interest inciting the +writer when referring to the circumstance of her husband's ill +health--the hopeful vein which pervaded throughout, and the true spirit +of friendship extended to the absent one. + + Rome, February 10th, 1831. + + _My Dearest Mary_: + + As many miles lie between us there is no alternative but the + hastily written and imperfect scribble which will shortly be + presented you, if the elements have not conspired against us. + + In order to relieve your uneasiness I beg to state that Gerald's + health is daily improving. He has much faith in Rome. Scarcely a + day passes without his enjoying the benefit of the delightful + atmosphere and the lovely drives out into the open country, of + which I must tell you afterwards. The large number of acquaintances + formed since our arrival have contributed much to our enjoyment. We + frequently meet many of our old friends. Imagine our delightful + surprise on seeing Captain Crofton, his wife and daughter. Of + course you remember the latter--a lovely girl of purely blonde + style, whom we meet at Lady Berkeley's, and who created such + sensations in London circles on her first appearance in society. + Gerald declares that the face of an old friend is better than + medicine. What do you think he would say were you to enter rather + suddenly upon us? My dearest, I know what I would say if such an + overwhelming happiness were in store. These thoughts call up + feelings which are inimical to peace and content. I am almost + tempted to wish for the quiet of our English home and the sight of + your dear face. But this must not be. I shall forget to give you + some sights of Rome if I indulge in vain and foolish regrets. + Really I am at a loss how to convey any idea of such scenes as we + are almost daily witnessing. In the present instance I feel my + inability to appreciate what is lofty and inspiring to every + cultivated mind. Often I am inclined to envy those of brilliant + intellectual perceptions like yourself. When the day arrives that + you visit the Eternal City will it not be viewed in a different + sense than in the present under the ordinary gaze of your + short-sighted Rosamond? + + Gerald says: "Tell Mary something of the churches," without + thinking of the arduous task therein devolved. Poor fellow! He + seems anxious to make amends for so much self-sacrifice. In + compliance to his wishes your friend reaps twofold pleasure, + therefore Mary shall hear "of the churches." + + About three weeks ago a party of tourists, including the Croftons + and ourselves; visited several of the grand old churches, so + important in the history of Roman architecture of classic ages. The + first we entered was the church of the Ara Coeli, said to occupy + the site of the ancient temple of Jupiter Feretrius. It was a + gloomy old structure with long rows of pillars of Etruscan design. + On ascending the long flight of steep stairs on one side the + impressive gloom increased. The situation awoke old associations of + the sybilline and vague predictions of the time-honored + soothsayers--their power--their greatness--their fall. We were more + than impressed with the churches of St. Giovanni and St. Paolo, + beneath which lay in awful depths the subterranean caverns said to + be connected with the Coliseum. Gerald remained above while I + followed the explorers through these dismal yawning gulfs seemingly + ready to open and shut their victims in a living tomb. Streets ran + in various directions; the mouldy, damp walls emitted a + disagreeable watery vapor that rendered the air unbearable; + stagnant pools lay on all sides. Is it not an appalling thought + that these successive ranges of caverns were constructed for the + human victims to be eaten by the beasts at the Coliseum, yet such + is the legend. Doubtless you already weary of churches, but having + first attempted them at the suggestion of Gerald, now I am deeply + interested in the matter myself. But you will only listen to one + more very short account. The church of San Sebastiano, which next + received us, is situated on the Appian Way, and perhaps the most + remarkable of any we have hitherto visited. The site is truly + beyond description. The stupendous masses of rocks piled on every + side appeared to give it an interest more than common. The endless + rows of decaying columns, pillars, stained windows, and paintings, + added one more link to the chain of daily events which form such an + important part in our visit. + + As I intend very soon to write you something of a livelier + description, I now conclude this hastily-written scribble. Dearest, + I expect to hear from you all immediately. Gerald is rapidly + improving, and is sanguine of ultimate recovery. Adieu. From + + Your Rosamond. + +Lady Rosamond now entertained hopes of her husband's recovery. He seemed +much stronger and took a deeper interest in their explorations. In the +company of English friends he visited all the accessible spots of +historic ground. Lady Rosamond was always ready to encourage him by her +hopeful remarks and winning smile. She had formed an attachment to the +lovely Mabel Crofton, who indeed repaid her in a fond return. + +Nothing gave Gerald Bereford more anxiety than the pale face of his +wife. In his feeble health he strove to draw her ladyship's attention +towards the social circle with a view to raise her occasional drooping +spirits. + +In the young English maiden Lady Rosamond found much company. They +conversed much and enjoyed the sights together with united regard and +interest. + +In answer to a lengthy letter received shortly afterwards from Mary +Douglas, the following was penned by Lady Rosamond: + + Rome, April 15th, 1831. + + _My Darling Mary_: + + Truly did you respond to my wishes. How can I ever repay so much + devotion? You have indeed granted my requests in mentioning all my + friends, and giving all the matter which interests Gerald so much. + He is indeed truly grateful and is going to write you by next mail. + His health has not been improving so rapidly of late, yet we have + every hope of his recovery. Will it not be a happy moment when we + meet again on the shores of dear old England? The very dust and fog + will have a charm hitherto unknown. + + As we are in Rome you will expect something from Rome, therefore I + will tell you of what has recently been going on. Last week was the + Carnival. Gerald complained of weakness and fatigue, having exerted + himself too much during the previous week. He was much disappointed + in not being able to participate in the amusement, but had to be + satisfied by remaining on the balcony of our residence, overlooking + the Corso, which, as you know, is the principal street paraded on + those occasions. Gerald interrupts me by requesting a long letter + and full description, therefore on him alone rests the blame if I + exceed the length usually devoted to letter writing. + + Now for the Carnival. At an early hour on Monday morning the usual + bustle and active preparations commenced. Carriages rolled along + laden with confectionaries and flowers. In fact the street, houses, + and passing vehicles of every description, appeared as though the + heavens had literally rained flowers--flowers showered in every + direction. Evidently we were certain that flowers were to be one of + the prominent features witnessed in the grand demonstration. Every + house opening on the Corso was covered with bright streamers, + pennons, and flags of every size, shape, color, and hue--red, blue, + white, green, gold, purple, yellow, and pink. Every window was + festooned with flowers, banners, and like array. Every shop was + converted into gorgeous saloons, decorated with trees, garlands, + evergreens, resplendent in silver, crimson, and gold, filled with + hundreds of anxious spectators. Every nook and corner was made + bright by the sparkle of beautiful eyes, merry smiles and happy + faces. Thousands jostled on every side in representation of + monkeys, lions, tigers, soldiers, clowns, maniacs. Satanic deities + and every other deity credited to countless ages, helped to swell + the crowd wedging themselves between line upon line of carriages + four abreast. The general bombardment commenced on all sides was + truly an exciting scene. Grand assaults were made upon houses and + carriage with alike furious resistance; missiles of bonbons rose in + the air, volley upon volley; storms of flowers. Those seated in + windows and balconies made desperate onsets upon the passing + carriages. Hand to hand encounters now became general; monkeys + assailed lions; mamelukes returned the fire of gipsies; a grand + hurly-burly arose from every point in sight. Clouds fell from upper + balconies upon each side of the street as the crowds poured on in + incessant streams which became at intervals one moving mass of dust, + white as snow. Beautiful ladies, maidens and children, mingled in + the gay scene--all intent upon the same enjoyment. It is impossible + to convey the faintest idea of this grand display which is kept up + from early morning until half-past four o'clock, when the street is + cleared as by magic. How such a concourse of carriages and people + get into the adjoining nooks and piazzas in such a short time is + astonishing, while thousands still cling to the sidewalks of the + Corso. A chariot race is the next proceeding, when, within the + space of a few moments, the horses are in their places--the signal + given--the distance of the Corso gained--the race won. + + This is the first day's outline of sport, which is followed in + successive order until the end of the season. Having already + lengthened this letter in twofold proportion, I must take room to + say that the festive scene instantly ceases as the solemn notes of + Ave Maria rises from the hundreds of steeples--the requiem for the + departing carnival. + + I will not distract your attention with the palaces of the Cæsars, + the Cenci, St. Angelo, and the remains of antiquity still to be + seen here, but trust that when we meet again every wish that you + formerly expressed regarding our stay in Rome will be realized a + thousandfold. + + Looking at the volume of this letter I feel quite ashamed, but + trust that absence and distance will help to plead my cause. Gerald + seems quite confident that his suggestion will also speak loudly in + my favor, and perhaps he is right. At least I hope so. Remember me + kindly to every one of the family, I shall mention none + particularly. Gerald expresses a wish not to be forgotten by you. + Now, dearest Mary, if this truly formidable missive weary you, + please deal gently with Gerald and + + Your Loving Rosamond. + +Lady Rosamond had given her friend some of the glimpses of her +experience in Rome, yet she had much more to relate on her arrival. Some +months would elapse before her husband would consider his health +sufficiently restored to return to his native land. At intervals he +seemed almost restored when a sudden relapse would cause a renewed +return of the symptoms attending his flattering disease. Still they were +hopeful that with the returning spring health would be restored the +patient invalid. Throughout the severe dispensation Gerald Bereford +manifested no irritation, no fretfulness, no complaining. He seemed to +be happy in appreciating the labors of his beautiful wife. On one +occasion, when she asked if he did not weary of his sickness, he quietly +replied: + +"Darling Rosamond, it has shown that you are willing to sacrifice every +pleasure in devotion to one who can never fully repay such a debt of +gratitude. Do you think that I can try, my Rosamond?" exclaimed he, +pressing a fond kiss upon the lips of the pale but lovely woman, as she +sat beside him. + +Ah! Gerald Bereford knew not that in these words there lay a hidden +meaning. Surely, and in a way unknown to both, will the debt be paid. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +LIGHT, SHADOW, AND DARKNESS. + + +The guests at Trevelyan Hall had departed, Maude Bereford alone +remaining. Captain Trevelyan applied himself to the duties devolving +upon him with a will. His hospitality was the comment of many. He had +begun life aright. His honest heart and upright principles were a sure +passport to prosperity and popularity. "The Hall" was a scene of much +gaiety and resort. Large gatherings were of frequent occurrence, to +which the families of the surrounding neighbourhood were cordially +invited. Fanny Trevelyan was idolized among her youthful companions and +associates. Her sweet face was welcomed as a delightful acquisition on +every occasion. Many sought to show their fond appreciation of her +retiring manners and graceful elegance. Flattery had no power over her. +She possessed a character of too much depth and penetration to harbor the +least feeling akin to vanity. Lady Trevelyan had guarded her daughter's +education and trained her with a view to set a proper estimate upon those +qualities which ennoble and elevate the soul. Maude Bereford was a proper +companion for Fanny Trevelyan. Their minds were in harmony, while the +latter acted as a propelling power to force the aspirations of the other +above their common flight. Lady Trevelyan was pleased with this +companionship. Though she could not discern the brilliant genius and +powers which characterized the beautiful Mary Douglas, there was much +to admire in Maude Bereford. Captain Trevelyan was kind, amiable and +attentive. He paid every mark of respect towards his gentle and loveable +guest. Frequently they walked, chatted and rode together. Maude was +pleased with the gentlemanly attentions of the engaging officer, and +showed her appreciation in many ways. He enjoyed the society of those two +girls much as those of playful children. Fanny was truly happy in her +brother's company. + +"Dear Guy, you must never love any one more than me," was a frequent +rejoinder as she received his many tender caresses. + +One day, when seated upon the lower end of the balcony, Fanny laid her +hand lovingly upon her brother's shoulder and looking into his face, +exclaimed: + +"Guy, I have often wondered about you." + +"About me, pet," returned the latter, "what can it be about me that is +really worthy of so much attention from a young lady fair? Already I +feel as of some importance." + +Guy Trevelyan was now a handsome man of twenty-seven. The effeminate +blush of youth had given place to an open and engaging animation that +made him doubly attractive. Turning his gaze upon his sister, he added: + +"Come, little one, tell me this great wonder. I must not be kept in +suspense. Cannot Maude assist you? If so, I rely upon her in the present +dilemma," said Guy, turning in playful appeal to Maude Bereford. + +"Your surmise is groundless, _mon frere_," returned Fanny, in childish +glee, "Maude is entirely in the dark, (pardon the vulgarism.)" + +"I will pardon you in everything, provided you gratify my curiosity," +said the other. + +"Fanny, it is unjust to treat Guy in this way," said Maude, by way of +intercession. + +"Two against one," cried Fanny, with a demure smile upon her face. "The +majority has it. I am placed in a difficult position," said she, turning +to her friend, adding, "Maude only for your suggestion I might have been +able to extricate myself. Well, I shall try my best to maintain peace by +compliance to your united wishes." + +"By telling us one of the seven wonders," interrupted Maude. + +"Yes," said Fanny, "I have often wondered why it was that Guy could +remain so long in the companionship of Mary Douglas or Lady Rosamond and +come back heart whole to Trevelyan Hall." + +Captain Trevelyan had received a home thrust, yet he betrayed no feeling +and showed no reason for suspicion, at least in the eyes of his sister +and her companion. A quiet laugh greeted the remark. Guy Trevelyan had +not the keen glances of the secretary levelled at him now, else the +puzzling expression that rested awhile upon his face would instantly +have been detected. + +"That is the great wonder," said the brother, drawing his sister nearer +to his side, adding: "Well, my little sister, until _you_ have become +weary of your brother's keeping he is anxious to claim the gracious +liberty of possessing the love of one devoted heart. What says _la +belle_ Fanny?" + +"Oh, Guy," cried Maude, "she was afraid that you may possibly have +charitable intentions towards some fair one and wishes to make the +test." + +"Why, Maude," exclaimed Fanny, "you are really in earnest; I shall begin +to think, from the stand you have taken in the matter, that Guy had +better beware, else ere long he will not be able to make such avowals to +his sister." + +"Come, come, little mischief-maker, no jealousy," cried Captain +Trevelyan, hastily drawing an arm of each within his own, and then they +joined her ladyship in the shrubbery. + +Fanny Trevelyan was truly in jest. She had found that no real attachment +was to be formed between her brother and friend. There had arisen +instead a tender familiarity, a friendship that is rare to be seen. +Maude Bereford had grown to treat Guy Trevelyan with brotherly kindness. +It pleased him to witness this feeling arising from disinterested +friendship and motives of genuine purity. Were it otherwise he would +feel an embarrassment that might affect his honest nature. When left to +himself he could not dismiss from his thoughts the remark made by his +sister. He knew she was ignorant of his affairs in New Brunswick, yet he +felt sorely puzzled. + +Not long after the following conversation took place, Maude Bereford was +preparing to hasten homeward. Lady Rosamond sent cheerful accounts of +her husband's rapid improvement. They were still visiting amid the ruins +in hopes of speedily returning to England. + +Every fortnight brought to Trevelyan Hall a lengthy epistle from Mary +Douglas--lengthy from the fact of its being addressed to each member of +the family--bearing remembrance to Lady Trevelyan, many choice bits of +gossip to Guy, and charming effusions to Fanny, full of love and +tenderness. Her last contained a glowing allusion to Lady Rosamond--an +eager desire to meet her loving friend; also fervent gratitude for the +hopeful restoration of Gerald's health. + +"I am almost inclined to feel a pang of jealousy," exclaimed Fanny, as +she read and re-read the contents of the precious missive. "Mary loves +Lady Rosamond better than any other friends on earth." + +"Why not, my child?" questioned Lady Trevelyan; "they are old +friends--friends in childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. Lady Rosamond is +worthy of the truest and purest love. She is beautiful, good, and +lovable. Who could see her ladyship but to admire and love?" + +"Dear Mamma," returned Fanny, "you share my sentiments towards Lady +Rosamond. Guy seemed surprised when I ventured to wonder why he could +remain so long in the daily society of two such gifted and lovely beings +as her ladyship and Mary Douglas, without forming stronger ties than +those of friendship." + +"Both are lovely," exclaimed Lady Trevelyan. "It would indeed be a +difficult matter for a lover to decide between two so much alike in +beauty, grace, and loveliness." + +"Strange that I did not think of this before, mamma," said the +childlike Fanny with an air of much wisdom. "The poet must certainly +have experienced the same predicament when he wrote: + + "How happy could I be with either, + Were t'other dear charmer away." + +A week had elapsed after Maude had arrived at the castle when a hastily +written note was received by Fanny Trevelyan from the former, containing +sad news from Rome. Gerald Bereford had apparently recovered, and was on +the eve of returning home when he was suddenly seized with hemorrhage of +the lungs, which rapidly reduced him and brought on prostration. Medical +assistance had been obtained, but he now lay in a critical state, every +means being used to prevent another attack, in which case there could be +no hope. + +Maude Bereford had penned those lines in bitter anguish. She loved her +brother from the depths of her heart. His life must be spared. Heaven +could not deprive her of such a blessing. Ah, no, he will live! In this +hour of trial the sorrowing girl sought comfort in those rebellious and +sinful thoughts. She had not the sustaining faith to say, "Thy will be +done." It is needless to say that Maude's letter met much sympathy at +"The Hall." Fanny cried heartily. She could not think of any thing but +the sadness that had fallen upon the inmates of the Castle. + +"Poor Lady Rosamond," exclaimed she, in tones of undisguised sadness, +"how she will lament her sad fate if Gerald should die? Oh, mamma, I +cannot think it possible that he must die." + +"Tempt not Heaven, my child, for 'with God all things are possible,'" +said Lady Trevelyan, who was a truly Christian woman. "Everything is +ordered aright," continued her ladyship, "there are no afflictions or +trials in life but what are considered for our good. It is indeed a +heavy blow upon the young wife to lose the husband of her choice, but +how many have borne up when deprived of father, mother, husband and +child." + +"Oh, mamma," exclaimed Fanny, "if I could only look upon the ways of +Providence in the same manner as you. I know it is sinful, but I cannot +help thinking that it is too hard for Gerald to be taken away from Lady +Rosamond. How I pity her. Poor dear Maude too. How badly she must feel." + +The physician's worst fears were realized. Spite of every care and +precaution a second attack of hemorrhage made its fatal ravages upon the +fast sinking body of the sufferer. Gerald Bereford must die. All hopes +are at an end. Death has set its seal upon his broad, fair forehead. +Soon the eyes that still fondly linger upon the form of his beautiful +wife shall close to open upon the scenes of another world. + +This was a bitter trial to Lady Rosamond! Her husband was to die in a +foreign land. He was to be deprived of a last farewell to the dear +friends at home. Such thoughts, bore heavily upon the susceptible nature +of this faithful woman. Could she then have gathered those loved ones +around the dying bed of her husband, she would have sacrificed every +earthly desire; yes, her life. Then did she think of her friend, Mary +Douglas; then did she need the consolation of a true Christian friend. +Like a ministering angel, she strove to soothe the last hours of her +dying husband. Never was woman more devoted, heroic and patient. Not a +murmur escaped her lips as she sat for hours watching the quickening +breath in death-like struggle, convulsing the almost lifeless form of +one who had ever been kind, dutiful, loving, and true to his vow. + +On his death-bed, Gerald Bereford felt no pangs of remorse devouring his +latest thoughts. He could die in the belief of having been ever devoted +to her whom he had promised to love, cherish and protect. Keenly did +Lady Rosamond feel this reflection. Had her husband been less kind, +generous and true, she could have borne the present with a firmness +worthy of her spirit. But the thoughts that now filled her breast were +maddening, merciless and torturing. + +"What have I done to suffer so much through life," was the mental +question ever uppermost. + +Gerald Bereford had fought the battle of life bravely. He had taken part +in its conflicts and struggles, never flinching from his post when duty +called. Ambition had dazzlingly tempted him on--on--further on. He must +be victorious in gaining the cause for which so many had fought with +firm determination. Could he have lived to see the result of such +political warfare--its blessings and its privileges--its freedom--he +might exclaim with the brave general, "I die happy." But he _did_ die +happy. He _lived_ a happy life--he _died_ a happy death. + +Lady Rosamond had many kind friends amidst this sad bereavement. Her +pale face had power to move the most stoical--more powerful than the +loudest outbursts of grief, or the paroxysms of a passionate and +unsubdued sorrow. + +What she suffered in those hours of silent anguish Heaven alone can ever +know. Thoughts forced themselves upon her almost too hard to bear. Truly +did she need the strength for which she had prayed on a former occasion. +It seems a sacrilegious intrusion to unveil the heart of this truly +devoted woman, who had sacrificed her entire being to the wishes and +welfare of one whom she had calmly laid to rest. Fain would we stop +here. But the sequel must be told. + +Lady Rosamond had married Gerald Bereford with a firm resolve to be a +dutiful and yielding wife, yet her heart had refused to follow. She +never loved the man who lived upon her smiles. Still he knew it not. She +was to him kind, loving, and pure. She was indeed _kind_. In every +action shone kindness in characters of bold relief. Everyone who knew +her found naught but true kindness. _Loving_? Yes, loving; though Gerald +Bereford stirred not the depths of Lady Rosamond's heart, she was +capable of a love as undying as the soul that gave it birth. It was her +life--her being. In pity for her faithful husband she had guarded every +secret passage of the heart which might lead to the betrayal of bitter +and desolate feelings. _Pure_? Yes; purity was the guiding star which +marked the daily course of this woman's existence. Her acts were +pure--her mind was pure--her heart was pure--every thought was pure. +There was purity in her sorrow, leading to pure and holy +thoughts--speaking to the soul--giving comfort--giving hope. + +In deep sincerity did Lady Rosamond mourn for her husband. She mourned +his loss as that of a loved brother--a dear friend--one in whom she +confided. She found much comfort in the thought of having done her best. +She had fulfilled her duty--she had struggled bravely. She had cheered +her husband's path through life--she had kept her secret--made one being +happy. Surely such thoughts must have offered some relief. She had +committed no wrong, having gone forth at the summon of duty, she had +taken upon her frail, trembling form, a cross overpowering in its +weight, yet she murmured not. + +As she is sitting beside the lifeless remains of one who had filled such +an important part in her history--a striking illustration of life in its +varied forms of existence--its joys--its sorrows--its longings--its +aspirations--its dreams--let us look upon her as one of the many +purified through much suffering--whose faith will meet its recompense. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Reader, we will ask you to follow us as we pass over a period of two +years--two long years. The task imposed is an arduous one, yet, we +shrink not. All former friends must be searched out, and once more +introduced. Be not impatient if we do not succeed in the direct order of +your wishes. In the uncertain distance faint echoes are already heard +between intervals of solemn thoughts, while the name of Rosamond strikes +upon our ear and vibrates within us as though the influence of myriads +of spirits had woven around a deep subtle spell from which we cannot +force ourselves. In truth, you have won us--your point is gained. + +Now to your relief. Bereford Castle stands in its grandeur and beauty +with not an object near to mar the effect. Its stoical exterior bears no +impress of the loss sustained in the heir and son. Menacingly it frowns +upon those scenes which recall the realities of life. Amid storm, +sunshine, sickness and death, its aspect is unchanged--true type of its +age, order and design. On entrance, the interior is calm, quiet and +inviting. Daily contact with the inmates has had a soothing effect. Look +around. In the spacious drawing room, opening upon the garden, is the +family occupied in different ways. Lord Bereford is seated beside the +familiar form of a beautiful woman dressed in robes of mourning. A +second glance is not necessary to aid recognition. The sweet pensive +smile is sufficient. Lady Rosamond has lost none of her charms. Time has +no grudge against her for personal wrongs, no retributive justice to be +meted out--instead, the quiet happiness of a contented mind is lavished +with true delight. A fond light beams in the lovely eyes as they turn +towards Maude Bereford--ever the same Maude that strolled around +Trevelyan Hall some time in the past. The same simplicity is attached to +every movement, action and speech--Maude still. + +But a stranger is engrossing her attention. A tall, handsome and gallant +gentleman occupies a seat at her side, devoting his attentions to her, +occasionally addressing Lady Rosamond in terms of endearing familiarity. +There is not much difficulty in ascertaining the relationship. Geoffrey +Seymour had become a frequent visitor at the Castle. The blushes that +greeted him told the tale upon Maude Bereford. Yet, she cared not for +the eyes of the world. She had given her heart to a true, honorable and +affectionate lover. Already she has woven bright dreams wherein are +clearly portrayed outlines of two fond beings living in the sunshine of +each other's love, surrounded by the comforts and ease of a bright and +happy fireside. Lady Bereford is within the privacy of her own +apartments. Grief and anxiety have left heavy marks upon her hitherto +well preserved face. The furrowed forehead, wrinkles and grey hairs, +show full well the heavy blow which had been dealt her ladyship in the +death of her first-born. Time cannot eradicate the inroads made upon +this high-minded woman. Her failing health speaks of dissolution. The +mother's heart that beat so wildly as she dreamt of the glorious future +of her son, now feebly responded to the sluggish torpor of faded hopes. + +Other friends are awaited at the Castle. Ere we have time to turn aside, +light steps are flying across the hall and a girlish figure is at our +elbow, and the next instant in the arms of Lady Rosamond and Maude. The +childish face of Fanny Trevelyan once seen is not soon to be forgotten. +Oh no, Fanny, you occupy an important niche within our memory! Two years +were only a myth--a dream to the young mistress of Trevelyan Hall, save +when some other's troubles aroused her sympathy and called forth the +fine feelings of her nature. The former playful glee is still alive in +Fanny's buoyant and lively manner. Her gaiety at times subsides to gaze +upon Lady Rosamond's thoughtful face. The heart of this maiden is still +fancy free. Guy Trevelyan is not disappointed in his sister, he being +yet the dearest object of her heart. + +"Dearest Maude," cried Fanny, in rapturous delight, "will we not form a +happy family when Mary joins us." + +"One would consider you a happy family already if happiness bears +comparison by merriment," ventured a well-known voice from the outside +apartment--a voice that had power to stir the soul of Lady Rosamond to +its lowest depths, and kindle the smouldering passion time had vainly +tried to smother into a fierce and steady flame. Strange that her +ladyship must pass another fiery ordeal--that she must add more sorrow +to her hitherto sad, eventful life. + +No quivering lip or trembling form gave hope to Guy Trevelyan as he +pressed the small white hand of one whom he loved tenderly and +passionately--one whose image had been engraven upon his memory since he +had given his boyish affections to the lovely, high-born, gentle girl, +when a guest at Government House in Fredericton. Like the last moments +of a drowning man, scenes he had almost forgotten flashed before him in +countless array--scenes, varied and infinite, in which Lady Rosamond +formed the pleasing foreground. + +Face to face with this beautiful woman Guy Trevelyan was ready to fall +down in adoration and pour out the tale of his sorrow with the ardor of +undying love. What is the tenor of his thoughts while engaged in quiet +and easy conversation with her ladyship and the other occupants of the +drawing-room? Guy Trevelyan is wondering if he dare avow his love--if by +any means he can find hope to approach Lady Rosamond on a subject which +engrosses his waking thoughts. + +Mary Douglas completed the family circle. With her came love, joy, hope, +and happiness. Her lovely presence gave fresh impulse to every one +greeting her arrival. Lady Rosamond felt a ray of light shed upon her as +she caressed her true and constant friend. Maude was happier, if +possible, in the love of Geoffrey Seymour when listening to the sweet +silvery voice of this peerless woman. Fanny was overjoyed on the arrival +of Mary Douglas. She alone could open her heart before the gaze of a +companion. Her affections were untrammelled by false hopes or unrequited +love. She sought the society of the former with a feeling bordering on +idolatry. Together they spent much of their time, while Captain +Trevelyan was thrown upon the resources of Lady Rosamond. The constant +companionship of the man whom she loved cost many a bitter struggle to +her ladyship. The earnest gaze of Guy Trevelyan's soft eyes were indeed +hard to bear. If he only knew the power thus exercised upon the fair +being beside him. But Lady Rosamond had kept her secret from the eye of +any living creature save herself. Captain Trevelyan must not discover +the fatal knowledge. He must never know. Still they conversed together, +talked together, and spent many hours together, having much opportunity +to fathom the depths of each other's heart. Lady Rosamond seemed +cheerful, content, and happy. Captain Trevelyan was apparently +light-hearted, pleasing, agreeable, and attentive. Each guest endeavored +to make the most of this friendly meeting. Even Lady Bereford strove to +forget her feelings and rally her former spirits and dignified +stateliness. Bereford Castle enjoyed a season of delight. + +One lovely evening afterwards several voices mingled in the shrubbery +adjoining the garden. Maude was conversing in animated tones with Fanny +Trevelyan. Geoffrey Seymour had played truant to his lady love by +gallant attention to Mary Douglas. + +In a remote corner, almost beyond hearing of these, and scarcely visible +through the foliage, were the forms of a lady and gentleman seated +beneath the sheltering branches of a stately elm. A nearer approach shows +the rising color of the rose-tinted cheeks--the glorious light in those +lovely eyes--the bewitching and irresistible smile. A manly voice is +heard exclaiming in the tones of a rapturous lover, "Rosamond, my own +darling, I never expected to realize such happiness. In the possession of +such love I am a thousandfold rewarded for a lifetime of misery. Yes, my +peerless Rosamond, the last half hour has amply repaid the torturing +pangs of a forlorn and hopeless love which I have suffered since first +beholding you." At this avowal the speaker leaned towards Lady Rosamond +Bereford, revealing the features of Captain Trevelyan. In a moment of +passionate fervor he had confessed his undying attachment to the lovely +Rosamond, and had received the blissful assurance of reciprocated love. +He was in possession of a happiness beyond description as he told the oft +repeated tale to his betrothed wife, listening to her voice as it fell +like music upon his ear. The fond kiss which sealed their vows was more +precious than the mines of Golconda. Truly did Guy Trevelyan idolize the +beautiful woman who had now surrendered her heart to his keeping. + +Did Lady Rosamond tell _her_ secret to her accepted lover? Did she also +confess the love which had been cherished towards the boyish lieutenant +when he became almost a daily visitor at Government House--the maddening +thoughts, that almost crushed her out of existence--the spirit of +rebellion against the designs of her loved parents--her resolution made +to Lady Douglas--her bitter struggle between duty and feeling--strength +of character--victory over self--devotion to her husband? + +This is _our_ secret, and we will never reveal it. The reader must be +content to know that Captain Trevelyan was made happy beyond expectation +by whatever revelation or by what answer. Truly they were + + "Two souls with but a single thought, + Two hearts that beat as one." + +Let us assume the garb of the seer and step stealthily over the distance +dividing the future, and gently draw aside the veil! What meets our +gaze? A beautiful picture. The scene is now in Trevelyan Hall, where a +reception is being held to welcome the beautiful bride of Captain +Trevelyan--Lady Rosamond Trevelyan. Truly the peerless Rosamond. The +beauty of the latter never shone so resplendent. Love has brought its +unsurpassing charms. Love imparted life, brilliancy and soul to the face +of the bride. Captain Trevelyan gazed upon her as though such radiance +could scarcely be of earth. In the train of guests foremost stands Mary +Douglas, whose happiness is indeed great. She is certain of the love +existing between the newly-wedded pair, therefore reflects happiness +from the thought. Next in order follows Maude Bereford, whose smiling +face shows plainly the impress stamped upon her heart as she returns the +gaze of her handsome betrothed, whose love is entirely devoted to her, +save the tender attachment borne towards his sister Lady Rosamond +Trevelyan. And our little favorite Fanny? Yes. Fanny Trevelyan is there +in all her sweetness, engaging as ever, winning friends by every smile. +Her joy is great. Lady Trevelyan's matronly grace and beauty appears to +great advantage as she cast benign glances towards her daughter elect. +Lady Rosamond in her eyes is a woman worthy to be loved--worthy of a +mother's love. A group seated near, evidently in merry conversation, +attracts our attention. One is entertaining them with something of a +humorous character. The lively gestures and satirical smiles are +certainly those of Captain Douglas. Doubtless he is telling of +some sport which he enjoyed at the expense of Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan in the field, barracks, or drawing-room, when in Fredericton. +Charles Douglas, the handsome, brave, and generous son of Sir Howard, +still proudly wears his former reputation unsullied and undimmed. His +heart is ever ready to do an act of kindness for a fellow creature. +Beloved, honored, and respected, he is worthy of his distinguished sire. +Ah! we see another familiar form and face. Leaning beside an open window +is that of a dear old friend, apparently occupied in studying the varied +expressions of the happy bridegroom, and vainly trying to discover that +puzzled one which had given so much concern on former occasions. The +faithful friend of the young lieutenant of the 52nd has not forgotten to +pay his respects to the retired captain of the 81st and his lovely +bride. He had made a sacrifice to be present at an event which brought +such happiness to one in whom he had always taken such a deep interest. +Mr. Howe was indeed a happy, honored, and welcome guest. Many more are +to be observed standing, sitting, reclining, in groups and companies; +but as strange faces have no peculiar charm when feasting upon those of +our old acquaintances, we make no effort to introduce them. In our great +joy we had almost forgotten to recognize one of Lady Rosamond's warmest +adherents--one always in attendance upon her ladyship, ready to engage in +any fun, frolic, or excursion, in the direction of fields or woods--no +less a personage than John Douglas; no longer important Johnnie, but a +well-bred gentleman, hearty, jovial, merry, with bravery stamped upon +every lineament of his face. Some are missing. Sir Thomas Seymour has not +lived to see this. Lady Bereford is also among the number. She has paid +her last debt. + +Having brought before you most of those in whom you have no doubt became +interested, we now bid them all a tender adieu. It is hard to part with +friends who have shared our sorrow, our sympathy, and our joy, but in so +doing may our prayers follow each throughout time, hallowed by fond +memories of the past. + +A second thought to Lady Rosamond before turning forever from the light +of her lovely smile. In her great happiness there are moments when holy +thoughts arise, having a purifying influence upon her life. She never +can forget the past, while the present begets the consciousness of +having trodden the paths of duty and right with firm, unfaltering steps, +never looking back until the goal was reached--the reward gained. + + "When life looks lone and dreary + What light can dispel the gloom? + When Time's swift wing grows weary + What charm can refresh his plume? + 'Tis woman, whose sweetness beameth + O'er all that we feel or see; + And if man of heaven e'er dreameth + 'Tis when he thinks purely of thee, + O woman!" + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET*** + + +******* This file should be named 18145-8.txt or 18145-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/1/4/18145 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Lady Rosamond's Secret</p> +<p> A Romance of Fredericton</p> +<p>Author: Rebecca Agatha Armour</p> +<p>Release Date: April 10, 2006 [eBook #18145]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net/">http://www.pgdp.net/</a>)<br /> + from page images generously made available by<br /> + Early Canadiana Online<br /> + (<a href="http://www.canadiana.org/eco/">http://www.canadiana.org/eco/</a>)</h3> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Early Canadiana Online. See + <a href="http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/ItemRecord/06086?id=b0c2884123a43f2a"> + http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/ItemRecord/06086?id=b0c2884123a43f2a</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET:</h1> + +<h3>A ROMANCE OF FREDERICTON.</h3> + +<h2>BY RE. AGATHA ARMOUR.</h2> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + + +<h4>ST. JOHN,<br /> +N. B. TELEGRAPH PRINTING AND PUBLISHING OFFICE.<br /> +1878.</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<p> +<a href="#INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. AMID THE HOUSEHOLD</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. AN EVENING IN OFFICERS' MESS-ROOM.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. LADY ROSAMOND'S REVERIE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, ETC.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. ST. JOHN'S EVE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. THE DISCLOSURE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. BEREFORD CASTLE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. MEMORABLE SCENES OF AUTUMN, 1825.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. THE INTERVIEW.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. CHANGE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. CHESLEY MANOR—MARRIAGE OF LADY ROSAMOND.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. NEW FRIENDS—THE 81ST—SOCIAL RECREATION.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. POLITICAL LIFE.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. NEW BRUNSWICK.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. REGRETS.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. SIR HOWARD DOUGLAS.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. TREVELYAN HALL—THE ARRIVAL.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX. A WINTER IN THE ETERNAL CITY.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI. LIGHT, SHADOW, AND DARKNESS.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII. CONCLUSION.</a> +</p> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION"></a>INTRODUCTION.</h2> + + +<p>The object of the following story has been to weave simple facts into +form dependent upon the usages of society during the administration of +Sir <span class="smcap">Howard Douglas</span>, 1824-30. The style is simple and claims no +pretensions for complication of plot. Every means has been employed to +obtain the most reliable authority upon the facts thus embodied. The +writer is deeply indebted to several gentlemen of high social position +who kindly furnished many important facts and showed a lively interest +in the work, and takes the present opportunity of returning thanks for +such support. In producing this little work the public are aware that +too much cannot be expected from an amateur. Hoping that this may meet +the approval of many, the writer also thanks those who have so +generously responded to the subscription list.</p> + +<p>Fredericton. August, 1878.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LADY_ROSAMONDS_SECRET" id="LADY_ROSAMONDS_SECRET"></a>LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET</h2> + +<h3>A ROMANCE OF FREDERICTON.</h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE.</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Breathes there a man with soul so dead,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who never to himself hath said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This is my own, my native land!—<i>Scott.</i><br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<p>A September sunset in Fredericton, A. D. 1824. Much has been said and +sung about the beauteous scenes of nature in every clime. Scott has +lovingly depicted his native heaths, mountains, lochs and glens. Moore +draws deep inspiration amid scenes of the Emerald Isle, and strikes his +lyre to chords of awakening love, light and song. Cowper, Southey and +Wordsworth raised their voices in tuneful and harmonious lays, echoing +love of native home. Our beloved American poet has wreathed in song the +love of nature's wooing in his immortal Hiawatha. Forests in their +primeval grandeur, lovely landscapes, sunrise, noonday and sunset—each +has attracted the keen poetic gaze. Though not the theme of poet or +pen—who that looks upon our autumn sunset can deny its charms? The +western horizon, a mass of living gold, flitting in incessant array and +mingling with the different layers of purple, violet, pink, crimson, and +tempting hues of indescribable beauty; at intervals forming regular and +successive strata of deep blue and red, deepening into bright red. +Suddenly as with magic wand a golden cloud shoots through and transforms +the whole with dazzling splendour. The bewildering reflection upon the +trees as they raise their heads in lofty appreciation, forms a pleasing +background, while Heaven's ethereal blue lies calmly floating above. The +gently sloping hills lend variety to the scene, stretching in +undulations of soft and rich verdure; luxuriant meadow and cultivated +fields lie in alternate range. The sons of toil are returning from +labour; the birds have sought shelter in their nests; the nimble +squirrel hides beneath the leafy boughs, or finds refuge in the +sheltering grass, until the next day's wants shall urge a repeated +attack upon the goodly spoils of harvest. Soon the golden sheen is +departing, casting backward glances upon the hill tops with studied +coyness, as lingering to caress the deepening charms of nature's +unlimited and priceless wardrobe.</p> + +<p>Amid such glowing beauty could the mind hold revel on a glorious +September sunset in Fredericton, 1824. To any one possessed with the +least perception of the beautiful, is there not full scope in this +direction? Is not one fully rewarded by a daily stroll in the suburban +districts of Fredericton, more especially the one now faintly described? +If any one asks why the present site was chosen for Government House in +preference to the lower part of the city, there would be no presumption +in the inference—selected no doubt with due appreciation of its view +both from river and hills on western side. Truly its striking beauty +might give rise to the well established title of "Celestial City." +Though unadorned by lofty monuments of imposing stateliness, costly +public buildings, or princely residences, Fredericton lays claim to a +higher and more primitive order of architecture than that of Hellenic +ages. The Universal Architect lingered lovingly in studying the effect +of successive design. Trees of grace and beauty arose on every side in +exquisite drapery, while softly curved outlines added harmony to the +whole, teaching the wondrous and creative skill of the Divine. The +picturesque river flows gently on, calm, placid, and unruffled save by +an occasional splash of oars of the pleasure seekers, whose small white +boats dotted the silvery surface and were reflected in the calm depths +below.</p> + +<p>On such an evening more than half a century ago when the present site of +Government House was occupied by the plain wooden structure known as +"Old Government House," a group of ladies was seated on the balcony +apparently occupied in watching the lingering rays descending behind the +hills. Suddenly the foremost one, a lovely and animated girl whose +beauty baffled description, espied a gentleman busily engaged in +admiring some choice specimens of flowers which were being carefully +cultivated by a skilful gardener. Bounding away with the elasticity of a +fawn, her graceful form was seen to advantage as she stood beside the +high-bred and distinguished botanist. The simple acts of pleasantry that +passed shewed their relationship as that of parent and child. Sir Howard +Douglas was proud of his beautiful and favorite daughter. He saw in her +the wondrous beauty of her mother blending with those graces and rare +qualities of the heart which won for Lady Douglas the deep admiration of +all classes. Beauty and amiability were not the entire gifts of Mary +Douglas. She was endowed with attainments of no ordinary stamp. Though +young, she displayed uncommon ability in many different branches of +education; shewing some skill as a composer and musician, also a talent +for composition and poetry. With simple earnestness she placed her hand +lovingly upon her father's shoulder, exclaiming "Papa, dear, I have come +to watch you arrange those lovely flowers." "Well, my dear, you are +welcome to remain. I am certainly complimented by such preference. You +must allow me to acknowledge it by this," saying which, the fond parent +plucked a white rosebud and fastened it in the snowy lace upon the bosom +of his child. "Papa, dearest, one act of love certainly deserves +another," exclaimed Mary, as she fondly pressed the lips of Sir Howard, +adding "remember that you are my chevalier for the remainder of the +evening. When you have finished, we will rejoin the company." Mary +Douglas seated herself in a rustic chair and chatted in gay and animated +tones while her father listened with a deep interest. The well tried +soldier, the gallant commander at Badajos, at Corunna, the hero of many +fierce conflicts, and the firm friend and favourite of the Duke of +Wellington, listened to the conversation of his daughter with as much +keenness as a question involving the strongest points of diplomacy.</p> + +<p>"Papa, this garden will fully repay you for your labour. I do wish that +I could understand and enter into the study of plants and flowers as you +do." "Ah, my Mary," exclaimed Sir Howard in a deep reverential tone, as +his thoughts went back to the days of his boyhood, "I had a kind +benefactress, and I may say <i>mother</i> in my aunt Helena. She created in +me an early love for flowers, and I have always cherished it. Often +during my campaign in the Peninsula, the sight of a lovely flower would +call up emotions that would for the time unman me for the raging +conflicts of battle. I always look upon flowers as the trophies of God's +grace. Mary, I trust you yet will be able to attend to the cultivation +of Heaven's choicest offerings, and remember, that by so doing, you only +contribute a small share in the beautifying of nature." Having enjoyed +this strain of converse for some length of time, Mary Douglas rose, +exclaiming, "Now, Papa, you are at my service." Sir Howard bowed, and +offered his arm to his fair daughter. Together they went out, being +greeted by the merry party still lingering on the verandah. "Explain, +Mary," said the foremost of the party, "this breach of confidence and +utter contempt of the necessities of your friends. We have been vainly +waiting your appearance to join us in a walk, and now it is nearly time +to dress for dinner." "Very prettily said, Lady Rosamond," replied Sir +Howard, "but as I wear my lady's favour, you will grant me a hearing on +her behalf." Pointing to the spray of mignonnette and forget-me-not +which Mary Douglas had placed on his coat, he continued, "I hope that +your company has employed the moments as profitably. We commenced with +vows of love and constancy, then followed topics of general +conversation, and ended on the study of flowers. With this explanation +perhaps some of this goodly company might favor us with a like result." +"I venture to say, your Excellency, that in the present instance, we +might too clearly prove the old saying as regards comparisons," returned +Lieut. Trevelyan, "and would therefore enjoin silence." "Ah, no, Mr. +Trevelyan," said Miss Douglas, "we will not allow our claim to be set +aside in this manner. We must muster courage in our own self-defence as +an offset to your acquiescence, or else papa will wear his laurels very +lightly."</p> + +<p>"In the first instance," said she, "we were admiring the beautiful +sunset, the soft outline of the hills, and the beauty of the landscape. +Is that not worthy of describing, papa?" The eldest daughter of this +distinguished family made this appeal with a face beaming with the +enthusiasm of her deep appreciative nature. Anne Douglas possessed not +the great beauty of her sister Mary, yet was a lovely and loveable +woman, capable of inspiring deep regard. Sir Howard acknowledged by +saying, that if she continued, the comparison would turn the weight on +the other side. "Not yet, papa dear," said Miss Douglas, "you must hear +further. We were speaking freely of our warm reception from the citizens, +of the social resources of Fredericton, its commercial interests; and +before you joined us, were planning to ask your assistance, by giving +your views and opinion of Fredericton in its general aspect, as presented +on your arrival." "Mr. Trevelyan," ventured Sir Howard, "I am sorry to +acknowledge that the ladies have sufficient cause to charge you with +desertion of your colours; but the end may not justify the means." "Ah, +papa, your inference is indirect—you will not surely justify Mr. +Trevelyan." "In the present state of affairs," exclaimed Sir Howard, in +playful military tone, "the enemy is preparing for action. The only +chance of success is thus—retreat under cover of fire, or fall back on +the strength of defence." "Your Excellency has a stronghold in the +enemy's quarter," joined in Lady Rosamond, who had been seated at the +side of Captain Charles Douglas, their eldest son. "Before testing the +strength of our forces let there be a short truce, on condition that His +Excellency will give us the desired information this evening," said Mr. +Trevelyan, playfully endeavouring to conciliate Miss Douglas. At this +moment Lady Douglas formed an attractive feature to the group. Her +graceful form, dignity of gesture and gentle expression was a subject of +admiration. Her winning smile was greeted by recognitions of deep and +respectful courtesy on the part of the gentlemen.</p> + +<p>"My Lady, fortune has at last condescended to favour me by your +appearance among us," said Mr. Trevelyan, rising and advancing towards +Her Ladyship, while a blush suffused his handsome face, hastily making +its way with deepening colour, showing the clear and open hearted spirit +of the young Lieutenant. "We now have hopes of a speedy restoration." Mr. +Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to the fair arbitress, who +listened with keen relish and enjoyment. "As I have arrived at this +unfavourable moment," said Her Ladyship, "I will try to end the matter +satisfactorily to all parties. His Excellency being one of the chief +actors, shall forfeit his liberty by devoting an hour in satisfying the +present demands of the company. Mr. Trevelyan also, will only extricate +himself from his present position by giving one of his many excellent +renditions from Shakespeare or any of the favorite authors. Do you not +all agree to this decision?" As Lady Douglas glanced towards her daughter +Mary, she read in those beautiful eyes a mischievous flash directed +towards Miss Douglas. "If I judge aright there is yet another to be +brought to hasty retribution," said the former. "Pardon me, but I think +your Ladyship is rather severe," said the youthful lieutenant with a +boyish flush of youth upon his brow. "I beg that the penalty imposed upon +Miss Douglas may be something which rests upon her direct choice." +"Treason within the camp," exclaimed Captain Douglas, in his military +tone. "Trevelyan, beware, you are being caught in a pitfall." Lady +Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss Douglas, saying "Mr. Trevelyan's +request shall be granted, you can choose your own task of imposition, +music, reading, or any other pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to +her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to +mature my views for the coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour +being announced warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group +separated leaving the verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a +spaniel, and a pair of tame rabbits.</p> + +<p>While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of +Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr. Howe, +private secretary to Sir Howard. The carriage, a handsome one, is driven +by a span of full-blooded Arabian horses; magnificent specimens of their +species; proudly sits their owner in his costly equipage. As a man of +wealth, high family, Mr. Howe occupied a prominent position in the +household of the Douglas family. His coming is awaited with eagerness. +Captain Douglas, his friend and companion, is at his side in a moment +addressing him with hearty familiarity, "Howe, you are late. Has business +been pressing? Takes some time to get reconciled to the hum drum of life +in New Brunswick! Well, old fellow, send around the horses and we will +yet have time for a cigar before dinner. Strange, I enjoy one better +before than after. You know I am an odd bird in every sense. Was odd last +evening at mess when we got the rubber." "Douglas, one thing is +confoundedly odd." "How did the natives of New Brunswick ever impose upon +the British Government to send a governor and a private secretary," +interrupted Charles Douglas. "Ha, ha, ha," laughed the latter, with +repeated and renewed attacks. "Howe, you have been baulked in some design +to-day; perhaps the fair one smiled on another, or odder still, some +rival is ready to exchange a few kindly shots." "Oh, Douglas, for +Heaven's sake stop and save your breath for more interesting topics," +exclaimed the latter. The secretary lit a cigar and sat down to glance +over the contents of a letter. Muttering some irreverent expressions upon +the writer. "Howe, you 'see through a glass darkly,'" yelled Captain +Douglas, "to-morrow you will see face to face Major McNair and the sports +of H.M. 52nd. It will be mightily odd if you do not give them a brush. +Count upon me, too, as I intend to show in earnest what stuff Prince is +made of." "One thing you show," said Mr. Howe, with a strange grin—"a +desire to turn parson or priest. I might make a few suppositions without +interruption. Perhaps you have been initiating yourself in the good +graces of a Rev. Clergyman, by a few such quotations. Perhaps the church +might take better in New Brunswick than the army. Douglas, with all your +perhapses, you are a cunning diplomatist." "You certainly do me credit, +Howe," said his friend; "I possess enough cunning to perceive that you +are not in your native element this September 22nd, 1824."</p> + +<p>The private secretary of His Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, was a man +of no ordinary stamp. He had ability and coolness; the last named +quality had gained him much favour from the veteran commander, and a +desire to retain his service. Tall, slight and athletic, Mr. Howe was +foremost in all feats of physical sports. Horse racing was his greatest +mania. Few could manage a horse as he, and fewer still could own one +faster than his favourite mare, Bess. Quickly he rose to his feet with +"Jove, Douglas, I feel angry with myself and everybody." "Then keep your +distance, I beseech you," returned Captain Douglas, in his usual jolly +manner. "Listen for a moment and hear my scrape," said Howe. "Down in +the mess this afternoon we got talking,"—"horse, of course," said the +Captain—"yes, horse," said the former, "and got mixed up into one of +the greatest skirmishes ever heard of. Captain Markham swore and raged +like a wild beast Captain Hawley bit his lips with anger, and when I +tried to conciliate matters, they turned on me like a set of vipers. In +fact, with two or three exceptions, they hung together and irated me in +good round English, forward and backward with little regard to Johnson +or any of the time-honoured lexicographers. It was a hot encounter. In +spite of anger, I cannot help laughing, to think how they abused each +other, and, in turn, united themselves into a general force, directing +the fire of their battery upon me. By St. George of England, it was too +much. Of Course this is only the beginning of a series of such +demonstrations." "All's well that ends well," returned Captain Douglas, +"a night's sleep will restore all to a former footing. Major McNair +would frown upon any breach thus made."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>AMID THE HOUSEHOLD</h3> + + +<p>The spacious dining hall of Government House now assumed an aspect of +studied splendour. The tables groaned under the weight of tempting and +delicious dishes. The culinary intricacies of Sir Howard's table were +often under comment. Viands of all kinds stood on every side, while the +brilliant scintillations from chandeliers—massive silver and sparkling +glasses—were of wondrous radiance. Sir Howard, preceded by Mr. Howe and +Lady Douglas, led his beautiful daughter to a seat at his side. Captain +Charles Douglas was the escort of Miss Cheenick, the family governess, +and companion of Miss Douglas. The remaining part of the company took +their places in like order, thus completing the usual dinner party. None +but those who have passed much time in the company of Sir Howard +Douglas, and enjoyed his many gay and social dinners and parties, can +form any just conception of the true worth and genuine goodness of this +fine specimen of an English gentleman. The flashes of wit and graceful +repartees, mingled with sound judgment and truthful dignity, +characterized the nature of the gallant Sir Howard. He was ever on the +alert to minister to the wants of others. No one was neglected within +his knowledge or recollection. From his daughter beside him to every +guest around this festive board, none were allowed to go forth without +coming directly under his recognition. The stern realities of military +life through which he had passed, had in nowise interfered with those +social qualities which so endeared our hero to the hearts of all. In +Lady Douglas, Sir Howard found a faithful helpmate, a loving wife and +deeply affectionate and pious mother. Lady Douglas never wearied in +watching and caring for the welfare of her children. No mother could be +more amply rewarded in seeing her family grow up loved and honoured; her +sons true types of gentlemanly honour; her daughters having all those +graces which are desirable to beautify the female characters, and make +woman an ornament in her family and in society. "Mr. Howe," exclaimed +Sir Howard, glancing towards that personage, "you escaped a severe +ordeal by being tardy this afternoon. You have proved that every rule +has an exception, but I must be careful not to introduce any +comparisons;" thus saying, his Excellency directed his smile towards Mr. +Trevelyan. Seated beside Miss Douglas, the young Lieutenant once more +heightening the effect of his handsome dark eyes by the deepening colour +of his cheeks. "Come, come, Mr. Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind +His Excellency's smile." "Pardon me, Mr. Howe," said Lady Douglas, "I am +pledged to relieve Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley. A truce was +effected until the compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room." +"I thank your Ladyship," said the Lieutenant, bowing. "Then, Your +Excellency, that theory falls to the ground at present," said Mr. Howe, +"I am not classified as an exception." The secretary smiled as he +thought of the cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation +would make for the gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn. "My Lady +Rosamond is rather demure," said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young +lady with his truthful smile. "Really Your Excellency cannot forget that +I have been studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls." "Ah, you cunning +rogue, you are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party," +returned Sir Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions +from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of +others." Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please +bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond +Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past +delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be +conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner +progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were +salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was +the absence of anything that could not be received by the most +fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were +discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas.</p> + +<p>One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond +Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that +distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period. +Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction. Her Father, Sir +Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable, respected +and admired. He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the daughter of an +English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left two sons and one +daughter—the Lady Rosamond. Placed under the care of a maiden aunt, the +young lady had the benefit of learned instructions. Sir Thomas was +determined that his child should receive all possible pains in her +education. Though displaying no uncommon ability, Lady Rosamond was +studious and persevering, compensating for genius by never failing +application. She made considerable progress in classics, literature and +poetry. In mathematics she was deficient. "I will do my best," she would +often say to her tutor, "but you know I never was expected to be a +mathematician." Lady Rosamond was indeed beautiful. The perfect features +of her oval shaped face were lit by sparkling black eyes, full, large +and dreamy, sometimes bewildering one with their variety of expression. +While residing with her aunt, Lady Rosamond had formed an intimacy with +Mary Douglas, which increased as they grew older. Together they spent +many happy hours, and never wearied in their bright day dreams thus +woven together. Nothing could exceed the grief of those companions when +it was announced that the family of Sir Howard Douglas was soon to +depart for New Brunswick. Lady Rosamond was inconsolable, and after +urgent entreaties on the part of Lady Douglas, Sir Thomas Seymour +consented to allow his daughter to remain with them for two years, after +which she would for a time assume the duties and responsibilities of his +household. Hence, Lady Rosamond Seymour came to New Brunswick with the +family of Sir Howard Douglas, and thus we find her the friend of Mary +Douglas in Fredericton.</p> + +<p>In after chapters will be found the reason for thus introducing Lady +Rosamond. To return to the preceding narrative. After the ladies +withdrew the gentlemen remained to discuss over their cigars and wine. +Mr. Howe began by repeating the affair among the messmates of the 52nd, +and the result of his friendly interference. The warmth of his passion +was aroused and he vehemently exclaimed, "Trevelyan, I both regard and +respect you as a gentleman and friend, and feel regret that you were so +unfortunate as to become attached to one of the most dissolute and +dissipated of His Majesty's Regiments." The secretary was about to +proceed when he was interrupted by Captain Douglas. "Strong terms, Howe. +Your case would in some instances demand redress but I repeatedly avow +not if considered in the light of reason." Mr. Howe saw in the strange +light of Sir Howard's eye that His Excellency would now give, in a few +words, his decision with unerring judgment. "Gentlemen," said he, rising +from his seat and casting successive glances at all, "Mr. Howe seems to +feel that the treatment received this afternoon should justify his +seeking redress from those military gentlemen. Would any here think it +necessary to create a breach between the Regiment and ourselves, from +the fact of their having, while under the influence of liquor, shewed an +incapacity to treat a guest with becoming respect, being utterly +indifferent to every feeling save that engendered by abuse of appetite? +Do I state it aright Mr. Howe?" "Your Excellency is right," said the +Secretary, "sometimes I see the foolishness of being hot-tempered, but +never more than on this occasion."</p> + +<p>"We can afford to laugh at the matter now, Howe," said Captain Douglas, +"to-morrow you will heap coals on their heads with a vengeance." The +company enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which His Excellency joined. "You may +have cause to bless your stars that you were absent, Trevelyan," said +Mr. Douglas, "as you might have been pressed into service against Howe."</p> + +<p>Guy Trevelyan was indeed a young man of marked ability and much promise. +His father, Colonel Trevelyan, was a brother officer with Sir Howard +during the Peninsula campaign. For signal service he was rewarded by +knighthood and the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Having obtained for his +son, Guy, a commission in H. M. 52nd Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel +Trevelyan hailed with delight the tidings of his friend's appointment to +the Governorship of New Brunswick. The Regiment was then stationed in +Fredericton and St. John—headquarters at the former—with Major McNair +in command, while the companies stationed at St. John were in charge of +Sir Thomas Tilden. In His Excellency, Guy Trevelyan had a warm-hearted +friend. The son of Colonel Trevelyan was dear to him. Many times Sir +Howard looked upon his handsome boyish face, pleased with tracing the +strong resemblance between father and son. The open, generous and manly +disposition of the young Lieutenant shone in every lineament of his +countenance. Guy Trevelyan was loved by every member of the Douglas +family. Lady Douglas showed him daily marks of favour, making him at +ease in the bosom of her household. Nor did our young officer abuse +these acts of true kindness and personal privilege. Unassuming, gentle +and affable Guy Trevelyan was more eagerly sought than seeking. Sir +Howard admired his favorite, his diffidence and bashful coyness. "He is +one to make a mark," said he. "Give me the disposition of Guy in +preference to those aping and patronizing airs assumed by the majority +of young gentlemen on entering the army." Once, on addressing +Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, he wrote the following: "Have no fear for +Guy; he is a true scion of the old stock. His nature is truthful, +honourable and sincere, not being addicted to those vices which ruin our +bravest soldiers. He has endeared himself to our family, in fact, Lady +Douglas would lament his absence almost the same as one of her own +sons."</p> + +<p>Having made this digression, thus introducing the principal members of +the company, we will now ask the reader to follow the ladies into the +drawing room. Government House drawing room was indeed an apartment of +costly elegance. Richly covered and gilded furniture was arranged in +stately profusion. Quaintly and gorgeously embroidered silken draperies +were festooned with graceful effect. Rare paintings adorned the frescoed +walls. Priceless cabinets, vases and statuary were grouped with artistic +hand. Turkey carpets of the most brilliant hues covered the floor, while +the flashing and almost dazzling light radiating from the massive +chandeliers, made the scene one of surpassing grandeur—something almost +incredible outside the lustre and surroundings of a kingly residence. +Such is a correct picture of old Government House over half a century +ago. Then it shone with true chivalric glory. Now with its structure and +surroundings a dream of the past.</p> + +<p>In the midst of her group sat Lady Douglas occupied in some fancy +netting, while each lady had some especial task. "Miss Cheenick," said +Her Ladyship, "will you be so kind as to assist Miss Mary in the +selection of suitable shades of silk for this piece of embroidery. You +will accompany her to-morrow after luncheon, as she is anxious to +commence." "It is to be hoped that we will meet with success as, judging +from the appearance of the stores in this city, there is not much to +select from," said Mary Douglas, "but, Miss Cheenick, only think, it +will be our first attempt at shopping in Fredericton." "How much better +and more convenient if there were exclusive dry goods stores as in +England," said Lady Rosamond. "It is rather amusing to see all kinds of +groceries and provisions on one side, and silks, satins and laces on the +other. Pardon me, mamma, if I use the expression of Mr. Howe, +'everything from a needle to an anchor.'" "Well, my child, you will +agree that both are useful," said Her Ladyship, "but I am doubtful +whether the last named article is to be obtained here."</p> + +<p>At the close of these remarks, the gentlemen were received. Sir Howard, +true to his obligation, had found a seat beside his daughter Mary. +"Papa," she exclaimed, "my knight is true,—'A good knight and true.'"</p> + +<p>"At Lady Douglas' suggestion, I am duly bound to disclose some views +upon New Brunswick and its capital. In the first place, I must plead +ignorance, from want of sufficient time to note the general aspect, +features and surroundings. This is a primitive soil, populated and +toiled by a primitive people. Agriculture is yet in its infancy, and no +prospect at hand for the furtherance of this important calling. Well +wooded land, fertile valley and pleasing variety, show that this should +be the great and only resource of this country. What facilities are +afforded to the farmer for the importation of produce, were this noble +river to be opened up with steam navigation. In a year hence, if my life +be spared, I shall be able to afford you some information on life in the +back settlements, and the means resorted to by the settlers. At present +there are only five roads in the whole Province; three of which you have +seen, as they lead from this city in different directions; the one to +St. John; also, that passing our door to Quebec; and the third which I +shewed you last week as leading to Miramichi. The fourth leads to St. +Andrews, a small seaport in the south-west; while the fifth leads to +Halifax." "Pardon me, Your Excellency, I could not help observing that +the condition of these roads pay small tribute to McAdam, or Telford, +being a rapid and sudden succession of up hill and down dale." "One +would need a vigorous constitution," returned Sir Howard, "to make a +practical test. People do not have much traffic upon these roads, from +the fact that the settlements are more numerous along the river, which +holds out more advantages."</p> + +<p>"Papa," exclaimed Sir Howard's favourite daughter, "How much I should +like to accompany you on an expedition through the forests of New +Brunswick." "Perhaps you may, when the roads are more accessible, when +there will be established comfortable inns where one can rest and be +refreshed. None will press me to give any further report of the country, +when I make a guarantee to do so at some time in the future, when there +will be, I trust, good progress made."</p> + +<p>"Many thanks, Your Excellency," said Mr. Howe, in response to Sir +Howard, and, "in behalf of the company, may I express a hope that your +wish be realized in the future of New Brunswick's history. May this +province yet rise in commercial prosperity and national wealth, and may +New Brunswick's sons yet assume their proud position as Governors of the +province." "Mr. Howe is growing eloquent," remarked Lady Rosamond, to +Mr. Trevelyan.—"A conspiracy on foot," exclaimed Miss Douglas, glancing +towards Lady Rosamond. "Now Mr. Trevelyan will play his part," said +Captain Douglas, with mock solemnity.</p> + +<p>The young Lieutenant selected a passage from "Cymbeline," receiving the +gratitude and applause of the ladies, to whose repeated entreaties he +also read an extract from "King Lear," commencing with the line "No, I +will be the pattern of all patience." Guy Trevelyan's voice was full, +soft and musical, having the power of soothing the listener; but when +required for dramatic readings, could command a versatility that was +surprising. Miss Douglas archly proposed to Lady Douglas her wish to +join in a game of whist. Thus engaged, the remainder of the evening +passed quickly away. Mary Douglas still retaining her gallant partner, +having secured the rubber against Mr. Howe and Miss Douglas, warmly +congratulated Sir Howard on their success. "Never despair, Miss +Douglas," said Mr. Howe, "we bide our time." The secretary's carriage +being announced, with smiles and bows he took leave, followed by Mr. +Trevelyan, who accepted the proffered invitation.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>AN EVENING IN OFFICERS' MESS-ROOM.</h3> + + +<p>Many of our readers are familiar with the old building still standing, +facing on Queen Street, known as the officers' barracks. At the time +when this story opened, this was a scene of continual festivity—life in +its gayest aspect. Here were quartered the noisy, the swaggering, the +riotous, the vain, the gallant, the honourable, and all those different +qualities which help to form the make-up of the many individuals +comprising the officers of H. M. 52nd Regiment. At no period, before or +since, has Fredericton ever risen to such notoriety. Several +enterprising gentlemen of this body in connexion with a few of the +leading citizens planned and laid the first regular and circular race +course, near where the present now is situated, under the management of +J. H. Reid, Esq., and the members of York County Agricultural Society.</p> + +<p>On the old race course it was no unusual occurrence to witness as many +as a dozen races during the space of two days. Sons of gentlemen, both +in military and private life, were the owners of thorough-bred horses, +each claiming the highest distinctions regarding full-blooded pedigree. +These were Fredericton's glorious days—days of sport; days of chivalry; +days of splendour and high life. On the evening in question, a festive +board was spread with all the eclat attending a dinner party. Some hours +previous a grand assemblage had gathered on the race course to witness a +race between Captain Douglas' mare Bess, and a celebrated racer +introduced on the course by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden, ridden by his +groom. Much betting had arisen on both sides. Excitement ran high. Bets +were being doubled. The universal din and uproar was growing loud, noisy +and clamorous. The band played spirited music, commencing with national +airs, and, in compliment to an American officer, a guest of Sir Thomas +Tilden, finished off with Hail Columbia. Bess won the race. His +Excellency, Capt. Douglas, in the capacity of aide-de-camp, Mr. Howe and +Mr. James Douglas, with their friend, Lieutenant Trevelyan, stood on an +eminence bordered by woods. Here Sir Howard watched the afternoon's +sport with keen interest. He saw in the assembly many features to be +discountenanced. None admired a noble animal better than Sir Howard, and +none were more humane in their treatment. Captain Douglas entered more +into the sport of the proceedings. His whole mind for the present was +centered on the expectation of his noble little animal. In gaining the +race he was generous to the last degree. Honor was the password in all +his actions, while he gave his opponents that feeling which led them to +thank him for an honorable defeat.</p> + +<p>The occasion of Lt. Col. Tilden's arrival was always hailed with a round +of festivities. This evening was the commencement, servants in livery +were at every footstep. An array of butlers and waiters was conspicuous +arranging the different tables. The grateful odors emitted from several +passages presaged the elaborate dishes to be served. The rattle of +dishes, clinking of glasses, and drawing of corks, hinted of the viands +in unlimited store. While the above were conducted in the mess-room, +many of the guests were as busy in their own private apartments making +the necessary toilet for the reception. In the foremost tier of rooms to +the left, facing the river, on the ground floor, is the one occupied by +Lieut. Guy Trevelyan. He is brushing out the waves of chestnut brown +hair which, though short, shows a tendency to assert its nature despite +the stern orders of military rule. A shade passes over the brow of the +youthful-looking soldier as he dons his scarlet uniform. His thoughts +are not at ease. Guy Trevelyan feels a vague and unaccountable +yearning—an undefined feeling which is impossible to shake off. "Well, +Trevelyan," soliloquized he; "you are a strange old fellow; such a state +as this must not be indulged amidst the stir and hurly-burly of +to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder that Trevelyan +thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs broke upon him—the +barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of steps upon the +pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a babel—a +distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were amusing in +the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction +being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a table! Such an +array that one would only get into difficulty by attempting to describe +it. Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right of Lt. Col. Tilden and +received that attention which characterizes Sir Thomas. Mr. Howe, once +more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat beside the incorrigible +Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets produced such sensitive effects +upon the ears of the secretary sometime previous. Major McNair, a +brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier, always ready to do the honors of +the Regiment under his charge, had on his right Captain Hawkins, an +American officer; on his left an American youth and nephew of the +officer. The convivial resources of these dinners were of a nature +sometimes loud, boisterous, and exhilarating. Though indulging in +countless practical jokes, various scenes of carousal, revels, mingling +with toast upon toast, cards and amusements, there was a general good +feeling throughout the whole proceedings. Misunderstandings sometimes led +to sharp words, but the intervention of a superior had a healing effect. +In nowise did Lieutenant Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow +officers as for habits of moderation. They often dubbed him "Saint Guy, +the cold water man," which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant. The +attention of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening +with deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished +father. "Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the +term," said the Major. "There is no need of that explanation, sir," said +the American; "it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish +face. His father will yet be proud of such a son." "The words of His +Excellency," returned the Major. In the flow of general conversation +that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and responded +by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at dinner. Sir +Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on his success, +hoping that they may meet soon on the same business. This called from +the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and humorous +speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia with the entire +company in a deafening chorus. After a short pause, cries of "Howe! +Howe!" Nothing short of an oration would satisfy. The secretary rose and +delivered something which would take some investigation to classify +either as an epic, oration, or burlesque. They wanted variety and such +it was. A puzzled expression rested on Lieutenant Trevelyan's face as he +tried to follow Mr. Howe in the lengthy harangue.</p> + +<p>The band afterwards played "Hail Columbia," which was the signal for +Captain Hawkins to respond. The American thanked the Commander and +Officers of H. M. 52nd Regt. for the marked hospitality and courtesy +extended to him during his stay. Alluding to the feeling of +dissatisfaction existing between the sister nations, he hoped to see a +firmer footing established between them; and all former animosities +wiped out forever. These and other like sentiments called forth loud +applause, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner." Speech followed +toast and song until the hours wore on unheeded. Lest it might be +considered an absurdity, we will not say how many toasts were +actually made—not in water, either, on this occasion. The strongest +proof of this fact was found in the dozens of empty bottles lying +scattered in profusion upon sideboards, tables and floors, the following +morning, as servants looked on in dismay. The task of removal is no +slight task. Before the company breaks up let us take another glance at +Lieutenant Trevelyan. In respect to his superiors the young gentleman +still remained as one of the company. Though twenty-one years had +lightly passed over our young friend and favourite, one would not judge +that he was more than eighteen. His smooth and beardless face had the +delicate bloom of a young and pretty girl. Dimples nestled in his cheeks +playing hide and seek to the various emotions of the owner. Guy +Trevelyan had not mastered his feelings during the "hurly burly," as +firmly as was his wont. Relapsing into an existence half reality, half +dreamlike, he was striving to divine the true state of his thoughts when +called upon by Sir Thomas Tilden. "Here is Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +Adonis of our Regiment, whom we cannot accuse of a breach of impropriety +to-night, except it be that of reserve." "Come now, Trevelyan, you are +in for a song," exclaimed a dozen voices, pressing around the young +Lieutenant, in noisy appeals. Contrary to their expectations, Trevelyan +did favor the company with a patriotic song, which drew forth stirring +applause and made him the hero of the evening. "Well done, my hearty," +exclaimed Captain Hawley, slapping him on the shoulders, shouting +lustily, "Hurrah for Trevelyan, hip, hip, hurrah for Trevelyan." "Eh, +old chum," muttered Lieutenant Landon, in incoherent and rambling +speech, about "faint heart and fair lady." "As congratulations are at +present the rule, I cannot make an exception," said Mr. Howe. "Thanks my +boy for this, and may you soon have occasion for another." "And +another," roared the crowd, taking up the last words of the secretary. +"My warmest thanks, Mr. Trevelyan," said the Lieutenant Colonel, warmly +pressing his young friend's hand. This last act of courtesy was more +gratefully received by Mr. Trevelyan than the noisy demonstrations of +his brother officers. Soon afterwards, guest after guest departed in +various moods and in various ways; some making zig-zag and circuitous +routes, while others were more steady in the bent of their direction. +More definite description might be given of these parties than that +pictured here. More details might be given of scenes of dissipation, +when each member must "drink himself under the table," to achieve the +respect of his fellows; but the writer forbears not wishing to expose +the darker shades of the picture, allowing the reader full control of +his or her imagination, if willing to go further. Suffice it to say, no +brawls had marred the "jolly time." All went away in good humour, while +the American was so loud in praise, that he almost wished himself an +officer in H. M. 52nd Regiment. Having made his adieu, Captain Douglas +took leave for his bachelor's quarters, held in the house on the site at +present occupied by George Minchin, Esq., on King Street, whither his +friend Howe had preceded him. In this building, was kept the Governor's +Office, as well. Here Captain Douglas found himself, as the darkest hour +that precedes the dawn reminded of approaching day. "Howe," said +he, "sit down and have a chat for a few moments. What did you think +of the affair? Of cousin Jonathan and his nephew?" "One question at a +time, Douglas," said Mr. Howe, pulling out a cigar case and passing one +to his friend. "In answer to your first, I may say that under the +circumstances there was some credit for being merry. It happened at a +deuced bad time, but Sir Thomas took his defeat manfully, while those +animated volcanoes, Hawley and Markham were wonderfully passive—a fact +we must attribute to Major McNair. The general melee and pow-wow in +which I was so unceremoniously toasted, taught a lesson. Jove, the Major +is entitled to an order if he can, by any means, reclaim any of the +52nd. But the most amusing of the crowd is Trevelyan, who reminds me of +an Englishman in Paris. He is clear, too. The oftener I see him the more +I find to admire. He has a stock of drollery in reserve, too. Only think +of the song and how received; Jove, he can sing like a thrush or +nightingale."</p> + +<p>"Sometimes he wears a puzzled look which I cannot define; but Trevelyan +one day will make his mark if not led astray by some of his comrades. +Still, in the same youth, there is considerable backbone, plenty of +determination if necessary." "Hold on, Howe, when are you coming to the +second question," exclaimed Douglas, in slightly impatient tones. "Bide +your time, old fellow. Getting sleepy too, by Saint George," said the +secretary, using his favourite Saint and Patron as necessary expletive. +"Oh! about Jonathan, or Sam, or cousin Jonathan. Cousin Jonathan is +certainly a jolly fellow. How they did stuff him with compliments. +Cousin Jonathan is a bigger man than when he arrived, and Markham, would +you not think he hailed from the 'ould country,' by the quantities of +that commodity supposed to come direct from Killarney, which he used +upon cousin Jonathan and Hail Columbia. Ha, ha, ha."</p> + +<p>"Douglas, the younger Jonathan is a genuine specimen of Young America. +By Jove, to see him at good advantage he should have been seated beside +Guy Trevelyan—our Adonis. Is not the old chap mighty complimentary? +Think it was rather hard on the vanity of Landon and Grey. We must be +sure give the toast to Trevelyan, when they are present, to have another +skirmish." "Judging from your state of mind at the first, one would not +deem it advisable to enter the lists a second time," said Captain +Douglas. "Bear in mind the Major has too much on his hands already." +"Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits," said Mr. Howe, with +a vein of sarcasm in his tones. "It grows late, or, I should say, +early," said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence. "Howe, +good morning, I shall retire." "Au revoir Douglas."</p> + +<p>"Oh, sleep! Oh, gentle sleep! Nature's soft nurse," murmured Captain +Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the +last evening and remaining part of the night. Soon the "gentle sleep" was +upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully, +regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan.</p> + +<p>His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank +another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing: "By Jove, I shall watch +him closely. He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him. If +he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him. Douglas has +not the penetration to perceive it, but I can. Can any young lady be +mixed up in the affair? If so, I may be at a loss to discover." In the +meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to +gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing: +"That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word." Here he +stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel +refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day. The coming +day intended to be almost a repetition of the past. Morning, public +parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room. Sir +Thomas Tilden's arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with +grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers. To these seasons the +officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond +expectation. Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and +chivalry of Fredericton. Nothing but gaiety on every hand. Such events +marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a +century ago.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>LADY ROSAMOND'S REVERIE.</h3> + + +<p>In a small but exquisitely furnished apartment in Government House sat a +young and beautiful lady. The room commanded a north-west view, showing +a bright and silvery sheet of rippling water. This was the private +apartment of Lady Rosamond. It is the hour when she is occupied in +writing letters and attending to the many little matters demanding her +attention. An open letter lies upon her lap. Lady Rosamond is listlessly +leaning against a dressing-table, with one hand partially shading her +beautiful face. Quickly turning round to look at some object beyond +gives a full view, which reveals a tender sadness resting in the depths +of those powerful dark eyes. Lady Rosamond is in a deep study—one which +is not of an agreeable nature—one which she is not most likely to +reveal. Alternate shades of displeasure, rebellion and defiance, flit +across her brow, which remain, in quiet and apparently full possession, +until reluctantly driven forth by the final ascendancy of reason, at the +cost of many conflicting feelings of emotion and deep despondency.</p> + +<p>Again Lady Rosamond reads the letter very slowly, as though to find, in +each word and sentence, some other meaning which might allay her present +distracting thoughts. Vainly did the reader search for relief. The +diction was plain, clear and definite. No chance to escape. No fond +smiles from Hope's cheering presence. Hope had fled, with agonizing +gaze, as Lady Rosamond once more read that letter. Every word was +stamped upon her heart in characters of bold and maddening outline. +Heaving a deep sigh she folded the letter, placed it within her desk, +and mechanically stood gazing upon the quiet river, peaceful and calm, +save the little ripple on the surface. Lady Rosamond contrasted the +scene with her troubled depths and superficial quiet exterior.</p> + +<p>Quietly opening the window the cool sharp breeze of an October morning +was grateful to the feverish flush partially visible upon the cheeks of +Lady Rosamond. She was usually pale, save when an occasional blush +asserted its right. Standing here in such a state of mind Lady Rosamond +was indeed beautiful—a lovely picture with delicate expression and +coloring. While she is thus engaged let us intrude upon the privacy of +her feelings by taking forth the letter from its hiding place, and +examining its contents. It seems a sacrilegious act, but it is in our +great sympathy and interest on behalf of Lady Rosamond that we yield to +the temptation.</p> + +<p>The writing is in a bold, masculine hand, clear, legible, and uniform. +If there be such a thing as judging the character of the writer by the +chirography in the present instance, there was decision, firmness, +bordering on self-will, and resistance to opposition. The letter ran +thus:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Chesley Manor, Surrey, Oct.</span> 4th, 1824.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My Dear Child</span>:</p> + +<p>Having a few moments to spare this morning I devote them to your +benefit, with a fond hope that you are as happy as the day is long. +It does seem rather hard for me to be moping around this quiet +house and my little girl away in New Brunswick, but it is useless +to repine. In a few days I will take charge of a ship to go abroad +for some months. Our fleet now demands my attention, which, I am +happy to say, will drive away loneliness and repinings for the +little runaway. Was much pleased to meet an old friend of Sir +Howard Douglas—Colonel Fleetwood—who served in the same regiment +while in Spain, and is ever loud in praise of his friend. Though an +old soldier now, he has the true ring of military valor, which +would gain the esteem of Sir Howard.</p> + +<p>Your aunt is enjoying a visit to Bereford Castle; writes in good +health and spirits. Your cousin, Gerald, is again on a political +campaign, being sanguine in the prospect of being re-seated in +Parliament the next session. I am watching the event as one which +concerns us deeply. Bereford is a young man of much promise. He +will indeed fill well his position as owner of Bereford Castle, as +well as peer of the realm. Lord Bereford is truly proud of his heir +as the noblest of this ancient and loyal family. My dearest child, +it is my fondest desire that in you may be doubly united the +families of Seymour and Bereford. Gerald is the son-in-law of my +choice, and it is my earnest desire that you may favor a fond +parent's views in this matter. That your cousin regards you both +fondly and tenderly I am truly convinced. He expressed his opinion +very freely on making a visit last week, when I gave him my +unbounded confidence and direct encouragement. On leaving he +requested me to intimate this feeling towards you in a quiet +manner, which I now do, with sufficient knowledge of your character +to know that a parent's wishes will not be opposed. Gerald Bereford +will be in a position to give you that ease and affluence your +birth demands. As Lady Bereford, Lady Rosamond Seymour will neither +compromise rank, wealth, nor dignity, and will be happy in the love +of a fond, devoted husband, and the blessing of a doting father. It +is my great love for you, my child, that urges this settlement. I +am certain that you will have no hesitation in giving your answer. +You are young, and have as yet formed no prior attachments, for +which circumstance thank heaven, and allow me to congratulate you +for being so fortunate as to secure the heart and hand of Gerald +Bereford. Do not imagine that it is our wish to shorten your stay +in New Brunswick. You are at liberty to enjoy the companionship of +your friend Mary till the years have expired, after which I think +that my daughter will be anxious to see her only parent, and to +form high opinions of her cousin Gerald. My dear, I do not wish to +hurry you, already knowing your answer. Wishing to be kindly +remembered to Sir Howard and Lady Douglas, and the family, with my +fondest love.</p> + +<p>Remain, <span class="smcap">Your Father</span>.</p></div> + +<p>Such was the tenor of the epistle which had caused these feelings within +the bosom of Lady Rosamond. Sir Thomas Seymour was a man not to be +thwarted in his designs. He loved his child with deep tenderness, and, +as he said in the letter, this was the reason of his solicitude. It had +always been the secret pride of the Admiral's life that Gerald Bereford +should wed Lady Rosamond, but he kept his favorite plans closely guarded +until means were offered to aid him. Many times Sir Thomas fancied that +Gerald Bereford admired his lovely cousin, and had a faint hope in the +realization of his wishes. When the climax was reached, by those avowals +on the part of the suitor, the great joy of the solicitous parent knew +no bounds. He seemed to view the matter as one which would give entire +happiness to all parties. Lady Rosamond was to be congratulated on the +brilliant prospects of her future. The Bereford family were to be +congratulated on their securing such an acquisition as Lady Rosamond, +while Gerald Bereford was to be congratulated on having won the heart of +such a pure and lovable being as his future bride. All those +congratulations were in prospect before the mental vision of the Admiral +as he lovingly dwelt upon the matter.</p> + +<p>From the effect thus produced upon Lady Rosamond it was certain she +viewed the matter in a different light. True, she had never, by thought +or action, been betrayed to show the least possible regard or preference +towards any of the many gallants from whom she oftentimes received many +flattering attentions.</p> + +<p>Towards her cousin Gerald she had always been considerate and friendly. +When on several occasions he had taken particular pains to gratify her +slightest wish, and pay more deferential regard than was necessary to +the demands of their relationship, Lady Rosamond affected utter +ignorance of the cause by treating him with a familiarity that gave him +no opportunity to urge his suit.</p> + +<p>When Sir Thomas gave consent to his daughter's reception in the family +of Sir Howard Douglas, it was in the firm belief that on her return her +mind would be matured to enter more fully upon plans relative to her +settlement in life. At the death of Sir Thomas the lands and estate of +Chesley Manor would be inherited by Frederick Seymour, the eldest son; a +smaller estate, bordering upon that of Lord Bereford, affording a +moderate income, went to the second son Geoffrey, while an annuity of +four thousand pounds had been settled upon Lady Rosamond, with a +marriage jointure of fifty thousand pounds, to be placed in the hands of +the trustees. By the marriage of Gerald Bereford and Lady Rosamond, the +latter would secure an inheritance of which she was next direct heir, +being the niece of the present lord incumbent.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond weighed all these arguments and tried to find by some +means a possibility of escape, but all lay in the dark and dim distance, +exacting heavy payment from her ladyship.</p> + +<p>This was a heavy blow to a person of Lady Rosamond's sensitive nature. +The thought was revolting to her. For some time previous a dim +foreboding haunted her—a presentiment of gloom and of deep sorrow. On +receiving the letter its weight seemed to lie heavily upon her. Now the +contents again caused her much pain. To whom could she go for comfort? +To whom unburden her mind? Leaning her head upon the table Lady Rosamond +sought refuge in tears. She sobbed bitterly. "It is at this trying +moment I miss my dear mother," murmured the poor girl in faltering +accents of outspoken grief. "Heaven pity those who have no mother. With +her loving and tender heart my mother never would have allowed the +sanctity of my feelings to be thus invaded and trampled upon. And my +dear father, I love him, but can I fulfil his wishes? It is my duty! Oh, +heaven direct me!"</p> + +<p>Poor Lady Rosamond! Her sorrow was indeed deep. In the midst of such +murmurs she arose, walked to the window, and once more fanned her cheeks +with the cooling breath of heaven, which afforded momentary relief.</p> + +<p>As the large plate mirror opposite reflected the tear stains upon her +pale but lovely face, Lady Rosamond resolved to banish all traces of +sorrow. Returning from the adjoining dressing-room not a shade clouded +the features of the suffering girl. The silken ringlets of her raven +black hair were rearranged with bewildering profusion, while the +feverish blush added to her surpassing charms. A faint smile passed over +Lady Rosamond's features as she tried to appear gay and assumed those +girlish charms which made friends on every side, from Sir Howard to the +youngest member in the household. "Oh, dear, what shall I do?" escaped +the lips of the sufferer. "What will bring this matter to an end?" But +pride would not allow Lady Rosamond to reveal her feelings. She would be +a true Seymour. It were well that she possessed this spirit, being in +this instance an offset to injured delicacy.</p> + +<p>Having remained in privacy longer than it was customary, she reluctantly +prepared to meet the family. Descending the upper stairway, she was met +by one of the children who had come to summon her to join them in a +walk.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond was always a favorite with children and the family of Sir +Howard formed no exception. They loved to accompany her on long walks in +search of any thing the surrounding woods afforded. Scarce two months +had passed since their arrival and they were familiar with all the cosy +retreats, nooks and pretty spots to be found. Surrounded by her +followers, Lady Rosamond appeared as a naiad holding revel with her +sylvan subjects.</p> + +<p>In her present mood the woods seemed to suggest calm. With her +companion, Mary Douglas, and the romping children, Lady Rosamond was +seemingly happy. A slight accident occurred which somewhat disturbed the +enjoyment of all, more especially those whom it most concerned.</p> + +<p>In crossing a narrow brook by means of a small plank which, being +rotten, gave way, Lady Rosamond was thrown into the water with no regard +to ceremony. A loud scream from Helen Douglas, who was standing near, +brought the whole company, while terrified shrieks arose on all sides. +In an instant Master Johnnie Douglas appeared in sight followed by +Lieut. Trevelyan. The mischievous disposition of the former could not +prevent an outburst of laughter despite all his high notions of +gallantry. The young lieutenant came boldly forward, seized the hand of +Lady Rosamond, and led her to a seat at a short distance. The dripping +garments clinging to the form of the frightened girl moved the young +soldier with pity and showed the tender nature of his manly heart. The +heartless Johnnie was dispatched for dry wraps and more comfortable +clothing. Lieutenant Trevelyan could not force a smile. The same puzzled +expression which had baffled Mr. Howe forced itself upon him.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas had wrapped her companion's feet in the shawl taken off her +own shoulders, and sat anxiously awaiting their courier. The children +were more demonstrative in showing their grief. During the moments that +passed the minds of the elder members of the group were busily engaged.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond, regardless of her situation, was busied in projecting +schemes the most fanciful. She was thinking of the contents of her +father's letter. In spite of the strong efforts of will her thoughts +would turn in another and far different direction, which, perhaps, on +this occasion it would be more discreet to conceal. The painful and +ill-disguised look was attributed to the accident. Well for Lady +Rosamond if it were so. Yes, an accident, a painful accident—forgive +the expression—an accident of the heart. Poor Lady Rosamond!</p> + +<p>Ah, Mr. Trevelyan, we have an undue curiosity to follow the turn of +<i>your</i> thoughts; but, as we once more note that puzzled look, think your +generous heart and honest nature deserve more <i>generous</i> treatment. At +least, this time, we grant you further respite.</p> + +<p>Johnnie's arrival prevents further moralizing. No room for gravity when +Johnnie Douglas is near. His mischievous spirit is infectious.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, ETC.</h3> + + +<p>The months pass quickly away. October, with its brilliant trophies of +the wood, has departed, leaving behind many pleasing memories of its +presence. November, in its raw and surly mood, is allowed to take +farewell without any expression of regret. The last of this numerous +family—December—is greeted with a hearty reception from every member +of the Douglas family. The purity of the soft snow flakes, falling in +myriads, are invested with indescribable charms. The clear, cold, and +frosty atmosphere is exhilarating to the bright, fresh countenances of +the youthful party sliding on the ponds and brooks. The river affords +amusement for skaters. The jingle of the bells is music sweet and +gratifying as the horses prance along with a keen sense of the pleasure +they afford to the beautiful ladies encased in costly furs and wrapped +in inviting buffalo robes.</p> + +<p>A happy season is in prospective. Christmas is approaching with its +time-honored customs and endearing associations. High and low, rich and +poor, have the same fond anticipations. In the lowly cot, surrounded by +miles of wilderness, little faces brighten as quickly at mention of +Christmas as those who are reared in the lap of luxury and expectant of +fond remembrance in showers of valuable presents in endless variety.</p> + +<p>Preparations were being commenced at Government House on an extensive +scale. Lady Douglas was remarkable for the labors of love in her family +at this approaching season. Christmas was to her a time of unalloyed +happiness. "Peace and good will" reigned supreme. Every minute was spent +in promoting happiness by devotion, recreation or charity. The last was +one of her most pleasing enjoyments, for which Lady Douglas received +many blessings. From her childhood this noble lady had exercised her +leisure moments in relieving the wants of the poor, often leaving to +them food and clothing with her own hands.</p> + +<p>At the suggestion of Miss Douglas, who was always ready for any +important duty, a party was proposed to visit the woods to procure +boughs for greening the grand hall and drawing-room. Foremost was +Johnnie Douglas, master of ceremonies, whose presence on the occasion +was indispensable; so said Johnnie, throwing a mischievous glance at +Lady Rosamond as a reminder of his services on a former expedition. The +rising color on his victim's face brought a reprimand from Mary Douglas.</p> + +<p>"Don't be of such importance, Johnnie, there are plenty of gentlemen at +our command."</p> + +<p>"Ha, ha, ha," roared the young gentleman in undisguised and unsuppressed +fits of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Miss Mary, don't be of too much importance; there may not be so many +gentlemen at your command as you reckon on," said Johnnie, bent on +following up his argument; "Mr. Howe is engaged, Mr. Trevelyan goes on +parade this morning, Charles is away; now where are the reserves? +Answer—Fred, and your humble servant."</p> + +<p>"Well, Johnnie, you are holding your ground manfully," exclaimed Sir +Howard, smiling as he passed through the group in the lower hall, where +they still sat discussing the grounds of Johnnie's superiority.</p> + +<p>Decision turning in favor of the champion, the party set off—boys, +ladies, and children—forming a pretty sight. Lady Douglas stood on the +balcony waving approval and beaming with happy smiles.</p> + +<p>The shouts of Master Johnnie, laughter of the ladies, and romping of the +children, kept the woods busy in the constant repetition of echoes on +every side.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Lady Rosamond," cried the hero of the expedition, eager to maintain +his position, "here is the brook, but where is the water to receive some +one with another cooling reception, and where is Mr. Trevelyan with his +gallant service and kind sympathy?—Not hinting of the hasty retreat of +your valuable pioneer!"</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas, detecting a shade passing over Lady Rosamond's brow, came +to the rescue with another mild reprimand upon the incorrigible Johnnie. +"I am afraid, sir, that you take the opportunity of reminding Lady +Rosamond of your former importance without due regard to her feelings, +which, you are aware, is not very gentlemanly."</p> + +<p>"If your ladyship is offended," said the mischievous but generous and +manly Johnnie, turning to Lady Rosamond, "I beg your pardon in the most +humble manner, feeling deeply sorry."</p> + +<p>"Lady Rosamond you really do not think I would consciously give you +annoyance," said master Johnnie, throwing down the bough which he had +lopped from a tree near, and drawing up his boyish form with true +dignity and an amusing earnestness in his tone.</p> + +<p>"Of course not, Johnnie," returned her ladyship, "you and I are on the +best of terms. Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the +contrary, it always amuses me."</p> + +<p>This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas. Apparently +engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she +was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts. She was +wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look +which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something +disagreeable to Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred's arrival with a +request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing +some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a +large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary.</p> + +<p>On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which +brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan.</p> + +<p>"Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr. Trevelyan," exclaimed the +pioneer Johnnie, "else you might have formed another of our party."</p> + +<p>"The ladies might not have accepted your decision," returned Mr. +Trevelyan, hastily; "however, I thank you kindly for your +consideration."</p> + +<p>After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary +upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served. Mr. Howe and Mr. +Trevelyan remained. Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion +to the brook. Lady Rosamond was calm, possessed, and entertaining. +Everybody seemed inspired with the occasion. Sir Howard was deeply +immersed in the furtherance of those measures and means to be resorted +to for the benefit and advancement of the Province. "I have promised," +said he, "to be able to give clearer views upon the improvement of New +Brunswick a year hence, and, in order to do so, must not neglect one +moment. Another object which claims my notice very urgently is the +establishment of laws regulating a better system of education. The +grammar school is in a state of mediocrity, its support not being +secured on a proper basis. We want a college—an institution where our +young men can receive a thorough education and be fitted for entering +upon any profession."</p> + +<p>In every measure advocated by Sir Howard he had the full concurrence of +Lady Douglas and her intelligent and highly educated sons and daughters. +Perhaps to this cause may be attributed the amazing success which marked +Sir Howard's career through life. He had the entire and heartfelt +sympathy of his household. He was loved with the truest and fondest +affection as a husband and father. He, in return, placed every confidence +in his lovely and amiable wife and daughters, knowing that through them +he received great happiness; and, unfettered with those domestic trials +which attend some families, he was able to discharge the duties of state +with full and determined energy.</p> + +<p>The hours that elapsed between luncheon and dinner were spent in the +various styles of decoration suggested by Lady Douglas. The important +Johnnie was under the direct supervision of Miss Cheenick, cutting off +and preparing little twigs for garlands, with occasional sallies of good +natured badinage.</p> + +<p>Miss Douglas was making illuminated mottoes and texts in a quiet corner +of the apartment. Mary Douglas and her companion were busily weaving +pretty and graceful festooning. To each member was allotted some +especial part.</p> + +<p>Every one participated in the preparation by noting each successive step +towards completion. Thus the work progressed until it was time for the +ladies to dress for dinner; after which the evening was spent in the +same occupation, with the valuable assistance of Mr. Howe and Captain +Douglas.</p> + +<p>After several days had elapsed, the work was considered complete. The +design was choice and beautiful. Nothing was necessary to produce a more +graceful and pleasing effect. Holly there was none, but our woods +supplied the loss with lovely evergreens of native growth.</p> + +<p>It was the day preceding Christmas eve. Mirth and joy revelled around +the glowing firesides. Happy faces beamed with radiating smiles. Each +was trying to do some small act of kindness for the benefit of the +household. A Christmas tree, in all its mysterious surroundings, was +being laden with beautiful presents. Loving tokens of friendship were +placed on its strong branches by lovely and delicate hands. Lady Douglas +presided over these mysteries, in the secret chamber, with the vigilance +of the dragon who guarded the golden apples in the classic shades of the +Hesperides. All busy little feet were turned towards the door, but +further entrance was barred by gentle admonition from her ladyship.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond had been allowed the privacy of her own apartments without +interruption. She was preparing some tokens of regard for different +members of the family. Many chaste and valuable articles had been +received from home for this purpose, but she wished to make some choice +trinkets as her own work. Many times she had stolen a half-hour to +devote to this labor of love. An elegant silk purse had been netted for +Lady Douglas. For Mary Douglas she is engaged on a prettily-designed +portfolio. None were forgotten, not even Sir Howard, who was the +recipient of a neat dressing-case. As Lady Rosamond's deft fingers +wrought upon each article her mind was busy upon a far different, and, +to her, important matter. She longed for sympathy and advice. Her father +gave himself little concern regarding her ambiguously-written message. +He saw that his daughter was somewhat cold and indifferent to her +cousin's preference, but he expected that, on her return, she would +readily agree to anything which met his approval. Not wishing to repeat +the sentiment of the letter thus described, Sir Thomas Seymour had +considered moderation as the surest hope of success. Having thus +expressed his opinion to Lady Bereford, the Admiral was assured and +confident. On this Christmas season he had selected a costly locket, +studded with diamonds, as a gift to Lady Rosamond, and dwelt, with +loving pride, upon the many gentle qualities of the lovely girl; her +happy prospects as Lady Bereford, adored by a fond husband, beloved by +all.</p> + +<p>Happy Lady Rosamond! in thy busy thoughts. Dared we venture for thee an +encouraging word, it would be "Every cloud has a silver lining."</p> + +<p>Christmas eve was a scene of stir and excitement. Though work was done +in a systematic manner, the unusual tasks of labor and love were +hurrying upon each other with increasing rapidity. The servant's hall +was not to be passed over at this joyous time. Everyone, both family and +servants, shared in the festivity. How the graceful form of Mary Douglas +flew from room to room, arranging some pleasing surprise, planning some +little act of courtesy or civility. The housekeeper's room, stealthily +invaded by bribing another domestic, becomes the hiding place of a +handsome lace cap. Each maid finds under her pillow a sovereign and some +little trinket, as a ribbon, scarf or work box.</p> + +<p>These were happy moments in the life of Mary Douglas. In the performance +of such acts of goodness she was truly happy. This lovely girl was +possessed of the united virtues of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Free from +the remotest clouds of sorrow or care, Mary Douglas was indeed to be +envied. Her father's smile was of more value to his gifted daughters than +the most flattering attention from the many admirers who vainly tried to +receive the slightest sign of encouragement.</p> + +<p>That Lady Rosamond often longed for the happy and contented hours of her +companion—for a like participation of uninterrupted and halcyon days, +should form no ground for surprise. "How I should like to tell Mary my +trouble and receive her sweet counsel," murmured the sad girl. "I should +feel the burden lighter to bear, but it would seem almost a sacrilege to +invade upon such quiet harmony, for, with her sweet sympathizing nature, +I know that Mary would grieve over my sorrow. Dear girl, your Christmas +shall not be clouded by me," soliloquized Lady Rosamond, "I love you too +deeply to wish you care like mine. Ah, no, Mary darling, may you never +know the depth of sorrow such as mine."</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond stood before her mirror to place a tiny rosebud in the +raven hair that encircled her stately head in luxuriant coils. Slight +and graceful in form, she saw indeed a pretty picture reflected there. +It seemed to mock her with pitying gaze. Her black silk dress revealed +the snowy whiteness of her beautifully rounded shoulders and arms, pure +as the marble mantel upon which she rested. The costly locket, with its +flashing diamonds, suspended by a heavy gold chain, rested upon her +bosom. She thought of her father's kindness as she placed his gift to +her lips, exclaiming, "Poor, dear papa, how I should like to see him +to-night; I love him so fondly. If he knew what I am suffering perhaps +he might relent. No doubt he is lonely to-night and wishing to see his +'only little girl,' as he lovingly calls me."</p> + +<p>Presently Lady Rosamond was formally ushered into the apartment where +the company, comprising the family and a few intimate friends, were +assembled to divest the Christmas tree of its gay clothing and +appendages.</p> + +<p>As a veritable Santa Claus presented each present, the all-important +Johnnie was ready to exclaim: "Thank old Sandy for that, can't you? What +a hale old chap is Sandy!" Turning to Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +incorrigible ventured to ask who might be Sandy's tailor?</p> + +<p>When among the presents a tiny case, lined with white velvet, revealed a +jewelled cross of exquisite design, Sir Howard exclaimed gaily, "Lady +Rosamond, a coincidence—the cross followed by an anchor!" producing at +the same time a costly ornament in the form of an anchor. "Have no fear, +your cross is outweighed by the anchor Hope in the end. What a beautiful +encouraging omen!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>ST. JOHN'S EVE.</h3> + + +<p>It was St. John's Eve; Government House was a scene of splendour; truly +every precinct was a blaze of dazzling light. Here was assembled the +distinguished, gay, beauty, and wit of the Province; the learned and +severe as well as the thoughtless. Hearts beat with throbbing and +exciting pulsation, fired by hope's fondest dreams. The spacious +drawing-room, already described in a preceding chapter, now assumed, if +possible, a more brilliant aspect—flooded with light, rendered more +effective by an additional chandelier, a gem of countless scintillations, +distracting in variety and prismatic design. The courtly reception, +high-born dignity and ease exhibited in every smile, gesture, word and +action of the distinguished occupants, might recall vivid conceptions of +the days when beauty and chivalry were conspicuous in homage to royalty +and grand pageantry.</p> + +<p>Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent. +Rank took precedence with studied regard. The many guests were attired +in a style and elegance becoming the occasion. Conspicuous was the +military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty's +service—colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those +insignias of like distinction. Among these might be found hidden, +viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles +and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses +worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the +most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and +gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly +furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of +jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion +to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by +bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own +upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than +Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem +of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady +Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female +friends. On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To +gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in +the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try +describe her as nearly as possible:—A white satin robe with court train, +bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin +petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing +the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with +pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy +the name she bore—a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who +won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the +good and pious young Edward.</p> + +<p>Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among +whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and +the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any +preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for +the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to +her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life +the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor +was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a +revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much +to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently +happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond +indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In +appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be +considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been +of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>Colonel L——, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady +beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many +years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the +happiest moments of their life."</p> + +<p>In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped +forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar +way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the +younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in +crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly, +Montague, whenever you wish. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was +the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not +that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her +form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those +companions."</p> + +<p>This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth +standing within hearing. Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went, +Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal +of feeling which fortunately had not been detected.</p> + +<p>As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had +retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to +exclaim, "What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan! He has +such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate. +Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I +have a great interest in his welfare. It is said that his father won +distinction in the army."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Lady Douglas, "I can remember his father when he really +appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our +dear friend Guy."</p> + +<p>"Ah, there he is," exclaimed one of the eager admirers.</p> + +<p>At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as +his partner in the dance.</p> + +<p>"What a charming couple," said one. "How striking the contrast of their +dress," said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond's bodice, +while the blue satin added a pretty effect.</p> + +<p>"How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner," said one of the +group.</p> + +<p>"Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?" replied Lady +Douglas.</p> + +<p>"Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain +caused by one look or smile from her ladyship's lovely face." The +speaker here lowered her voice, continuing: "I cannot explain or account +for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant +Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it +would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to +admire."</p> + +<p>"Mrs. B——," said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof. "You +really would be tempted to become a match-maker?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the other, "if by any means I could further the present +scheme."</p> + +<p>"Lady Rosamond is indeed amiable and loveable, and worthy of a true and +noble husband, while Lieutenant Trevelyan is in every sense a gentleman +worthy the fairest and best. It would grieve me to see him rejected, +yet, Lady Rosamond is not in a position to favor any suitor until she +returns to England."</p> + +<p>While the preceding remarks were being made by the group in the corner, +the totally unconscious pair were apparently enjoying the music and +dancing.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond seemed in a sweet and uninterrupted dream of happiness, as +she floated along in the mazes of the waltz, supported by the strong and +graceful arms of her admirable partner, the young lieutenant. He +likewise had his dreams, but of a different nature. He could not calmly +enjoy the present in firm defiance of the future. A hopeless uncertainty +lay before, which forbade approach. Lady Rosamond's reserve was a +subject he dare not analyze. But the frankness which won him friends and +passport had come to his relief just at the moment when his partner was +most likely to chide with friendly courtesy. Both could look back to +this evening during the course of after years.</p> + +<p>When various amusements had succeeded, interspersed with dancing, the +climax was yet to be reached. A grand surprise awaited. A tableaux was +in preparation.</p> + +<p>When the drawing-room was partially darkened the curtain rose, showing a +simple background, with two children of the family sleeping quietly in +the foreground. Standing over them was Helen Douglas; her hair fell over +her shoulders. She wore a black dress, while a black lace veil, spangled +with gold stars, covered her from head to foot. With her arms extended +she is in the act of covering the sleeping children. A band of black, +with silver crescent, on her forehead, and stars on the band, added to +the beauty of the lovely Helen, and formed a true conception of the +subject.</p> + +<p>"Ah, the rogues," exclaimed Sir Howard; "how quietly they stole upon +us."</p> + +<p>Few failed to detect the word, showing a deep appreciation of the grace +of Helen Douglas.</p> + +<p>The second scene represented a parlor with a young girl in the +foreground, having on her head an old-fashioned hood. This character is +assumed by Arabella Farnham, the daughter of an officer retired from the +service. Near the young lady stands a gentleman in the act of pulling +off the hood to see her face. On the opposite side is another young girl +in the person of Mary Douglas, in full evening dress, pointing to the +hood, and laughing at its old and peculiar shape.</p> + +<p>Much applause greeted the actors upon the success of these parts, but +the crowning scene was the third and last—the united terms of the +preceding ones. The effect was grand beyond description. The scene was +supposed to be the great hall of Kenilworth, hung with silken tapestry, +lit with numerous torches. The odor of choicest perfumes fell upon the +senses, while soft strains of music floated in the distance. In the +centre of the background forming this magnificent apartment was a chair +of state, with canopy in imitation of a throne, and covered with rich +drapery, on which is seated one personating Queen Elizabeth, whose smile +is resting upon the courtly form of Walter Raleigh, upon whom she is in +the act of conferring knighthood. Grouped around the throne are +characters representing the Earls of Leicester, Essex, Oxford, +Huntingdon, and a train of lords and ladies, conspicuous among whom was +the Duchess of Rutland, the favorite maid of honor in Her Majesty's +household. The character of Elizabeth was sustained by Lady Rosamond, +arrayed in queenly robes and blazing with jewels.</p> + +<p>"She looks every inch a queen," exclaimed one of the spectators.</p> + +<p>"The young knight's heart is in a dangerous situation," said another.</p> + +<p>"Beware, Sir Walter," said a third; "Essex and Leicester are dangerous +rivals, especially the latter."</p> + +<p>Kneeling with courtly grace was Lieutenant Trevelyan in the role of Sir +Walter Raleigh. The young officer had performed his part with that +graceful ease which had so won the affection of the great sovereign.</p> + +<p>A slight shudder passed through the form of Lady Rosamond as she +remembered his sad fate. Thinking the present no time for boding +ill-starred events, she hastily turned her mind from the subject.</p> + +<p>As the Earl of Leicester, Captain Douglas was apparelled in white. "His +shoes were of white velvet, with white silk stockings, the upper part of +white velvet lined with silver; his doublet, of cloth of silver; the +close jerkin, of white velvet embroidered with silver and seed pearls; +his girdle was of white velvet with buckles of gold. The scabbard of his +sword was of white velvet and gold; his poniard and sword belt mounted +with gold. Over he wore a loose robe of white satin with broad collar +richly embroidered in gold. Around his neck was the golden collar of the +garter, and around his knee the azure garter."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Truly was the costume +executed, and raised admiration warm and long sustained.</p> + +<p>Mr. Stanley, the son of an influential citizen, personated Sussex, who +wore a purple velvet doublet, lined with golden cloth, and a richly +embroidered jerkin of the same color with broad golden collar, black +silk stockings and shoes of purple velvet. A richly ornamented girdle +and gold mounted sword completed the costume, being rich and elegant and +next in splendour to that of Leicester. The remaining nobles were +dressed in courtly apparel and becoming the scene. Mary Douglas was, it +is needless to add, in the capacity of the favorite Duchess of Rutland, +the friend and confidante of Her Majesty. The whole had a beautiful +effect and gave additional eclat to the evening's series of +entertainments.</p> + +<p>When Lady Rosamond again joined the dance, she was playfully advised to +act well the policy of the character, by preserving towards the rival +earls a well balanced line of judgment, and concealing any strong +attachment toward the knight of the cloak, to Squire Lack-Cloak, as +Raleigh was termed by the attendants at court.</p> + +<p>Throughout the whole evening there was one who entered with heart and +hand into the spirit of such gaiety—one foremost in the dance, foremost +at the whist table, and foremost in gay and animating conversation. +Notwithstanding those demands, there was another subject foremost in the +mind of His Excellency's private secretary. Mr. Howe was a man of the +world, gay, fascinating and striving to please. He had some faults, (and +who has not?) but he had his good qualities full as well. He had a +generous nature—a heart that wished well to his fellow man, and above +all, his friends.</p> + +<p>Since his arrival in New Brunswick, Mr. Howe had formed a strong +attachment to his "boy friend," as he often designated the young +lieutenant. Sir Howard was pleased with the fact and showed every +encouragement by allowing Guy Trevelyan full privilege in his household. +There were on several occasions within our notice, a troubled and half +defined expression on the hitherto radiant and joyous countenance of Guy +Trevelyan. This fact had given much food for the mind of the secretary. +After a scrutinizing search and untiring effort the hidden secret +revealed itself in the bosom of Mr. Howe. He now possessed a <i>secret</i> +that gave a <i>secret</i> pleasure by which the true nature of human sympathy +could assert itself. Thus musing, and overjoyed at his recent success, +Mr. Howe being reminded of the last dance, participated in the closing +festivity celebrating St. John's Eve.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>THE DISCLOSURE.</h3> + + +<p>Winter had far advanced; its reign of severity and pitiless defiance was +near its end. Already the genial days of joyous spring were heralded by +a vigorous effort of the shrubs and plants to show themselves in +resistance to the tyrannizing sway of the ice-crowned monarch. An +occasional note from the returning songster was welcomed as the +brightest harbinger of the truly delightful season. Merry voices mingled +in tones of deep gratitude as they once more sallied forth to enjoy the +pleasure of the woods.</p> + +<p>None were more exultant than the inmates of Government House. From Sir +Howard to the child at the feet of Lady Douglas, all shared alike in the +pleasure of anticipation. Foremost in gleeful demonstration was the +pioneer Johnnie, who danced and sang in the enjoyment of his native +element—light and sunshine. Every hour that could be laid aside for +this purpose was equal to a fortune.</p> + +<p>But our young friend was no miser in this respect. Every available guest +must be in readiness to join the incorrigible Johnnie when bent on his +excursions. All stood on equal rights. Youth and age were all in the +same order of classification. It was a remarkable trait of Johnnie's +character that denials were not considered as sufficient excuse for +delinquency on the part of any favored with invitations, and, in +consequence, all made a point of being in readiness.</p> + +<p>A bright Saturday morning had been arranged for one of those +expeditions. April showers had already been the means of bringing forth +flowers (if not May flowers), only to be found by the penetrating eyes +of "Trapper Johnnie," as some of the more mischievous urchins had dared +to designate their leader.</p> + +<p>When, on the auspicious moment, at the marshalling of the clan, two had +dared to break the rules, so strictly laid down, surprise was +momentarily visible on many faces.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond, the next in importance to Johnnie, had pleaded inability +to attend, with a desire to retain her friend and companion. There was +something in the pleading and beautiful eyes of Lady Rosamond that drove +vexation at a respectful distance, and welcomed, in its stead, a feeling +akin to sympathy within the heart of the manly boy. True chivalric +dignity asserted itself in every form when necessity demanded. Her +ladyship instantly received permission to remain, with a generous grace +that made Johnnie a true hero in the estimation of his fair suppliant.</p> + +<p>"Accept this favor, Sir Knight, as a token of the sincerity of your +lady," said Lady Rosamond, stepping forward with a knot of pale blue +silk in her hand.</p> + +<p>With the brave gallantry of a Douglas, our hero knelt at the feet of her +ladyship, and, receiving the favor, in graceful recognition kissed the +fair hand that placed it there.</p> + +<p>"Well done, my boy!" cried Sir Howard, who had been watching the +ceremony from an open window, whence he had heard all that passed, and +the circumstances which led to it; "you have already shown that spirit +which I hope will always characterize my children."</p> + +<p>After the picnickers had departed Lady Rosamond and Mary Douglas +returned to the house, where they were met by Lady Douglas.</p> + +<p>"My child, are you ill to-day?" said her ladyship; "you are unusually +pale, while your eyes have a wearied look."</p> + +<p>"I do not feel quite well this morning," returned Lady Rosamond, +languidly.</p> + +<p>"You need rest, my dear, after the fatigue of last evening; too much +gaiety does not bring a bloom to my Rosamond," said her ladyship, +kissing the pale cheek of the lovely girl, adding: "My dear, you must +retire to your room, while I prepare a gentle sedative."</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond did retire. She also received the cooling draught from the +fair hand of Lady Douglas, whose kindness shone in administering to the +wants of others.</p> + +<p>Poor Lady Rosamond's rest could not be gained by the simple sedative.</p> + +<p>Physical ailments are not the worst form of suffering that afflict +humanity. Lady Rosamond was enduring a mental conflict that was crushing +in its intensity. The more she tried to baffle its power the more +forcibly did it affect her. Vainly had she struggled within herself for +aid, but no response. Faint hope dawned in the form of appeal. She now +resolved to go to her dear companion with all her trials and tale of +suffering. At intervals this hope died away, but in the end gained the +mastery. It was this resolve that kept Lady Rosamond from joining in the +festive train that set off that morning. It was this resolve that +detained Mary Douglas as well. It was this resolve that bade Lady +Rosamond to seek the quiet of her chamber preparatory to the trying +disclosure.</p> + +<p>Lady Douglas little divined the cause of those pale cheeks, as she +ascribed them to the recent fatigue of an evening.</p> + +<p>With heavy heart Lady Rosamond prepared for the reception of her +confidante. A most beautiful picture is presented to the imagination in +those lovely girls sitting side by side the arm of Mary Douglas around +her companion.</p> + +<p>"Mary, my love," began Lady Rosamond, "I have often longed for this +moment, but could not summon the courage which the occasion demands."</p> + +<p>"Rosamond, you startle me by your earnestness," said the former with +deep surprise, dropping the title, as familiar companions, at the +suggestion of her ladyship.</p> + +<p>"Have patience, my darling; you shall hear it only too soon."</p> + +<p>Between sighs and sobs Lady Rosamond told the whole history of her +troubles—the letter and its stern proposal—not forgetting her father's +kindness and his great love for her; "but oh!" she continued, "he cannot +realize the depths of my misery."</p> + +<p>"My poor darling," said Mary Douglas, with great tears dimming her +beautiful eyes, "why did you thus suffer in silence? Can it be possible +that you can have passed the long winter with such a weight upon your +heart, my darling Rosamond?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, my Mary," replied her ladyship, "I hope that you may never know how +much the heart can bear, or how much woman, in her uncomplaining nature, +may suffer. If I could only learn 'to suffer and be strong'—in that +source lies my weakness. I am only one of the many thousands of my sex +who have had such struggles. I do not wish to shirk the duty imposed on +me, but if more strength were given me to bear it."</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas sat in silence for some moments, as if waiting a sufficient +reply. She knew her friend's disposition too well to venture any advice +that would require a third person's knowledge of the matter. Gladly +would she have referred it to her father or mother, but the idea gave no +relief.</p> + +<p>"Rosamond, my darling, if I could afford your mind instantaneous relief +I would gladly do so, if even at a very great sacrifice. Of one thing +rest assured—you have my service in any way that you wish to command +me; besides, you have my sympathy and interest for life. It may be that +I can slightly alleviate your sorrow. Can I not propose some plan in the +future to re-arrange those affairs which at present seemed so irrevocably +fixed? Kings have made laws to be broken when the cause demanded +retribution. Darling, be more hopeful—trust in Providence and do the +right—in the end you will be happy. Let me read your horoscope:—dark +clouds within the visible horizon, succeeded by bright stars in +ascension—hope and joy without fail."</p> + +<p>A spirit of inspiration seemed to shine upon the face of Mary Douglas as +she read her companion's future.</p> + +<p>A smile lit up the features of Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>"Thank heaven, darling, for that smile," said the gifted daughter of Sir +Howard, throwing her arms around the sorrowing girl and kissing her +affectionately.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond felt happier and more encouraged from the fact of having +such consolation and hope.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas had shed a ray of comfort in one unhappy heart. She knew +not the load which was thus removed.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond clung to those kind words with a fond pertinacity: not +only the <i>words</i>, but the manner in which they were uttered.</p> + +<p>Some evenings after the preceding interview had taken place, Sir Howard, +Lady Douglas and family were assembled in the drawing room. Miss Douglas +was seated at the piano, while Miss Mary Douglas sang the song so dear +to every Scottish heart—Highland Mary. Lady Douglas listened to the +melodies of her native land with heartfelt admiration. She loved to +cultivate such taste on the part of her daughters. None could give a +more perfect rendition of Scotch music and poetry than they.</p> + +<p>When Miss Douglas sang "The Winter is Past," another of Burn's melodies, +Mary Douglas fancied she saw the beautifully chiselled lips of Lady +Rosamond tremulous with emotion. The first verse ran thus:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The Winter is past, and the Summer's come at last,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And the little birds sing on every tree;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now everything is glad, while I am very sad,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Since my true love is parted from me."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The finely cultivated voice of the singer entered fully into the spirit +of the song, giving both expression and effect as she sang the last +verse:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"All you that are in love and cannot it remove,<br /></span> +<span class="i3">I pity the pains you endure:<br /></span> +<span class="i1">For experience makes me know that your hearts are full of woe,<br /></span> +<span class="i3">A woe that no mortal can cure."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"One would judge that my sister had some experience, if we take the face +as an index of the mind," said Captain Douglas, in playful badinage +directed towards his favorite sister, who in reality did have an +experience, but not of her own.</p> + +<p>She felt the blow thus unconsciously dealt at Lady Rosamond. Luckily for +the latter, the coincidence thus passed over without any betrayal of +feelings. In Mary Douglas was a firm and watchful ally. In her were +reflected the feelings which passed unobserved in Lady Rosamond, or +attributed to absence from home, separation from familiar faces, or +clinging memories of the past. Another great source of protection lay in +the composition of the character of the gifted ally.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas was possessed of a temperament most keenly sensitive to the +finest perception of poetic feeling. Life to her was music and poetry. A +beautiful picture either called forth joy or sorrow; a pathetic song +thrilled her soul with well timed vibrations of feeling; a touching +story brought tears to those lovely eyes, that would move one with pity. +Thus was concealed the sympathy for Lady Rosamond, as none would +sacrilegiously question those motives save in playful reminder from +Captain Douglas, who bowed in fond adoration to the shrine of his +sister's loveliness and goodness.</p> + +<p>The entrance of Mr. Howe changed the current of conversation. Politics +naturally took the lead. The House of Assembly being now three weeks in +session, having opened April 15th, many important discussions took +place. Much turmoil had to be suppressed by the sagacious judgment of +Sir Howard. His predecessors had loudly contended against the troubles +arising from the sources and expenditure of revenues. Happily, in the +present administration, this matter had in a great measure subsided. For +the general advancement of the Province, His Excellency left no means +untried. His waking moments were almost entirely devoted to the +interests of political welfare. His conversation within the family +circle very often showed his zeal and the subject which lay near his +heart. It was at this very time that he assembled all the legislators +and influential citizens of Fredericton, addressing them in terms of +burning eloquence, impressing on them the value of extending the +progress of agriculture, showing the nature of the soil of New +Brunswick; its perfect adaptation to the different kinds of products, +and the independence of a country that can largely subsist upon its own +resources. "The day will come, I hope," said Sir Howard, "when our +farmers will be nobles of our land, and their sons and daughters +ornaments to society, proud of the soil which raised them above the level +of their less active fellow creatures."</p> + +<p>As the speech had given rise to much comment throughout the different +classes, it was freely discussed at Government House. This intelligent +family often formed into a party of politicians and assumed the measured +terms and knotty difficulties of political lore with an ease that was +both instructive and amusing.</p> + +<p>"If papa would favor this august assembly by taking the floor of the +house, we might be more free to avow our feelings."</p> + +<p>"I beg you will allow me to correct you, Miss Mary, as being rather +sentimental in the choice of your last word," said Mr. Howe, appealing +to Sir Howard with the question, "Your Excellency, have I not a right to +make the correction?"</p> + +<p>"I acknowledge your suggestion, Mr. Speaker," said Mary Douglas in her +own defence, "and hope, before the session is over, to make a decided +improvement both in views and technicalities."</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Captain Douglas, coming towards Mr. Howe. "Are you and +Mary to take opposite measures already?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all, sir," returned Mr. Howe, "I was merely setting her right +on—" "technicalities," said the young girl, with a merry ringing laugh.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Mary!" cried Charles Douglas, playfully pulling back the clustering +ringlets from his sister's white forehead, "poetry and politics cannot +exist on very intimate terms of friendship, at least too much poetry."</p> + +<p>"Have a care, young man," said Sir Howard, laughing at the last remark.</p> + +<p>"Ah! there are exceptions to every rule, sir, which you did not give me +an opportunity to add, and I still make the former assertion to be, to a +certain extent, counterbalanced by the latter."</p> + +<p>From the appearance of different speakers the house seems to be out of +order.</p> + +<p>From playful remarks followed an interesting and varied stock of earnest +political conversation, in which Lady Douglas joined with apparent ease. +From agriculture the question led to education, one in which His +Excellency had spent much time and labor.</p> + +<p>It is to Sir Howard that the present university owes its first +existence, its various stages of progress and final success. It was he +who procured the first charter granting the privileges of a university. +Few can realize the difficulties that Sir Howard met before +accomplishing this great boon, and fewer still could see the way for +raising the means necessary for the support of this institution. But an +endowment was raised by grants from the revenue arising from the sale of +unoccupied lands, and equal grants from the House of Assembly.</p> + +<p>The next barrier presented by the colonists, for the suppression of the +Thirty-nine Articles and the admission of Dissenters, was in itself a +formidable array of difficulty, notwithstanding the next uprising of +Episcopalian remonstrance. A sea of troubles! But reason, the true +pilot, never deserted Sir Howard. The greatness of the cause was +sufficient motive.</p> + +<p>As the story progresses we hope to give a few facts which will prove +what success awaited him. In the administration of this distinguished +military ruler, New Brunswick found a warm and true-hearted friend and +adviser—one whose memory is yet cherished within the hearts of those +who had once seen his benignant and happy smile. Such is a faint picture +of the domestic and political bearing of the gifted and distinguished +Sir Howard.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>BEREFORD CASTLE.</h3> + + +<p>In a beautifully remote district, between the celebrated towns of +Hastings and Brighton, may be found the quaint old structure known as +Bereford Castle. From the style of architecture it may be dated to the +time of Edward the Third, bearing a striking resemblance to the castle +re-erected in that monarch's reign by the Earl of Warwick. The castle of +this period had degenerated or become more modernized. The closed +fortress was rapidly assuming a mixture of the castle and mansion. +Instead of the old Norman pile, with its two massive towers and arched +gateway, thick walls, <i>oilets</i> and portcullis, Bereford Castle comprised +stately and magnificent halls, banqueting rooms, galleries, and +chambers. The keep was detached from the building, a stronghold in +itself, surrounded by smaller towers and the important and necessary +moat. During the civil wars it had stood many sieges, but, after +repeated attacks, in the course of time it fell into decay. Much labor +had been spent in repairing the part occupied as a residence until, at +the present time, it was in good condition. The fine old park contained +a valuable growth of trees—fir, spruce, pine, birch, elm, and the +stately oak—which grew in luxuriant profusion. The north side of the +castle commanded an extensive view of the surrounding hills, valley, and +the winding river, with its numerous small inlets and tributaries.</p> + +<p>The owners of Bereford Castle prided themselves upon their extensive +gardens, for which purpose many obstructions had been removed. An +artificial labyrinth of choice trees was contrived with marvellous +effect, producing echoes of unceasing variety. In this enclosure, +comprising many acres, were the most beautiful designs of parterres, +borders, walks, galleries, cabinets, pavilions, porticoes, and many more +intricate inventions of landscape gardening. Fountains gushed forth with +untiring and fantastic wreaths of crystal foam; grottoes, cascades, +mounts and precipices, seemed to steal away thought and quietly bear one +to sleep to the music and dreams of fairyland.</p> + +<p>The interior of the castle was in keeping with the grounds. The great +hall which, in olden time, formed the most important part of the whole, +was somewhat reduced in its dimensions. The windows of stained glass +were emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the family, while the +walls were adorned with life-size portraits of their ancestors. The +richly carved roof, with its massive timbers and pillars supporting it; +the old relics, in the shape of banners, helmets, swords, shields, and +other implements of warfare, were arranged on every side. On each wing +of the main building were spacious, modern rooms, occupied by the family +as private apartments, viz: the drawing-room, dining-room, and sleeping +apartments.</p> + +<p>But perhaps the most attractive feature of the castle is the extensive +library—an octagonal room in a small tower, apparently built at a +recent date. The stained glass of its oriel window is very beautiful; +the handsomely gilded ceiling and pannelled walls have a fine and +striking effect; the floor is paved in marble, with inlaid mosaic; the +shelves of rosewood and oak are filled with the most costly productions +of literature, ancient and modern. This ancient family had cherished a +fond taste for letters and science. The present lord, uncle of Lady +Rosamond, still found leisure to devote many hours in his favorite +resort—the library. Gerald Bereford cultivated a taste likewise. He was +a young man of strong literary preferences, showing a desire for +learning, with a keen appreciation of the pleasures and pastimes of +daily life.</p> + +<p>The drawing-room of Bereford Castle was indeed a superb display of +taste, grace, wealth and classic design. Though firmly believing that a +description will dispel the charm lingering around those beautiful +rooms, I cannot resist the inclination to give one.</p> + +<p>Lofty ceilings, frescoed and gilded, blazing in gold, with the arms of +the family in bold relief; walls with wainscoting, arras and gorgeous +tapestry. Furniture polished, carved and decorated; chairs embroidered +in crimson and gold; Turkey carpets of fabulous price and texture; +statuary, the work of ages; pictures, the work of a lifetime. Mediæval +grandeur in every niche and corner. Add to this a view of the gardens +from the deep embayed windows, and you have a faint conception of the +drawing-room scene at Bereford Castle, the intended home for Lady +Rosamond Seymour.</p> + +<p>Within this apartment are two occupants. Seated, or rather reclining, +near the lower window is Maude Bereford, a young girl, graceful and +intelligent, but possessing no claim to rare beauty. A second glance +increases your approbation. Goodness of heart is indelible upon that +face. The other occupant is a lady about sixty years of age. Time had +been generous in its demands by drawing small usury from his allotted +spoliations. Lady Bereford had been a beauty in her day, and, judging +from the skilful devices practised, wished yet to retain her passing +glories. Her fair complexion still showed a lingering bloom, the haughty +eye still preserved a kindling glance, while her countenance and mien +gave evidence of a stronger and more spirited cast of character than that +of the young girl here mentioned.</p> + +<p>"Maude," said her ladyship, "what news from Lady Rosamond?"</p> + +<p>"Here is the letter, mamma, which you can read," said the young girl, at +the same time placing a daintily folded letter in the lap of Lady +Bereford.</p> + +<p>With elevated eyebrows her ladyship looked over the contents of the +letter. An occasional frown showed the displeasure which some sentences +gave to the reader.</p> + +<p>"It does not seem to please you, mamma," ventured Maude.</p> + +<p>"I cannot think that Lady Rosamond is very complimentary to her friends +in England. She makes no very kind allusions to her former companions +here. You certainly will admit that fact."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mamma, I am inclined to believe that you have formed mistaken +opinions of dear Lady Rosamond. You see that she refers to scenes +wherein all took a part, and I am sure that she is still my friend now +as before she left us."</p> + +<p>"Allow me, Maude," exclaimed Lady Bereford with impatient gesture, "you +have neither age nor experience on your side; but I feel convinced that +Rosamond has formed some attachment in New Brunswick, which she has +cleverly concealed. Throughout her whole letter there is a want of +earnestness that betrays her—an unsettled and vague uncertainty +dictates every sentence. Sir Thomas did a very foolish action when he +gave consent to his daughter's separation at a time when her nature is +most susceptible to the temptations and flatteries of society."</p> + +<p>"Mamma, I do not like to hear you speak thus of dear Rosamond. I love +her dearly, and I could not bear the thought of her forming any +attachment outside our family."</p> + +<p>"That is one reason why I have been thinking so deeply upon the matter. +That Gerald loves his pretty cousin, we know full well, and the +mortification of his being refused would be a heavy blow to our pride as +well. From a conversation with Sir Thomas a few weeks ago, he gave us +every assurance of an alliance of the families. Gerald is living on the +consummation of his hopes being realized, while I would fain remind him +of the line—'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'"</p> + +<p>"Mamma, dear, you always seem to prefer the dark side," returned Maude. +"Let us change the subject, as it is surely unjust to Rosamond."</p> + +<p>"It is to be hoped that your fond dream may serve you aright," said her +ladyship, with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice.</p> + +<p>At that moment Maude Bereford arose and playfully approached the door +wherein stood the future Lord Bereford, the heir of Bereford Castle.</p> + +<p>Tall, handsome, and affable, Gerald Bereford bore a strong resemblance +to her ladyship, but lacking that severity which predominated in the +latter. Bold, regular features stamped the face of the young man. There +was firmness about the mouth that indicated a strong energy and +perseverance, at the sacrifice of much feeling. On the whole there was +much in favor of Gerald Bereford's preferences; his clear, grey eye +showed keen intellect, combined with mirth and humor; a deep manly +voice, with purity of tone, spoke of truth and conscientious +convictions. Such was the character and personal appearance of the +nephew and favorite of Sir Thomas Seymour.</p> + +<p>Maude led her brother to a seat beside Lady Bereford, and seated herself +on a stool at his feet.</p> + +<p>"Is this not a golden evening, Gerald?" questioned the young girl, +looking up in her brother's face.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Gerald, "but to enjoy the golden beauty, as you term it, +I enforce strict and immediate attention to my wishes, and request your +ladyship, and this little girl, will accept the escort of your liege +lord."</p> + +<p>"My liege lord will need those gallantries in reserve," returned the +sister, in arch and naive tones.</p> + +<p>Lady Bereford waived the imperative demand by desiring to remain. Maude +accepted the proffered arm of Gerald to stroll beneath the inviting +branches of the dear old oaks, so firmly interwoven in the scenes of +innocent childhood and succeeding girlhood. The tender, sensitive girl +loved her brother too deeply to believe that any could supplant his +place in the love of Lady Rosamond. Her true criterion was the pure, +innocent, and trusting love of a sister.</p> + +<p>"Gerald, my dear, I am glad this opportunity has been so timely chosen," +said the fond sister in an earnest tone, placing her delicate little +hand upon her brother's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Pray, what has happened, Maude, that you look so sad?" said Gerald, +breaking out into a hearty laugh.</p> + +<p>"Nothing has happened," answered Maude; "really, if I look sad I do most +wrongfully disavow my intention, having news for you—good news, too, I +assure you," said Maude, again looking at her brother wistfully. "Can +you not guess?" said she.</p> + +<p>"How should I?" returned Gerald; "that would be a fruitless task."</p> + +<p>"Since you have exercised such patience I will tell you," said Maude: "I +have just received a letter from Rosamond."</p> + +<p>A blush quickly overspread Gerald's face as he bowed acknowledgment.</p> + +<p>Maude did not produce the letter which had been the cause of such +annoyance to Lady Bereford, but she disclosed part of the contents and +part she kept for herself. Together they talked long and earnestly. +Though she took no liberty in showing the relationship in which she +considered Lady Rosamond, her simple and earnest nature seemed to give +assurance to Gerald. He listened to his sister's repeated praise of her +companion—of their girlish attachment—and heartily hoped that Lady +Rosamond would return the deep love which he had unreservedly placed at +her disposal—his heart, name, riches—all were given the absent and +beautiful maiden.</p> + +<p>Musing awhile, Gerald was aroused by his sister, who almost petulantly +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Oh, Gerald, I do wish that Rosamond was home again, never to leave us. +Two years separation seems a long time in the future. I grow so +impatient. Do you know, Gerald," added Maude, with a bright eagerness, +"I am going to write and urge her to shorten this lengthy probation. I +cannot endure the thought. <i>Two years!</i>" repeated she, a second time, +with strong emphasis.</p> + +<p>"But you must remember the fable of the boys and the frogs," said +Gerald, with an amused smile.</p> + +<p>This remark reminded Maude of the sentiments of her mother, but she +would not repeat them in the presence of her brother. She did not wish +to cherish or countenance anything that would be disloyal to Lady +Rosamond. In her sincerity she would not believe any views relating to +her friend unless they received her direct sanction.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford had misgivings regarding his hopes, but trusted that +time and the favor of Sir Thomas would eventually disclose a brighter +prospect. No jealousy had crossed his mind. Had Lady Bereford expressed +her opinion in his presence he might have formed a far different view of +the matter. At present all was tranquil. Maude's earnestness momentarily +affected him—nothing more.</p> + +<p>Lord Bereford, the present incumbent, was a man of sterling integrity—a +firm friend of his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Seymour. Though a man of +high birth, distinguished, and sought by the great and learned, he was +gentle, unassuming, and benign.</p> + +<p>From her father Maude Bereford inherited the quiet and unobtrusive +demeanor, so strongly in contrast to the haughty and obsequious bearing +of Lady Bereford. Gerald was a strange compound of both—a fact that +gave birth to the honest convictions of his nature.</p> + +<p>Lord Bereford was an ardent admirer of Lady Rosamond—"a true +Bereford,"—the counterpart of her mother, Maria Bereford, whose beauty +had been the theme of unusual admiration. For hours could he gaze upon +his sister's child and recall the past, when a beautiful girl wandered +through the old familiar spots and looked to him for brotherly sympathy +when any annoyance rose before her. When the young girl grew to +womanhood and gave her affection to his boyhood friend, Sir Thomas +Seymour, he bestowed his blessing. Was he to repeat that blessing upon +the child? Many times did Lord Bereford dwell upon this subject. His was +a nature endowed with lasting qualities, true sympathy was the key note +to his heart. He loved Lady Rosamond with devout, tender solicitude as +his only daughter, and her happiness was his. If the love that Gerald +Bereford bore towards his niece was not entirely reciprocated, and at +the great sacrifice, would the true-hearted nobleman have urged upon Sir +Thomas the error of his conduct? Such liberalism upon his part provoked +the resentment of Lady Bereford, who could not brook any interference +with the strictly defined principles of conservatism so long entailed +upon every branch of her family. Sir Thomas Seymour was a staunch +worshipper of his sister-in-law's doctrine. He cherished every idea with +fondness, occasionally bringing them forth to view as opportunity +favored. While Lady Rosamond is sadly watching the days and months drag +slowly along within the bosom of Sir Howard Douglas' happy household, +such are the motives actuating each of those who endeavor to seek her +welfare; such is the state of their respective feelings, such their fond +hope—their brightest dreams—laboring under the fatal delusion of +giving happiness to her future.</p> + +<p>Ah, your ladyship! were a kind fairy, in the form of a godmother, to +breathe a few words into the ear of your loving and tender uncle, Lord +Bereford, his kind heart would go forth to meet thee and save thee from +a world of misery—from the fiery ordeal through which thou must pass!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>MEMORABLE SCENES OF AUTUMN, 1825.</h3> + + +<p>The summer and autumn of this year were indeed the most memorable in the +annals of New Brunswick's history. Many there are still living who +distinctly remember that awful visitation. The season of drought was +unparalleled. Farmers looked aghast and trembled as they viewed the +scanty, withered products of the land. All joined in the common +uneasiness, daily awaiting relief. None felt more anxiety than Sir +Howard Douglas, whose sole interests were those of his people.</p> + +<p>Wishing to know the true state of the country, his Excellency made a +tour of the farming districts, penetrating back settlements where the +greatest suffering might be expected.</p> + +<p>While absent on this errand of mercy, a sad misfortune befell the inmates +of Government House. On the 19th of September their home was wrapped in +devouring elements of flame, being almost entirely consumed.</p> + +<p>It is on such occasions that the nobler side of our nature asserts its +true dignity and shows qualities that otherwise would remain in +obscurity. Lady Douglas, with calm and dignified composure, prepared her +family to realize the situation, and with heroic firmness persisted in +rescuing nearly all the valuables within Government House. The great +assistance rendered by the citizens in their indefatigable labors, +showed the unbounded and grateful respect borne towards this +distinguished family. Every one was ready to offer aid. The daughters of +Lady Douglas reflected her ladyship's cool intrepidity.</p> + +<p>With tears in her eyes, Mary Douglas viewed the smoking mass where she +had passed so many happy hours. Captain Charles Douglas, knowing well +the tenor of his sister's poetic nature, kindly and encouragingly +exclaimed, "Never mind, Mary dear; thank heaven no lives are lost. We +will soon be united." Those simple words had the desired effect. The +tender hearted maiden at once saw the ingratitude of her murmurs, and +felt deeply thankful for her brother's gentle reproof.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond, if possible, had stronger claims upon the heart of Mary +Douglas and the entire household. She had wrought with a determination +to do what she could—aye, more than she could. On being advised by +Charles Douglas to desist, she firmly replied, "Not until everything is +done that I can do."</p> + +<p>A young officer, who happened to hear these words, received them as a +valuable souvenir years afterwards, realizing their true worth.</p> + +<p>It was, indeed, a most remarkable circumstance that so much valuable +furniture and perishable articles were saved. One act of recklessness to +be regretted was the cutting down of a valuable chandelier which, +falling with a heavy crash, was shivered in a thousand pieces.</p> + +<p>In a few days Lady Douglas and family sought shelter among their +friends, from whom they received the strongest proofs of kindness. To a +lady friend in England her ladyship writes: "The sympathy and real +kindness received from the citizens of Fredericton I can never forget. +The fire proved that the old adage, though homely, is a true one—'a +friend in need is a friend indeed.'"</p> + +<p>When Sir Howard returned, and was once more received in his family, he +felt grateful to Providence for His kind deliverance. No vain or useless +repinings marked the course of his conduct. With renewed energy this man +of indomitable courage was again immersed in the public weal as well as +the re-establishing of his family in comfortable quarters. A large and +commodious building on King street, the property of Henry Smith, +Esq.,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> was now being prepared for the reception of His Excellency. The +Government expended a considerable sum in making the necessary +improvements, and within a very short time the citizens of Fredericton +had the pleasure of seeing their beloved ruler and his family once more +situated in a happy home. But Sir Howard was to face more terrific and +threatening dangers. His unbounded sympathies had further and unlimited +room for exercise.</p> + +<p>October came, attended by the long continued drought. Gloom was depicted +on every side. Many conjectures were afloat regarding the vicinity of +the fire, which gave evidence of its existence in the density of smoke +that filled the atmosphere.</p> + +<p>In the midst of this impending danger, on the 7th October, a fire broke +out in the woods surrounding "The Hermitage," the residence of the Hon. +Thomas Baillie, on the Government House road. Here the forethought of +Sir Howard was exhibited with unequalled prudence, having every +available engine and means of succor close at hand. By great exertions +the house was saved. Danger still lurked in the woods. Within an hour an +alarm was given in the city. Sir Howard was the first on the spot, +having ridden furiously his spirited and favorite steed. Engines were +again in quick action, while the military were only a short distance +behind, being ordered up at the double.</p> + +<p>The scene was terrific. High winds blew the fire from one building to +the next, until the third part of the city was a mountain of +flame—cracking, roaring, tremendous in its fury. Water was kept up in +constant streams, having but little effect. Many sat down and cried in +their frantic emotion. Hundreds of families without home, food, or +clothing.</p> + +<p>In the midst of this sickening sight was one whose very presence lifted +a weight from the hearts of the sad and homeless. Sir Howard never once +deserted his post—working, encouraging, and aiding. By his advice the +fire was stayed—two-thirds of the town still remaining. The stifling +air and glowing heavens made the hearts of many grow sick and faint.</p> + +<p>Perhaps it would be wiser to end the tale of misery here, but as the +chapter would seem incomplete, it may be necessary to make slight +allusion to a wilder and more terrible fire.</p> + +<p>The consummation of terror, madness, and dismay, depicted in its most +awful form, would fail to do justice to this sickening calamity—the +Miramichi fire.</p> + +<p>The forests, for hundreds of miles in every direction, were one solid +mass of living fire, roaring louder than thunder; in its fury shaking +the bowels of the earth and leaping up to the heavens which seemed, +also, to be enveloped in flames. Nothing more awful will be witnessed +until the judgment day. Many were of opinion that the time was at hand +when "the heavens and earth shall melt away." Hundreds lost their lives, +while property was destroyed to an immense amount.</p> + +<p>An ordinary mind would have sunk under the weight of grievances that +pressed on all sides; but Sir Howard Douglas rose above the situation. +With Spartan firmness and unswerving courage he set about raising means +for the distressed by subscription, both at home and abroad, in money, +food, and clothing. Letters were sent to all parts of America, England, +and Ireland. Not thus content, Sir Howard went himself to visit burnt +districts where man or beast could scarcely penetrate, climbing over +miles of fallen brushwood. Those poor creatures tried to show their +gratitude by words, but were unable. Their tears were a more gracious +tribute than jewels—being the grateful offering of a stricken +community. Their benefactor had conveyed provision for their sustenance, +and clothing for their wives and families. Many were the fervent prayers +offered for their noble-hearted and humane ruler, and none more +gratefully acknowledged these than he.</p> + +<p>Much more might be told in connection with those sad events, but as the +details might not be acceptable to the reader, therefore we refrain.</p> + +<p>Once more gathered in their home, the family of Sir Howard were not +inactive. The spirit of charity was manifest in every action of those +lovely girls. Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond had formed a sewing circle, +to which they invited some of their young acquaintances. In this +charitable employment they spent many hours. Clothing was made and +distributed with increasing demand. The severity of winter caused many +poor people to look for assistance in every possible form. Gaiety was +for a time forgotten. Festive parties and sumptuous array were set aside +for the necessities of the season.</p> + +<p>It is a well established fact that the miseries of others often +alleviate our own. To none could this application be more forcible than +Lady Rosamond. In her bitterness of heart she experienced a quiet relief +in assisting her companions to provide clothing for the sufferers. The +scenes through which she had passed counterbalanced the feelings she had +hitherto experienced and taught her gentle resignation. Her thoughts +were of a more serious nature—a source whence she derived much comfort. +Her parent's views were unaltered; her hopes were no brighter in the +distant future, but, as afterwards expressed, she had more strength +given her from the bitter trials of suffering humanity.</p> + +<p>As Christmas drew nigh the inmates of Government House could not resist +a desire to look back to the joyous season which they had passed in the +home now laid low, its surrounding woods, their pleasant excursions, and +the extensive preparations in decorating for the festive scenes that +followed.</p> + +<p>Pioneer Johnnie was loud in regrets for the apparent neglect which the +sylvan deities must naturally feel by his temporary absence from their +select and stately assemblages.</p> + +<p>"Keep up your spirits, Master Johnnie," once remarked Lady Rosamond, +"the next time we go back the trees will recognize the compliment with +music and grateful homage."</p> + +<p>"As none but you and Lady Rosamond regret being turned out, I presume," +exclaimed Charles Douglas, who was always ready to join any conversation +that afforded amusement. He continued passing careless jokes until the +clock in the hall reminded him of his business.</p> + +<p>"Really, Lady Rosamond, I credit you with driving away dull care and my +forfeiting all claims to the future good will of my friend Howe by +disregarding his message. Pardon me, ladies, for having almost forgotten +to say that the sleigh will be in readiness in half an hour."</p> + +<p>"Half an hour," exclaimed Mary Douglas, somewhat hastily, "really, +Charles, I cannot pardon you for such neglect, as it sadly interferes +with my plans."</p> + +<p>"Come, little one, frowns do not become thy brow," returned Captain +Douglas, kissing the forehead of his sister.</p> + +<p>"That is much prettier," said he, pointing to the smiling face which in +turn rested upon him.</p> + +<p>Taking up a book which lay open beside the seat hitherto occupied by +Lady Rosamond, Captain Douglas commenced to read some lines from +Tennyson, when accosted by his companion, Mr. Howe:</p> + +<p>"You seem to be taking things very cool, old fellow. Where are the +ladies?"</p> + +<p>"They are getting ready; come in while we are waiting."</p> + +<p>"This is your fault again, Douglas. It is past the hour, and a large +party awaits us," said Mr. Howe impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Better late than never," vociferated Captain Douglas, as he went out +singing, quickly returning with Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>"It is all Charles' fault," said the former, by way of explanation.</p> + +<p>"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Captain Douglas, "I knew this was coming, but I +must be as jolly as I can."</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship is under my protection," said the incorrigible +delinquent, offering his arm to Lady Rosamond, while Mary Douglas was +assigned to the companionship of the private secretary.</p> + +<p>"This is indeed a merry party," said Lady Rosamond to her gallant, as he +placed her beside him and wrapped the daintily lined robes around her.</p> + +<p>"I am half inclined to be angry with Trevelyan," said Mr. Howe, turning +around in his seat and facing Captain Douglas.</p> + +<p>"What are your grounds?" questioned the latter.</p> + +<p>"Enough to justify my declaration," said the former, apparently looking +at Captain Douglas, but in reality casting sidelong glances at Lady +Rosamond.</p> + +<p>What did he seek there? Did jealousy cause that stolen glance? What was +the motive? These important questions certainly deserve some attention, +which, in justice to Mr. Howe and the parties concerned, and last, but +not least, the reader, this concession must be granted.</p> + +<p>As admitted, the private secretary of Sir Howard Douglas entertained a +warm friendship towards Lieutenant Trevelyan, treating him with the +tenderness of a younger brother. Being constantly thrown in the society +of each other, there was much to be learned on both sides. That the +young lieutenant returned this friendship he took no pains to conceal, +knowing that in Mr. Howe he had an interested friend and adviser. For +some time in the past the keen eye of the former detected a sudden +strange and half concealed manner possessing his young friend, which +completely puzzled him: Various conjectures presented themselves, but +all unsatisfactory and vague. Still further watch was kept upon the +actions of Guy Trevelyan, but nothing appeared to solve the difficult +problem. An opportunity at last rewarded this perseverance. As explained +in a preceding chapter, one side of mysterious question was solved +without any effort or seeking the on the part of any one. By a mere +accident Mr. Howe learned the cause which had so deeply influenced the +course of Guy Trevelyan's actions, and, furthermore, his feelings. Here +was something gained: did it bode good or evil to the young lieutenant?</p> + +<p>These were questions that revolved themselves in the mind of the +reasoner. Gladly would he do anything that would further the interest of +his young friend, yet there might be a likelihood of stretching this +prerogative if it in anywise interfered with the direct affairs of +another. Whichever view of the matter was taken difficulty arose on +every hand.</p> + +<p>Let us hasten to the main point of the argument. That Lieutenant +Trevelyan loved Lady Rosamond with a pure and ardent love was a matter +beyond doubt. She was the ruling passion that influenced every action, +guarded or unguarded. It was this knowledge that now gave the secretary +so much perplexity. He entertained towards Lady Rosamond a kind and +friendly regard; he was willing to serve her under any ordinary +circumstances and in any friendly capacity. In the present instance Lady +Rosamond was under the charge and protection of Lady Douglas, who would +be, in a measure, responsible for any attachment thus formed while she +remained her guest. On this point were many conscientious scruples to be +overcome, which did not meet the approval of that course of honor which +had hitherto characterized Mr. Howe's principles and actions. He must +not sacrifice these even at the great risk of gaining the happiness of a +young and respected friend.</p> + +<p>But the sight of the young lieutenant pleaded more eloquently than the +most glowing and pathetic language. His thoughtful eyes, his pure white +forehead, and clustering ringlets of chestnut hair, had a wealth of +appeal hidden beneath, conveying more subtle beauty than the production +of the countless volumes of mystic ages. Thus situated, the secretary +felt the awkwardness of his position. It was not curiosity that +prompted; it was a secret influence which the young lieutenant +inspired—an influence that held the former bound and enchained with no +means of escape at hand.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>THE INTERVIEW.</h3> + + +<p>In a small but handsome reception room adjoining the library of Bereford +Castle sat its stately mistress, with an impatient and eager look upon +her countenance. Trifling with a pretty trinket which she has in her +hand, her ladyship is apparently ill at ease. Something has given cause +for annoyance and grave deliberation. An anxious and hasty glance +towards the door, shows that a visitor is momentarily awaited.</p> + +<p>Taking advantage of these moments, I will occupy them in dilating upon a +few of the qualities and characteristics of the distinguished occupant. +Lady Bereford was a woman of shrewdness and capacity, possessing a +subtle weight of influence that bore with irresistible force, and was +stoutly prepared to resist an opposing element in any quarter. The +daughter of a London barrister of considerable reputation, her ladyship +dwelt with pride upon her fond preference for the legal profession. Her +conversation was frequently interspersed with learned remarks, savoring +of the inner temple, its dingy courts, volumes of dust and musty +manuscripts. "Evidence and proof" were leading points always at hand. +Caution was the inevitable watchword, based upon a scrutinizing and at +times heartless penetration. In short, the character of Lady Bereford +might be summed up in a few words—as a cool, clever and calculating +woman of the world—one not to be baffled by ordinary circumstances. On +the present occasion her eye has a fire in its depths that brooks no +interference. Her brows are knotted with an angry frown; as she raises +them hastily, the frown has departed. The small and still plump white +hand is extended. Sir Thomas Seymour bows very low, receives the hand, +kissing the tips of the taper fingers, is seated in an elegantly +embroidered fauteuil opposite her ladyship.</p> + +<p>After the usual pleasantries had passed, Sir Thomas commenced by way of +explanation:</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship will pardon this detention, from the fact of my being +absent when your note arrived. Business demanding my presence at the +admiralty office I was unavoidably detained for some days. On arriving +yesterday I immediately telegraphed the fact to Lord Bereford, but hope +that the present misfortune will not seriously interfere with any of +your ladyship's plans."</p> + +<p>Assuming an air of much importance, her ladyship began; "When I +addressed you, it was merely in the form of a note, not wishing to +convey a subject of such importance to paper, deeming that it demanded +your personal attention. I fully exonerate you by the ready response as +shown at this instance."</p> + +<p>This remark Sir Thomas politely acknowledged with a deep bow, while a +shade of uneasiness was visible upon his features.</p> + +<p>With another assuming air to gain, if possible, a more wise and legal +manner, her ladyship thus resumed: "Sir Thomas, you must certainly be +aware of my motives in thus requesting an interview. You cannot be +insensible to the fact that it entirely concerns the Lady Rosamond."</p> + +<p>Here Sir Thomas became somewhat agitated, but her ladyship continued: +"Strictly speaking, it concerns both families, as how can it apply to +the former without a direct application to Gerald Bereford, in which +case is involved that of his connexions."</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas felt the necessity of waiving those points of nicety, but +knowing too well that any interference would entail a more definite +investigation, listened with utmost composure in the hope of instant +relief.</p> + +<p>With the stem gravity of a learned judge, ready to pronounce sentence +upon the culprit arraigned, her ladyship in graver tone continued: "I +cannot but admit that the matter has given me very great annoyance. I +again refer to Lady Rosamond."</p> + +<p>The affair, at each mention of the latter, assumed a graver importance, +while Sir Thomas inwardly struggled to maintain a studied demeanor as +becoming the grave occasion.</p> + +<p>"You are possibly not aware of the position in which her ladyship is +being placed by this temporary separation from her family?" ventured +Lady Bereford, with full interrogative force that at length afforded an +opportunity to Sir Thomas.</p> + +<p>"The matter," returned he, "has never given me any serious +apprehensions, and, pardon me, I must confess to your ladyship that +there seem no apparent grounds for any. Lady Rosamond has been made +acquainted with our views regarding Gerald, and knowing this, I have too +much confidence in her nature to harbor a thought that she will either, +in word or action, entertain a wish in opposition to that of a fond and +solicitous parent."</p> + +<p>"I admit that Lady Rosamond is indeed a worthy and dutiful daughter; +yet, pardon me, there are many little undesirable and inconsistent +fancies which, in the waywardness of youth, are ready to take form in +the tender and susceptible nature of a young girl, and which, if not +constantly watched, assume a degree of strength almost uncontrollable. +Allow me to state the case," continued her ladyship, "when, perhaps, you +may see the matter in a clearer light."</p> + +<p>At mention of the word <i>case</i> Sir Thomas dreaded another succession of +legal points, but demurely listened to the following version:</p> + +<p>"You have unwittingly placed your child in a very dangerous position. To +none would I so readily give the protection of my daughter as Lady +Douglas, who is, in every sense, a true mother and a dignified woman; +yet there are moments when Lady Rosamond can assert her right to control +her own impulses and feelings. As a guest she has an entire right, while +it would otherwise be a stretch of prerogative on the part of the +guardian."</p> + +<p>"You cannot but admit," said her ladyship, still bent on influencing her +attentive listener, "that Lady Rosamond is indeed very beautiful, which +alone has sufficient reason to sustain my argument. Beauty, through +countless ages, has been the source of much misery. Through Helen was +lost a Troy; Cleopatra, Roman glory."</p> + +<p>Her ladyship was going to cite further examples when interrupted by Sir +Thomas exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship will pardon me, but it would certainly be deep injustice +at present to raise an objection on this point; it surely did not bring +misery in its train to Lord Bereford."</p> + +<p>At this compliment to her beauty and vanity, a rare smile lit the face +of Lady Bereford, while she gaily added:</p> + +<p>"Sir Thomas, you still cling to your former gallantry with the +pertinacity of an ill-favored suitor."</p> + +<p>Seeing that the last evidence was ill-grounded, her ladyship, having +reconsidered the situation, again resumed:</p> + +<p>"You must admit that among the military staff of Sir Howard Douglas +there are many attractive and eligible young gentlemen worthy of the +hand of the fairest. Besides, there are many families holding high +position in New Brunswick, the descendants of persons of rank equal to +our own. Among these are gentlemen—brave, handsome, and equally +fascinating. It would indeed be a very extraordinary case if the Lady +Rosamond, with all her beauty and accomplishments, daily surrounded by +an admiring crowd, should not unconsciously fall a prey to her already +susceptible nature. Sir Thomas," continued her ladyship, with more +vehemence in her manner, "you do not seem to weigh matters as I do, or +you would certainly see the error you have committed—the great wrong +you have done to your child. Were I to disclose the facts, they would +astonish you, but if in the future, when too late you make such a +discovery, you will have only yourself to blame. That Lady Rosamond has +formed an attachment I am certain; of its value I am not prepared to +say; but, in honor to Gerald Bereford, I have a right to demand your +attention."</p> + +<p>At this sudden declaration Sir Thomas was astounded.</p> + +<p>"Where is the proof of this?" demanded he in startling surprise.</p> + +<p>Her ladyship then referred to the letter—its unconnected and +half-hidden sentences—and expressed her firm conviction of the +certainty of those predictions.</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas drew a sigh of relief when he found no stronger evidence +against the straightforward and conscientious spirit that had hitherto +pervaded his loved child.</p> + +<p>Lady Bereford possessed the tactics of a clever reasoner. When she had +failed in bringing her own arguments to bear directly she had recourse +to more forcible measures. The mention of Gerald Bereford had +instantaneous effect. Sir Thomas' eye brightened with renewed lustre; +his whole expression betrayed the ruling passion within him. Her +ladyship took advantage of the situation.</p> + +<p>"If you will empower me to act in this case there will be no further +trouble to be apprehended. Woman is the best judge of woman. Leave the +matter in my hands, Sir Thomas, and you will have no further anxiety. I +will assure you that Gerald will meet no refusal when he asks Lady +Rosamond to become his wife."</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas yielded. He knew that in this lay his child's happiness, +which, as a parent, he was in duty bound to promote.</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship is right," exclaimed Sir Thomas, "but in granting this I +request that you will not in any way shorten the visit of Lady +Rosamond."</p> + +<p>"Rest assured," cried her ladyship, "that no such demands will be made. +The happiness of her ladyship will be our sole interest; kind and +friendly advice, with gentle admonition, is the only safeguard."</p> + +<p>When Lady Bereford had gained the case (according to her legal version) +her manner changed as if by magic. Gay smiles played over her features +with inexpressible delight; her voice was soft, smooth, and bewitching +with sweetness.</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas was persuaded to remain to luncheon. The party consisted of +the family, Sir Thomas, and Colonel Trevelyan, a gentleman whose +acquaintance Lord Bereford formed while visiting an old friend. The +conversation was friendly and animated. Many topics of general interest +afforded them an opportunity to pass the hours in a pleasant, lively and +genial manner. Having by accident referred to his connection with the +Peninsula campaign, Lord Bereford was delighted to find another intimate +friend of Sir Howard Douglas. Sir Thomas Seymour joined heartily in the +general discourse. Colonel Trevelyan, or properly speaking Sir Guy +Trevelyan, told many incidents of military and social life, in which Sir +Howard and himself had figured quite conspicuously.</p> + +<p>Great was Maude Bereford's delight when she learned that the young +officer, so often alluded to in the letters received from Mary Douglas, +was the son of their guest. At this intelligence a sudden frown rested +on Lady Bereford's brow, but momentarily vanished. She had gained her +point; such matters did not so forcibly affect her now. Naturally many +inquiries were made respecting the young lieutenant, all of which were +answered in a quiet and unassuming way. The character of the father +betrayed that of his son. Without questioning why Maude Bereford felt a +deep interest in the young unknown, she had already been forming plans +of inquiry to ascertain a further knowledge. Lady Rosamond would +certainly be able to give her a correct description. Certainly her +ladyship must spend much time in the company of one who had such claims +on the friendship of Sir Howard. Reasoning thus was the gentle daughter +of Lady Bereford, while the latter was exultant in having formed a plan +for the furtherance of a scheme which lay near her heart.</p> + +<p>The next morning her ladyship was alone in her boudoir. A delicately +folded sheet lay upon the exquisitely inlaid writing desk before her. +Satisfaction beams upon her by occasional smiles. Again she seizes the +unclosed letter, examines closely its contents, and, with evident ease, +places it in an envelope which she seals and addresses. A servant in +livery answers the summons of a silver bell standing beside the desk. +Her ladyship, drawing aside a hanging of silver tissue, approaches the +door where the missive is delivered in charge of the liveried attendant. +With a sense of relief Lady Bereford returns to the library to await the +morning mail.</p> + +<p>Lady Bereford indeed lavished all the fondness of a mother's pride upon +her first-born. Maude was to her a simple-minded, gentle girl, whose +sole influence was her mother's will. The daughter of Lord Bereford was +a true type of her father: gentle, conscientious and sympathetic.</p> + +<p>In Lady Rosamond, Maude Bereford could see no reason for such anxiety as +was manifested by her mother, yet she would feel disappointed if her +companion would form another attachment. Maude loved her brother with +all the tenderness of her nature, while Gerald Bereford returned this +love with deep fervent gratitude. His sister was to him the connecting +link with Lady Rosamond. He took pleasure in daily walks with Maude, +whose playful childish ways often reminded him of the absent cousin. The +future lord of Bereford Castle was worthy the love of the fairest, +purest and truest. He possessed a spirit of independent manliness, and +would brook no favor that was not warranted by honor.</p> + +<p>When Gerald Bereford asked his uncle for a right to address the Lady +Rosamond, it was from a spirit of honor. He dearly loved the beautiful +girl, though he had never avowed his feelings, and when she treated his +advances with coolness, he still cherished the hope that in the end his +love would be reciprocated. On receiving the joyful assurance from Sir +Thomas that the great object of both families was the consummation of +these hopes, the ardent lover was happy beyond doubt. Sir Thomas had led +Gerald Bereford to believe that the Lady Rosamond had always favoured +his suit, but in girlish caprice had refused him any encouragement until +the expiration of her visit, when she would return home ready to receive +the courtly attentions of her relative.</p> + +<p>Cheered by these fond assurances, Gerald Bereford did anxiously look +forward to Lady Rosamond's return. Sir Thomas had indeed communicated +this matter to his nephew with a firm assurance of the realization on +the part of both. He doubted the true feelings of his child, but he was +determined that the event should take place after sufficient time had +elapsed. Lady Bereford knew that Sir Thomas was really deceiving himself +as well as his nephew; but with the keen perception of her nature, kept +her own counsel. She, as well as Sir Thomas, was determined to carry out +her design, for which purpose she closely concealed part of her views +from Maude upon the reading of Lady Rosamond's letter, also her message +to Sir Thomas, their interview, concessions and result.</p> + +<p>Practical and calculating woman of the world as was Lady Bereford, might +it be possible that she could heartlessly seal that daintily perfumed +missive which was to become the source of such almost unendurable +anguish? Really, one would fain exculpate her ladyship of the great +wrong—a wrong which for years could not be obliterated from the hearts +of those whose sufferings were borne silently and without reproach, each +bearing the burden with a sickening heart, feeling that death would be a +happy relief.</p> + +<p>What a world is ours. What a problem is life. Is there any word in the +English language more suggestive? Life—its surroundings, aspects, all +its outward associations. Is this the limit? Would to Heaven in some +instances it were so, that the end be thus. What a hollow mockery does +it impart to the heart of Lady Rosamond, whose cause of misery remains +as yet half told. Life—a troubled dream, a waking reality, yet we cling +to it with fond delusive hopes. What astute reasoner will solve, the +intricacies of this problem? Can one who has suffered? The muffled +throes of crushed hearts are the only response. God pity them!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC.</h3> + + +<p>The year following the great fire was marked by great progress +throughout the Province. Farmers were again in homes which they had +built upon the site of those destroyed by the devouring element. Fields +once more showed signs of cultivation. With Sir Howard Douglas to +stimulate the prosperity of his people, progress was the watchword—the +general impulse.</p> + +<p>Fredericton, like the phoenix, had arisen from its ashes; buildings +arose in rapid succession. Wooden houses of moderate pretensions lined +Queen and King streets, from Westmorland to Carleton street, the limit +of the burnt district.</p> + +<p>Business was carried on by a few upright and enterprising merchants, +foremost of whom stood Rankine & Co., the leading firm of the city. This +establishment was situated on Queen street, between Northumberland and +Westmorland streets, in which was constantly pouring an unlimited source +of supplies for conducting the immense lumber trade established by this +firm, whose name shall be remembered while New Brunswick shall continue +to produce one stick of timber. Many farmers of that time yet have +occasion to refer to the generosity which characterized this long +established firm. Many yet bless the name of Rankine & Co.</p> + +<p>The public buildings of our city were in keeping with the private +residences. No Barker House or Queen Hotel adorned our principal street +as now; no City Hall, Normal School, or Court House. On the present site +of the Barker House was a long two-story wooden building, designated as +Hooper's Hotel under the proprietorship of Mr. Hooper. This was the only +accommodation for public dinners, large parties, balls, etc In this +hotel the St. George Society annually celebrated their anniversary by a +grand dinner party where heart-stirring speeches, toasts and patriotic +songs, were the general order of programme, of which the following +verses are an example. They were composed in April 1828, and sung by one +of the members of this society at a public dinner that year, after the +toast of "Lord Aylmer and the Colonies." The idea was suggested to the +young law student by looking upon a map showing the territory explored +by the Cabots and called Cabotia. The writer will be readily recognized +as one of New Brunswick's most eloquent, gifted, and favored statesmen, +recently holding the highest position in the Province:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When England bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Freedom's light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shone forth in dazzling splendor,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She scorned to hold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The more than gold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From those who did befriend her;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At space she spurned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With love she burned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And straight across the ocean<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent Freedom's rays,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">T' illume their days<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And quell their sons' commotion.<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Hail, Britannia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Thou loving, kind Britannia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Ne'er failed to wield<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Thy spear and shield.<br /></span> +<span class="i8">To guard our soil, Britannia!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But rebels choose<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For to refuse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The boon thus kindly granted,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with vile art,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In many a heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Black discord's seeds they planted;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now civil war,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In bloody car,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rode forth—and Desolation,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Extended wide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Its horrid stride<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For mock emancipation.<br /></span> +<span class="i8">O Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Old England's child Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">No rebel cloud<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i8">Did e'er enshroud<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Thy sacred soil, Cabotia!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The purple flood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of traitors' blood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent vapors black to heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hid the blaze<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Freedom's rays,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By a kind parent given;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But Liberty,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quite loath to see,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">America neglected,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came to our land,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with kind hand<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her temple here erected;<br /></span> +<span class="i8">O Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Them favored land, Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">While we have breath<br /></span> +<span class="i8">We'll smile at death,<br /></span> +<span class="i8">To guard thy soil, Cabotia!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When foreign foes<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We did oppose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Britannia stood our second,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And those we fought<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were dearly taught,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without their host they reckoned;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And should they now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With hostile prow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But press, our lakes and rivers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Giant-stroke,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From British oak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Would rend their keels to shivers.<br /></span> +<span class="i8">And thou, Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Old England's child Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Would see thy race<br /></span> +<span class="i8">In death's embrace<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Before they'd yield Cabotia!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While Shamrock, Rose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Thistle grow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So close together blended,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">New Brunswick ne'er<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Will need to fear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But that she'll be befriended;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We need not quake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For nought can break<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sacred ties that bind us,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And those, who'd spoil<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our hallowed soil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">True blue are sure to find us.<br /></span> +<span class="i8">O Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Our native land, Cabotia!<br /></span> +<span class="i8">For thee we'll drain<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Our every vein,<br /></span> +<span class="i8">Old England's Child Cabotia!<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Here the St. Andrews Society also gave their national celebration. Last, +but not least, came the St. Patrick Society. The last named might, +indeed, be called <i>the</i> Society. Aided and encouraged by Colonel +Minchin, Hon. Thomas Bailie, Mr. Phair, and many other distinguished +Irish gentlemen, the St. Patrick's Society of Fredericton at that time +attained a high social position. On St. Patrick's eve a yearly +celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on +Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office. +Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those +meetings. The following instance will serve to give an idea of the +spirit which inspired those reunions. On one occasion a member of this +organization—a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years—spoke +as follows: "Mr. President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention +to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman. Who was the +gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from +the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country's cause? +Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm +and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear? Who fought +with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands +of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain? Who dared to face Napoleon? +Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate? Who but the +proud 'hero of a hundred fights,'—the Duke of Wellington! What country +gave him birth?" "Ireland!" was the answer, amid deafening shouts of +applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet. This is +but one of the stories told of those meetings, showing the spirit of +interest manifested.</p> + +<p>To return to hotels. On the site at present occupied by the Queen Hotel +formerly stood the Market Inn, kept by Mr. Richard Staples. This was a +comfortable and convenient house, frequented by farmers as they came to +the city to dispose of their produce. In those days people settled +principally near the St. John river and its numerous tributaries, with +their lakes; therefore farmers generally used small boats for means of +conveyance, waggons being looked upon as an extravagant +luxury. Another public house, kept by Mr. Robert Welch, and known as the +Albion Hotel, also occupied a prominent position, being well furnished +and affording comfort and good accommodation to the travelling public. On +Waterloo Row was situated the time-honored Royal Oak, kept by Miss Polly +Van Horn, a name well known to those residing in the lower country +districts.</p> + +<p>Of other public institutions less may be said. On the square now adorned +by the imposing City Hall, with its memorable clock, formerly stood or +rather squatted the old Tank House, serving rather in the capacity of +use than ornament. An old marketplace occupied the ground on which is +now erected the County Court House.</p> + +<p>It would be impossible to enter into details regarding every building; +we merely cite a few facts to give a general idea of the situation of +Fredericton at that time.</p> + +<p>Before leaving these matters we must not omit mention of a quiet social +organization then known as the Philharmonic Society. It was composed of +a number of young gentlemen, members of the most influential families of +the city. Wallace, band-master of H. M. 52nd regiment, took an active +part in instructing these youths, who, within a short period, had +acquired such proficiency as to enable them to give a series of +entertainments in Hooper's Hotel. These consisted of selections +displaying musical skill, ability and taste.</p> + +<p>Conspicuous among the members of the Philharmonic Society was a young +student named Vivian Yorke, afterwards a member of the legal profession; +in later years, his burning eloquence had power to thrill the eager +audience attendant upon his appearance. As a lover of music, the young +scholar had from his childhood won a reputation beyond his years, while +his association with the organization had given it a stimulus worthy +such encouragement. Vivian Yorke had won high position within the social +circle as well. His genial disposition, frank, manly bearing, dignified +form and handsome face were sufficient passports irrespective of his +other claims to distinction. It is almost needless to add, that Mr. +Yorke stood high in the estimation of the band-master, who arranged +several airs especially adapted to a number of patriotic songs composed +by his talented pupil. In succeeding chapters we will allude to the +rising career of Mr. Yorke as the occasion demands.</p> + +<p>In this year the House of Assembly was opened by a warm debate upon the +College Bill, which received stout resistance from all dissenting +bodies. The episcopalians sought aid from the Archbishop of Canterbury +and the Bishop of Nova Scotia. But the judgment of Sir Howard was equal +to the occasion. His measures were such as must ultimately accomplish +the desired end.</p> + +<p>The 52nd Regiment, as yet stationed in Fredericton, still maintained +their unbounded popularity, entertained their many friends at princely +dinners, gave an unlimited number of balls, parties and festive +gatherings. The race course still continued to be the daily resort for +the distinguished horsemen. Races were a favorite pastime. Cricket and +foot-ball had now become quite common. On the old square situated +between York street and Wilmot's alley the youths of the city daily +assembled to practise these sports, while the military occupied a space +within their own ground. The inhabitants also enjoyed the music +furnished by the 52nd band, which almost daily performed in the +officers' square.</p> + +<p>A large and imposing structure was now being erected upon the exact site +where the former Government House stood. The present building, owing to +its greater proportions, consequently covered more ground. The model was +a handsome residence in the island of Jamaica; the plans were drawn up +by a celebrated architect, who had formerly been acquainted with Sir +Howard Douglas, under whose direct supervision the entire building was +constructed.</p> + +<p>As, for some time, New Brunswick was ruled by a military governor, +Government House was so arranged that a military and civil staff could +each occupy a separate wing of the building, while the main body was +allotted to the family. It was well for the Province that Sir Howard +Douglas was then at hand. The handsome and substantial edifice remains a +lasting monument of grateful remembrance.</p> + +<p>While public affairs are thus engrossing the attention of the country at +large, the family of Sir Howard are now quietly enjoying their temporary +home in the lower part of the town. Lady Douglas, beloved by all, is +assisting and cheering His Excellency with all the energy of her nature. +The young ladies are happy in their varied labors of love.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond has not yet turned her thoughts homeward, save to quiet +the rebellious thoughts that rise with occasional and twofold +bitterness; she has the heavy trial before her; she drives away the +mocking realities of the future. Vain are the hours wasted in useless +repining. When Lady Rosamond made the disclosure to her companion, Mary +Douglas, receiving the full and deep sympathy of true friendship, had +she fully relieved her mind of its entire burden—its crushing weight? +Ah, no! there was hidden deep in the most remote corner of Lady +Rosamond's heart a secret which she would never reveal. Time would bring +its changes. Her ladyship would return to her native home, and, amidst +its gay scenes, pass a lifetime of seeming happiness; and the secret +will burn its impress in characters of flame.</p> + +<p>One evening Lady Douglas remained in her own apartments somewhat longer +than her custom. Had prying eyes been active the cause might be assigned +to the entrance of Lady Rosamond, who had joined her ladyship nearly an +hour previous. On seeing the agitated face of the pale but beautiful +girl her ladyship experienced a pang of deep remorse. She felt her +strength deserting her, yet the task was to be accomplished.</p> + +<p>"Rosamond, my darling," said the gentle lady, "I have received a letter +from Lady Bereford, who, judging from the tone of the writing, seems to +have some anxiety on your behalf."</p> + +<p>This revelation afforded momentary relief to the high-born girl, who +was, indeed, a lovely picture, reclining on a cushion at the feet of +Lady Douglas. A shade of sadness rested upon her face, giving her the +expression of a Madonna—a study for Raphael.</p> + +<p>"Lady Bereford intimates, in touching terms, that I am to exercise a +careful surveillance upon your girlish fancies," continued her ladyship, +with slight sarcasm in her tone.</p> + +<p>"Rosamond, my darling," cried she, by way of apostrophe, "I have every +reason to place in you full confidence. I cannot see any ground for such +intimation."</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship is right," returned Lady Rosamond, throwing her arms +around the neck of Lady Douglas, giving full vent to the feelings which +almost overwhelmed her, adding, between tears and sobs: "I have always +obeyed my father's wishes and will not shrink from my duty now. Gerald +Bereford is worthy of a nobler wife than I dare ever hope to be. He has +indeed conferred on me a distinguished honor, and I must try to make +amends with all the gratitude of which I am capable."</p> + +<p>Saying this the brave girl tried to force a smile, which, from its +superficial nature, cost a great effort, adding:</p> + +<p>"Your ladyship will have nothing to fear; my father's wishes are mine."</p> + +<p>From the spirit of determination, which left an impress on the beautiful +features of Lady Rosamond, Lady Douglas apprehended no need of +interference. She knew that Lady Rosamond would fulfil her father's +wishes. She was aware that the affectionate daughter would return his +confidence, even at the greatest sacrifice a woman can make. The noble +nature of Lady Douglas felt deep sympathy for her gentle relative—a +vague uneasiness filled her mind. Some moments later when Lady Rosamond +appeared in a rich and elegant dinner costume not a trace of emotion was +visible. Its recent effects had entirely disappeared. Lady Douglas had +found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character +which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden.</p> + +<p>At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good +humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation. Each tried +to please. All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion. Sir +Howard always set the example. Pressing cares of state, perplexing +questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight +when he entered the family circle. All was unrestrained pleasure and +genial delight on this evening. Lady Rosamond was seated beside the gay +and attractive secretary, who was endeavoring to engage his companion as +an ally against the more formidable onset of Captain Douglas. She did +fairly surprise the latter by the earnestness of her replies, her +forcible expressions, and the weighty arguments upheld by superior +judgment. Lieutenant Trevelyan, as he converses with Lady Douglas, +betrays no outward feeling. He shows no preference for Lady Rosamond, +being more frequently the companion and attendant of Mary Douglas, who, +in trusting friendship, reposes in her young friend a happy confidence. +Despite this assumed ease on the part of Guy Trevelyan, the keen +interest hitherto exhibited by Mr. Howe has lost none of its freshness. +The charm still lingers. All hope has not fled, though the light is in +the uncertain future. In Lady Rosamond the well concerted plans of the +secretary find no compromise. Dreading an exposure of her weakness she +has thrown around her a formidable barrier which the most deadly shafts +cannot penetrate. In the possession of this defence she can withstand +the united efforts of a lengthy siege. Upon all those operations she can +look grimly on and bid defiance. Mr. Howe felt this as he tried to force +an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if +possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects. +An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those +thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the +fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private +secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true +manliness.</p> + +<p>One evening as Captain Douglas and the latter were indulging in a quiet +chat the conversation turned upon Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>"She is indeed possessed of remarkable strength of character, which is +the more surprising from the natural timidity and gentleness of her +disposition," remarked Captain Douglas.</p> + +<p>"I have greatly admired her of late, and have, on more than one occasion +tried to study the depths of her nature," returned Mr. Howe, with sudden +earnestness. He was bent upon disclosing further plans to his friend +when the latter exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"By jove! Gerald Bereford is a lucky fellow, to win the Lady Rosamond as +his future bride."</p> + +<p>A look of startled surprise betrayed the excited feelings of Mr. Howe, +leading Captain Douglas to remark:</p> + +<p>"Look here, old chap, one would be apt to imagine that <i>you</i> were deeply +smitten were they now to get a glimpse of your face."</p> + +<p>Mr. Howe smiled.</p> + +<p>"Yes," continued Charles Douglas, "her ladyship is to marry her cousin, +Gerald Bereford, shortly after her arrival in England."</p> + +<p>This was certainly a new aspect of affairs. Mr. Howe now viewed the +matter in another light, yet he could not heartily respond. Vainly he +strove to banish these thoughts, silently murmuring "poor Trevelyan!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>CHANGE.</h3> + + +<p>We now arrive at the period when many changes are about to take place. +The gayest and most gallant regiment ever stationed in Fredericton was +under orders to be in readiness for departure. This was a source of much +regret to the citizens, who shared in the extravagant scenes of gaiety +so lavishly furnished. The sportsmen of Fredericton lamented the fact +with deep regret. We cannot let this opportunity pass to relate an +incident showing to what excess horse racing was carried in those days. +Captain H——, an officer of the above named regiment, a true sporting +character, owned a stud of the best thorough-breds in America. He +annually spent an immense income in horse racing and various sports. In +the meantime there lived in the city of St. John a coachman named Larry +Stivers. If ever any individual sacrificed his entire heart and soul to +the management, training and nature of horses, it was the self same +Larry. Though possessed of limited means, no privation was too great in +order to gratify such demands. A race was finally agreed upon between +Captain H—— and this remarkable individual, which in the horse records +of New Brunswick has no precedent, the case being unparalleled at home +or abroad. One fine morning in March, 1826, the magnificent team of +horses, driven by the captain, made its appearance in the market square, +St. John. After the lapse of a few moments a second team arrived and was +drawn up aside the former. No inquiry was made as to the ownership of +the latter. Everybody recognized it as the turnout of Larry Stivers. But +the most remarkable feature of the proceeding, that excited curiosity, +was the slight construction of the sleighs. It could scarcely be +conceived that they would stand the trying test of the proposed race. +But they did. Each driver having purchased a bundle of whips, jumped +into his seat. The word was given. Off they went at full speed, going +the first nine miles over bare ground. The news spread over the city of +St. John with almost incredible rapidity. Excitement filled the mind of +everybody. No telegraphic despatches could furnish details as at the +present. On they trotted side by side over the smooth surface of the St. +John river, which course had been taken after the first nine miles. +Whips were freely used upon the flagging animals. Sometimes Captain +H—— kept ahead, in another minute Larry was quite a distance in +advance. On, on the infuriated animals raced to the heavy lashes of +their merciless drivers. Whip after whip was broken; still on they went +over the glittering surface, the only sound the ceaseless crackling of +whips and the ring of hoofs upon the still frosty atmosphere. About nine +miles from Fredericton, as those heartless sportsmen were madly urging +on their jaded beasts, a well-known lumber merchant of the town was +accosted by the leader demanding a whip, which, one is sorry to +acknowledge, was given. They had used the whole bundle, and mercilessly +begged for more. Still on they came, the exhausted animals panting and +ready to fall. The goal must be reached. Fredericton must be the only +stopping place. One at least was to be disappointed. Four miles have yet +to be passed. Larry Stivers is ahead, with visions of hopeful victory +before him. He is suddenly stopped. One of the brave animals dropped +dead on the spot. Hope instantly vanished. Captain H—— wins the race, +while the former arrives shortly after his contestant with the dead +animal upon the sleigh. Fredericton is reached. A distance of +eighty-five miles is trotted in six hours and thirty minutes, inclusive +of twenty minutes for rest and dinner. This wonderful feat caused +general astonishment. Hundreds drove from Fredericton to meet the +contestants, while crowds gathered to see the effect thus produced upon +the poor exhausted animals. Soldiers were in attendance upon their +arrival, almost dragging them up the bank. Being rubbed and dosed they +were soon restored. The horse that dropped had been substituted for the +famous "Tanner," and not having sufficient training was unequal to the +task. The surviving animal, belonging to Larry Stivers, afterwards +became one of the best and fastest horses in the Province. This incident +is not introduced to interest horsemen, but merely to show how far men's +judgment may be led astray by the force of such ruling passions.</p> + +<p>To return to our narrative. Hearty demonstrations were participated in +by the citizens in testimony of the appreciation of the military. Balls +were given, dinners, speeches and testimonials. No efforts remained +untried to express deep sympathy. Great was the joy at Government House +when Captain Douglas informed the family of Lieutenant Trevelyan's being +transferred to the succeeding regiment. Colonel Trevelyan had obtained +this change at the request of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Though a +favorite in the 52nd regiment, Lieutenant Trevelyan's character did not +harmonize with those of his brother officers—a circumstance that did +not escape the notice of His Excellency. The matter formed the subject +of correspondence between the latter and Colonel Trevelyan, resulting in +the announcement previously made by Captain Douglas. Much delight shone +on every countenance. Lady Douglas congratulated her young friend. Mary +Douglas testified her joy with childish gaiety. Pioneer Johnnie looked +forward to another sylvan pilgrimage with boyish glee. Merriment had +exchanged places with murmuring and regret. The secretary alone remained +in a state bordering on hesitation. He would indeed miss his boyish +companion, yet the sense of his presence gave pain. Though not expressed +by word or action, he was aware of the deep and passionate attachment +which Lieutenant Trevelyan had formed for Lady Rosamond Seymour. He was +aware of the hopeless result of this knowledge, and felt a sense of +relief in the thought that changing scenes and new acquaintances might +claim attention and heal the wound which otherwise would remain fresh +and painful.</p> + +<p>The arrival of the 81st regiment was, as customary on such occasions, +celebrated by a general muster of the citizens.</p> + +<p>The York County Militia presented a fine soldierly appearance. The +grenadiers were indeed worthy of the tribute paid to their manly form +and graceful bearing. Conspicuous was the rising favorite, Vivian Yorke. +His flashing eye, regular features, broad, intellectual forehead, and +firmly chiselled lips, received many compliments as he stood beside his +companions. Lieutenant Trevelyan, in the military staff of His +Excellency, also was not allowed to pass unnoticed. It was a remarkable +coincidence that on this occasion, as the crowd bore down upon the +company, Lieutenant Trevelyan was nearly in line with the young +grenadier officer. A thoughtless young lady, standing near, exclaimed +hastily to her companion: "Fanny, how much that young officer resembles +Mr. Yorke." The remark being overheard by both parties, caused slight +embarrassment, accompanied by a boyish blush from Lieutenant Trevelyan. +Though an intimacy was formed between those young gentlemen, no allusion +was made to the circumstance until many years afterwards, when Mr. Yorke +was in England transacting some important political business, he was +laughingly reminded of the affair by a gentleman in the prime of +manhood—no longer a blushing young officer. Mr. Yorke and Sir Guy +Trevelyan joined heartily in the joke, the former remarking that this +young lady must have been colorblind in respect to their eyes. Many such +comparisons were made rendering defective the perception of the fair +judge, and causing much amusement to the assembled company. But this is +a digression which the reader will excuse.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Trevelyan was now serving in H. M. 81st regiment under the +command of Colonel Creagh—a veteran of Waterloo—who was highly pleased +with the flattering testimonial he had received from Major McNair, +relative to the irreproachable character borne by the young favorite.</p> + +<p>A heavy cloud lowered over Government House. Its inmates were once more +wrapped in gloomy thought. Mary Douglas already felt the pang of +separation. Lady Rosamond was to return home. Her visit had been +lengthened beyond the term allowed; now she must obey the summons +without further delay. Painful thoughts crossed her ladyship's mind as +she made the necessary preparations. Her fate was already sealed. She +could not turn aside the resistless torrent that marked the course over +which she must be borne by the skill of the fearless and merciless +pilot, Lady Bereford.</p> + +<p>In the outward conduct of Lady Rosamond none could detect the spirit +which actuated her feelings. Lady Douglas closely watched every +movement. Were it not for the emotion which the former betrayed on +receiving the contents of Lady Bereford's letter, would it not have +occurred to her to suspect the heart of Lady Rosamond. It was this +circumstance which gave concern to Lady Douglas. She kept her own +counsel, yet was impressed with the belief that Sir Thomas Seymour, in +conjunction with Lady Bereford, was forcing her favorite into a marriage +that was distasteful to her wishes. The longer her ladyship dwelt upon +the matter the more deeply she felt concerned; but knowing the +inflexible temper of Sir Thomas and the influence of Lady Bereford, she +concluded that the case was indeed a hopeless one.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas was the only being to whom Lady Rosamond had confided the +secret relative to her father's wishes. Some days preceding her +departure the beautiful features of the young girl bore traces of grief. +In the arms of her fond companion she had wept sad and bitter tears.</p> + +<p>"This shall be the last exhibition of my feelings," vehemently cried +Lady Rosamond, "you will never again see a tear of mine, at least from +the same cause, but darling promise me now that you will never divulge +my secret?"</p> + +<p>"Accept my promise, Rosamond," returned Mary, impressing a fond kiss +upon the lips of the gentle and loving girl.</p> + +<p>The promise thus made was faithfully kept to be referred to in after +years as a dream of the past which was still fresh in the beauty and +loveliness of true friendship.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Trevelyan bore the knowledge of Lady Rosamond's departure +with firm composure. He was kind, genial and entertaining. The strange +and uneasy expression came and went with no remark save that it gave +much annoyance to the kind hearted secretary.</p> + +<p>The latter saw that no advances were made on the part of the young +lieutenant. Her ladyship would depart while the story would remain +untold.</p> + +<p>It is needless to enter into the details attendant upon Lady Rosamond's +removal from Government House. Sad and tender were the scenes. Mary +Douglas could not repress the stifling sobs and outbursts of grief. True +to the previous determination, her ladyship had schooled herself for the +trying moment. Under the tender care of Sir Howard, the lovely girl took +leave of Fredericton, leaving behind those whom she fondly loved. She +carried with her many reminiscences of the scenes and trials through +which she had passed never to be forgotten throughout her lifetime.</p> + +<p>In the meantime a question arose in political affairs which required the +mature deliberation of Sir Howard. The boundary dispute was now argued +within every district with an earnestness that showed the importance of +the cause. The present grievance had grown out of a former one.</p> + +<p>In the treaty of 1873, the description of boundary limits between the +United States and the Colonies was vague. Owing to a want of proper +procedure, England and America merely took their limits from a certain +point on the coast, one choosing to the right the other to the left.</p> + +<p>The interior boundary was the watershed dividing the sources of the +Connecticut and St. Croix rivers from those which emptied into the St. +Lawrence. By this the Americans gained all the land bordering their own +rivers, while the British had the banks of all the rivers extending to +the sea coast. Breach after breach was made, yearly inroads upon British +territory were effected, until the free navigation of the St. Lawrence +was claimed, leaving the colonies without a frontier.</p> + +<p>In the State of Maine, a hostile feeling influenced the entire +population. A spirit of fiery independence asserted itself in the face +of the British government. Sir Howard kept his eye on the stealthy +movements of his disorderly neighbors. He was not to be outwitted by +such aggressions; he was determined that neither Colonist nor American +should transgress; his rights were to be respected. A New Brunswicker +had been prosecuted for attempting to interfere. Equal justice was to be +extended to all. The filibusters were not to be pacified; they abused +England and her representatives in the most violent and abusive terms. +The grievances of Maine must be redressed. Governor Lincoln ordered out +the militia to the frontier, while an army of filibusters was ready to +take possession of the territory. They thought to work a plan to throw +blame upon Sir Howard, in the hope that the English troops might be led +to engage in a conflict with the American militia; but the experience of +the British representative served him aright, as on former occasions.</p> + +<p>Baker, an unprincipled filibuster now resolved to force proceedings, +rushed into British ground and tauntingly hoisted the American flag. At +this juncture of affairs it was expected that English troops would +interfere and a general fight would be the result.</p> + +<p>Sir Howard had kept the troops at a respectable distance, where he could +order them up at short notice; but he had no such intention. Imagine the +surprise of both parties when a constable, having arrived, knocked down +the flag and took Baker prisoner. Heavy imprecations fell upon such a +course of conduct. Federal troops marched to the frontier, a +circumstance of which the colonists took no notice. Sir Howard took +further steps; he ordered the prisoner to be brought to trial before the +Supreme Court at Fredericton, where he was found guilty, with sentence +of a heavy fine.</p> + +<p>Threatening attitudes were assumed by the leaders of this dispute, but +to these Sir Howard paid not the least attention. Messages were sent by +Governor Lincoln with urgent demands for Baker's release without any +effect. They had to treat with one whose character was marked by firm +determination. An American officer was also sent urging the necessity of +the release of the prisoner. He was not granted an interview, but was +kindly cared for in the mess-room of the 81st, where the officers gave +him a hearty reception by a grand dinner, ordered expressly for the +occasion. Despite the swaggering and menacing tone of this guest, the +evening was spent in successive rounds of mirth and exciting gaiety. +Songs, toasts and speeches greeted the ears of the envoy, and amidst +these he almost forgot the object of his mission. At last the fine was +paid. It was not until the matter was finally settled, by the decision +of the king of the Netherlands, that comparative peace was restored.</p> + +<p>This chapter now ends, having described the principal events that marked +the year 1827.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>CHESLEY MANOR—MARRIAGE OF LADY ROSAMOND.</h3> + + +<p>We are again introduced to Lady Rosamond, now reinstated in the home of +her childhood. A sense of gratitude is awakened within her as she fondly +gazes upon the old familiar scenes surrounding Chesley Manor. The quaint +old structure was an exact specimen of an English manor house in the +early part of the seventeenth century, having been designed by an +architect of the royal household in the reign of James the First, whence +it still continued in the possession of its illustrious descendants.</p> + +<p>The style adapted to the above named structure was more strictly +domestic than defensive. It was built in quadrangular form, containing +only one large court, upon which opened the stately hall, chapel, and +principal apartments. Though not commanding the imposing aspect and +grandeur of Bereford Castle, Chesley Manor had an air of true gentility +in keeping with that of its owner. Lofty windows, reaching to the +ground, looked out upon the gardens, which were enclosed by a high wall.</p> + +<p>The period in which the present edifice was constructed was that of the +best style of English architecture, contrasting the more elegant and +graceful manor house with the frowning keep and embattled walls of the +olden castle.</p> + +<p>Surrey, with its old historic associations, was a fitting abode for the +dreamy and poetic nature of the lovely, high-born maiden. The adjoining +districts, with vale and meadow, had a pleasing effect. Long neglected +parks and straggling decayed mansions, afforded ample scope for the +fanciful flights of her ladyship's fond imagination.</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas was indeed happy in thus having his daughter once more to +brighten the home so long desolate and lonely. He enjoyed the perpetual +sunshine of her bright presence. He loved to caress his beautiful child +and admire her sweet and bewitching charms. Lady Rosamond seemed happy +when in her father's presence. She returned his tender endearments with +childish and playful gestures; she brought sunshine in her path in which +the flowers of affection bloomed with luxuriant beauty. She was esteemed +by the train of domestics and functionaries who performed the duties of +the household. This fact somewhat conciliated the young mistress of +Chesley Manor. Her grateful nature could not view these matters without +feeling their import.</p> + +<p>Wandering through the exquisitely arranged suites of spacious rooms +which had been renovated with a desire to meet her approbation, Lady +Rosamond could not but experience a pang of heartfelt sorrow. Parental +love overcame her weakness. Sir Thomas alone possessed the key that +gained access to her feelings. He alone could turn aside the channel of +her resisting thoughts and mark the course for the tide of conflicting +torrents as they surge madly on.</p> + +<p>Maude Bereford is once more cheered in the daily companionship of Lady +Rosamond. In their girlish and pretty ways those lovely girls form a +pleasing picture to grace the interior and surroundings of Chesley +Manor. Maude has a gentle and lovable disposition which wins the +admiration of both sexes. Though not a beauty, she is truly +beautiful—beautiful in heart, beautiful in soul. None see this mental +beauty more clearly than the young mistress of the manor. The gentle +nature and simple-minded heart of Maude Bereford sees in her cousin the +sweetness and worth which are so fondly adored by her brother Gerald.</p> + +<p>That Lady Rosamond sees in her future husband all that can make the +heart truly happy is a source of constant delight to her loving cousin. +Maude has not the keen perception of the nature of the human heart.</p> + +<p>Lady Bereford was sanguine over the result of her diplomatic tact. There +lay no obstruction in the path which she had marked out for Gerald +Bereford. No rivals had given cause for offence. Lady Rosamond had +readily encouraged the advances made by her suitor. It was now a settled +conclusion. The fact had been communicated throughout the country. Sir +Thomas had already received hearty congratulations on the brilliant +prospects of his only daughter. The event was eagerly anticipated in the +fashionable circles of high life. Many high-born maidens felt a tinge of +jealousy as they listened to the brilliant preparations awaiting the +marriage of the future Lord Bereford. His courtly manners, pleasing +graces, and handsome appearance, were the comment of many. His proud +privileges as peer of the realm, his princely castle and great wealth, +furnished themes for eulogy.</p> + +<p>While the great event was pending, and general curiosity was awakened in +the course of proceedings, the Lady Rosamond alone remained passive. She +calmly listened to the different reports of those to whom was entrusted +the management of affairs with an ease that was perplexing in its +simplicity. A genial smile repaid any effort to please. She gave advice +with a gentle deference that surprised her most intimate friends and +companions. With calmness and subdued feelings did her ladyship examine +the costly satins and laces scattered in lavish profusion, and being in +readiness to assume the most courtly and elegant costumes at the +sanction of the fair enchantress. Maude Bereford was radiant with joy, +the delightful prospect was at hand. Bereford Castle was to receive her +dearest Rosamond. A splendid house was to be in readiness in the suburbs +of London, where she would revel in the delights of fashionable society +and the daily companionship of Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford looked forward to the consummation of his hopes with +fond solicitude. Having received from Lady Rosamond a quiet appreciation +of his tenderness and deep love, he dared not to question closely the +motives which actuated her. Sometimes he had momentary doubts concerning +the entire reciprocation of her ladyship's trust and confidence, which +caused considerable anxiety, but the sweet, pensive smile which asserted +itself was sufficient to drive out a host of smothered grievances.</p> + +<p>When Lady Rosamond promised to become the wife of Gerald Bereford she +did so from a true sense of duty and affection towards her only parent. +For him she would make the great sacrifice. Did the occasion demand, she +would sacrifice her life on his behalf. In reality she had made such a +test of her faith when she made her betrothal vow, bartering love, +happiness, and life. Yes; life, with its true enjoyments, by this +sacrifice, would become a mocking, bitter trial, to which even death +were gladly welcome. Yet the noble girl shrank not from the task which +the stern voice of duty had assigned. She would bear it without a +murmur. None save Mary Douglas should know the depths of feeling of +which her nature was capable. Gerald Bereford would acknowledge the +daily attention of a kind and dutiful wife. No human being should know a +secret that was to her more than life—a soul within—a burning, +smouldering fire, around which clings the shuddering form of outraged +Hope. Lady Rosamond has kept her secret, therefore the writer will keep +it in respect to her ladyship's inward sanctity. The reader may have +gained it; if not, dear reader, you will in the end be rewarded for your +patience by a disclosure. In the meantime let us follow her ladyship +through all the perplexing moments of her unhappy existence, admiring +the true courage and grateful sentiments which sustain her.</p> + +<p>The day appointed for the eventful ceremony had arrived. Cards of +invitation having been issued to the most distinguished nobility +throughout the kingdom, a vast assemblage of expectant guests filled the +seats and aisles of the ancient gothic cathedral in which the marriage +was about to be solemnized. Happy smiles beamed upon all faces as they +glanced around the handsome edifice so beautifully decorated for the +occasion. Flowers and garlands were lavishly strewn around, scattered +upon the floor, upon the steps, upon the way-side; literally all space +was crowned with flowers. Gerald Bereford was truly a prepossessing +bridegroom, worthy of loving and being loved in return. His truthful +countenance was beaming with manly love. He was now ready to pronounce +those vows which in his heart met a ready response. Lady Rosamond and +her train of lovely bridesmaids have arrived. Hundreds of spectators are +anxious to catch a passing glimpse of the beautiful bride as she is led +to the altar by Sir Thomas Seymour, who gazes with loving tenderness +upon the object so soon to be taken from his heart and home.</p> + +<p>The feverish flush of excitement upon the transparent complexion of the +bride lent additional aid to her matchless charms. Lady Rosamond is +indeed a creature of surpassing loveliness. The soft texture of white +satin that floats in bewitching folds of drapery around the faultless +form is heightened in effect by an intermixture of costly lace and +flashing jewels. The bridal veil, with its coronet of diamonds and +orange blossoms, conceals the features so passive in the efforts to +conceal the emotions which are struggling within the bosom of the fair +one as she slowly utters those vows which, in accordance with her former +resolve, she will earnestly strive to perform. Conscience awakens in her +a deep shudder by setting forth painful convictions of promises given +where her heart beats no response. But lady Rosamond felt relief from +the thought of her efforts to do what she could to atone for this +knowledge. Her husband would be happy in her presence if not her love. +Those were the thoughts that occupied the lovely bride as she accepted +the congratulations of the crowd who gathered around her. A pleasing +smile greeted every one of the guests; even Lady Bereford was satisfied +with the grateful acknowledgement. The bridegroom was a happy man. He +adored his lovely bride. He looked upon her as the perfect embodiment of +love and truth. Such were the sentiments that stimulated Gerald Bereford +as his wife was received into society with all the eclat attendant upon +rank, wealth and beauty. Her appearance on several occasions was hailed +with universal delight. Her unassuming manner, childlike disposition and +elegant grace made friends at every footstep. Jealousy found no favor in +the wake of Lady Rosamond. Her presence was sufficient warning to the +green-eyed monster to make hasty retreat.</p> + +<p>Lord Bereford took a fond interest in his newly found daughter. He had +always loved Lady Rosamond as his own child. She reminded him of the +lovely sister who shared in his youthful joys. Maria Bereford was the +favorite sister of his early days; her daughter was a tender link in the +chain of memory. Lady Rosamond fully returned the affection borne her by +Lord Bereford. She found a strange relief when sitting by his side +listening to the stories which brought before her vivid conceptions of +her childhood and its happy past never to return—the days when her +heart was free to roam in its wayward and fanciful nights full of ardour +and the bouyant aspirations of unfettered youth.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford proved indeed a tender and loving husband. His heart was +always ready to upbraid him if he were not ready to meet the slightest +wish of his young wife. Every kindness that could be bestowed on Lady +Rosamond daily suggested itself to the mind of her thoughtful husband. +He was only happy in her presence—she was the sunshine of his heart, of +his life, of his soul. Without Lady Rosamond this world was a blank—a +region "where light never enters, hope never comes." Nor was the fact +unknown to the dutiful and amiable wife. It grieved her deeply to +witness such an exhibition of true love and tenderness without its +receiving equal return. With heroic bravery she endeavored to reward her +husband by little acts of thoughtful kindness greeting his return from +the turmoil of political struggles. Pleasing surprises often met his eye +when least expected. Many pretty trinkets made expressly for his use, by +the fair hands of Lady Rosamond, were placed in careless profusion +around his private apartments. These trifling incidents were an +hundredfold more worth to Gerald Bereford than the most well-timed and +flattering acknowledgments of the many who daily courted his friendship. +Thus did her ladyship strive to make amends to her husband without +having recourse to deceit. She returned his caresses, not with a fervent +love, but with a feeling that such generous love exacted her sympathy. +In the tenderness of her heart some recompense must be made. Would she +ever learn to love her husband as he indeed deserved to be loved? When +would the hour arrive when she could say: "Gerald, I love you with my +entire heart and soul; I live for you alone; none other can possess the +great love I bear for you, my husband." Those questions were frequently +present in the mind of the devoted wife of Gerald Bereford. But he knew +it not. He was in blissful ignorance of the fire within as he fondly +dreamed of the pleasing graces of his lovely wife. He had no reason to +be otherwise than happy.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond Bereford was above suspicion. She had no desire to possess +popularity outside her own household. The flattery of the opposite sex +was lost upon her. The false smile of base and unprincipled men found no +favor in the sight of her ladyship. She discountenanced many practices +sanctioned by the usages of good society. Virtue was the true criterion +upon which was based her ladyship's judgment.</p> + +<p>It is almost needless to add that congratulations reached Lady Rosamond +from the family at Government House in Fredericton. It was not a matter +of surprise to Lady Douglas. She had too much confidence in the +character of her relative to doubt her resolution. Mary Douglas fondly +clung to the hope that her companion would, by some unforeseen power, +avert the threatening blow. She betrayed no astonishment. Though daily +expecting the sickening news of the marriage, the private secretary of +Sir Howard almost staggered under the sudden weight of anxiety which +possessed him when Captain Douglas made the startling disclosure, with +the accompanying remark: "Jove! I always said that Gerald Bereford was a +lucky fellow."</p> + +<p>The thoughtful gaze of Mr. Howe as he stood in mute and silent +astonishment, raised a laugh from his companion, with the addition of a +second remark, implying that her ladyship must have made sad havoc upon +the heart of a certain individual, judging from the effect produced by +the announcement of her marriage.</p> + +<p>True indeed! Lady Rosamond had made havoc upon the heart and affection +of a <i>certain individual</i>, as Captain Douglas roughly remarked, but not +the one to whom he made direct allusion.</p> + +<p>The heart that suffered most will be the last to acknowledge. "Heaven +pity poor Trevelyan," murmured Mr. Howe.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>NEW FRIENDS—THE 81ST—SOCIAL RECREATION.</h3> + + +<p>Fredericton society was now becoming amply compensated for the loss +sustained by the departure of the 52nd Regiment. The gallant Col. Creagh +had become a general favorite. Waterloo, with its bloody scenes and +brilliant victory, was still fresh in his memory. He never wearied in +relating these with fond pride, while his heart was fired with an +enthusiasm that stirred every vein with renewed patriotic impulses. The +gentlemanly conduct that marked the officers of the 81st, soon won the +esteem of the citizens, and placed them on confidential and friendly +terms within a short time after their arrival. Though not distinguished +by the sporting propensities of their predecessors, the general tone of +society received a loftier impetus, social intercourse on a moderate +basis was the general feature of the present. Balls and parties were of +greater importance than the sports of the turf or field. It must not be +inferred the 81st Regiment was quiet and inactive from the facts thus +stated. On the contrary, they were gay, dashing and animated, full of the +vigour and energy of military life; but the comparison affects them not +when we say that the sporting reputation of the 52nd Regiment was +unprecedented in military records. Among those deserving notice was +Jasper Creagh. He was a winning and agreeable youth, displaying much of +the daring and military spirit of his distinguished sire. Many hearts +beat faster when they listened to the manly voice of the young soldier. +Within a very short space of time an intimacy sprang up between the +latter and Lieutenant Trevelyan, who more than sustained the very +flattering reputation forwarded by Major McNair.</p> + +<p>Jasper Creagh found much pleasure in the company of his newly made +friend, while the observant Colonel was well pleased by the preference +which showed such judgment on the part of his eldest son.</p> + +<p>Frequent allusions were made to the marriage of Lady Rosamond. This +brilliant match had afforded much subject for gossip in the higher +social circles. Lieutenant Trevelyan quietly listened to the earnest +congratulations showered upon this union with apparent interest, often +replying to the inquiries of Jasper Creagh with marked concern. His +secret was unknown, he could brave the matter with heroic fortitude, +while perhaps in after years, time will have effaced those fond +memories. It was a bitter trial, but had he known that hearts more +liable to succumb to the frailties of nature had borne up bravely +against the struggling conflicts of feeling, the thought would have +afforded some relief.</p> + +<p>Captain Douglas in his boisterous jocose remarks had unconsciously been +the means of aiming many unerring and merciless shafts at the heart of +the despondent lieutenant. Mr. Howe, on many occasions, would generously +have forced his companion to desist, but the sacrifice would have been +too great. It were better that the secret remain untold even at the +expense of a few such stabs.</p> + +<p>In spite of the maneuvering conversational tactics of Mr. Howe, +Captain Douglas could not resist the vein of humor which flowed in +incessant remark upon those with whom it came in contact. "Lady Rosamond +made sad havoc in Fredericton," was his endless theme. "Look at Howe, +judging from the length of his face the matter has assumed a serious +aspect. There is some doubt as to the exact state of Trevelyan's heart. +If the face be taken as an index to the mind, we will pronounce his case +as a milder type of the same disease."</p> + +<p>Many like jokes were passed around by the incorrigible Charles Douglas, +but to all Guy Trevelyan was invulnerable. He betrayed no sign of the +inward tempest raging within, save by the almost imperceptible +expression which had attracted the scrutinizing eye of the generous +hearted Mr. Howe.</p> + +<p>The band of the 81st was a great source of amusement to the citizens. It +daily furnished music on the Officers' Square, which was entirely free +to every peaceably disposed citizen. Another attractive feature was the +frequent sights of numerous barges rowing up and down the river. The gay +strains of music that floated upon the air, the flutter of +bright-colored pennons, the waving of streamers, bright faces, merry +hearts, and joyous song, made the scene both enjoyable and imposing. +Frequently the excursionists landed on the islands above the city, +enjoying the hours in roaming around the woody precincts, in merry +conversation, outdoor sport, or the pleasure of the dance. Thus did the +citizens spend the greater number of the pleasant summer evenings in the +indebtedness of their military friends.</p> + +<p>The band-master stood high in the esteem of all ranks and classes. Mr. +Hoben had indeed succeeded in filling the position occupied by his +predecessor in relation with the Philharmonic Society, sparing no pains +in the instruction of every member.</p> + +<p>The above named musical organization had now attained a degree of +proficiency that was manifest on every public appearance.</p> + +<p>Mr. Yorke, of whom mention was made on several former occasions, was a +great favorite in musical circles. His taste was consulted on the +arrangement of many programmes intended for public dinners, and such +demonstrations as called forth a ready response from the general public. +The musical abilities of Vivian Yorke were afterwards kept in constant +requisition.</p> + +<p>The various schemes pushed forward by Sir Howard Douglas for the +advancement of the welfare of the Province were heartily endorsed by the +people. Steady advances were being made in every pursuit, while that of +agriculture was foremost. Societies were formed with a view to adopt +measures the most favorable for the advancement of a cause to which all +others were secondary in the estimation of Sir Howard. York County +Agricultural Society, at that time, was composed of a body of +influential members, whose places have never since been filled by any +who took such a deep interest in those matters. Such names as those of +the Hon. Messrs. Baillie, Odell, Street, Black, Saunders, Bliss, Peters, +Shore, Minchin, and many others, grace the pages of the yearly reports +issued by the society.</p> + +<p>An event occurred about this time which had considerable effect upon the +social atmosphere of Fredericton. The old part of the officers' +barracks, known as the mess-room, was completely destroyed by fire. It +was in the depth of winter, on a very cold night, and many experienced +much exposure and fatigue. The promptness displayed, both by military +and citizens, may still be remembered by some of the older inhabitants. +On this occasion a poor soldier would have been suffocated were it not +for the presence of mind displayed by Mr. Yorke, who, on hearing the +groans of the distressed man, burst in the door and bore him out amid +stifling volumes of smoke and flame.</p> + +<p>Much inconvenience arose from the fact of being deprived of comfortable +quarters at such an inclement season; but the citizens soon had the +pleasure of seeing the officers' mess-room of the 81st stationed in the +brick building situated on the corner of Queen and Regent streets, where +they had procured temporary accommodation until another and more +commodious building should be erected on the site of the former. It was +only by such fires that the town of Fredericton succeeded in presenting +a more imposing appearance. Small two-story wooden houses, with smaller +door and windows, occupied Queen street with an air of ease, seeming to +defy progress, and only to be removed by the devouring elements which +occasionally made havoc upon those wooden structures.</p> + +<p>The present season was remarkable for the many skating tournaments which +were held upon the ice in the vicinity of Fredericton. Among those who +distinguished themselves were Captain Hansard, an officer retired from +the service, and a young gentleman afterwards known in connection with +the Crown Land Department and later as a member of the Executive +Government, yet an active member of the Legislative Council. The most +astonishing feats were performed during the time thus occupied. The +officers of the 81st were superior skaters, among whom was Major Booth +whose remarkable evolutions gained great notoriety. It is a matter of +question whether the feats of the present day to which our attention is +sometimes directed, could in anywise compete with those of the days of +which we write. Lieutenant Trevelyan had acquired a proficiency in the +art that was worthy of admiration. In this healthy pastime he took +secret delight. It afforded moments when he could steal miles away and +give himself up to those quiet reveries from which the dreamer finds +relief. To a sensitive and poetic mind, what is more enjoyable than the +silent hours of solitude when the soul is revelling in the delights of +idealism; its sweet commune with kindred spirits; its longing and +fanciful aspirations? Who that is not possessed of those precious gifts +of the soul can realize the happiness that Guy Trevelyan derived from +this source? He could, as it were, divest himself of earthy material and +live in the ethereal essence of divine communion. In those flights of +bliss the loved form of Lady Rosamond was ever near. Her presence +hallowed the path whereon he trod. None others invaded the sanctity of +this realm of dreams. One soul was there—one being—alas! to wake in +one realty.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas was at all times a true sympathizer. She always took a deep +interest in her friend Guy. She liked to sit beside him and recall +little scenes wherein Lady Rosamond took part. Her merry ringing laugh +showed the purity of the mind within. Together they spent many hours in +interesting and amusing conversation. Not a thought save that of true +friendship entered the mind of either. From this alone arose the full +confidence alike reposed in each. Mary Douglas was even more beautiful +than Lady Rosamond. Her features were formed as regularly as a model of +an Angelo; her expression might be a life-long study for a DaVinci, a +Rubens, or a Reynolds. Yet such beauty had not power to fan anew the +smouldering fire which consumed the vitality of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +existence. On the other hand this lovely girl saw not in her companion +anything that could create any feeling akin to love. Such was the entire +confidence thus reposed that they were amused at any trifling remarks of +those who daily summed up what evidence supported their conjectures. +Frequently Mr. Howe turned his attention to the affairs of the +unfortunate lieutenant, vainly wishing that such an attachment might be +formed and likewise reciprocated. He was certain of the fact that Guy +Trevelyan was worthy the hand of the most distinguished and beautiful. He +was aware that Sir Howard entertained the highest regard to the son of +his old friend Colonel Trevelyan who, as a baronet and gentleman, had a +reputation worthy his manly son. The arguments advanced by Mr. Howe were +by no means lessened when he wondered if Lady Rosamond could possibly +have gained the secret which possessed Guy Trevelyan. He held too high an +opinion of her ladyship to harbor the thought that she would triumph in +the conquest thus gained on the eve of her marriage with Gerald Bereford. +Ah no! Lady Rosamond could not have known it. So reasoned the thoughtful +secretary.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Lady Rosamond is enjoying the constant whirl and gaiety +of London life. Her husband is immersed in the broil of parliamentary +affairs. As a representative of his native borough, he is responsible +for every grievance, real or imaginary, under which his constituents +are daily groaning. The party with whom he was associated was daily +becoming unpopular—a crisis was at hand—a dissolution was expected. +Another appeal to the country would probably take place. Her ladyship +was not a politician; she understood not the measure so proudly +discussed by the wives of statesmen and representatives. Still she could +not but feel a desire to share in the interests of her husband. In the +bustle and turmoil of busy life she felt grateful. Excitement fed her +inquietude; it bore her along upon the breast of the dizzy waves. It was +well that Lady Rosamond was thus occupied. She gave grand and sumptuous +dinner parties, and entertained her guests with balls on a scale of +princely magnificence. Her luncheons were indeed sufficient to cheer the +most despondent and misanthropic. Gaiety in its varied forms +predominated over Lady Rosamond's establishment.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford was proud of the homage poured at the feet of his +beautiful wife. Her praise was music in his ears. He listened to the +flattering courtesies with childlike pleasure. Her happiness was his. +Often when overcome with the cares and anxiety of public affairs a smile +from her ladyship had a charm like magic. A quiet caress was sure to +arouse him from the deepest apathy.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond strove hard to repay her doting husband. Every attention +was paid to his wishes. He knew not what it was to suffer the slightest +neglect. Gerald Bereford was happy. His happiness was often the subject +of comment of the associates of his club. His wife's unassuming beauty, +her grace and virtues, attracted many who were solicitous to cultivate +her acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"How did you manage to secure such a prize, Bereford? She is the most +beautiful woman in the United Kingdom," exclaimed a gentleman to Gerald +Bereford, after being introduced to Lady Rosamond at a ball given by the +French ambassador, where, without any conscious effort, she had been +pronounced the most attractive amidst a bewildering array of princely +rank, wealth, dignity, youth and beauty.</p> + +<p>None could deny the assertion. The rich and elegant black velvet robes +worn by her ladyship displayed the beautiful transparency and form of +her snowy arms and shoulders. Flashing jewels lent a glow to the lovely +face, reflecting their purity and priceless worth.</p> + +<p>In the midst of her greatest triumphs Lady Rosamond felt her misery the +most unendurable. Then she experienced the cruel mockeries of the world; +<i>then</i> she felt pangs that the glare and display of wealth must +cover—that the tribute of homage vainly sought to satisfy. At those +moments a picture of never-fading reality would flit before her mental +vision in mocking array—a picture in which her ladyship knelt with +expressive and silent gaze at the feet of the stern monitress, Duty, +whose defiant scowl denies appeal from the speaking depths of the +mournful dark eyes. Two forms are discerned in the background; the +foremost reveals the features of Gerald Bereford casting fond glances +towards the kneeling figure in the foreground. Duty wears a smile as she +beckons his approach with tokens of deep appreciation. There still +lingers another form. Whose can it be? Can we not recognize that face, +though indistinct, in the dim outline? Duty steps between and intercepts +our view. This is the picture from which Lady Rosamond vainly tried to +withdraw her thoughts, repeating the consoling words with saddened +emphasis: "Everything is ordered for the best."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>POLITICAL LIFE.</h3> + + +<p>While Lady Rosamond received the homage of a thousand hearts and plunged +into the ceaseless round of busy life, her husband was engaged as a +fierce combatant in earnest conflicts in the political arena within the +limits of Parliament. Enclosed by vast and wondrous piles of stately +architecture, the champions fight for their respective boroughs with +untiring energy and vehement fiery ardour. The ministry, headed by the +Duke of Wellington, stood much in need of all the force which it could +bring to bear upon the rallying strength of the opposing element. Among +the latter was arrayed Mr. Bereford. His penetrating judgment and shrewd +activity were considered an important acquisition to the ranks of his +colleagues. His masterly and eloquent harangues never failed to force +deep conviction and prove the justice of his principles. Even Lady +Rosamond felt a secret pride in listening to those earnest appeals which +disclosed the honest motives by which they were actuated. Though not +gifted with the brilliant powers displayed in the conversational genius +of those women who had evidently devoted much attention to the study of +politics, her ladyship tried to feel an interest in the measures for +which her husband had devoted many of his waking hours, his superior +intellectual powers, his fond ambition. In this source she seemed to +find a sense of relief. She never flinched when any exaction was +required. If she could make some recompense for such pure and fervent +love, no matter at what cost or sacrifice, gladly would the +conscientious principles of Lady Rosamond accept the terms. Her marked +concern and unremitting attention failed not to elicit admiration from +the Premier, who, despite his stern, disciplined nature, had not +forgotten to pay tribute to the attractions of a beautiful woman. The +Iron Duke indeed showed a decided preference for her ladyship. He was +charmed with the sweet, unassuming, and childlike manner of the young +matron, and took delight in contrasting these with the glaring and +ostentatious demeanor of these high-minded and profound women with whom +he daily mingled.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond repaid the gallant Duke for such attention. She loved to +engage him in earnest and animated conversation, and watch the fire that +kindled the soul within by the light emitted from the deep flashing eye. +She felt a deep interest in the stern old warrior from the endearing +associations which his memory had woven around her. While in Fredericton +her ladyship had heard many stories in which her friends had also +figured in close relation to the hero of a hundred fights. Sir Howard +Douglas had oftentimes entertained his family circle with a recital of +such scenes. The friend of Sir Howard, Colonel Trevelyan, was also an +actor in the great drama. But the last personage could not possibly +cause any tender interest to the mind of Lady Rosamond.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford was opposed in principle to the present administration. +He formed one of the strongest leaders of the opposition. His heart was +in the work before him; he would not flinch from the responsibility. His +haggard countenance often gave evidence of the spirit which influenced +his actions; yet he wearied not. A mild reproof from his lovely wife +would for the while have some effect, when he would devote all his +leisure to her comfort and pastime, being fully repaid by the most +simple caress or quiet smile.</p> + +<p>Early in the next year an event followed which had a great effect both +on political and social life. His Majesty, George the Fourth, had passed +away from earth. Among those within our acquaintance few there were who +deeply regretted the circumstance.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond, in writing a friend, said: "We cannot indeed entertain +any lasting regrets for one who inflicted such misery upon one of our +sex. The unfortunate queen and her tragical end inspires me with a +feeling bordering upon hate towards the author. As women we must feel +it, but as women we must forgive."</p> + +<p>Thus was the matter viewed by her ladyship, who now looked forward with +happy anticipation to the approaching and brilliant pageantry. The +"Sailor King" sat peacefully on the throne of England. In the days of +her childhood Lady Rosamond loved to climb upon the knee of a handsome +nobleman—in truth a gallant prince. Lovingly did she nestle against his +manly breast with eager, childish confidence, throwing her beautiful +silken ringlets over his shoulders in gleeful pride. Many times had she +kissed the lips of her royal patron, while he playfully designated her +his "White Rose of England." Among the many beautiful trinkets she had +received at his hands none were more valuable or precious than the +jewelled locket bearing the simple inscription "William," appended to a +miniature chain, which she had always worn around her neck in grateful +remembrance. The kind-hearted prince had won the lovely child. Kind +memories can never be obliterated from kind hearts.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond in after years never forgot the sailor prince of her +childhood days. The old admiral was proud of the attachment thus formed +in his early career. He had entertained towards the generous prince a +warm regard. In naval cruises they were often thrown in company, while +on more than one occasion Sir Thomas had granted leave to obtain the +service of his young friend for a lengthened cruise.</p> + +<p>It is not, therefore, a matter of surprise that Lady Rosamond hailed +with rapturous delight the accession of the sailor prince as William the +Fourth of England. Her hopes beat high as she thought of the approaching +ceremony when she would once more be recognized by her old friend. Has +she outgrown his memory? or has he kept her still in view through each +successive stage of life? Many were the speculations formed within the +mind of her ladyship as she made the elaborate preparation necessary for +the intended reception. The day at length arrived. The king and queen +were to receive the nobility of the realm. Dukes, earls, viscounts, +marquises, baronets, with all the titled members of their families, were +to pass in array before the conscious glance and smile of majesty.</p> + +<p>The royal reception chamber blazed with dazzling splendour. Titled +courtiers in costly dresses of crimson, purple, and violet velvet, +embroidered in gold, glittering with the many orders upon their breasts, +while the jewelled hilt of the golden scabbards flashed in dazzling rays +of light. These lined the apartment or moved to and fro at the summon of +royalty. Ladies of honor were grouped at respective distances from their +sovereign mistress ready to obey her slightest behest. Their costly +robes, courtly grace, and distinguished appearance, befitted the noble +blood which ran through their veins as proof of their present proud +position. To a stranger the scene was impressive. On first entering the +train of attendants and military display is sufficient to quell the most +stout hearted. Passing along with as much dignity as the person can, he +is announced in loud stentorian tones by the lord chamberlain, who +glances at the card thus presented. Then advancing towards the throne, +kneeling down, kissing the back of His Majesty's hand, and passing along +in the train of his predecessor forms the remaining part of the +ceremony. During this time hundreds will have taken part in these +proceedings, happy in the thought of having received a respectful bow +from the grateful monarch in return for the deep and almost overpowering +embarrassment that possesses the one taking part in those imposing +ceremonies.</p> + +<p>The rising blush on Lady Rosamond's cheek showed the excitement that +stirred the depths of her inward feelings. She was carried back to the +happy child days when no shade hovered near; when no bitter concealment +lurked in the recesses of her joyous heart; when her fond plans were +openly discussed before the sailor prince with intense merriment and +glee. Vainly she sighed as she thought of what might have been. Though in +the present the inference was distasteful, her ladyship could not dismiss +the subject. As she stands quietly awaiting her turn in the order of +presentation, let us once more picture the beautiful face and form which +have won our entire sympathy.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond has lost none of the beauty hitherto depicted in her +charms. She is still lovely as when described while a guest at +Government House. Her cheek has lost none of its roundness; the outline +is full, striking, fresh and interesting; the expressive dark eyes have +lost not their usual brilliancy, save a mournful tenderness that is more +often betrayed than formerly; the lustrous black hair is wantonly +revelling in all the luxuriance of its former beauty. Time nor +experience has not the ruthless power to desecrate such sacred charms. +Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the +blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where +seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy. Well might Gerald +Bereford have been fond of his wife as she approached the "Sailor King," +in her train of white satin and velvet sparkling with diamonds, with a +grace bespeaking ease, trust and dignified repose. The announcement of +Lady Rosamond Bereford afforded striking proof of the warm-heartedness +of his majesty, showing he did not forget his former white rose of +England. His eagle eye detected the small jewelled gift almost concealed +within the breast of her ladyship, as she lowly bent down to kiss the +hand of her sovereign. A beautiful blush overspread the features of Lady +Rosamond as she felt the directed gaze. "Your ladyship has not forgotten +the sharer of her childhood joys," exclaimed His Majesty with expressive +smile.</p> + +<p>A deep blush succeeded when the kneeling suppliant recovered sufficient +self-possession to reply. "Your Majesty will pardon this occasion to +acknowledge the great honor conferred by this tender allusion to a loving +and loyal subject."</p> + +<p>In her blushing loveliness, Lady Rosamond received a fragrant and +beautiful white rose from the hand of her liege sovereign as expressive +of the desired continuation of his former regard and endearment. This +was truly a remarkable moment in the life of her ladyship. She felt the +true force and depth of friendship. If the favor of her monarch could +give happiness, would she not exercise a large monopoly? Yet there was +happiness enjoined in the ceremony. His Majesty was happy to meet his +former friend and companion. Her Majesty the Queen was happy to find one +in whom her husband found so much to admire. Gerald Bereford was truly +happy in having such royal favour extended towards the lovely being upon +whom he lavished his fond love.</p> + +<p>These circumstances gave some relief to lady Rosamond and taught her +many lessons through suffering to which she could return with thankful +gratitude for the bitter trials so heavily imposed. Sometimes a feeling +of remorse took possession of her ladyship as she looked upon the face +of her husband and fancied that there rested a yearning, wistful look, a +lingering for her truer sympathy. She sometimes felt that her husband +also cherished his vain regrets, his moments of bitter conflicts when he +tried to smother the unbidden thoughts that would thus arise. These +fancies often roused Lady Rosamond to a sense of her duty with wholesome +effect.</p> + +<p>This mark of royal favor was not lost upon Lady Rosamond. Her Majesty +expressed a wish to receive the king's favorite among the ladies of her +household. But the tearful eyes of the beautiful matron forbade any +further mention. The German propensities of Queen Adelaide would not +force any measure thus proposed. Lady Rosamond had full access to the +royal household, receiving the confidence of her royal patroness with +true grace.</p> + +<p>Now began the struggle for Reform in the Parliament. Throughout the +kingdom arose the cry of Reform which had been echoed from the second +French revolution. Among all classes arose the war note of Reform. It +sounded loud and high. It was borne over the continent. Nothing but +Reform. Reform of the House of Commons was the subject discussed at +every fireside.</p> + +<p>Affairs had now reached a political crisis. The Duke of Wellington, with +his unrestrained and high-bred principles of conservatism, could not +brook such an innovation upon the time-honored laws and customs of the +British constitution. He could not favor a faction that would +countenance the spoliation of England's hitherto undimmed greatness and +national pride. Hence arose a new ministry under the united leadership +of Earl Grey and Lord John Russell. In Gerald Bereford the supporters of +the Reform measure found a zealous adherent. He seemed to lay aside +every other consideration in advancing the scheme which lay so near his +heart. Lengthy and private consultations were held between the latter +and his sincere friend and adviser, Earl Grey. Days and nights were +passed in fierce and endless controversy in the House of Commons.</p> + +<p>This was the only point in which Lady Rosamond failed to convince her +husband of the injury sustained by such constant turmoil and anxiety +involved in these measures. When she quietly endeavored to reason upon +such a course of conduct he smilingly replied: "My darling, duty calls +me and you would not see me inactive when the demand is so imperative? +Surely my beautiful rose would not like to have the breath of slander +attached to her husband as guilty of cowardice or desertion from the +ranks of his party? Ah, no, my darling," cried the earnest politician, +preventing his wife's retort with the tender kisses of a true and ardent +love. It did indeed seem strange that the more earnestly Lady Rosamond +pleaded with her husband the more firmly did he resist, and, if +possible, the more ardent he became in his attention. Lady Rosamond felt +a strange and unaccountable desire to interfere with the plans laid down +by Gerald Bereford. Many times she urged upon Earl Grey the necessity of +moderation, and, with a vehemence foreign to her nature, strove to +impress him with prophetic visions of anxiety, doubt, and fear. Her +ladyship was somewhat reconciled by the resignation of the Premier, who, +in his joking manner, attributed his want of success to the hostile +attitude of the wife of his friend, Gerald Bereford.</p> + +<p>But the conflict was kept up with renewed energy. The Reform party were +not to be thus easily outwitted. They were still sanguine. During the +period when the ministry vacillated between the Conservatives and Whigs, +the spirits of the latter never drooped. Victory was the watchword that +attached itself to the Reform party. Victory was the cry of Gerald +Bereford as he labored day and night with untiring zeal, utterly +regardless of the ravages thus made upon his hitherto robust +constitution. In this exciting struggle the young politician was +unconscious of the deadly and venomous growth taking root within +under the baneful effect of negligence and over-taxed powers.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>NEW BRUNSWICK.</h3> + + +<p>The capital of New Brunswick was the scene of more than usual +excitement. Extensive preparations throughout the higher classes of +society indicated that some very important event or events were about to +take place. Extravagant purchases made in the several stores where were +displayed dry goods, intimated that the fair sex looked forward to the +approaching festivity with intense and joyous anticipation.</p> + +<p>New-year's eve has arrived. Happiness expresses itself in rippling +smiles beaming upon all faces. Every citizen has cause for rejoicing. +The commodious structure planned under the supervision of His +Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, is now ready for the reception of a +numerous assemblage of guests. The family are reinstated in Government +House, happy in being once more able to extend their far-famed +hospitality as on former occasions.</p> + +<p>Nothing was wanting to make the present reception one of the most +gorgeous in the social records of provincial life. Every window in the +entire building was brilliantly illuminated in the most beautiful colors +of every hue and in a charming variety of scenes. There were represented +the western heavens at sunset in crimson and gold; the rising glories of +the approaching monarch shown on the eastern hill tops; scenes of +classical beauty shone in bewitching effect. Any attempt to +particularize fails in the very effort. Suffice to say Government House +blazed, not in the spontaneous spirit which displayed itself when the +former building succumbed, but by the heightening aid of artistic skill +and design. From a distance the sight was truly beautiful. Many gazed +with unwearied eyes anxious to behold a view which might never again be +afforded them. The incessant peals of merry sleigh bells seemed to +harmonize with the merriment and gaiety of the guests as they hurried to +their destination. The array of rank, wealth, youth and beauty thus +assembled are never again to be realized. Every colony in His Majesty's +domains in America was represented. Every one holding high rank or title +was present. Lady Douglas with kindling eye glanced through the +different rooms and pronounced the affair a decided success.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas experienced a feeling of sadness while drawing a comparison +between the present occasion and one in which Lady Rosamond was an +honored guest. She could not but feel a deep yearning towards her old +friend—a fond and tender longing to embrace the beautiful Lady Rosamond +Bereford.</p> + +<p>The drawing-rooms reflected credit upon those who assisted in the +decorations. Brilliant colors, banners, emblems, mottoes, flags, +pennons, and coats of arms were intermingled with an eye to harmony and +graceful effect.</p> + +<p>The military precedence on every hand shewed the spirit which influenced +Sir Howard and his distinguished family. Nearly all the gentlemen of the +household were distinguished by their uniform. Every attendant was in +uniform. Soldiers lined the grounds; soldiers kept hourly patrol; +soldiers executed every command. The social atmosphere of Government +House breathed of a true soldier-like element. The ladies felt its +influence as they took delight in listening to the chequered scenes +amidst the lives of the many veterans who sat at their table.</p> + +<p>The 81st now graced the evening by a numerous body of officers with the +gallant Colonel Creagh foremost in the assembly. The genial countenance +of the old veteran, his sparkling eye and animated gestures found ready +entrance into many hearts. Conspicuous were Jasper Creagh, now attached +to the regiment as holding a lieutenant's commission, and his friend +Trevelyan, now promoted to the rank of Captain, and still enjoying the +unbounded good will and confidence of superiors and inferiors.</p> + +<p>The faithful secretary still sustained his former resources for +enjoyment and festivity. He had made himself agreeable to many fair +ladies, acting the part of a gallant attendant, but his heart remained +unimpressed, often a source of keen enjoyment to Captain Douglas, who +vainly tried to captivate his friend in many ways. Mr. Howe was a +distinguished and fine-looking gentleman, remarkably tall and straight, +while the keen glance of his dark eye was sufficient to convince one of +the powers of penetration forming such weighty proportion in the make-up +of his character. His olive skin formed a pleasing contrast to the pearl +white complexion of the beautiful daughter of the household, as they +mingled together in the dance. The sparkle of that lovely eye was enough +to drive the adoring suitors to distraction, yet Mary Douglas coolly +withstood their ardent gaze. Dance and song mingle in successive round. +Youth and age alike join in the fairy scene. Arch glances pass from +courtly cavaliers to beautiful maidens who "blush at the praise of their +own loveliness." The rustle of silken draperies sound to the ear as +unseen music at the hand of the warbling genii. Robes of spotless purity +and gossamer texture flit around, keeping time to the merry ringing +silvery peals of girlish merriment. Such are the scenes that greet the +eye and ear in roaming amid the gay throng at Government House, +Fredericton, on the New Year's Eve of 1828.</p> + +<p>It would be a difficult task to make particular mention of the +aristocratic matrons; still it would be a great injustice to pass over a +matter of so much importance. In fact, by some, the married ladies bore +off the palm for beauty and intelligence. Of a certainty the comparison +excepted the ladies of Government House, there being none who could +compete with Mary Douglas, her beauty being of a superior type.</p> + +<p>At the ball a married lady of rank wore diamonds valued at a cost +seeming fabulous. Others followed in the wake of such extravagance by +wearing necklaces, bracelets, head-dresses, ear-rings, and brooches, in +almost unlimited profusion. Add to this the magnificent array of Sir +Howard's supper table, its glittering plate in massive style, its +enormous chandeliers, its countless train of liveried attendants, and +you can then only form a very faint conception of the first ball given +in the present Government House, nearly half a century in the past!</p> + +<p>Truly this was the chivalric age in the history of the capital of New +Brunswick—the age when proud knighthood was the ruling passion in the +breasts of the sterner sex, when true heroic bravery was the quality +which won the maiden fair, when the breath of slander could not be +tolerated without calling forth a brave champion on behalf of the +wronged. This is the age that has passed away never to return. Progress +and Reform are the two great powers combined to crush out all traces of +those by-gone days. In united action they ruthlessly wipe out every +vestige or lingering relics of past greatness. Nothing must stand in +opposition to their will. Reform suggests, Progress acts—Reform +suggests the removal of all old landmarks—Progress assists in the +accomplishment. By such means, and through successive stages, did those +days pass away, now to be reviewed, as a beautiful dream of the past.</p> + +<p>Leaving this point we will proceed with the facts of the story.</p> + +<p>The day following marked an event of much greater importance than that +of the preceding evening—it was important to all—all classes were +afterwards to be benefited by the great boon thus conferred on the +people of New Brunswick. Every parish and county had reason afterwards +to rejoice in the great work of this auspicious moment.</p> + +<p>On New year's day of this year was opened the College at Fredericton. +The Charter had been procured by Sir Howard after having withstood a +storm of violent opposition, under which an ordinary spirit would have +sunk in hopeless despondency; but the iron will and calm judgment of the +wise statesman and ruler had outlived the fury of the opposing element, +who now reaped the reward of his indefatigable labors by the +accomplishment of the great work.</p> + +<p>The king showed his sanction by conferring upon this Institution the +name of "King's College, New Brunswick," while to Sir Howard he assigned +the honor of being its first chancellor, in acknowledgment of the great +service thus rendered to the cause.</p> + +<p>In this office His Excellency was duly installed on the present +occasion. Divine service was performed as the first ceremony. The +professors and students were in their places. Members of the legislature +and the royal council occupied seats, while the public thronged the +building to the utmost capacity.</p> + +<p>Great and heartfelt was the burst of applause that greeted Sir Howard as +he took his place: greater still, when he announced the intention of the +king in conferring his name upon the College. The expressive features, +high, broad intellectual forehead, earnest eye, benign countenance and +honest smile perhaps were never more significant of the earnestness that +pervaded every thought and action of the gentleman, scholar, and +soldier, as when he uttered sentiments which shall be cherished through +after ages, so long as King's College shall remain a monument to the +memory of the best and greatest man that ever trod the soil of New +Brunswick.</p> + +<p>Let us make use of his own words: "I shall leave with the College," he +said, "I trust, for ever a token of my regard and best wishes. It shall +be prepared in a form and devoted to an object which I hope may prove a +useful incitement to virtue and learning; and at periodical +commemorations of the commencement it may serve to remind you of the +share which I have had in the institutions and proceedings of a day +which I shall never forget."</p> + +<p>Nor did this friend of education ever forget his promise. The Douglas +Gold Medal is still competed for though many years have rolled between +the time when the first and last were presented. The distinguished donor +has passed away, but his pledge remains. Memory fondly clings around the +deeds of Sir Howard and throws over them a halo of light that will shine +with increasing splendor as time lengthens the distance between.</p> + +<p>The boundary question still assumed a troubled and unsettled state. Many +complaints were laid before his Excellency, but he calmly resolved to +grant no concessions. He treated every messenger with polite firmness. +Congratulations poured in from the Governor General from Canada and the +British Minister at Washington, regarding the cleverness and ability +displayed on the occasion. At last it became evident that no direct +conciliation could be effected between the disputants. Another course +must be adopted. An arrangement was agreed upon between the English and +Americans that the matter be left to arbitration, to the decision of the +king of the Netherlands. In such knowledge the people felt and saw a +common dread, a common anxiety, a gloomy foreboding. Such knowledge +brought the painful idea of separation. Sir Howard was appointed to +prepare the case for presentation. His presence was imperative in +England. A heavy blow fell like a death knell on the future hopes of the +colonists. Their true friend, sympathizer and ruler was about to take +leave. Many mourned his departure as that of a father or brother. Their +friend in prosperity and dire adversity; he who had struggled with the +calamities and worked for the advancement of his people, their interests +and direct benefits, was now to embark for his native land.</p> + +<p>Regret was depicted on every face as the colonists moved in large bodies +to return grateful recognition for the zealous labors spent in their +behalf. Every society took active measures in showing their mingled +regret. Tears rained thick and fast as many old friends grasped the hand +of Sir Howard, murmuring a last God bless you. The kind-hearted soldier +could not but feel deeply when he witnessed such hearty demonstrations, +yet he had hopes of returning to New Brunswick. He cheered the people +with such remarks and strove to make the least of the matter.</p> + +<p>Nor was the family of Sir Howard less to be regretted. Their kind +hospitality, generous hearts, and unassuming dispositions, had made many +friends in Fredericton and throughout the Province.</p> + +<p>Lady Douglas strove to conceal her regret with many well-timed remarks. +Mary Douglas lovingly lingered among the well-remembered walks and paths +where she had spent peaceful and happy days. The lovely spring-time +which she had looked forward to, with its songs of birds, bright +sunshine, lovely flowers, and green fields, had come again, but not for +her enjoyment. Other ears would listen to the warbling songster—other +forms would sit in her accustomed seats and enjoy the pleasing +sunshine—other hands would pluck the lonely flowers blooming in beauty +all around—other footsteps would roam over the soft green grass that +gently raised its head as she tripped lightly along in former years. +<i>These</i> were the friends of Mary Douglas, truly the child of nature. +Birds, flowers, fields, sunshine, rain, and storm, were the constant +companions of the gifted and beautiful student. The warble of the birds +was to her of more worth than the most bewitching strains of an English +opera; flowers taught lessons more inspiring and sublime than the most +profound theological discussion. Verdant fields and bright sunshine were +constant reminders of Heaven's choicest blessings and never-failing +truth, while the stormy conflicts of nature's elements taught the heart a +wholesome lesson in the thought that life has its changing moods, its +bitter conflicts, its merciless storms.</p> + +<p>Sad was the heart of the dreamer as she wandered for the last time amid +these never-to-be-forgotten haunts. Tears dimmed her lovely eyes and +trickled down her cheeks. The scene was too sacred for other eyes. She +had started off alone, wishing to pay the last tribute of respect to her +silent friends in a manner becoming the solemnity of the occasion.</p> + +<p>We leave Mary Douglas in her sylvan retreat and follow other members of +the family in their tender leave-taking.</p> + +<p>Miss Douglas echoes the same spirit as her sister, but with less poetic +eloquence and fervent inspiration. She looks upon the faces of many dear +young friends and feels a deep pang of sorrow as their tears mingle with +her own. John Douglas, no longer a mischievous, romping, and noisy boy, +but an engaging and attractive young gentleman, ready to enter the army, +takes a hearty leave of his former schoolmates and companions with +sincere regret, bearing with him their united wishes for his future +welfare and success in life.</p> + +<p>It would be an endless task to enumerate the bitter repinings and tender +leave-taking between each member of the family, and the numerous hosts +of sincere friends who pressed around them, eager to wish God speed on +the journey. Suffice to say, amid the last parting word, the last +pressure of the hand, and the last fond embrace, the beloved family of +Sir Howard Douglas took their last glimpse of Fredericton, dimmed by +their fast falling tears, as the steamer slowly passed from the wharf, +whence issued the plaintive strains of "Auld Lang Syne," to be borne +ever after in the memory of those who listened to the last parting +tribute wafted from the shores of Fredericton.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>REGRETS.</h3> + + +<p>Though most of those in whom we have taken such deep interest have left +the Province far behind, we cannot bear the thought of following them +until more fond ties be broken that binds them to our native home. Ah! +were we to consider every fond tie, there could be no hope for +separation. There are ties which bind the heart as lovingly as those of +friendship, there are ties which cling while we breath the inspiration +of every page within the universal volumes of Heaven's choicest +productions—the great book of nature—the teacher and refiner of the +soul. This is the tie which clings to us through the medium of holy +thought, inspiring, elevating and cheering.</p> + +<p>Among those who most deeply felt the departure of the inmates of +Government House, none were more reserved in their demonstrations than +Captain Trevelyan, who calmly watched each successive step in the order +of preparation with a quiet reserve that to the uninitiated would appear +as void of feeling.</p> + +<p>But the brave and handsome officer showed not the fathomless depths and +feelings of his true heart, which throbbed with a renewed emotion. With +a sense of utter loneliness he lamented the bitter misfortune which had +been his attendant since he had left the peaceful home of his +fatherland. Mary Douglas, his kind friend and companion, had been as a +gentle and loving sister to raise for a time his flagging spirits. Mr. +Howe had ever been at his side to show unceasing acts of kindness and +brighten those dark hours with a tender but inexpressive sympathy. +Captain Trevelyan could never forget the motives which actuated these, +still he did not exhibit any outward show of gratitude save by a firm +and passive confidence.</p> + +<p>Knowing the true nature of such friendship, Mr. Howe would have +experienced deeper regret at parting were he not aware that he would +meet Captain Trevelyan early in the following year.</p> + +<p>Left to the undisturbed quiet of his own thoughts, Captain Trevelyan +formed many plans regarding his future career. A work was steadily going +on within while he attended the duties devolving upon him in connection +with his military life.</p> + +<p>It had always been the true aim of this soldier to discharge his labors +faithfully and with a desire to please. His genial nature and generous +heart gained the popularity of the entire regiment. Not only did he +treat his superior officers with profound respect but his inferiors as +well. Every subordinate officer and private loved to meet his friendly +smile. Every one vied in doing some act that would receive his +approbation. Truly did Colonel Creagh make the following remark to a +distinguished General, who was inspecting the troops: "If ever man were +born who possessed not a single enemy, I believe that man is Captain +Trevelyan."</p> + +<p>"I believe you," returned the General, "goodness is stamped upon his +handsome face, but seldom is it so clearly defined as to insure such +general approval."</p> + +<p>"Sometimes," added the Colonel, "I have doubts regarding the serious +intentions of our friend. It has been whispered that he begins to weary +of the service. I have not had sufficient reason to confirm the truth of +the statement, but I shall feel much dissatisfied if it prove correct. +Sir Howard Douglas always maintained that Trevelyan is a scion of the +old stock, that he possesses the same qualities that distinguished his +father. It would indeed be a source of regret were all to be +disappointed by his retirement," said the Colonel, in a tone of deep +earnestness.</p> + +<p>"If the family resources are large he may have sufficient reason for +such an act," ventured the General interrogatively.</p> + +<p>"Sir Guy Trevelyan," said the Colonel, by way of explanation, "owns a +fine old estate in Hampshire, which yields a moderate income. His only +son will be his direct heir, and Captain Trevelyan can at any +opportunity enjoy the ease and retirement of private life."</p> + +<p>"I should not be surprised were he to avail himself of the departure of +the regiment," exclaimed the general, adding, "there is not much +distinction now to be gained in the service. Captain Trevelyan might +remain an honorable officer in His Majesty's service for years to come +and not attain the position marked out by his distinguished parent."</p> + +<p>Many remarks were thus applied to this officer by the gallant colonel of +the 81st Regiment. Every sentence showed not only the high esteem in +which Captain Trevelyan was held by the veteran of Waterloo, but the +fears entertained by the latter in regard to his rumoured retirement.</p> + +<p>Not long after the above conversation took place Fredericton was to +witness another departure—the gallant 81st, under orders, were to be +relieved by the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. The same formalities +of interchanging regrets were to be passed between those departing and +the citizens. The same congratulations were to be presented in +appreciation of the high esteem entertained towards the entire regiment +in the presentation of testimonials and other marks of respect.</p> + +<p>The morning preceding the departure of the company to which Captain +Trevelyan was attached, afterwards formed an important one in his life. +Colonel Creagh's fears were realized by intimation from Captain Trevelyan +with intention to make application for a discharge immediately on his +arrival in England.</p> + +<p>After long and grave deliberation he had fully made up his mind, while a +letter received from his sister gave twofold assurance of the great +delight which such news communicated to the family.</p> + +<p>As this young girl will now be introduced to the reader, we take the +liberty of inserting the letter, showing the tenderness of feeling +existing between the brother and sister, the fond anticipation breathed +through every sentence, and the deep interest manifested in the friends +of the absent one.</p> + +<p>Frequently did Guy Trevelyan re-open the envelope and bring forth the +precious missive, written in a delicate feminine hand, containing the +following:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Trevelyan Hall</span>, near Winchester, Sept. 19th, 1830.</p> + +<p><i>Dear Brother Guy</i>,—</p> + +<p>Your fond letter of the 20th was received in due time, conveying +the most delightful news that ever was written. How can I await +your dear presence? Really it seems almost too much happiness to +realize that you will once more return home to remain. Papa writes +that he warmly approves of your decision, intimating that I must +have been instrumental in procuring such good fortune for us all. I +dare not dream too fondly lest by some means I may be disappointed; +but, dearest Guy, once restored to us, our delight will be +unbounded.</p> + +<p>You must not expect to have a very long letter this time, as I +cannot settle my thoughts to think of aught but yourself and "The +Restoration." If the second be not of such universal display as the +one so grandly portrayed in history, it is doubtful whether the +sincerity attending the latter be not of a more lasting nature and +one showing the true affections of loyal and devoted hearts.</p> + +<p>I had almost forgotten to mention that I have frequently met Mary +Douglas, who is, at present, visiting her friend Maude Bereford, at +the Castle. Also, had the pleasure of being introduced to your +friend Mr. Howe, and feel a deep interest in him on your behalf. +Imagine my delight when he informed me of his intention to accept +your invitation to remain with us for a few days on your arrival. +It seems that I cannot remember anything. I must not forget this +time to say that great anxiety is expressed and felt at the Castle +regarding the failing health of Lady Rosamond's husband—Mr. Gerald +Bereford. For some time past he has sadly impaired his constitution +by taxing his powers beyond endurance, and when almost too late, he +withdrew from political life. Great sympathy is extended Lady +Rosamond who seems very despondent. Medical advice suggests change +of climate, and I have heard that they intend to spend the winter +in Italy. Not wishing to give any more news until I see you at +home, dear Guy, and having nothing further to add but our love,</p> + +<p>I remain your expectant</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Fanny</span>.</p></div> + +<p>Fanny Trevelyan's letter had a double effect upon the mind of the +recipient. It involved both happiness and despondent gloom, and +unconsciously had struck a tender chord which vibrated with redoubled +sadness in its deep sympathy.</p> + +<p>Why do the waking echoes of the past take cruel delight in presenting to +the mind visions which otherwise would be laid aside in a retired recess +or a secret chamber sacred to the relics of other days and other scenes? +Why are those realities to present themselves in merciless and mocking +array to gloat upon our sufferings with fiendish delight? These are +questions only to be answered when the causes which call them forth have +ceased to exist.</p> + +<p>Captain Trevelyan's retirement was the subject of much concern for the +officers and men. Many discussions arose as to the motive. Lieutenant +Creagh remonstrated, but to no purpose. As the slow sailing ship bore +the gallant regiment across the Atlantic, hope reigned supreme in many +hearts. Friends and home greeted them on arrival. At Gosport, Captain +Trevelyan took formal leave, having received the strongest proofs of +sincere friendship existing between man and his fellowbeings.</p> + +<p>Great was the joy that awaited Guy Trevelyan as he once more entered the +fine old park enclosing the grounds of "Trevelyan Hall." His mother, a +staid and stately English matron, forgot all dignity as she threw +herself fondly into his arms. Fanny, the pet of the household, clung to +her brother with tightening embrace, showering him with kisses pure as +her maiden heart. Nor was the dutiful son less tender in his expressions +of joy, as lovingly he gazed upon the fair girl seated with her arm upon +his shoulder. He could scarcely realize that the little girl of twelve +was now the lovely maiden of eighteen almost matured into a gentle and +loveable woman. In her sweet childish manner Guy Trevelyan found much to +admire. The firm, steady gaze of her deep blue eyes had a power to rivet +the attention of the beholder, that puzzled him. He knew from the calm +and earnest tenor of his sister's manner that her heart was unfettered +by any deeper attachment than those of family ties. In the bitterness of +his feelings he thanked Heaven for this fond assurance, fervently +praying that the love of his pet sister would never be given where it +would never be returned.</p> + +<p>He now listened with eager curiosity to the affairs of Lady Rosamond. +Her husband had indeed, when too late, listened to her urgent +admonitions. He had resigned his seat in parliament when his physical +powers were a mere wreck of his former self. Disease had crept in by +stealth and was only too truly realized by the deep ravages thus +made—by the wasted and emaciated form—the feverish cheek and sunken +eye.</p> + +<p>The noble sympathetic nature of the dutiful wife felt a severe shock as +she daily was brought face to face with the dreaded fact—the awakening +reality of her husband's condition. Every care that could be bestowed by +the hand of woman was lavished upon Gerald Bereford with unceasing and +untiring devotion. No duty was too troublesome, no wish was slighted, +except that which urged her ladyship to be more attentive to her +personal wants. Every sacrifice must be made that can possibly give +returning health and strength to the future lord of Bereford Castle. No +bitter repinings now possessed the heroic woman. Her whole being was +thrown into the scale to balance the opposing weight which crushed her +husband's almost lifeless existence. The voice of one who repeatedly +made the halls of parliament ring with deafening applause was now with +an effort heard by those standing near.</p> + +<p>It was when such trouble bore heavily that Mary Douglas opened her heart +towards her friend Lady Rosamond. She came unbidden to offer such +service as was in her power to perform. She silently watched by the side +of Gerald Bereford with that gentle caution so needful when suffering is +apparent, or when an interval of pain or depression is to be guarded +against as a thief in disguise.</p> + +<p>Not a single expression ever passed between those friends with reference +to any thing that happened in Fredericton. Mary Douglas was careful to +avoid any allusion to circumstances which might call up a sudden host of +by-gone fancies which, ere this, should be consigned to the remotest +regions in the realm of utter oblivion. She was now the friend and +sympathizer of Lady Rosamond Bereford, not the childish maiden as when +first introduced, but a lovely, gifted, talented and accomplished woman, +whose mind matured with her years. Time has not lain heavily on her +hands, she having labored assiduously in exercising those talents +committed to her keeping. In after years we find the following: "Her +gifts were so varied that she was both a composer and musician, a +novelist and poet." The friend of Lady Rosamond Bereford was not to be +affected by the emotions of Lady Rosamond Seymour. The past was a sealed +casket, forever sacred to the intrusion of the present. This was the +state of feeling that existed between those noble women as they +ministered to the wants of Gerald Bereford.</p> + +<p>What fervent prayers were offered for the dutiful and self-sacrificing +wife as she tried to win a smile from the patient invalid. What grateful +love went forth to her as she pressed the lips of her uncomplaining +husband. In sickness as in health she had never seen his frown. His life +had been a constant source of happiness. Lady Rosamond had been the +day-star which illuminated his path with undimmed lustre and brilliancy. +In her presence he felt not the weight of suffering that at intervals +seized his exhausted frame. As symptoms of the disease began to abate +and recovery was expected, her ladyship, accompanied her husband to +Italy, where they had intended to remove some time previous, but were +prevented by a relapse of the invalid.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>SIR HOWARD DOUGLAS.</h3> + + +<p>In order to follow up the brilliant career of this great man while +connected with the administration of New Brunswick, we will endeavor to +give a few facts to prove the marvellous ability he displayed in +carrying out his plans.</p> + +<p>On the passage homeward Sir Howard and family encountered many dangers. +During the whole voyage there was kept up a constant gale, sometimes +threatening the destruction of the rudely constructed brig of war named +the <i>Mutine</i>. Amidst these daily mishaps and perilous exposures the +Douglas family maintained the utmost self-possession. Sir Howard was +always ready to offer advice and assistance with a coolness that nerved +the whole crew, and gave fresh hopes at the darkest moments. During the +six weeks that elapsed, while braving the dangers of the deep, Mary +Douglas never lost an opportunity to make the most of the occasion. She +became interested in the stormy elements, learning lessons that served +her to breast the struggling conflicts of life. Observation was largely +developed in the mind of the gifted maiden. Nothing was presented to her +eye that did not afford food for study and reflection.</p> + +<p>The joy with which they were received in England was boundless. Friends +gathered around with heartfelt demonstrations. Sir Howard was once more +surrounded by many of his former companions. The Duke of Wellington gave +him a hearty welcome, while statesmen could scarcely refrain emotion on +beholding one who had taken such deep interest in the welfare of the +nation and showed such firmness and decision in the boundary question. +But another more distinguished honor awaited him. The University of +Oxford were ready to recognize such greatness by conferring the degree +of D. C. L. Sir Howard was called upon to be present at the +commemoration of 1829, where crowds jostled each other to get a glimpse +of this honored man. Patriotism has been, throughout history, the +leading spirit governing the Universities of Great Britain and the +present occasion proved no exception. Students were animated by the +presence of a true patriot. Cheer upon cheer greeted the announcement of +Sir Howard. Applause was boundless as he received presentation from the +public orator. That the spirit which prompted such action on the part of +this dignified body may be seen, we insert the following oration, taken +from the life of Sir Howard Douglas:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Most illustrious Vice-Chancellor, and you, learned Doctors</i>,</p> + +<p>I present to you a distinguished man, adorned with many virtues and +honors, belonging to military and civil affairs, as well as to +literature—Howard, a Knight and Baronet, a worthy heir of the +latter order from a renowned father, the former richly deserved +from his own king and that of Spain; a member of the Royal Society +of London, on account of the fame of his writings; for many years +the Governor of New Brunswick, followed by the admiration and favor +of his country and the reverence and love of the Province; lastly, +Chancellor of a College in that Province, built under his care and +direction, to which its patron, the king, gave his name and a +University's privileges. Behold the man! I now present him to you +that he may be admitted to the degree of a Doctor of Civil Laws for +the sake of honor.</p></div> + +<p>Further comment upon the above is unnecessary, it being sufficient to +convince one of the degree of popularity which Sir Howard had attained.</p> + +<p>The next place in which he plays a most conspicuous part is in the +presence of royalty at the Dutch court, where he was received with all +the honors his rank, position and claim demanded. His Majesty entered in +a lengthy and earnest conversation regarding the important question now +to be settled by his decision. Sir Howard stated clearly every +circumstance in connection with the affair from beginning to end. To +every question he gave a prompt reply, showing the clearness of judgment +by which every argument had been maintained. In order to explain why +such a question should be brought up forty-seven years after the treaty +had been signed, he showed that it was founded on some indefinite or +ambiguous clauses of the treaty of 1783, but not proposed until 1820. +Here was a delicate point for His Majesty to settle without giving +offence to either English or Americans. But Sir Howard was resolved to +support the claim which contended for the rights of his nation—for +justice and for truth. He was not desiring territory, but protection and +security to the interests of his people, <i>security</i> to prevent the +Americans from claiming the privileges of the St. John river or +classifying the Bay of Fundy rivers with those emptying into the +Atlantic. However, a decision at length was given which did not meet the +wishes of either party, but the matter was set partially at rest.</p> + +<p>Soon afterwards Sir Howard was engaged in discussing the cause and +events of the Belgian insurrection. He showed to the British Government +the design which France had contrived to her aggrandizement by the +dissolution of the Netherlands, and urged intervention on the part of +the British Government. The measures taken in determining the strength +of the Dutch territory and the trouble thus averted which must have +involved war and bloodshed, secured the hearty thanks of the English +monarch who acknowledged the debt of gratitude in terms of deep +sincerity.</p> + +<p>The colonists were now awaiting Sir Howard's return with great anxiety, +watching his movements with deep concern. Hope once more filled their +hearts as news spread abroad that their ruler was making preparations to +return to New Brunswick. But a new source of uneasiness arose. The Home +Government raised a question abolishing the protection on colonial +timber. Sir Howard was aroused to a sense of the situation. By the +abolition of such protection the trade of New Brunswick and the other +colonies would be ruined, while the Baltic trade would reap the benefit. +Was he to tamely submit to measures injuring the resources of the people +whom he represented? No, he would appeal in a manner that would have +public sympathy. Hence was produced the well written pamphlet bearing +his name, setting forth the grievance in a way that could not fail to +prove the justice of the cause. Every point was discussed with clearness +and based upon the most reliable facts and statistics. Newspapers took +up the subject and complimented the author in the most flattering terms.</p> + +<p>A general excitement was now raised and the question was discussed on +every side. In the House of Commons it gained much popularity. Great was +the joy of Sir Howard when the result of his work was announced by the +defeat of the government. This proved the patriotism of Sir Howard. He +could not sacrifice the interest of his country to those of himself and +family. He purchased his country's welfare with the resignation of the +governorship of New Brunswick!</p> + +<p>Where do we find such true nobility of character, such brilliant genius, +and such unsullied virtue? Well might the Colonists have exclaimed with +one voice when tidings conveyed the news of Sir Howard's resignation:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"He was a man, take him for all in all,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">We shall not look upon his like again."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>However, some recognition must be made to show their gratitude to one +who had made such a sacrifice. Meetings were held in different parts of +the Province resulting in a general subscription towards the purchase of +a valuable service of plate which was presented him in England, +accompanied by an address, breathing the spirit of heartfelt regret at +the loss of their much beloved ruler. Sir Howard never forgot this +circumstance. He often referred to his stay in New Brunswick with +feelings bordering on emotion. Years afterwards his heart beat with +quickening impulse as he fondly recognized the familiar face of a +colonist or received some cheering account of the welfare of the people. +Through the remaining years of his life he never ceased to keep up a +faithful correspondence with several of his former friends, particularly +the Rev. Edwin Jacob, D. D., who received the presidency of King's +College through his kind patron,—the tie of friendship which bound them +was only severed by death.</p> + +<p>Much more might be said regarding this great man, but we must now leave +him to the active duties of a busy and useful life, surrounded by his +family in the comforts of an English home and enjoying the true +friendship of the philosopher, the historian, and the poet. Among the +most intimate in this list was Sir Walter Scott—the friend of Mrs. +Bailie, the foster mother of Sir Howard. Doubtless the name of Douglas +was sufficient to awaken in the mind of the Scottish bard a feeling +worthy of the friendship of Sir Howard. Together they spent many hours +in conversing upon the scenes which had formed subjects for the poet's +pen and awakened a deep veneration for the legends of Scottish lore. +Perhaps in no other way can we better pay a parting tribute to the +memory of Sir Howard Douglas than by inserting the following letter +which had been forwarded when the latter had arrived from New Brunswick:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">"Abbotsford</span>, Near Melrose, 21st July, 1829.</p> + +<p>"<i>My Dear Sir Howard</i>,—</p> + +<p>"I have just received your most welcome letter and write to +express my earnest wish and hope that, as I have for the present no +Edinburgh establishment, you will, for the sake of auld lang syne, +give me the pleasure of seeing you here for as much time as you can +spare me. There are some things worth looking at, and we have +surely old friends and old stories enough to talk over. We are just +thirty-two miles from Edinburgh. Two or three public coaches pass +us within a mile, and I will take care to have a carriage meet you +at Melrose Brigley End, if you prefer that way of travelling. Who +can tell whether we may ever, in such different paths of life, have +so good an opportunity of meeting? I see no danger of being absent +from this place, but you drop me a line if you can be with us, +and take it for granted you hardly come amiss. I have our poor +little [illegible] here. He is in very indifferent health, but no +immediate danger is apprehended. You mention your daughter. I would +be most happy if she should be able to accompany you.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"Always, my dear Sir Howard,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Most truly yours,<br /></span> +<span class="i1"><span class="smcap">Walter Scott</span>."<br /></span> +</div></div></div> + +<p>Here is an instance of genuine simplicity and hearty friendship existing +between men of like nature. The true greatness of Sir Howard was +appreciated by one whose themes of poetic beauty and fervent patriotism +kindle a glow of inspiration that will burn undimmed while time shall +last. And now we close this chapter by bidding the noble, great and good +Sir Howard Douglas a fond farewell!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>TREVELYAN HALL—THE ARRIVAL.</h3> + + +<p>The fine old building, well known to the surrounding country as +Trevelyan Hall, was indeed a true specimen of an English home. Its +present owner had, notwithstanding the fact of his being abroad in +service, spent much means to make it a home-like and delightful +residence. Its situation added to the other resources in gaining for +"The Hall" a wide-spread reputation.</p> + +<p>The extensive park contained some of the best wooded ground in the +county of Hampshire. Its fine streams afforded means of enjoyment for +those who devote their pastime in angling and other such health-giving +recreation. Its gardens were carefully cultivated, showing much neatness +and elegance, though not affording a varied extent of scenery.</p> + +<p>Captain Trevelyan's return was now to be associated with new and varied +interest in the interior and exterior management of this pleasant home. +Fanny Trevelyan was cheered by the hope of her brother's presence. +Company would now be entertained in a manner creditable to the former +hospitality which distinguished the Trevelyans. The handsome and elegant +apartments assigned to the daily use of the inmates in nowise +deteriorated from the exterior prospect. The extensive drawing-rooms, in +which were arranged, with tasteful effect, rich furniture, gorgeous +carpets, and all those beautiful collections of art, requisite to adorn +the home of the great and refined. The inviting library with its massive +display of well-lined shelves, the cheerful breakfast room with its +eastern aspect, the countless retreats, balconies, verandas, and summer +houses, formed a pleasing feature in the every-day life, pursuits, and +recreations of this affectionate family. Home was the spirit-like +influence which was infused in every feeling, thought, and action. A +sense of ease and comfort was enjoyed throughout the entire household. +Despite the difference of rank, wealth, and dignity, the poor dependents +felt a warm and devoted confidence in their high-born superiors. In the +sweet and childlike Fanny Trevelyan there was a subtle magnetizing +influence which compelled acknowledgment. In her kind and loving heart +was much room for the troubles and daily cares of the dependents +surrounding the estate of Trevelyan Hall. Many acts of kindness were +performed in a quiet and childlike way that was indeed pretty to see.</p> + +<p>The only daughter of Colonel Trevelyan was a maiden of a rare and +striking character. Her gentle disposition was sufficient to win +admiration irrespective of the purity and noble qualities of her mind. +Though eighteen summers had lightly flown over the head of this lovely +girl, her manner was that of a sweet, intelligent, lovable, and +sensitive child. Sweetness of disposition was truly the coloring most +profusely portrayed in the character of Fanny Trevelyan. In this fact +lay her great delight upon Captain Trevelyan's return. Upon this fact +was based the happy expectation of seeing the generous-hearted Mr. Howe. +From this source she found all that contributed to make life pleasant +and enjoyable.</p> + +<p>The possessor of those charms had no great claim to personal beauty, yet +she might be called beautiful. The regular features of her small and +well formed face were devoid of any distinguishing lineaments, the deep +blue eyes had a quiet, earnest light, which often shone with increasing +brightness, when accompanied with the expressive smile so often bestowed +upon those who dwelt within and around "The Hall."</p> + +<p>As sometimes one hears remarks paid to beauty called forth by blushes, +surely in this instance we can fairly claim the compliment due Fanny +Trevelyan, whose maiden blushes indeed made her appear in truth very +beautiful—of the beauty which shall last when all other shall fade—of +the beauty which flows from the heart, kept fresh in the daily +performance of those duties that spring from the impulses of a beautiful +soul. Thus might be classified the type of beauty which adorned the +sister of Captain Trevelyan—beauty of disposition—beauty of +mind—beauty of soul.</p> + +<p>During the last two years a friendship had sprung up between Fanny +Trevelyan and Maude Bereford. They had studied for a short time under +the same masters, from which fact arose the present attachment. A +striking similarity of disposition was noticeable between those friends, +yet, in many respects they were widely different. Though Fanny Trevelyan +was so deeply sensitive, childish and engaging, there was a depth of +character underlying these which found no comparison in Maude Bereford, +the former possessing powers of thought and reflection, which were +entire strangers to the mind of the latter. In the preferment of Lady +Rosamond, they were of the same mind. While on a visit to the Castle, +Fanny Trevelyan had received many proofs of affection from its beautiful +young mistress. She took much pleasure in the company of Maude Bereford +in strolling amid the lovely gardens, but experienced keener delight in +listening to Lady Rosamond's description of scenes in New Brunswick +rendered so dear by being associated with her brother who was still +indeed her great regard. Many times Fanny Trevelyan tried to form +various conjectures concerning this beautiful woman, wondering why she +had such an influence that was more powerful when removed from her +presence. She wondered if her brother Guy felt the same powerful +influence as herself. He had never expressed any decided opinion in +favor of her ladyship, yet she did not consider the fact as of much +importance; but he had not shown in any manner, nor by repeated +inquiries, any betrayal that would lead one to suppose that he +entertained any regard whatever for the lovely being.</p> + +<p>Fanny Trevelyan was now busied in matters of great importance. +Preparations were being made for the reception of Maude Bereford, Mary +Douglas and Mr. Howe. Then she would hear still further of New Brunswick +life—its pleasures and its inconveniences. Gaily did she perform the +many little offices left to deft fingers and untiring patience. Maude +had availed herself of the temporary absence of her invalid brother and +his devoted wife. Three weeks were to be spent in the society of +Trevelyan Hall. Fanny Trevelyan had a little secret project in her mind +which gave much pleasure. She would be in a position to introduce Maude +Bereford to the notice of her brother Guy. With girlish glee she +anticipated much from the circumstance, wondering in what way her friend +might be received at the hand of the last named gentleman.</p> + +<p>On the other hand Captain Trevelyan had <i>his</i> plans to mature. Without +consulting his sister's opinion, he had a secret pleasure in the hope +that his ever true friend might find much to admire in the young girl +who was soon to be their guest. He had not the slightest wish to enter +on any schemes by which his loved sister might be complicated. Fanny +Trevelyan was fancy free. It was his fond hope that she remain so many +years to come. Bitter experience taught Captain Trevelyan a lesson from +which he could draw many useful hints and resolves. He was careful to +guard against any exposure to which his loved sister might be subjected.</p> + +<p>Amid these doubly laid plans the inmates of the hall welcomed their +visitors, in whom were also included Captain Douglas. The sincerity of +the latter was expressive in the humorous and hearty congratulations +showered upon the genial host.</p> + +<p>"Trevelyan, old boy, you are a mighty fine specimen of the old school! +Egad, what would the Frederictonians say could they look in upon you +now," exclaimed the incorrigible Charles, with the ruling passion +uppermost, while he threw himself upon an easy chair in a free and +jovial manner.</p> + +<p>"I am inclined to think that they would not be favorably impressed with +such a wholesale exhibition were each one to repeat the same performance +as yourself," retorted Mr. Howe, assuming an air of nonchalance.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see how it is with my honored friend," once more ventured Captain +Douglas, "he already is maturing plans to place me at disadvantage +before I have fairly secured entrance to Trevelyan Hall; but," added the +speaker, with an air of playful menace, "old chap the tables may turn, +as they did many a time in Fredericton."</p> + +<p>Much as Mr. Howe regarded his friend, Charles Douglas, he wished that +the last remark had not been made. Though it were said with the ease of +unconscious and humorous gaiety, the quick glance of the secretary saw +the instant effect. This was the only point on which he remained +reticent to his bosom friend. They had been together for years. They had +grown from childhood together, yet Captain Trevelyan's secret must +remain a secret. Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have +cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime +marked out the strait laid down by the great poet: "where one but goes +abreast." But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood. Everything +contributed to make the reception a flattering one. Fanny Trevelyan was +at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother. Mary +Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan. On +several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of +Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald +Bereford's health and strength. Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining +and happy. A more pleasant party were never gathered at "The Hall." Lady +Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment +and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which +endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance. +It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the +entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her +only son when placed among strangers in a distant land. By every +possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude +and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family +who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant +when first deprived of the society of his own happy household. Such was +the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested +friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright +light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening visions of +disappointed hopes or vain delusions.</p> + +<p>This happy family have realized their parents' wishes. Captain +Trevelyan's retirement was urged by an earnest entreaty on the part of +his mother. By it he could attend to the numerous requirements of the +estate, which had lately become an onerous duty devolving upon Mrs. +Trevelyan. The faithful steward of the family had grown old in the +service and not capable of managing the business as in the days of his +prime. Yet the fact only added to his reputation. Captain Trevelyan +advised in such a quiet and suggestive manner that the old servant +scarcely felt his growing inability. No discord prevailed. Moderation +was the true secret. The family of Colonel Trevelyan treated their +dependents with gentleness and kindness. Lady Trevelyan often sought +advice from them in such a way as both showed her confidence in their +opinion, and gained unbounded respect towards the relationship thus +existing between them. Mary Douglas at first seemed inclined to shrink +from the reserved demeanor of her ladyship, but further acquaintance +made her feel comparatively at ease. Really the present occasion +afforded opportunity for what may, with due propriety, be termed a +complication of plans, or more properly still, plans within plans. Lady +Trevelyan had formed her little plans. To do justice to her ladyship we +will not say that she formed it, but that she would very agreeably and +readily have acquiesced in the matter. Reader, we are half inclined to +keep her ladyship's—no, we will not say plan—fond dream—a secret. +Supposing that many of you are not considered temper-proof we dare not +provoke the multiplied assaults of hitherto amiable and patient friends, +therefore we will treat you fairly by taking you into our entire +confidence at present. Lady Trevelyan had soon learned to love Mary +Douglas with a feeling akin to her nature. She fondly watched every +effort or action in the movement of her favorite guest. Every playful or +fond gesture was carefully hoarded up as a store of treasures in the +mind of her ladyship. Faithfully did she note each mark of favor shown +at the hand of the genial young host. Lady Trevelyan was <i>only a woman</i> +as all others. Do not chide if she had set her heart upon one fond +thought—if she secretly hoped that Guy Trevelyan would endeavor to +secure for her another daughter in the beautiful Mary Douglas. Is a +devoted mother always rewarded for such anxiety towards her first-born +and heir? Do these respective heirs and highly-favored children strive +to further the wishes of those deeply interested parents, especially +mothers? In a more particular sense, did Captain Trevelyan take any +steps to advance the scheme which lay near her ladyship's heart?</p> + +<p>Fanny Trevelyan was also busily occupied in watching the daily progress +of her fond projects. She was not overjoyed in fond expectation, yet was +contented to await the result of daily companionship for an indefinite +period, as Maude Bereford was to remain until her presence was demanded +at the castle. Still the young hostess gave herself no uneasiness about +her brother's affairs. If he would form an attachment to Maude Bereford +it would be a source for much rejoicing and happiness. She was +altogether unconscious of the counter plots or schemes laid to thwart +her own. Mr. Howe was vastly entertaining in his endless variety of +diverting moods, making himself by turn the especial cavalier of every +lady in the company. To Lady Trevelyan he was doubly considerate and +devoted. Captain Trevelyan knew the motive and warmly appreciated it. He +had many times wished for an opportunity to return such passing acts of +kindness, yet in vain. Captain Douglas fully sustained his former +reputation for satirical jests and well-timed jokes at the expense of +his friends. Frequently those whom he regarded <i>most</i> received attacks +in proportion to the value of such regard. Formerly to Lieutenant +Trevelyan and his friend Howe were daily administered doses of almost +equal quantity and in double proportion to those outside the household. +Yet who did not admire the gifted, manly, and handsome son of Sir Howard +Douglas? Who was not ready to welcome him with heart and hand around the +festive board or social circle? Who has not become infected by his +jovial, gay, happy, and generous nature? Truly, Captain Charles Douglas +was a worthy son of an honored race—the royal house of Douglas. In the +midst of such a company of "tried friends and true," the days and weeks +must have flown rapidly away while enjoying the hospitality of Trevelyan +Hall.</p> + +<p>Fanny Trevelyan, admired, petted, and caressed, had still the same +childlike nature when friendship had been matured by daily +companionship. Mary Douglas was charmed with the sweet and engaging +manner which was at first attributed to a want of confidence. Frequently +she spoke to Captain Trevelyan concerning his "child sister," as she +playfully termed her once, exclaiming: "How beautiful if Fanny shall +always be a child woman."</p> + +<p>"It shall be my earnest wish," returned Guy; "I would not have her +otherwise."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>A WINTER IN THE ETERNAL CITY.</h3> + + +<p>Gerald Bereford was now enjoying the soft summer breezes, blue skies and +golden sunshine of an Italian climate. His health seemed to improve as +he neared the far-famed city—the eternal city—the gigantic monument of +what has been in ages of the mighty past. Many visions arose before Lady +Rosamond's mind as she contemplated the magnificent ruins that met her +at every gaze. In the company of several acquaintances they visited +scenes of impressive and peculiar interest: St. Peter's, in all its +glory, rising from its piazza of stately columns and fountains, +something too grand for description. This imposing specimen of classic +architecture, with grandeur inconceivable, the interior, the lofty dome, +called up emotions her ladyship could never forget. In the coliseum the +invalid seemed to enjoy returning vigor as he looked down from the upper +halls and viewed the triumphal arches of Constantine, Septimus, Severus +and Titus, now crumbling into decay, the lofty corridors left to the +mercy of the elements, the endless porches grass grown and unprotected +from the wild beast, the mouldering parapet, taught the one inspiring +theme—mortality. This ruin of ruins—what can it not recall to a vivid +imagination? The thousands who lined those seats in eager gaze upon the +arena with its bloody and heart-sickening conflicts, its array of +blood-thirsty antagonists, its dying groans, its weltering victims. +Where are they? What remains? Awful solitude, awful grandeur, awful +beauty, desolation. Peace, the emblem of Christianity, now reigns in the +ancient stronghold of barbaric passion, butchery and strife. Lady +Rosamond had visited ruins of palaces, castles, bridges, arches, +cathedrals, monuments and countless relics of the past, but none had the +power to chain her thoughts as the stupendous coliseum, viewed in the +solemn stillness of a moonlight night. The present was a beautiful +dream. It had a softening effect upon the devoted wife, infusing peace, +content, and calm repose. The solemn reminders on every side had a charm +to soothe her hitherto troubled breast. Holy emotions were nurtured +within the heart where once reposed unresisting conflicts of rebellious +strife and discontent.</p> + +<p>With the warm breath of nature came awakening life into the emaciated +frame of the invalid. Lady Rosamond devoted every waking moment to her +husband. In the charming eventide they sat upon the balcony of their +residence overlooking the Corso, catching a glimpse of the open country +beyond the surrounding mountains and the ever restless Tiber. +Frequently, they rode slowly along the Appian Way, now almost impassable +for heaps of rubbish, mounds, and broken fragments, temples, columns, +pillars, and successive piles of neglected relics. The Campagna, in its +dreary aspect, often tempted their stay. Sometimes her ladyship would +have a feeling of vexation, knowing that it was utterly impossible to +visit more of the sights of Rome. They might remain for years and leave +many scenes unexplored. The palace of the Vatican formed a life-long +study for Lady Rosamond. Only a few of its four thousand rooms could be +visited, yet these were bewildering in variety. Here they could view the +most wonderful collections of art and grandeur that the world affords. +Here were stored the endless piles of antique trophies of every +clime—rooms representing oriental scenes throughout, starlit skies, and +monsters of unknown existence meet one on every side and fill the mind +with awe.</p> + +<p>For the benefit of the reader we will insert the letters written by Lady +Rosamond to her friend, Mary Douglas, containing a short description of +some important places, and showing the tender interest inciting the +writer when referring to the circumstance of her husband's ill +health—the hopeful vein which pervaded throughout, and the true spirit +of friendship extended to the absent one.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Rome, February</span> 10th, 1831.</p> + +<p><i>My Dearest Mary</i>:</p> + +<p>As many miles lie between us there is no alternative but the +hastily written and imperfect scribble which will shortly be +presented you, if the elements have not conspired against us.</p> + +<p>In order to relieve your uneasiness I beg to state that Gerald's +health is daily improving. He has much faith in Rome. Scarcely a +day passes without his enjoying the benefit of the delightful +atmosphere and the lovely drives out into the open country, of +which I must tell you afterwards. The large number of acquaintances +formed since our arrival have contributed much to our enjoyment. We +frequently meet many of our old friends. Imagine our delightful +surprise on seeing Captain Crofton, his wife and daughter. Of +course you remember the latter—a lovely girl of purely blonde +style, whom we meet at Lady Berkeley's, and who created such +sensations in London circles on her first appearance in society. +Gerald declares that the face of an old friend is better than +medicine. What do you think he would say were you to enter rather +suddenly upon us? My dearest, I know what I would say if such an +overwhelming happiness were in store. These thoughts call up +feelings which are inimical to peace and content. I am almost +tempted to wish for the quiet of our English home and the sight of +your dear face. But this must not be. I shall forget to give you +some sights of Rome if I indulge in vain and foolish regrets. +Really I am at a loss how to convey any idea of such scenes as we +are almost daily witnessing. In the present instance I feel my +inability to appreciate what is lofty and inspiring to every +cultivated mind. Often I am inclined to envy those of brilliant +intellectual perceptions like yourself. When the day arrives that +you visit the Eternal City will it not be viewed in a different +sense than in the present under the ordinary gaze of your +short-sighted Rosamond?</p> + +<p>Gerald says: "Tell Mary something of the churches," without +thinking of the arduous task therein devolved. Poor fellow! He +seems anxious to make amends for so much self-sacrifice. In +compliance to his wishes your friend reaps twofold pleasure, +therefore Mary shall hear "of the churches."</p> + +<p>About three weeks ago a party of tourists, including the Croftons +and ourselves; visited several of the grand old churches, so +important in the history of Roman architecture of classic ages. The +first we entered was the church of the Ara Coeli, said to occupy +the site of the ancient temple of Jupiter Feretrius. It was a +gloomy old structure with long rows of pillars of Etruscan design. +On ascending the long flight of steep stairs on one side the +impressive gloom increased. The situation awoke old associations of +the sybilline and vague predictions of the time-honored +soothsayers—their power—their greatness—their fall. We were more +than impressed with the churches of St. Giovanni and St. Paolo, +beneath which lay in awful depths the subterranean caverns said to +be connected with the Coliseum. Gerald remained above while I +followed the explorers through these dismal yawning gulfs seemingly +ready to open and shut their victims in a living tomb. Streets ran +in various directions; the mouldy, damp walls emitted a +disagreeable watery vapor that rendered the air unbearable; +stagnant pools lay on all sides. Is it not an appalling thought +that these successive ranges of caverns were constructed for the +human victims to be eaten by the beasts at the Coliseum, yet such +is the legend. Doubtless you already weary of churches, but having +first attempted them at the suggestion of Gerald, now I am deeply +interested in the matter myself. But you will only listen to one +more very short account. The church of San Sebastiano, which next +received us, is situated on the Appian Way, and perhaps the most +remarkable of any we have hitherto visited. The site is truly +beyond description. The stupendous masses of rocks piled on every +side appeared to give it an interest more than common. The endless +rows of decaying columns, pillars, stained windows, and paintings, +added one more link to the chain of daily events which form such an +important part in our visit.</p> + +<p>As I intend very soon to write you something of a livelier +description, I now conclude this hastily-written scribble. Dearest, +I expect to hear from you all immediately. Gerald is rapidly +improving, and is sanguine of ultimate recovery. Adieu. From</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Your Rosamond</span>.</p></div> + +<p>Lady Rosamond now entertained hopes of her husband's recovery. He seemed +much stronger and took a deeper interest in their explorations. In the +company of English friends he visited all the accessible spots of +historic ground. Lady Rosamond was always ready to encourage him by her +hopeful remarks and winning smile. She had formed an attachment to the +lovely Mabel Crofton, who indeed repaid her in a fond return.</p> + +<p>Nothing gave Gerald Bereford more anxiety than the pale face of his +wife. In his feeble health he strove to draw her ladyship's attention +towards the social circle with a view to raise her occasional drooping +spirits.</p> + +<p>In the young English maiden Lady Rosamond found much company. They +conversed much and enjoyed the sights together with united regard and +interest.</p> + +<p>In answer to a lengthy letter received shortly afterwards from Mary +Douglas, the following was penned by Lady Rosamond:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Rome, April</span> 15th, 1831.</p> + +<p><i>My Darling Mary</i>:</p> + +<p>Truly did you respond to my wishes. How can I ever repay so much +devotion? You have indeed granted my requests in mentioning all my +friends, and giving all the matter which interests Gerald so much. +He is indeed truly grateful and is going to write you by next mail. +His health has not been improving so rapidly of late, yet we have +every hope of his recovery. Will it not be a happy moment when we +meet again on the shores of dear old England? The very dust and fog +will have a charm hitherto unknown.</p> + +<p>As we are in Rome you will expect something from Rome, therefore I +will tell you of what has recently been going on. Last week was the +Carnival. Gerald complained of weakness and fatigue, having exerted +himself too much during the previous week. He was much disappointed +in not being able to participate in the amusement, but had to be +satisfied by remaining on the balcony of our residence, overlooking +the Corso, which, as you know, is the principal street paraded on +those occasions. Gerald interrupts me by requesting a long letter +and full description, therefore on him alone rests the blame if I +exceed the length usually devoted to letter writing.</p> + +<p>Now for the Carnival. At an early hour on Monday morning the usual +bustle and active preparations commenced. Carriages rolled along +laden with confectionaries and flowers. In fact the street, houses, +and passing vehicles of every description, appeared as though the +heavens had literally rained flowers—flowers showered in every +direction. Evidently we were certain that flowers were to be one of +the prominent features witnessed in the grand demonstration. Every +house opening on the Corso was covered with bright streamers, +pennons, and flags of every size, shape, color, and hue—red, blue, +white, green, gold, purple, yellow, and pink. Every window was +festooned with flowers, banners, and like array. Every shop was +converted into gorgeous saloons, decorated with trees, garlands, +evergreens, resplendent in silver, crimson, and gold, filled with +hundreds of anxious spectators. Every nook and corner was made +bright by the sparkle of beautiful eyes, merry smiles and happy +faces. Thousands jostled on every side in representation of +monkeys, lions, tigers, soldiers, clowns, maniacs. Satanic deities +and every other deity credited to countless ages, helped to swell +the crowd wedging themselves between line upon line of carriages +four abreast. The general bombardment commenced on all sides was +truly an exciting scene. Grand assaults were made upon houses and +carriage with alike furious resistance; missiles of bonbons rose in +the air, volley upon volley; storms of flowers. Those seated in +windows and balconies made desperate onsets upon the passing +carriages. Hand to hand encounters now became general; monkeys +assailed lions; mamelukes returned the fire of gipsies; a grand +hurly-burly arose from every point in sight. Clouds fell from upper +balconies upon each side of the street as the crowds poured on in +incessant streams which became at intervals one moving mass of dust, +white as snow. Beautiful ladies, maidens and children, mingled in +the gay scene—all intent upon the same enjoyment. It is impossible +to convey the faintest idea of this grand display which is kept up +from early morning until half-past four o'clock, when the street is +cleared as by magic. How such a concourse of carriages and people +get into the adjoining nooks and piazzas in such a short time is +astonishing, while thousands still cling to the sidewalks of the +Corso. A chariot race is the next proceeding, when, within the +space of a few moments, the horses are in their places—the signal +given—the distance of the Corso gained—the race won.</p> + +<p>This is the first day's outline of sport, which is followed in +successive order until the end of the season. Having already +lengthened this letter in twofold proportion, I must take room to +say that the festive scene instantly ceases as the solemn notes of +Ave Maria rises from the hundreds of steeples—the requiem for the +departing carnival.</p> + +<p>I will not distract your attention with the palaces of the Cæsars, +the Cenci, St. Angelo, and the remains of antiquity still to be +seen here, but trust that when we meet again every wish that you +formerly expressed regarding our stay in Rome will be realized a +thousandfold.</p> + +<p>Looking at the volume of this letter I feel quite ashamed, but +trust that absence and distance will help to plead my cause. Gerald +seems quite confident that his suggestion will also speak loudly in +my favor, and perhaps he is right. At least I hope so. Remember me +kindly to every one of the family, I shall mention none +particularly. Gerald expresses a wish not to be forgotten by you. +Now, dearest Mary, if this truly formidable missive weary you, +please deal gently with Gerald and</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Your Loving Rosamond</span>.</p></div> + +<p>Lady Rosamond had given her friend some of the glimpses of her +experience in Rome, yet she had much more to relate on her arrival. Some +months would elapse before her husband would consider his health +sufficiently restored to return to his native land. At intervals he +seemed almost restored when a sudden relapse would cause a renewed +return of the symptoms attending his flattering disease. Still they were +hopeful that with the returning spring health would be restored the +patient invalid. Throughout the severe dispensation Gerald Bereford +manifested no irritation, no fretfulness, no complaining. He seemed to +be happy in appreciating the labors of his beautiful wife. On one +occasion, when she asked if he did not weary of his sickness, he quietly +replied:</p> + +<p>"Darling Rosamond, it has shown that you are willing to sacrifice every +pleasure in devotion to one who can never fully repay such a debt of +gratitude. Do you think that I can try, my Rosamond?" exclaimed he, +pressing a fond kiss upon the lips of the pale but lovely woman, as she +sat beside him.</p> + +<p>Ah! Gerald Bereford knew not that in these words there lay a hidden +meaning. Surely, and in a way unknown to both, will the debt be paid.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>LIGHT, SHADOW, AND DARKNESS.</h3> + + +<p>The guests at Trevelyan Hall had departed, Maude Bereford alone +remaining. Captain Trevelyan applied himself to the duties devolving +upon him with a will. His hospitality was the comment of many. He had +begun life aright. His honest heart and upright principles were a sure +passport to prosperity and popularity. "The Hall" was a scene of much +gaiety and resort. Large gatherings were of frequent occurrence, to +which the families of the surrounding neighbourhood were cordially +invited. Fanny Trevelyan was idolized among her youthful companions and +associates. Her sweet face was welcomed as a delightful acquisition on +every occasion. Many sought to show their fond appreciation of her +retiring manners and graceful elegance. Flattery had no power over her. +She possessed a character of too much depth and penetration to harbor the +least feeling akin to vanity. Lady Trevelyan had guarded her daughter's +education and trained her with a view to set a proper estimate upon those +qualities which ennoble and elevate the soul. Maude Bereford was a proper +companion for Fanny Trevelyan. Their minds were in harmony, while the +latter acted as a propelling power to force the aspirations of the other +above their common flight. Lady Trevelyan was pleased with this +companionship. Though she could not discern the brilliant genius and +powers which characterized the beautiful Mary Douglas, there was much +to admire in Maude Bereford. Captain Trevelyan was kind, amiable and +attentive. He paid every mark of respect towards his gentle and loveable +guest. Frequently they walked, chatted and rode together. Maude was +pleased with the gentlemanly attentions of the engaging officer, and +showed her appreciation in many ways. He enjoyed the society of those two +girls much as those of playful children. Fanny was truly happy in her +brother's company.</p> + +<p>"Dear Guy, you must never love any one more than me," was a frequent +rejoinder as she received his many tender caresses.</p> + +<p>One day, when seated upon the lower end of the balcony, Fanny laid her +hand lovingly upon her brother's shoulder and looking into his face, +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Guy, I have often wondered about you."</p> + +<p>"About me, pet," returned the latter, "what can it be about me that is +really worthy of so much attention from a young lady fair? Already I +feel as of some importance."</p> + +<p>Guy Trevelyan was now a handsome man of twenty-seven. The effeminate +blush of youth had given place to an open and engaging animation that +made him doubly attractive. Turning his gaze upon his sister, he added:</p> + +<p>"Come, little one, tell me this great wonder. I must not be kept in +suspense. Cannot Maude assist you? If so, I rely upon her in the present +dilemma," said Guy, turning in playful appeal to Maude Bereford.</p> + +<p>"Your surmise is groundless, <i>mon frere</i>," returned Fanny, in childish +glee, "Maude is entirely in the dark, (pardon the vulgarism.)"</p> + +<p>"I will pardon you in everything, provided you gratify my curiosity," +said the other.</p> + +<p>"Fanny, it is unjust to treat Guy in this way," said Maude, by way of +intercession.</p> + +<p>"Two against one," cried Fanny, with a demure smile upon her face. "The +majority has it. I am placed in a difficult position," said she, turning +to her friend, adding, "Maude only for your suggestion I might have been +able to extricate myself. Well, I shall try my best to maintain peace by +compliance to your united wishes."</p> + +<p>"By telling us one of the seven wonders," interrupted Maude.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Fanny, "I have often wondered why it was that Guy could +remain so long in the companionship of Mary Douglas or Lady Rosamond and +come back heart whole to Trevelyan Hall."</p> + +<p>Captain Trevelyan had received a home thrust, yet he betrayed no feeling +and showed no reason for suspicion, at least in the eyes of his sister +and her companion. A quiet laugh greeted the remark. Guy Trevelyan had +not the keen glances of the secretary levelled at him now, else the +puzzling expression that rested awhile upon his face would instantly +have been detected.</p> + +<p>"That is the great wonder," said the brother, drawing his sister nearer +to his side, adding: "Well, my little sister, until <i>you</i> have become +weary of your brother's keeping he is anxious to claim the gracious +liberty of possessing the love of one devoted heart. What says <i>la +belle</i> Fanny?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Guy," cried Maude, "she was afraid that you may possibly have +charitable intentions towards some fair one and wishes to make the +test."</p> + +<p>"Why, Maude," exclaimed Fanny, "you are really in earnest; I shall begin +to think, from the stand you have taken in the matter, that Guy had +better beware, else ere long he will not be able to make such avowals to +his sister."</p> + +<p>"Come, come, little mischief-maker, no jealousy," cried Captain +Trevelyan, hastily drawing an arm of each within his own, and then they +joined her ladyship in the shrubbery.</p> + +<p>Fanny Trevelyan was truly in jest. She had found that no real attachment +was to be formed between her brother and friend. There had arisen +instead a tender familiarity, a friendship that is rare to be seen. +Maude Bereford had grown to treat Guy Trevelyan with brotherly kindness. +It pleased him to witness this feeling arising from disinterested +friendship and motives of genuine purity. Were it otherwise he would +feel an embarrassment that might affect his honest nature. When left to +himself he could not dismiss from his thoughts the remark made by his +sister. He knew she was ignorant of his affairs in New Brunswick, yet he +felt sorely puzzled.</p> + +<p>Not long after the following conversation took place, Maude Bereford was +preparing to hasten homeward. Lady Rosamond sent cheerful accounts of +her husband's rapid improvement. They were still visiting amid the ruins +in hopes of speedily returning to England.</p> + +<p>Every fortnight brought to Trevelyan Hall a lengthy epistle from Mary +Douglas—lengthy from the fact of its being addressed to each member of +the family—bearing remembrance to Lady Trevelyan, many choice bits of +gossip to Guy, and charming effusions to Fanny, full of love and +tenderness. Her last contained a glowing allusion to Lady Rosamond—an +eager desire to meet her loving friend; also fervent gratitude for the +hopeful restoration of Gerald's health.</p> + +<p>"I am almost inclined to feel a pang of jealousy," exclaimed Fanny, as +she read and re-read the contents of the precious missive. "Mary loves +Lady Rosamond better than any other friends on earth."</p> + +<p>"Why not, my child?" questioned Lady Trevelyan; "they are old +friends—friends in childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. Lady Rosamond is +worthy of the truest and purest love. She is beautiful, good, and +lovable. Who could see her ladyship but to admire and love?"</p> + +<p>"Dear Mamma," returned Fanny, "you share my sentiments towards Lady +Rosamond. Guy seemed surprised when I ventured to wonder why he could +remain so long in the daily society of two such gifted and lovely beings +as her ladyship and Mary Douglas, without forming stronger ties than +those of friendship."</p> + +<p>"Both are lovely," exclaimed Lady Trevelyan. "It would indeed be a +difficult matter for a lover to decide between two so much alike in +beauty, grace, and loveliness."</p> + +<p>"Strange that I did not think of this before, mamma," said the +childlike Fanny with an air of much wisdom. "The poet must certainly +have experienced the same predicament when he wrote:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"How happy could I be with either,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Were t'other dear charmer away."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>A week had elapsed after Maude had arrived at the castle when a hastily +written note was received by Fanny Trevelyan from the former, containing +sad news from Rome. Gerald Bereford had apparently recovered, and was on +the eve of returning home when he was suddenly seized with hemorrhage of +the lungs, which rapidly reduced him and brought on prostration. Medical +assistance had been obtained, but he now lay in a critical state, every +means being used to prevent another attack, in which case there could be +no hope.</p> + +<p>Maude Bereford had penned those lines in bitter anguish. She loved her +brother from the depths of her heart. His life must be spared. Heaven +could not deprive her of such a blessing. Ah, no, he will live! In this +hour of trial the sorrowing girl sought comfort in those rebellious and +sinful thoughts. She had not the sustaining faith to say, "Thy will be +done." It is needless to say that Maude's letter met much sympathy at +"The Hall." Fanny cried heartily. She could not think of any thing but +the sadness that had fallen upon the inmates of the Castle.</p> + +<p>"Poor Lady Rosamond," exclaimed she, in tones of undisguised sadness, +"how she will lament her sad fate if Gerald should die? Oh, mamma, I +cannot think it possible that he must die."</p> + +<p>"Tempt not Heaven, my child, for 'with God all things are possible,'" +said Lady Trevelyan, who was a truly Christian woman. "Everything is +ordered aright," continued her ladyship, "there are no afflictions or +trials in life but what are considered for our good. It is indeed a +heavy blow upon the young wife to lose the husband of her choice, but +how many have borne up when deprived of father, mother, husband and +child."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mamma," exclaimed Fanny, "if I could only look upon the ways of +Providence in the same manner as you. I know it is sinful, but I cannot +help thinking that it is too hard for Gerald to be taken away from Lady +Rosamond. How I pity her. Poor dear Maude too. How badly she must feel."</p> + +<p>The physician's worst fears were realized. Spite of every care and +precaution a second attack of hemorrhage made its fatal ravages upon the +fast sinking body of the sufferer. Gerald Bereford must die. All hopes +are at an end. Death has set its seal upon his broad, fair forehead. +Soon the eyes that still fondly linger upon the form of his beautiful +wife shall close to open upon the scenes of another world.</p> + +<p>This was a bitter trial to Lady Rosamond! Her husband was to die in a +foreign land. He was to be deprived of a last farewell to the dear +friends at home. Such thoughts, bore heavily upon the susceptible nature +of this faithful woman. Could she then have gathered those loved ones +around the dying bed of her husband, she would have sacrificed every +earthly desire; yes, her life. Then did she think of her friend, Mary +Douglas; then did she need the consolation of a true Christian friend. +Like a ministering angel, she strove to soothe the last hours of her +dying husband. Never was woman more devoted, heroic and patient. Not a +murmur escaped her lips as she sat for hours watching the quickening +breath in death-like struggle, convulsing the almost lifeless form of +one who had ever been kind, dutiful, loving, and true to his vow.</p> + +<p>On his death-bed, Gerald Bereford felt no pangs of remorse devouring his +latest thoughts. He could die in the belief of having been ever devoted +to her whom he had promised to love, cherish and protect. Keenly did +Lady Rosamond feel this reflection. Had her husband been less kind, +generous and true, she could have borne the present with a firmness +worthy of her spirit. But the thoughts that now filled her breast were +maddening, merciless and torturing.</p> + +<p>"What have I done to suffer so much through life," was the mental +question ever uppermost.</p> + +<p>Gerald Bereford had fought the battle of life bravely. He had taken part +in its conflicts and struggles, never flinching from his post when duty +called. Ambition had dazzlingly tempted him on—on—further on. He must +be victorious in gaining the cause for which so many had fought with +firm determination. Could he have lived to see the result of such +political warfare—its blessings and its privileges—its freedom—he +might exclaim with the brave general, "I die happy." But he <i>did</i> die +happy. He <i>lived</i> a happy life—he <i>died</i> a happy death.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond had many kind friends amidst this sad bereavement. Her +pale face had power to move the most stoical—more powerful than the +loudest outbursts of grief, or the paroxysms of a passionate and +unsubdued sorrow.</p> + +<p>What she suffered in those hours of silent anguish Heaven alone can ever +know. Thoughts forced themselves upon her almost too hard to bear. Truly +did she need the strength for which she had prayed on a former occasion. +It seems a sacrilegious intrusion to unveil the heart of this truly +devoted woman, who had sacrificed her entire being to the wishes and +welfare of one whom she had calmly laid to rest. Fain would we stop +here. But the sequel must be told.</p> + +<p>Lady Rosamond had married Gerald Bereford with a firm resolve to be a +dutiful and yielding wife, yet her heart had refused to follow. She +never loved the man who lived upon her smiles. Still he knew it not. She +was to him kind, loving, and pure. She was indeed <i>kind</i>. In every +action shone kindness in characters of bold relief. Everyone who knew +her found naught but true kindness. <i>Loving</i>? Yes, loving; though Gerald +Bereford stirred not the depths of Lady Rosamond's heart, she was +capable of a love as undying as the soul that gave it birth. It was her +life—her being. In pity for her faithful husband she had guarded every +secret passage of the heart which might lead to the betrayal of bitter +and desolate feelings. <i>Pure</i>? Yes; purity was the guiding star which +marked the daily course of this woman's existence. Her acts were +pure—her mind was pure—her heart was pure—every thought was pure. +There was purity in her sorrow, leading to pure and holy +thoughts—speaking to the soul—giving comfort—giving hope.</p> + +<p>In deep sincerity did Lady Rosamond mourn for her husband. She mourned +his loss as that of a loved brother—a dear friend—one in whom she +confided. She found much comfort in the thought of having done her best. +She had fulfilled her duty—she had struggled bravely. She had cheered +her husband's path through life—she had kept her secret—made one being +happy. Surely such thoughts must have offered some relief. She had +committed no wrong, having gone forth at the summon of duty, she had +taken upon her frail, trembling form, a cross overpowering in its +weight, yet she murmured not.</p> + +<p>As she is sitting beside the lifeless remains of one who had filled such +an important part in her history—a striking illustration of life in its +varied forms of existence—its joys—its sorrows—its longings—its +aspirations—its dreams—let us look upon her as one of the many +purified through much suffering—whose faith will meet its recompense.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> + + +<p>Reader, we will ask you to follow us as we pass over a period of two +years—two long years. The task imposed is an arduous one, yet, we +shrink not. All former friends must be searched out, and once more +introduced. Be not impatient if we do not succeed in the direct order of +your wishes. In the uncertain distance faint echoes are already heard +between intervals of solemn thoughts, while the name of Rosamond strikes +upon our ear and vibrates within us as though the influence of myriads +of spirits had woven around a deep subtle spell from which we cannot +force ourselves. In truth, you have won us—your point is gained.</p> + +<p>Now to your relief. Bereford Castle stands in its grandeur and beauty +with not an object near to mar the effect. Its stoical exterior bears no +impress of the loss sustained in the heir and son. Menacingly it frowns +upon those scenes which recall the realities of life. Amid storm, +sunshine, sickness and death, its aspect is unchanged—true type of its +age, order and design. On entrance, the interior is calm, quiet and +inviting. Daily contact with the inmates has had a soothing effect. Look +around. In the spacious drawing room, opening upon the garden, is the +family occupied in different ways. Lord Bereford is seated beside the +familiar form of a beautiful woman dressed in robes of mourning. A +second glance is not necessary to aid recognition. The sweet pensive +smile is sufficient. Lady Rosamond has lost none of her charms. Time has +no grudge against her for personal wrongs, no retributive justice to be +meted out—instead, the quiet happiness of a contented mind is lavished +with true delight. A fond light beams in the lovely eyes as they turn +towards Maude Bereford—ever the same Maude that strolled around +Trevelyan Hall some time in the past. The same simplicity is attached to +every movement, action and speech—Maude still.</p> + +<p>But a stranger is engrossing her attention. A tall, handsome and gallant +gentleman occupies a seat at her side, devoting his attentions to her, +occasionally addressing Lady Rosamond in terms of endearing familiarity. +There is not much difficulty in ascertaining the relationship. Geoffrey +Seymour had become a frequent visitor at the Castle. The blushes that +greeted him told the tale upon Maude Bereford. Yet, she cared not for +the eyes of the world. She had given her heart to a true, honorable and +affectionate lover. Already she has woven bright dreams wherein are +clearly portrayed outlines of two fond beings living in the sunshine of +each other's love, surrounded by the comforts and ease of a bright and +happy fireside. Lady Bereford is within the privacy of her own +apartments. Grief and anxiety have left heavy marks upon her hitherto +well preserved face. The furrowed forehead, wrinkles and grey hairs, +show full well the heavy blow which had been dealt her ladyship in the +death of her first-born. Time cannot eradicate the inroads made upon +this high-minded woman. Her failing health speaks of dissolution. The +mother's heart that beat so wildly as she dreamt of the glorious future +of her son, now feebly responded to the sluggish torpor of faded hopes.</p> + +<p>Other friends are awaited at the Castle. Ere we have time to turn aside, +light steps are flying across the hall and a girlish figure is at our +elbow, and the next instant in the arms of Lady Rosamond and Maude. The +childish face of Fanny Trevelyan once seen is not soon to be forgotten. +Oh no, Fanny, you occupy an important niche within our memory! Two years +were only a myth—a dream to the young mistress of Trevelyan Hall, save +when some other's troubles aroused her sympathy and called forth the +fine feelings of her nature. The former playful glee is still alive in +Fanny's buoyant and lively manner. Her gaiety at times subsides to gaze +upon Lady Rosamond's thoughtful face. The heart of this maiden is still +fancy free. Guy Trevelyan is not disappointed in his sister, he being +yet the dearest object of her heart.</p> + +<p>"Dearest Maude," cried Fanny, in rapturous delight, "will we not form a +happy family when Mary joins us."</p> + +<p>"One would consider you a happy family already if happiness bears +comparison by merriment," ventured a well-known voice from the outside +apartment—a voice that had power to stir the soul of Lady Rosamond to +its lowest depths, and kindle the smouldering passion time had vainly +tried to smother into a fierce and steady flame. Strange that her +ladyship must pass another fiery ordeal—that she must add more sorrow +to her hitherto sad, eventful life.</p> + +<p>No quivering lip or trembling form gave hope to Guy Trevelyan as he +pressed the small white hand of one whom he loved tenderly and +passionately—one whose image had been engraven upon his memory since he +had given his boyish affections to the lovely, high-born, gentle girl, +when a guest at Government House in Fredericton. Like the last moments +of a drowning man, scenes he had almost forgotten flashed before him in +countless array—scenes, varied and infinite, in which Lady Rosamond +formed the pleasing foreground.</p> + +<p>Face to face with this beautiful woman Guy Trevelyan was ready to fall +down in adoration and pour out the tale of his sorrow with the ardor of +undying love. What is the tenor of his thoughts while engaged in quiet +and easy conversation with her ladyship and the other occupants of the +drawing-room? Guy Trevelyan is wondering if he dare avow his love—if by +any means he can find hope to approach Lady Rosamond on a subject which +engrosses his waking thoughts.</p> + +<p>Mary Douglas completed the family circle. With her came love, joy, hope, +and happiness. Her lovely presence gave fresh impulse to every one +greeting her arrival. Lady Rosamond felt a ray of light shed upon her as +she caressed her true and constant friend. Maude was happier, if +possible, in the love of Geoffrey Seymour when listening to the sweet +silvery voice of this peerless woman. Fanny was overjoyed on the arrival +of Mary Douglas. She alone could open her heart before the gaze of a +companion. Her affections were untrammelled by false hopes or unrequited +love. She sought the society of the former with a feeling bordering on +idolatry. Together they spent much of their time, while Captain +Trevelyan was thrown upon the resources of Lady Rosamond. The constant +companionship of the man whom she loved cost many a bitter struggle to +her ladyship. The earnest gaze of Guy Trevelyan's soft eyes were indeed +hard to bear. If he only knew the power thus exercised upon the fair +being beside him. But Lady Rosamond had kept her secret from the eye of +any living creature save herself. Captain Trevelyan must not discover +the fatal knowledge. He must never know. Still they conversed together, +talked together, and spent many hours together, having much opportunity +to fathom the depths of each other's heart. Lady Rosamond seemed +cheerful, content, and happy. Captain Trevelyan was apparently +light-hearted, pleasing, agreeable, and attentive. Each guest endeavored +to make the most of this friendly meeting. Even Lady Bereford strove to +forget her feelings and rally her former spirits and dignified +stateliness. Bereford Castle enjoyed a season of delight.</p> + +<p>One lovely evening afterwards several voices mingled in the shrubbery +adjoining the garden. Maude was conversing in animated tones with Fanny +Trevelyan. Geoffrey Seymour had played truant to his lady love by +gallant attention to Mary Douglas.</p> + +<p>In a remote corner, almost beyond hearing of these, and scarcely visible +through the foliage, were the forms of a lady and gentleman seated +beneath the sheltering branches of a stately elm. A nearer approach shows +the rising color of the rose-tinted cheeks—the glorious light in those +lovely eyes—the bewitching and irresistible smile. A manly voice is +heard exclaiming in the tones of a rapturous lover, "Rosamond, my own +darling, I never expected to realize such happiness. In the possession of +such love I am a thousandfold rewarded for a lifetime of misery. Yes, my +peerless Rosamond, the last half hour has amply repaid the torturing +pangs of a forlorn and hopeless love which I have suffered since first +beholding you." At this avowal the speaker leaned towards Lady Rosamond +Bereford, revealing the features of Captain Trevelyan. In a moment of +passionate fervor he had confessed his undying attachment to the lovely +Rosamond, and had received the blissful assurance of reciprocated love. +He was in possession of a happiness beyond description as he told the oft +repeated tale to his betrothed wife, listening to her voice as it fell +like music upon his ear. The fond kiss which sealed their vows was more +precious than the mines of Golconda. Truly did Guy Trevelyan idolize the +beautiful woman who had now surrendered her heart to his keeping.</p> + +<p>Did Lady Rosamond tell <i>her</i> secret to her accepted lover? Did she also +confess the love which had been cherished towards the boyish lieutenant +when he became almost a daily visitor at Government House—the maddening +thoughts, that almost crushed her out of existence—the spirit of +rebellion against the designs of her loved parents—her resolution made +to Lady Douglas—her bitter struggle between duty and feeling—strength +of character—victory over self—devotion to her husband?</p> + +<p>This is <i>our</i> secret, and we will never reveal it. The reader must be +content to know that Captain Trevelyan was made happy beyond expectation +by whatever revelation or by what answer. Truly they were</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"Two souls with but a single thought,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Two hearts that beat as one."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Let us assume the garb of the seer and step stealthily over the distance +dividing the future, and gently draw aside the veil! What meets our +gaze? A beautiful picture. The scene is now in Trevelyan Hall, where a +reception is being held to welcome the beautiful bride of Captain +Trevelyan—Lady Rosamond Trevelyan. Truly the peerless Rosamond. The +beauty of the latter never shone so resplendent. Love has brought its +unsurpassing charms. Love imparted life, brilliancy and soul to the face +of the bride. Captain Trevelyan gazed upon her as though such radiance +could scarcely be of earth. In the train of guests foremost stands Mary +Douglas, whose happiness is indeed great. She is certain of the love +existing between the newly-wedded pair, therefore reflects happiness +from the thought. Next in order follows Maude Bereford, whose smiling +face shows plainly the impress stamped upon her heart as she returns the +gaze of her handsome betrothed, whose love is entirely devoted to her, +save the tender attachment borne towards his sister Lady Rosamond +Trevelyan. And our little favorite Fanny? Yes. Fanny Trevelyan is there +in all her sweetness, engaging as ever, winning friends by every smile. +Her joy is great. Lady Trevelyan's matronly grace and beauty appears to +great advantage as she cast benign glances towards her daughter elect. +Lady Rosamond in her eyes is a woman worthy to be loved—worthy of a +mother's love. A group seated near, evidently in merry conversation, +attracts our attention. One is entertaining them with something of a +humorous character. The lively gestures and satirical smiles are +certainly those of Captain Douglas. Doubtless he is telling of +some sport which he enjoyed at the expense of Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan in the field, barracks, or drawing-room, when in Fredericton. +Charles Douglas, the handsome, brave, and generous son of Sir Howard, +still proudly wears his former reputation unsullied and undimmed. His +heart is ever ready to do an act of kindness for a fellow creature. +Beloved, honored, and respected, he is worthy of his distinguished sire. +Ah! we see another familiar form and face. Leaning beside an open window +is that of a dear old friend, apparently occupied in studying the varied +expressions of the happy bridegroom, and vainly trying to discover that +puzzled one which had given so much concern on former occasions. The +faithful friend of the young lieutenant of the 52nd has not forgotten to +pay his respects to the retired captain of the 81st and his lovely +bride. He had made a sacrifice to be present at an event which brought +such happiness to one in whom he had always taken such a deep interest. +Mr. Howe was indeed a happy, honored, and welcome guest. Many more are +to be observed standing, sitting, reclining, in groups and companies; +but as strange faces have no peculiar charm when feasting upon those of +our old acquaintances, we make no effort to introduce them. In our great +joy we had almost forgotten to recognize one of Lady Rosamond's warmest +adherents—one always in attendance upon her ladyship, ready to engage in +any fun, frolic, or excursion, in the direction of fields or woods—no +less a personage than John Douglas; no longer important Johnnie, but a +well-bred gentleman, hearty, jovial, merry, with bravery stamped upon +every lineament of his face. Some are missing. Sir Thomas Seymour has not +lived to see this. Lady Bereford is also among the number. She has paid +her last debt.</p> + +<p>Having brought before you most of those in whom you have no doubt became +interested, we now bid them all a tender adieu. It is hard to part with +friends who have shared our sorrow, our sympathy, and our joy, but in so +doing may our prayers follow each throughout time, hallowed by fond +memories of the past.</p> + +<p>A second thought to Lady Rosamond before turning forever from the light +of her lovely smile. In her great happiness there are moments when holy +thoughts arise, having a purifying influence upon her life. She never +can forget the past, while the present begets the consciousness of +having trodden the paths of duty and right with firm, unfaltering steps, +never looking back until the goal was reached—the reward gained.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"When life looks lone and dreary<br /></span> +<span class="i1">What light can dispel the gloom?<br /></span> +<span class="i1">When Time's swift wing grows weary<br /></span> +<span class="i1">What charm can refresh his plume?<br /></span> +<span class="i1">'Tis woman, whose sweetness beameth<br /></span> +<span class="i1">O'er all that we feel or see;<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And if man of heaven e'er dreameth<br /></span> +<span class="i1">'Tis when he thinks purely of thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i8">O woman!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>THE END.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Leicester's description taken from Sir Walter Scott.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The house at present occupied by Chief Justice Allen.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Long before the Canadian Rebellion.</p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 18145-h.txt or 18145-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/1/4/18145">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/1/4/18145</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Lady Rosamond's Secret + A Romance of Fredericton + + +Author: Rebecca Agatha Armour + + + +Release Date: April 10, 2006 [eBook #18145] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET*** + + +E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from +page images generously made available by Early Canadiana Online +(http://www.canadiana.org/eco/) + + + +NOTE: Images of the original pages are available through + Early Canadiana Online. See + http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/ItemRecord/06086?id=b0c2884123a43f2a + + + + + +LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET: + +A Romance of Fredericton. + +by + +RE. AGATHA ARMOUR. + + + + + + + +St. John, +N. B. Telegraph Printing and Publishing Office. +1878. + + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The object of the following story has been to weave simple facts into +form dependent upon the usages of society during the administration of +Sir Howard Douglas, 1824-30. The style is simple and claims no +pretensions for complication of plot. Every means has been employed to +obtain the most reliable authority upon the facts thus embodied. The +writer is deeply indebted to several gentlemen of high social position +who kindly furnished many important facts and showed a lively interest +in the work, and takes the present opportunity of returning thanks for +such support. In producing this little work the public are aware that +too much cannot be expected from an amateur. Hoping that this may meet +the approval of many, the writer also thanks those who have so +generously responded to the subscription list. + +Fredericton. August, 1878. + + + + +LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET + +A ROMANCE OF FREDERICTON. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE. + + Breathes there a man with soul so dead, + Who never to himself hath said, + This is my own, my native land!--_Scott._ + + +A September sunset in Fredericton, A. D. 1824. Much has been said and +sung about the beauteous scenes of nature in every clime. Scott has +lovingly depicted his native heaths, mountains, lochs and glens. Moore +draws deep inspiration amid scenes of the Emerald Isle, and strikes his +lyre to chords of awakening love, light and song. Cowper, Southey and +Wordsworth raised their voices in tuneful and harmonious lays, echoing +love of native home. Our beloved American poet has wreathed in song the +love of nature's wooing in his immortal Hiawatha. Forests in their +primeval grandeur, lovely landscapes, sunrise, noonday and sunset--each +has attracted the keen poetic gaze. Though not the theme of poet or +pen--who that looks upon our autumn sunset can deny its charms? The +western horizon, a mass of living gold, flitting in incessant array and +mingling with the different layers of purple, violet, pink, crimson, and +tempting hues of indescribable beauty; at intervals forming regular and +successive strata of deep blue and red, deepening into bright red. +Suddenly as with magic wand a golden cloud shoots through and transforms +the whole with dazzling splendour. The bewildering reflection upon the +trees as they raise their heads in lofty appreciation, forms a pleasing +background, while Heaven's ethereal blue lies calmly floating above. The +gently sloping hills lend variety to the scene, stretching in +undulations of soft and rich verdure; luxuriant meadow and cultivated +fields lie in alternate range. The sons of toil are returning from +labour; the birds have sought shelter in their nests; the nimble +squirrel hides beneath the leafy boughs, or finds refuge in the +sheltering grass, until the next day's wants shall urge a repeated +attack upon the goodly spoils of harvest. Soon the golden sheen is +departing, casting backward glances upon the hill tops with studied +coyness, as lingering to caress the deepening charms of nature's +unlimited and priceless wardrobe. + +Amid such glowing beauty could the mind hold revel on a glorious +September sunset in Fredericton, 1824. To any one possessed with the +least perception of the beautiful, is there not full scope in this +direction? Is not one fully rewarded by a daily stroll in the suburban +districts of Fredericton, more especially the one now faintly described? +If any one asks why the present site was chosen for Government House in +preference to the lower part of the city, there would be no presumption +in the inference--selected no doubt with due appreciation of its view +both from river and hills on western side. Truly its striking beauty +might give rise to the well established title of "Celestial City." +Though unadorned by lofty monuments of imposing stateliness, costly +public buildings, or princely residences, Fredericton lays claim to a +higher and more primitive order of architecture than that of Hellenic +ages. The Universal Architect lingered lovingly in studying the effect +of successive design. Trees of grace and beauty arose on every side in +exquisite drapery, while softly curved outlines added harmony to the +whole, teaching the wondrous and creative skill of the Divine. The +picturesque river flows gently on, calm, placid, and unruffled save by +an occasional splash of oars of the pleasure seekers, whose small white +boats dotted the silvery surface and were reflected in the calm depths +below. + +On such an evening more than half a century ago when the present site of +Government House was occupied by the plain wooden structure known as +"Old Government House," a group of ladies was seated on the balcony +apparently occupied in watching the lingering rays descending behind the +hills. Suddenly the foremost one, a lovely and animated girl whose +beauty baffled description, espied a gentleman busily engaged in +admiring some choice specimens of flowers which were being carefully +cultivated by a skilful gardener. Bounding away with the elasticity of a +fawn, her graceful form was seen to advantage as she stood beside the +high-bred and distinguished botanist. The simple acts of pleasantry that +passed shewed their relationship as that of parent and child. Sir Howard +Douglas was proud of his beautiful and favorite daughter. He saw in her +the wondrous beauty of her mother blending with those graces and rare +qualities of the heart which won for Lady Douglas the deep admiration of +all classes. Beauty and amiability were not the entire gifts of Mary +Douglas. She was endowed with attainments of no ordinary stamp. Though +young, she displayed uncommon ability in many different branches of +education; shewing some skill as a composer and musician, also a talent +for composition and poetry. With simple earnestness she placed her hand +lovingly upon her father's shoulder, exclaiming "Papa, dear, I have come +to watch you arrange those lovely flowers." "Well, my dear, you are +welcome to remain. I am certainly complimented by such preference. You +must allow me to acknowledge it by this," saying which, the fond parent +plucked a white rosebud and fastened it in the snowy lace upon the bosom +of his child. "Papa, dearest, one act of love certainly deserves +another," exclaimed Mary, as she fondly pressed the lips of Sir Howard, +adding "remember that you are my chevalier for the remainder of the +evening. When you have finished, we will rejoin the company." Mary +Douglas seated herself in a rustic chair and chatted in gay and animated +tones while her father listened with a deep interest. The well tried +soldier, the gallant commander at Badajos, at Corunna, the hero of many +fierce conflicts, and the firm friend and favourite of the Duke of +Wellington, listened to the conversation of his daughter with as much +keenness as a question involving the strongest points of diplomacy. + +"Papa, this garden will fully repay you for your labour. I do wish that +I could understand and enter into the study of plants and flowers as you +do." "Ah, my Mary," exclaimed Sir Howard in a deep reverential tone, as +his thoughts went back to the days of his boyhood, "I had a kind +benefactress, and I may say _mother_ in my aunt Helena. She created in +me an early love for flowers, and I have always cherished it. Often +during my campaign in the Peninsula, the sight of a lovely flower would +call up emotions that would for the time unman me for the raging +conflicts of battle. I always look upon flowers as the trophies of God's +grace. Mary, I trust you yet will be able to attend to the cultivation +of Heaven's choicest offerings, and remember, that by so doing, you only +contribute a small share in the beautifying of nature." Having enjoyed +this strain of converse for some length of time, Mary Douglas rose, +exclaiming, "Now, Papa, you are at my service." Sir Howard bowed, and +offered his arm to his fair daughter. Together they went out, being +greeted by the merry party still lingering on the verandah. "Explain, +Mary," said the foremost of the party, "this breach of confidence and +utter contempt of the necessities of your friends. We have been vainly +waiting your appearance to join us in a walk, and now it is nearly time +to dress for dinner." "Very prettily said, Lady Rosamond," replied Sir +Howard, "but as I wear my lady's favour, you will grant me a hearing on +her behalf." Pointing to the spray of mignonnette and forget-me-not +which Mary Douglas had placed on his coat, he continued, "I hope that +your company has employed the moments as profitably. We commenced with +vows of love and constancy, then followed topics of general +conversation, and ended on the study of flowers. With this explanation +perhaps some of this goodly company might favor us with a like result." +"I venture to say, your Excellency, that in the present instance, we +might too clearly prove the old saying as regards comparisons," returned +Lieut. Trevelyan, "and would therefore enjoin silence." "Ah, no, Mr. +Trevelyan," said Miss Douglas, "we will not allow our claim to be set +aside in this manner. We must muster courage in our own self-defence as +an offset to your acquiescence, or else papa will wear his laurels very +lightly." + +"In the first instance," said she, "we were admiring the beautiful +sunset, the soft outline of the hills, and the beauty of the landscape. +Is that not worthy of describing, papa?" The eldest daughter of this +distinguished family made this appeal with a face beaming with the +enthusiasm of her deep appreciative nature. Anne Douglas possessed not +the great beauty of her sister Mary, yet was a lovely and loveable +woman, capable of inspiring deep regard. Sir Howard acknowledged by +saying, that if she continued, the comparison would turn the weight on +the other side. "Not yet, papa dear," said Miss Douglas, "you must hear +further. We were speaking freely of our warm reception from the citizens, +of the social resources of Fredericton, its commercial interests; and +before you joined us, were planning to ask your assistance, by giving +your views and opinion of Fredericton in its general aspect, as presented +on your arrival." "Mr. Trevelyan," ventured Sir Howard, "I am sorry to +acknowledge that the ladies have sufficient cause to charge you with +desertion of your colours; but the end may not justify the means." "Ah, +papa, your inference is indirect--you will not surely justify Mr. +Trevelyan." "In the present state of affairs," exclaimed Sir Howard, in +playful military tone, "the enemy is preparing for action. The only +chance of success is thus--retreat under cover of fire, or fall back on +the strength of defence." "Your Excellency has a stronghold in the +enemy's quarter," joined in Lady Rosamond, who had been seated at the +side of Captain Charles Douglas, their eldest son. "Before testing the +strength of our forces let there be a short truce, on condition that His +Excellency will give us the desired information this evening," said Mr. +Trevelyan, playfully endeavouring to conciliate Miss Douglas. At this +moment Lady Douglas formed an attractive feature to the group. Her +graceful form, dignity of gesture and gentle expression was a subject of +admiration. Her winning smile was greeted by recognitions of deep and +respectful courtesy on the part of the gentlemen. + +"My Lady, fortune has at last condescended to favour me by your +appearance among us," said Mr. Trevelyan, rising and advancing towards +Her Ladyship, while a blush suffused his handsome face, hastily making +its way with deepening colour, showing the clear and open hearted spirit +of the young Lieutenant. "We now have hopes of a speedy restoration." Mr. +Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to the fair arbitress, who +listened with keen relish and enjoyment. "As I have arrived at this +unfavourable moment," said Her Ladyship, "I will try to end the matter +satisfactorily to all parties. His Excellency being one of the chief +actors, shall forfeit his liberty by devoting an hour in satisfying the +present demands of the company. Mr. Trevelyan also, will only extricate +himself from his present position by giving one of his many excellent +renditions from Shakespeare or any of the favorite authors. Do you not +all agree to this decision?" As Lady Douglas glanced towards her daughter +Mary, she read in those beautiful eyes a mischievous flash directed +towards Miss Douglas. "If I judge aright there is yet another to be +brought to hasty retribution," said the former. "Pardon me, but I think +your Ladyship is rather severe," said the youthful lieutenant with a +boyish flush of youth upon his brow. "I beg that the penalty imposed upon +Miss Douglas may be something which rests upon her direct choice." +"Treason within the camp," exclaimed Captain Douglas, in his military +tone. "Trevelyan, beware, you are being caught in a pitfall." Lady +Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss Douglas, saying "Mr. Trevelyan's +request shall be granted, you can choose your own task of imposition, +music, reading, or any other pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to +her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to +mature my views for the coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour +being announced warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group +separated leaving the verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a +spaniel, and a pair of tame rabbits. + +While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of +Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr. Howe, +private secretary to Sir Howard. The carriage, a handsome one, is driven +by a span of full-blooded Arabian horses; magnificent specimens of their +species; proudly sits their owner in his costly equipage. As a man of +wealth, high family, Mr. Howe occupied a prominent position in the +household of the Douglas family. His coming is awaited with eagerness. +Captain Douglas, his friend and companion, is at his side in a moment +addressing him with hearty familiarity, "Howe, you are late. Has business +been pressing? Takes some time to get reconciled to the hum drum of life +in New Brunswick! Well, old fellow, send around the horses and we will +yet have time for a cigar before dinner. Strange, I enjoy one better +before than after. You know I am an odd bird in every sense. Was odd last +evening at mess when we got the rubber." "Douglas, one thing is +confoundedly odd." "How did the natives of New Brunswick ever impose upon +the British Government to send a governor and a private secretary," +interrupted Charles Douglas. "Ha, ha, ha," laughed the latter, with +repeated and renewed attacks. "Howe, you have been baulked in some design +to-day; perhaps the fair one smiled on another, or odder still, some +rival is ready to exchange a few kindly shots." "Oh, Douglas, for +Heaven's sake stop and save your breath for more interesting topics," +exclaimed the latter. The secretary lit a cigar and sat down to glance +over the contents of a letter. Muttering some irreverent expressions upon +the writer. "Howe, you 'see through a glass darkly,'" yelled Captain +Douglas, "to-morrow you will see face to face Major McNair and the sports +of H.M. 52nd. It will be mightily odd if you do not give them a brush. +Count upon me, too, as I intend to show in earnest what stuff Prince is +made of." "One thing you show," said Mr. Howe, with a strange grin--"a +desire to turn parson or priest. I might make a few suppositions without +interruption. Perhaps you have been initiating yourself in the good +graces of a Rev. Clergyman, by a few such quotations. Perhaps the church +might take better in New Brunswick than the army. Douglas, with all your +perhapses, you are a cunning diplomatist." "You certainly do me credit, +Howe," said his friend; "I possess enough cunning to perceive that you +are not in your native element this September 22nd, 1824." + +The private secretary of His Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, was a man +of no ordinary stamp. He had ability and coolness; the last named +quality had gained him much favour from the veteran commander, and a +desire to retain his service. Tall, slight and athletic, Mr. Howe was +foremost in all feats of physical sports. Horse racing was his greatest +mania. Few could manage a horse as he, and fewer still could own one +faster than his favourite mare, Bess. Quickly he rose to his feet with +"Jove, Douglas, I feel angry with myself and everybody." "Then keep your +distance, I beseech you," returned Captain Douglas, in his usual jolly +manner. "Listen for a moment and hear my scrape," said Howe. "Down in +the mess this afternoon we got talking,"--"horse, of course," said the +Captain--"yes, horse," said the former, "and got mixed up into one of +the greatest skirmishes ever heard of. Captain Markham swore and raged +like a wild beast Captain Hawley bit his lips with anger, and when I +tried to conciliate matters, they turned on me like a set of vipers. In +fact, with two or three exceptions, they hung together and irated me in +good round English, forward and backward with little regard to Johnson +or any of the time-honoured lexicographers. It was a hot encounter. In +spite of anger, I cannot help laughing, to think how they abused each +other, and, in turn, united themselves into a general force, directing +the fire of their battery upon me. By St. George of England, it was too +much. Of Course this is only the beginning of a series of such +demonstrations." "All's well that ends well," returned Captain Douglas, +"a night's sleep will restore all to a former footing. Major McNair +would frown upon any breach thus made." + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +AMID THE HOUSEHOLD + + +The spacious dining hall of Government House now assumed an aspect of +studied splendour. The tables groaned under the weight of tempting and +delicious dishes. The culinary intricacies of Sir Howard's table were +often under comment. Viands of all kinds stood on every side, while the +brilliant scintillations from chandeliers--massive silver and sparkling +glasses--were of wondrous radiance. Sir Howard, preceded by Mr. Howe and +Lady Douglas, led his beautiful daughter to a seat at his side. Captain +Charles Douglas was the escort of Miss Cheenick, the family governess, +and companion of Miss Douglas. The remaining part of the company took +their places in like order, thus completing the usual dinner party. None +but those who have passed much time in the company of Sir Howard +Douglas, and enjoyed his many gay and social dinners and parties, can +form any just conception of the true worth and genuine goodness of this +fine specimen of an English gentleman. The flashes of wit and graceful +repartees, mingled with sound judgment and truthful dignity, +characterized the nature of the gallant Sir Howard. He was ever on the +alert to minister to the wants of others. No one was neglected within +his knowledge or recollection. From his daughter beside him to every +guest around this festive board, none were allowed to go forth without +coming directly under his recognition. The stern realities of military +life through which he had passed, had in nowise interfered with those +social qualities which so endeared our hero to the hearts of all. In +Lady Douglas, Sir Howard found a faithful helpmate, a loving wife and +deeply affectionate and pious mother. Lady Douglas never wearied in +watching and caring for the welfare of her children. No mother could be +more amply rewarded in seeing her family grow up loved and honoured; her +sons true types of gentlemanly honour; her daughters having all those +graces which are desirable to beautify the female characters, and make +woman an ornament in her family and in society. "Mr. Howe," exclaimed +Sir Howard, glancing towards that personage, "you escaped a severe +ordeal by being tardy this afternoon. You have proved that every rule +has an exception, but I must be careful not to introduce any +comparisons;" thus saying, his Excellency directed his smile towards Mr. +Trevelyan. Seated beside Miss Douglas, the young Lieutenant once more +heightening the effect of his handsome dark eyes by the deepening colour +of his cheeks. "Come, come, Mr. Trevelyan, reveal what is hidden behind +His Excellency's smile." "Pardon me, Mr. Howe," said Lady Douglas, "I am +pledged to relieve Mr. Trevelyan of any further parley. A truce was +effected until the compromise is paid this evening in the drawing room." +"I thank your Ladyship," said the Lieutenant, bowing. "Then, Your +Excellency, that theory falls to the ground at present," said Mr. Howe, +"I am not classified as an exception." The secretary smiled as he +thought of the cause of his tardiness, and the sport his revelation +would make for the gentlemen, when the ladies had withdrawn. "My Lady +Rosamond is rather demure," said Sir Howard, smiling upon that young +lady with his truthful smile. "Really Your Excellency cannot forget that +I have been studiously trying to avoid any pitfalls." "Ah, you cunning +rogue, you are amusing yourself with the shortcomings of the party," +returned Sir Howard, "this is unjust. We will demand some concessions +from those members who have been drawing largely upon the resources of +others." Turning to Lady Douglas, he added, "Your Ladyship will please +bear that fact in mind, or rather make a note of it. Lady Rosamond +Seymour and Mr. James Douglas will make amende honourable for past +delinquencies, not forgetting Mr. Howe. Will add that the last clause be +conditional." A general flow of conversation follows as the dinner +progressed. Harmony prevailed throughout while humour and wit were +salient points in many topics. The most remarkable feature, perhaps, was +the absence of anything that could not be received by the most +fastidious. All practical jokes or questionable remarks were +discountenanced by the family of Sir Howard Douglas. + +One of the members laying claim to your attention is the Lady Rosamond +Seymour, a distant cousin to Lady Douglas, descended from that +distinguished family of Seymours so conspicuous in the Tudor Period. +Lady Rosamond was a character of rare distinction. Her Father, Sir +Thomas Seymour, an English Admiral, a man brave, honourable, respected +and admired. He had married Lady Maria Bereford, the daughter of an +English Baronet, who, dying at an early date, left two sons and one +daughter--the Lady Rosamond. Placed under the care of a maiden aunt, the +young lady had the benefit of learned instructions. Sir Thomas was +determined that his child should receive all possible pains in her +education. Though displaying no uncommon ability, Lady Rosamond was +studious and persevering, compensating for genius by never failing +application. She made considerable progress in classics, literature and +poetry. In mathematics she was deficient. "I will do my best," she would +often say to her tutor, "but you know I never was expected to be a +mathematician." Lady Rosamond was indeed beautiful. The perfect features +of her oval shaped face were lit by sparkling black eyes, full, large +and dreamy, sometimes bewildering one with their variety of expression. +While residing with her aunt, Lady Rosamond had formed an intimacy with +Mary Douglas, which increased as they grew older. Together they spent +many happy hours, and never wearied in their bright day dreams thus +woven together. Nothing could exceed the grief of those companions when +it was announced that the family of Sir Howard Douglas was soon to +depart for New Brunswick. Lady Rosamond was inconsolable, and after +urgent entreaties on the part of Lady Douglas, Sir Thomas Seymour +consented to allow his daughter to remain with them for two years, after +which she would for a time assume the duties and responsibilities of his +household. Hence, Lady Rosamond Seymour came to New Brunswick with the +family of Sir Howard Douglas, and thus we find her the friend of Mary +Douglas in Fredericton. + +In after chapters will be found the reason for thus introducing Lady +Rosamond. To return to the preceding narrative. After the ladies +withdrew the gentlemen remained to discuss over their cigars and wine. +Mr. Howe began by repeating the affair among the messmates of the 52nd, +and the result of his friendly interference. The warmth of his passion +was aroused and he vehemently exclaimed, "Trevelyan, I both regard and +respect you as a gentleman and friend, and feel regret that you were so +unfortunate as to become attached to one of the most dissolute and +dissipated of His Majesty's Regiments." The secretary was about to +proceed when he was interrupted by Captain Douglas. "Strong terms, Howe. +Your case would in some instances demand redress but I repeatedly avow +not if considered in the light of reason." Mr. Howe saw in the strange +light of Sir Howard's eye that His Excellency would now give, in a few +words, his decision with unerring judgment. "Gentlemen," said he, rising +from his seat and casting successive glances at all, "Mr. Howe seems to +feel that the treatment received this afternoon should justify his +seeking redress from those military gentlemen. Would any here think it +necessary to create a breach between the Regiment and ourselves, from +the fact of their having, while under the influence of liquor, shewed an +incapacity to treat a guest with becoming respect, being utterly +indifferent to every feeling save that engendered by abuse of appetite? +Do I state it aright Mr. Howe?" "Your Excellency is right," said the +Secretary, "sometimes I see the foolishness of being hot-tempered, but +never more than on this occasion." + +"We can afford to laugh at the matter now, Howe," said Captain Douglas, +"to-morrow you will heap coals on their heads with a vengeance." The +company enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which His Excellency joined. "You may +have cause to bless your stars that you were absent, Trevelyan," said +Mr. Douglas, "as you might have been pressed into service against Howe." + +Guy Trevelyan was indeed a young man of marked ability and much promise. +His father, Colonel Trevelyan, was a brother officer with Sir Howard +during the Peninsula campaign. For signal service he was rewarded by +knighthood and the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Having obtained for his +son, Guy, a commission in H. M. 52nd Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel +Trevelyan hailed with delight the tidings of his friend's appointment to +the Governorship of New Brunswick. The Regiment was then stationed in +Fredericton and St. John--headquarters at the former--with Major McNair +in command, while the companies stationed at St. John were in charge of +Sir Thomas Tilden. In His Excellency, Guy Trevelyan had a warm-hearted +friend. The son of Colonel Trevelyan was dear to him. Many times Sir +Howard looked upon his handsome boyish face, pleased with tracing the +strong resemblance between father and son. The open, generous and manly +disposition of the young Lieutenant shone in every lineament of his +countenance. Guy Trevelyan was loved by every member of the Douglas +family. Lady Douglas showed him daily marks of favour, making him at +ease in the bosom of her household. Nor did our young officer abuse +these acts of true kindness and personal privilege. Unassuming, gentle +and affable Guy Trevelyan was more eagerly sought than seeking. Sir +Howard admired his favorite, his diffidence and bashful coyness. "He is +one to make a mark," said he. "Give me the disposition of Guy in +preference to those aping and patronizing airs assumed by the majority +of young gentlemen on entering the army." Once, on addressing +Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, he wrote the following: "Have no fear for +Guy; he is a true scion of the old stock. His nature is truthful, +honourable and sincere, not being addicted to those vices which ruin our +bravest soldiers. He has endeared himself to our family, in fact, Lady +Douglas would lament his absence almost the same as one of her own +sons." + +Having made this digression, thus introducing the principal members of +the company, we will now ask the reader to follow the ladies into the +drawing room. Government House drawing room was indeed an apartment of +costly elegance. Richly covered and gilded furniture was arranged in +stately profusion. Quaintly and gorgeously embroidered silken draperies +were festooned with graceful effect. Rare paintings adorned the frescoed +walls. Priceless cabinets, vases and statuary were grouped with artistic +hand. Turkey carpets of the most brilliant hues covered the floor, while +the flashing and almost dazzling light radiating from the massive +chandeliers, made the scene one of surpassing grandeur--something almost +incredible outside the lustre and surroundings of a kingly residence. +Such is a correct picture of old Government House over half a century +ago. Then it shone with true chivalric glory. Now with its structure and +surroundings a dream of the past. + +In the midst of her group sat Lady Douglas occupied in some fancy +netting, while each lady had some especial task. "Miss Cheenick," said +Her Ladyship, "will you be so kind as to assist Miss Mary in the +selection of suitable shades of silk for this piece of embroidery. You +will accompany her to-morrow after luncheon, as she is anxious to +commence." "It is to be hoped that we will meet with success as, judging +from the appearance of the stores in this city, there is not much to +select from," said Mary Douglas, "but, Miss Cheenick, only think, it +will be our first attempt at shopping in Fredericton." "How much better +and more convenient if there were exclusive dry goods stores as in +England," said Lady Rosamond. "It is rather amusing to see all kinds of +groceries and provisions on one side, and silks, satins and laces on the +other. Pardon me, mamma, if I use the expression of Mr. Howe, +'everything from a needle to an anchor.'" "Well, my child, you will +agree that both are useful," said Her Ladyship, "but I am doubtful +whether the last named article is to be obtained here." + +At the close of these remarks, the gentlemen were received. Sir Howard, +true to his obligation, had found a seat beside his daughter Mary. +"Papa," she exclaimed, "my knight is true,--'A good knight and true.'" + +"At Lady Douglas' suggestion, I am duly bound to disclose some views +upon New Brunswick and its capital. In the first place, I must plead +ignorance, from want of sufficient time to note the general aspect, +features and surroundings. This is a primitive soil, populated and +toiled by a primitive people. Agriculture is yet in its infancy, and no +prospect at hand for the furtherance of this important calling. Well +wooded land, fertile valley and pleasing variety, show that this should +be the great and only resource of this country. What facilities are +afforded to the farmer for the importation of produce, were this noble +river to be opened up with steam navigation. In a year hence, if my life +be spared, I shall be able to afford you some information on life in the +back settlements, and the means resorted to by the settlers. At present +there are only five roads in the whole Province; three of which you have +seen, as they lead from this city in different directions; the one to +St. John; also, that passing our door to Quebec; and the third which I +shewed you last week as leading to Miramichi. The fourth leads to St. +Andrews, a small seaport in the south-west; while the fifth leads to +Halifax." "Pardon me, Your Excellency, I could not help observing that +the condition of these roads pay small tribute to McAdam, or Telford, +being a rapid and sudden succession of up hill and down dale." "One +would need a vigorous constitution," returned Sir Howard, "to make a +practical test. People do not have much traffic upon these roads, from +the fact that the settlements are more numerous along the river, which +holds out more advantages." + +"Papa," exclaimed Sir Howard's favourite daughter, "How much I should +like to accompany you on an expedition through the forests of New +Brunswick." "Perhaps you may, when the roads are more accessible, when +there will be established comfortable inns where one can rest and be +refreshed. None will press me to give any further report of the country, +when I make a guarantee to do so at some time in the future, when there +will be, I trust, good progress made." + +"Many thanks, Your Excellency," said Mr. Howe, in response to Sir +Howard, and, "in behalf of the company, may I express a hope that your +wish be realized in the future of New Brunswick's history. May this +province yet rise in commercial prosperity and national wealth, and may +New Brunswick's sons yet assume their proud position as Governors of the +province." "Mr. Howe is growing eloquent," remarked Lady Rosamond, to +Mr. Trevelyan.--"A conspiracy on foot," exclaimed Miss Douglas, glancing +towards Lady Rosamond. "Now Mr. Trevelyan will play his part," said +Captain Douglas, with mock solemnity. + +The young Lieutenant selected a passage from "Cymbeline," receiving the +gratitude and applause of the ladies, to whose repeated entreaties he +also read an extract from "King Lear," commencing with the line "No, I +will be the pattern of all patience." Guy Trevelyan's voice was full, +soft and musical, having the power of soothing the listener; but when +required for dramatic readings, could command a versatility that was +surprising. Miss Douglas archly proposed to Lady Douglas her wish to +join in a game of whist. Thus engaged, the remainder of the evening +passed quickly away. Mary Douglas still retaining her gallant partner, +having secured the rubber against Mr. Howe and Miss Douglas, warmly +congratulated Sir Howard on their success. "Never despair, Miss +Douglas," said Mr. Howe, "we bide our time." The secretary's carriage +being announced, with smiles and bows he took leave, followed by Mr. +Trevelyan, who accepted the proffered invitation. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +AN EVENING IN OFFICERS' MESS-ROOM. + + +Many of our readers are familiar with the old building still standing, +facing on Queen Street, known as the officers' barracks. At the time +when this story opened, this was a scene of continual festivity--life in +its gayest aspect. Here were quartered the noisy, the swaggering, the +riotous, the vain, the gallant, the honourable, and all those different +qualities which help to form the make-up of the many individuals +comprising the officers of H. M. 52nd Regiment. At no period, before or +since, has Fredericton ever risen to such notoriety. Several +enterprising gentlemen of this body in connexion with a few of the +leading citizens planned and laid the first regular and circular race +course, near where the present now is situated, under the management of +J. H. Reid, Esq., and the members of York County Agricultural Society. + +On the old race course it was no unusual occurrence to witness as many +as a dozen races during the space of two days. Sons of gentlemen, both +in military and private life, were the owners of thorough-bred horses, +each claiming the highest distinctions regarding full-blooded pedigree. +These were Fredericton's glorious days--days of sport; days of chivalry; +days of splendour and high life. On the evening in question, a festive +board was spread with all the eclat attending a dinner party. Some hours +previous a grand assemblage had gathered on the race course to witness a +race between Captain Douglas' mare Bess, and a celebrated racer +introduced on the course by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden, ridden by his +groom. Much betting had arisen on both sides. Excitement ran high. Bets +were being doubled. The universal din and uproar was growing loud, noisy +and clamorous. The band played spirited music, commencing with national +airs, and, in compliment to an American officer, a guest of Sir Thomas +Tilden, finished off with Hail Columbia. Bess won the race. His +Excellency, Capt. Douglas, in the capacity of aide-de-camp, Mr. Howe and +Mr. James Douglas, with their friend, Lieutenant Trevelyan, stood on an +eminence bordered by woods. Here Sir Howard watched the afternoon's +sport with keen interest. He saw in the assembly many features to be +discountenanced. None admired a noble animal better than Sir Howard, and +none were more humane in their treatment. Captain Douglas entered more +into the sport of the proceedings. His whole mind for the present was +centered on the expectation of his noble little animal. In gaining the +race he was generous to the last degree. Honor was the password in all +his actions, while he gave his opponents that feeling which led them to +thank him for an honorable defeat. + +The occasion of Lt. Col. Tilden's arrival was always hailed with a round +of festivities. This evening was the commencement, servants in livery +were at every footstep. An array of butlers and waiters was conspicuous +arranging the different tables. The grateful odors emitted from several +passages presaged the elaborate dishes to be served. The rattle of +dishes, clinking of glasses, and drawing of corks, hinted of the viands +in unlimited store. While the above were conducted in the mess-room, +many of the guests were as busy in their own private apartments making +the necessary toilet for the reception. In the foremost tier of rooms to +the left, facing the river, on the ground floor, is the one occupied by +Lieut. Guy Trevelyan. He is brushing out the waves of chestnut brown +hair which, though short, shows a tendency to assert its nature despite +the stern orders of military rule. A shade passes over the brow of the +youthful-looking soldier as he dons his scarlet uniform. His thoughts +are not at ease. Guy Trevelyan feels a vague and unaccountable +yearning--an undefined feeling which is impossible to shake off. "Well, +Trevelyan," soliloquized he; "you are a strange old fellow; such a state +as this must not be indulged amidst the stir and hurly-burly of +to-night. I believe bedlam has broken loose." No wonder that Trevelyan +thought so; for, at that moment, several noisy songs broke upon him--the +barking of at least a score of dogs, the clatter of steps upon the +pavement, and the practising of fifes and drums. Such a babel--a +distraction of noises and shouts of hilarious impatience were amusing in +the extreme. At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction +being passed, the company were at last seated. And such a table! Such an +array that one would only get into difficulty by attempting to describe +it. Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right of Lt. Col. Tilden and +received that attention which characterizes Sir Thomas. Mr. Howe, once +more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat beside the incorrigible +Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets produced such sensitive effects +upon the ears of the secretary sometime previous. Major McNair, a +brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier, always ready to do the honors of +the Regiment under his charge, had on his right Captain Hawkins, an +American officer; on his left an American youth and nephew of the +officer. The convivial resources of these dinners were of a nature +sometimes loud, boisterous, and exhilarating. Though indulging in +countless practical jokes, various scenes of carousal, revels, mingling +with toast upon toast, cards and amusements, there was a general good +feeling throughout the whole proceedings. Misunderstandings sometimes led +to sharp words, but the intervention of a superior had a healing effect. +In nowise did Lieutenant Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow +officers as for habits of moderation. They often dubbed him "Saint Guy, +the cold water man," which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant. The +attention of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening +with deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished +father. "Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the +term," said the Major. "There is no need of that explanation, sir," said +the American; "it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish +face. His father will yet be proud of such a son." "The words of His +Excellency," returned the Major. In the flow of general conversation +that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and responded +by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at dinner. Sir +Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on his success, +hoping that they may meet soon on the same business. This called from +the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and humorous +speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia with the entire +company in a deafening chorus. After a short pause, cries of "Howe! +Howe!" Nothing short of an oration would satisfy. The secretary rose and +delivered something which would take some investigation to classify +either as an epic, oration, or burlesque. They wanted variety and such +it was. A puzzled expression rested on Lieutenant Trevelyan's face as he +tried to follow Mr. Howe in the lengthy harangue. + +The band afterwards played "Hail Columbia," which was the signal for +Captain Hawkins to respond. The American thanked the Commander and +Officers of H. M. 52nd Regt. for the marked hospitality and courtesy +extended to him during his stay. Alluding to the feeling of +dissatisfaction existing between the sister nations, he hoped to see a +firmer footing established between them; and all former animosities +wiped out forever. These and other like sentiments called forth loud +applause, the band playing "The Star Spangled Banner." Speech followed +toast and song until the hours wore on unheeded. Lest it might be +considered an absurdity, we will not say how many toasts were +actually made--not in water, either, on this occasion. The strongest +proof of this fact was found in the dozens of empty bottles lying +scattered in profusion upon sideboards, tables and floors, the following +morning, as servants looked on in dismay. The task of removal is no +slight task. Before the company breaks up let us take another glance at +Lieutenant Trevelyan. In respect to his superiors the young gentleman +still remained as one of the company. Though twenty-one years had +lightly passed over our young friend and favourite, one would not judge +that he was more than eighteen. His smooth and beardless face had the +delicate bloom of a young and pretty girl. Dimples nestled in his cheeks +playing hide and seek to the various emotions of the owner. Guy +Trevelyan had not mastered his feelings during the "hurly burly," as +firmly as was his wont. Relapsing into an existence half reality, half +dreamlike, he was striving to divine the true state of his thoughts when +called upon by Sir Thomas Tilden. "Here is Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +Adonis of our Regiment, whom we cannot accuse of a breach of impropriety +to-night, except it be that of reserve." "Come now, Trevelyan, you are +in for a song," exclaimed a dozen voices, pressing around the young +Lieutenant, in noisy appeals. Contrary to their expectations, Trevelyan +did favor the company with a patriotic song, which drew forth stirring +applause and made him the hero of the evening. "Well done, my hearty," +exclaimed Captain Hawley, slapping him on the shoulders, shouting +lustily, "Hurrah for Trevelyan, hip, hip, hurrah for Trevelyan." "Eh, +old chum," muttered Lieutenant Landon, in incoherent and rambling +speech, about "faint heart and fair lady." "As congratulations are at +present the rule, I cannot make an exception," said Mr. Howe. "Thanks my +boy for this, and may you soon have occasion for another." "And +another," roared the crowd, taking up the last words of the secretary. +"My warmest thanks, Mr. Trevelyan," said the Lieutenant Colonel, warmly +pressing his young friend's hand. This last act of courtesy was more +gratefully received by Mr. Trevelyan than the noisy demonstrations of +his brother officers. Soon afterwards, guest after guest departed in +various moods and in various ways; some making zig-zag and circuitous +routes, while others were more steady in the bent of their direction. +More definite description might be given of these parties than that +pictured here. More details might be given of scenes of dissipation, +when each member must "drink himself under the table," to achieve the +respect of his fellows; but the writer forbears not wishing to expose +the darker shades of the picture, allowing the reader full control of +his or her imagination, if willing to go further. Suffice it to say, no +brawls had marred the "jolly time." All went away in good humour, while +the American was so loud in praise, that he almost wished himself an +officer in H. M. 52nd Regiment. Having made his adieu, Captain Douglas +took leave for his bachelor's quarters, held in the house on the site at +present occupied by George Minchin, Esq., on King Street, whither his +friend Howe had preceded him. In this building, was kept the Governor's +Office, as well. Here Captain Douglas found himself, as the darkest hour +that precedes the dawn reminded of approaching day. "Howe," said +he, "sit down and have a chat for a few moments. What did you think +of the affair? Of cousin Jonathan and his nephew?" "One question at a +time, Douglas," said Mr. Howe, pulling out a cigar case and passing one +to his friend. "In answer to your first, I may say that under the +circumstances there was some credit for being merry. It happened at a +deuced bad time, but Sir Thomas took his defeat manfully, while those +animated volcanoes, Hawley and Markham were wonderfully passive--a fact +we must attribute to Major McNair. The general melee and pow-wow in +which I was so unceremoniously toasted, taught a lesson. Jove, the Major +is entitled to an order if he can, by any means, reclaim any of the +52nd. But the most amusing of the crowd is Trevelyan, who reminds me of +an Englishman in Paris. He is clear, too. The oftener I see him the more +I find to admire. He has a stock of drollery in reserve, too. Only think +of the song and how received; Jove, he can sing like a thrush or +nightingale." + +"Sometimes he wears a puzzled look which I cannot define; but Trevelyan +one day will make his mark if not led astray by some of his comrades. +Still, in the same youth, there is considerable backbone, plenty of +determination if necessary." "Hold on, Howe, when are you coming to the +second question," exclaimed Douglas, in slightly impatient tones. "Bide +your time, old fellow. Getting sleepy too, by Saint George," said the +secretary, using his favourite Saint and Patron as necessary expletive. +"Oh! about Jonathan, or Sam, or cousin Jonathan. Cousin Jonathan is +certainly a jolly fellow. How they did stuff him with compliments. +Cousin Jonathan is a bigger man than when he arrived, and Markham, would +you not think he hailed from the 'ould country,' by the quantities of +that commodity supposed to come direct from Killarney, which he used +upon cousin Jonathan and Hail Columbia. Ha, ha, ha." + +"Douglas, the younger Jonathan is a genuine specimen of Young America. +By Jove, to see him at good advantage he should have been seated beside +Guy Trevelyan--our Adonis. Is not the old chap mighty complimentary? +Think it was rather hard on the vanity of Landon and Grey. We must be +sure give the toast to Trevelyan, when they are present, to have another +skirmish." "Judging from your state of mind at the first, one would not +deem it advisable to enter the lists a second time," said Captain +Douglas. "Bear in mind the Major has too much on his hands already." +"Constant practice only serves to sharpen his wits," said Mr. Howe, with +a vein of sarcasm in his tones. "It grows late, or, I should say, +early," said Douglas, without taking notice of the last sentence. "Howe, +good morning, I shall retire." "Au revoir Douglas." + +"Oh, sleep! Oh, gentle sleep! Nature's soft nurse," murmured Captain +Douglas, as he sought repose from the wearing and fatiguing rounds of the +last evening and remaining part of the night. Soon the "gentle sleep" was +upon him, and, steeped in quiet forgetfulness, slept peacefully, +regardless of toast, speeches and cousin Jonathan. + +His friend in the adjoining room still puffed away at a cigar, drank +another toast to cousin Jonathan, soliloquizing: "By Jove, I shall watch +him closely. He is a clever youth, but I shall make a study of him. If +he would make me his confidante I should readily assist him. Douglas has +not the penetration to perceive it, but I can. Can any young lady be +mixed up in the affair? If so, I may be at a loss to discover." In the +meantime, the secretary, now thinking it time to follow Douglas to +gentle sleep, commenced to prepare for retiring, further soliloquizing: +"That look puzzled me last night, I must make good my word." Here he +stopped short and was soon enjoying sound sleep, in order to feel +refreshed for the duties and social demands of another day. The coming +day intended to be almost a repetition of the past. Morning, public +parade; afternoon, on the race course; and evening in the mess-room. Sir +Thomas Tilden's arrival was always hailed with joy, being marked with +grand festive honours, balls, parties and suppers. To these seasons the +officers and many of the leading citizens looked forward with fond +expectation. Beautiful ladies met in their ball-room the gallantry and +chivalry of Fredericton. Nothing but gaiety on every hand. Such events +marked the order of society in the capital of New Brunswick over half a +century ago. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +LADY ROSAMOND'S REVERIE. + + +In a small but exquisitely furnished apartment in Government House sat a +young and beautiful lady. The room commanded a north-west view, showing +a bright and silvery sheet of rippling water. This was the private +apartment of Lady Rosamond. It is the hour when she is occupied in +writing letters and attending to the many little matters demanding her +attention. An open letter lies upon her lap. Lady Rosamond is listlessly +leaning against a dressing-table, with one hand partially shading her +beautiful face. Quickly turning round to look at some object beyond +gives a full view, which reveals a tender sadness resting in the depths +of those powerful dark eyes. Lady Rosamond is in a deep study--one which +is not of an agreeable nature--one which she is not most likely to +reveal. Alternate shades of displeasure, rebellion and defiance, flit +across her brow, which remain, in quiet and apparently full possession, +until reluctantly driven forth by the final ascendancy of reason, at the +cost of many conflicting feelings of emotion and deep despondency. + +Again Lady Rosamond reads the letter very slowly, as though to find, in +each word and sentence, some other meaning which might allay her present +distracting thoughts. Vainly did the reader search for relief. The +diction was plain, clear and definite. No chance to escape. No fond +smiles from Hope's cheering presence. Hope had fled, with agonizing +gaze, as Lady Rosamond once more read that letter. Every word was +stamped upon her heart in characters of bold and maddening outline. +Heaving a deep sigh she folded the letter, placed it within her desk, +and mechanically stood gazing upon the quiet river, peaceful and calm, +save the little ripple on the surface. Lady Rosamond contrasted the +scene with her troubled depths and superficial quiet exterior. + +Quietly opening the window the cool sharp breeze of an October morning +was grateful to the feverish flush partially visible upon the cheeks of +Lady Rosamond. She was usually pale, save when an occasional blush +asserted its right. Standing here in such a state of mind Lady Rosamond +was indeed beautiful--a lovely picture with delicate expression and +coloring. While she is thus engaged let us intrude upon the privacy of +her feelings by taking forth the letter from its hiding place, and +examining its contents. It seems a sacrilegious act, but it is in our +great sympathy and interest on behalf of Lady Rosamond that we yield to +the temptation. + +The writing is in a bold, masculine hand, clear, legible, and uniform. +If there be such a thing as judging the character of the writer by the +chirography in the present instance, there was decision, firmness, +bordering on self-will, and resistance to opposition. The letter ran +thus:-- + + Chesley Manor, Surrey, Oct. 4th, 1824. + + My Dear Child: + + Having a few moments to spare this morning I devote them to your + benefit, with a fond hope that you are as happy as the day is long. + It does seem rather hard for me to be moping around this quiet + house and my little girl away in New Brunswick, but it is useless + to repine. In a few days I will take charge of a ship to go abroad + for some months. Our fleet now demands my attention, which, I am + happy to say, will drive away loneliness and repinings for the + little runaway. Was much pleased to meet an old friend of Sir + Howard Douglas--Colonel Fleetwood--who served in the same regiment + while in Spain, and is ever loud in praise of his friend. Though an + old soldier now, he has the true ring of military valor, which + would gain the esteem of Sir Howard. + + Your aunt is enjoying a visit to Bereford Castle; writes in good + health and spirits. Your cousin, Gerald, is again on a political + campaign, being sanguine in the prospect of being re-seated in + Parliament the next session. I am watching the event as one which + concerns us deeply. Bereford is a young man of much promise. He + will indeed fill well his position as owner of Bereford Castle, as + well as peer of the realm. Lord Bereford is truly proud of his heir + as the noblest of this ancient and loyal family. My dearest child, + it is my fondest desire that in you may be doubly united the + families of Seymour and Bereford. Gerald is the son-in-law of my + choice, and it is my earnest desire that you may favor a fond + parent's views in this matter. That your cousin regards you both + fondly and tenderly I am truly convinced. He expressed his opinion + very freely on making a visit last week, when I gave him my + unbounded confidence and direct encouragement. On leaving he + requested me to intimate this feeling towards you in a quiet + manner, which I now do, with sufficient knowledge of your character + to know that a parent's wishes will not be opposed. Gerald Bereford + will be in a position to give you that ease and affluence your + birth demands. As Lady Bereford, Lady Rosamond Seymour will neither + compromise rank, wealth, nor dignity, and will be happy in the love + of a fond, devoted husband, and the blessing of a doting father. It + is my great love for you, my child, that urges this settlement. I + am certain that you will have no hesitation in giving your answer. + You are young, and have as yet formed no prior attachments, for + which circumstance thank heaven, and allow me to congratulate you + for being so fortunate as to secure the heart and hand of Gerald + Bereford. Do not imagine that it is our wish to shorten your stay + in New Brunswick. You are at liberty to enjoy the companionship of + your friend Mary till the years have expired, after which I think + that my daughter will be anxious to see her only parent, and to + form high opinions of her cousin Gerald. My dear, I do not wish to + hurry you, already knowing your answer. Wishing to be kindly + remembered to Sir Howard and Lady Douglas, and the family, with my + fondest love. + + Remain, Your Father. + +Such was the tenor of the epistle which had caused these feelings within +the bosom of Lady Rosamond. Sir Thomas Seymour was a man not to be +thwarted in his designs. He loved his child with deep tenderness, and, +as he said in the letter, this was the reason of his solicitude. It had +always been the secret pride of the Admiral's life that Gerald Bereford +should wed Lady Rosamond, but he kept his favorite plans closely guarded +until means were offered to aid him. Many times Sir Thomas fancied that +Gerald Bereford admired his lovely cousin, and had a faint hope in the +realization of his wishes. When the climax was reached, by those avowals +on the part of the suitor, the great joy of the solicitous parent knew +no bounds. He seemed to view the matter as one which would give entire +happiness to all parties. Lady Rosamond was to be congratulated on the +brilliant prospects of her future. The Bereford family were to be +congratulated on their securing such an acquisition as Lady Rosamond, +while Gerald Bereford was to be congratulated on having won the heart of +such a pure and lovable being as his future bride. All those +congratulations were in prospect before the mental vision of the Admiral +as he lovingly dwelt upon the matter. + +From the effect thus produced upon Lady Rosamond it was certain she +viewed the matter in a different light. True, she had never, by thought +or action, been betrayed to show the least possible regard or preference +towards any of the many gallants from whom she oftentimes received many +flattering attentions. + +Towards her cousin Gerald she had always been considerate and friendly. +When on several occasions he had taken particular pains to gratify her +slightest wish, and pay more deferential regard than was necessary to +the demands of their relationship, Lady Rosamond affected utter +ignorance of the cause by treating him with a familiarity that gave him +no opportunity to urge his suit. + +When Sir Thomas gave consent to his daughter's reception in the family +of Sir Howard Douglas, it was in the firm belief that on her return her +mind would be matured to enter more fully upon plans relative to her +settlement in life. At the death of Sir Thomas the lands and estate of +Chesley Manor would be inherited by Frederick Seymour, the eldest son; a +smaller estate, bordering upon that of Lord Bereford, affording a +moderate income, went to the second son Geoffrey, while an annuity of +four thousand pounds had been settled upon Lady Rosamond, with a +marriage jointure of fifty thousand pounds, to be placed in the hands of +the trustees. By the marriage of Gerald Bereford and Lady Rosamond, the +latter would secure an inheritance of which she was next direct heir, +being the niece of the present lord incumbent. + +Lady Rosamond weighed all these arguments and tried to find by some +means a possibility of escape, but all lay in the dark and dim distance, +exacting heavy payment from her ladyship. + +This was a heavy blow to a person of Lady Rosamond's sensitive nature. +The thought was revolting to her. For some time previous a dim +foreboding haunted her--a presentiment of gloom and of deep sorrow. On +receiving the letter its weight seemed to lie heavily upon her. Now the +contents again caused her much pain. To whom could she go for comfort? +To whom unburden her mind? Leaning her head upon the table Lady Rosamond +sought refuge in tears. She sobbed bitterly. "It is at this trying +moment I miss my dear mother," murmured the poor girl in faltering +accents of outspoken grief. "Heaven pity those who have no mother. With +her loving and tender heart my mother never would have allowed the +sanctity of my feelings to be thus invaded and trampled upon. And my +dear father, I love him, but can I fulfil his wishes? It is my duty! Oh, +heaven direct me!" + +Poor Lady Rosamond! Her sorrow was indeed deep. In the midst of such +murmurs she arose, walked to the window, and once more fanned her cheeks +with the cooling breath of heaven, which afforded momentary relief. + +As the large plate mirror opposite reflected the tear stains upon her +pale but lovely face, Lady Rosamond resolved to banish all traces of +sorrow. Returning from the adjoining dressing-room not a shade clouded +the features of the suffering girl. The silken ringlets of her raven +black hair were rearranged with bewildering profusion, while the +feverish blush added to her surpassing charms. A faint smile passed over +Lady Rosamond's features as she tried to appear gay and assumed those +girlish charms which made friends on every side, from Sir Howard to the +youngest member in the household. "Oh, dear, what shall I do?" escaped +the lips of the sufferer. "What will bring this matter to an end?" But +pride would not allow Lady Rosamond to reveal her feelings. She would be +a true Seymour. It were well that she possessed this spirit, being in +this instance an offset to injured delicacy. + +Having remained in privacy longer than it was customary, she reluctantly +prepared to meet the family. Descending the upper stairway, she was met +by one of the children who had come to summon her to join them in a +walk. + +Lady Rosamond was always a favorite with children and the family of Sir +Howard formed no exception. They loved to accompany her on long walks in +search of any thing the surrounding woods afforded. Scarce two months +had passed since their arrival and they were familiar with all the cosy +retreats, nooks and pretty spots to be found. Surrounded by her +followers, Lady Rosamond appeared as a naiad holding revel with her +sylvan subjects. + +In her present mood the woods seemed to suggest calm. With her +companion, Mary Douglas, and the romping children, Lady Rosamond was +seemingly happy. A slight accident occurred which somewhat disturbed the +enjoyment of all, more especially those whom it most concerned. + +In crossing a narrow brook by means of a small plank which, being +rotten, gave way, Lady Rosamond was thrown into the water with no regard +to ceremony. A loud scream from Helen Douglas, who was standing near, +brought the whole company, while terrified shrieks arose on all sides. +In an instant Master Johnnie Douglas appeared in sight followed by +Lieut. Trevelyan. The mischievous disposition of the former could not +prevent an outburst of laughter despite all his high notions of +gallantry. The young lieutenant came boldly forward, seized the hand of +Lady Rosamond, and led her to a seat at a short distance. The dripping +garments clinging to the form of the frightened girl moved the young +soldier with pity and showed the tender nature of his manly heart. The +heartless Johnnie was dispatched for dry wraps and more comfortable +clothing. Lieutenant Trevelyan could not force a smile. The same puzzled +expression which had baffled Mr. Howe forced itself upon him. + +Mary Douglas had wrapped her companion's feet in the shawl taken off her +own shoulders, and sat anxiously awaiting their courier. The children +were more demonstrative in showing their grief. During the moments that +passed the minds of the elder members of the group were busily engaged. + +Lady Rosamond, regardless of her situation, was busied in projecting +schemes the most fanciful. She was thinking of the contents of her +father's letter. In spite of the strong efforts of will her thoughts +would turn in another and far different direction, which, perhaps, on +this occasion it would be more discreet to conceal. The painful and +ill-disguised look was attributed to the accident. Well for Lady +Rosamond if it were so. Yes, an accident, a painful accident--forgive +the expression--an accident of the heart. Poor Lady Rosamond! + +Ah, Mr. Trevelyan, we have an undue curiosity to follow the turn of +_your_ thoughts; but, as we once more note that puzzled look, think your +generous heart and honest nature deserve more _generous_ treatment. At +least, this time, we grant you further respite. + +Johnnie's arrival prevents further moralizing. No room for gravity when +Johnnie Douglas is near. His mischievous spirit is infectious. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, ETC. + + +The months pass quickly away. October, with its brilliant trophies of +the wood, has departed, leaving behind many pleasing memories of its +presence. November, in its raw and surly mood, is allowed to take +farewell without any expression of regret. The last of this numerous +family--December--is greeted with a hearty reception from every member +of the Douglas family. The purity of the soft snow flakes, falling in +myriads, are invested with indescribable charms. The clear, cold, and +frosty atmosphere is exhilarating to the bright, fresh countenances of +the youthful party sliding on the ponds and brooks. The river affords +amusement for skaters. The jingle of the bells is music sweet and +gratifying as the horses prance along with a keen sense of the pleasure +they afford to the beautiful ladies encased in costly furs and wrapped +in inviting buffalo robes. + +A happy season is in prospective. Christmas is approaching with its +time-honored customs and endearing associations. High and low, rich and +poor, have the same fond anticipations. In the lowly cot, surrounded by +miles of wilderness, little faces brighten as quickly at mention of +Christmas as those who are reared in the lap of luxury and expectant of +fond remembrance in showers of valuable presents in endless variety. + +Preparations were being commenced at Government House on an extensive +scale. Lady Douglas was remarkable for the labors of love in her family +at this approaching season. Christmas was to her a time of unalloyed +happiness. "Peace and good will" reigned supreme. Every minute was spent +in promoting happiness by devotion, recreation or charity. The last was +one of her most pleasing enjoyments, for which Lady Douglas received +many blessings. From her childhood this noble lady had exercised her +leisure moments in relieving the wants of the poor, often leaving to +them food and clothing with her own hands. + +At the suggestion of Miss Douglas, who was always ready for any +important duty, a party was proposed to visit the woods to procure +boughs for greening the grand hall and drawing-room. Foremost was +Johnnie Douglas, master of ceremonies, whose presence on the occasion +was indispensable; so said Johnnie, throwing a mischievous glance at +Lady Rosamond as a reminder of his services on a former expedition. The +rising color on his victim's face brought a reprimand from Mary Douglas. + +"Don't be of such importance, Johnnie, there are plenty of gentlemen at +our command." + +"Ha, ha, ha," roared the young gentleman in undisguised and unsuppressed +fits of laughter. + +"Miss Mary, don't be of too much importance; there may not be so many +gentlemen at your command as you reckon on," said Johnnie, bent on +following up his argument; "Mr. Howe is engaged, Mr. Trevelyan goes on +parade this morning, Charles is away; now where are the reserves? +Answer--Fred, and your humble servant." + +"Well, Johnnie, you are holding your ground manfully," exclaimed Sir +Howard, smiling as he passed through the group in the lower hall, where +they still sat discussing the grounds of Johnnie's superiority. + +Decision turning in favor of the champion, the party set off--boys, +ladies, and children--forming a pretty sight. Lady Douglas stood on the +balcony waving approval and beaming with happy smiles. + +The shouts of Master Johnnie, laughter of the ladies, and romping of the +children, kept the woods busy in the constant repetition of echoes on +every side. + +"Oh, Lady Rosamond," cried the hero of the expedition, eager to maintain +his position, "here is the brook, but where is the water to receive some +one with another cooling reception, and where is Mr. Trevelyan with his +gallant service and kind sympathy?--Not hinting of the hasty retreat of +your valuable pioneer!" + +Mary Douglas, detecting a shade passing over Lady Rosamond's brow, came +to the rescue with another mild reprimand upon the incorrigible Johnnie. +"I am afraid, sir, that you take the opportunity of reminding Lady +Rosamond of your former importance without due regard to her feelings, +which, you are aware, is not very gentlemanly." + +"If your ladyship is offended," said the mischievous but generous and +manly Johnnie, turning to Lady Rosamond, "I beg your pardon in the most +humble manner, feeling deeply sorry." + +"Lady Rosamond you really do not think I would consciously give you +annoyance," said master Johnnie, throwing down the bough which he had +lopped from a tree near, and drawing up his boyish form with true +dignity and an amusing earnestness in his tone. + +"Of course not, Johnnie," returned her ladyship, "you and I are on the +best of terms. Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the +contrary, it always amuses me." + +This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas. Apparently +engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she +was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts. She was +wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look +which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something +disagreeable to Lady Rosamond. + +Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred's arrival with a +request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing +some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a +large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary. + +On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which +brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan. + +"Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr. Trevelyan," exclaimed the +pioneer Johnnie, "else you might have formed another of our party." + +"The ladies might not have accepted your decision," returned Mr. +Trevelyan, hastily; "however, I thank you kindly for your +consideration." + +After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary +upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served. Mr. Howe and Mr. +Trevelyan remained. Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion +to the brook. Lady Rosamond was calm, possessed, and entertaining. +Everybody seemed inspired with the occasion. Sir Howard was deeply +immersed in the furtherance of those measures and means to be resorted +to for the benefit and advancement of the Province. "I have promised," +said he, "to be able to give clearer views upon the improvement of New +Brunswick a year hence, and, in order to do so, must not neglect one +moment. Another object which claims my notice very urgently is the +establishment of laws regulating a better system of education. The +grammar school is in a state of mediocrity, its support not being +secured on a proper basis. We want a college--an institution where our +young men can receive a thorough education and be fitted for entering +upon any profession." + +In every measure advocated by Sir Howard he had the full concurrence of +Lady Douglas and her intelligent and highly educated sons and daughters. +Perhaps to this cause may be attributed the amazing success which marked +Sir Howard's career through life. He had the entire and heartfelt +sympathy of his household. He was loved with the truest and fondest +affection as a husband and father. He, in return, placed every confidence +in his lovely and amiable wife and daughters, knowing that through them +he received great happiness; and, unfettered with those domestic trials +which attend some families, he was able to discharge the duties of state +with full and determined energy. + +The hours that elapsed between luncheon and dinner were spent in the +various styles of decoration suggested by Lady Douglas. The important +Johnnie was under the direct supervision of Miss Cheenick, cutting off +and preparing little twigs for garlands, with occasional sallies of good +natured badinage. + +Miss Douglas was making illuminated mottoes and texts in a quiet corner +of the apartment. Mary Douglas and her companion were busily weaving +pretty and graceful festooning. To each member was allotted some +especial part. + +Every one participated in the preparation by noting each successive step +towards completion. Thus the work progressed until it was time for the +ladies to dress for dinner; after which the evening was spent in the +same occupation, with the valuable assistance of Mr. Howe and Captain +Douglas. + +After several days had elapsed, the work was considered complete. The +design was choice and beautiful. Nothing was necessary to produce a more +graceful and pleasing effect. Holly there was none, but our woods +supplied the loss with lovely evergreens of native growth. + +It was the day preceding Christmas eve. Mirth and joy revelled around +the glowing firesides. Happy faces beamed with radiating smiles. Each +was trying to do some small act of kindness for the benefit of the +household. A Christmas tree, in all its mysterious surroundings, was +being laden with beautiful presents. Loving tokens of friendship were +placed on its strong branches by lovely and delicate hands. Lady Douglas +presided over these mysteries, in the secret chamber, with the vigilance +of the dragon who guarded the golden apples in the classic shades of the +Hesperides. All busy little feet were turned towards the door, but +further entrance was barred by gentle admonition from her ladyship. + +Lady Rosamond had been allowed the privacy of her own apartments without +interruption. She was preparing some tokens of regard for different +members of the family. Many chaste and valuable articles had been +received from home for this purpose, but she wished to make some choice +trinkets as her own work. Many times she had stolen a half-hour to +devote to this labor of love. An elegant silk purse had been netted for +Lady Douglas. For Mary Douglas she is engaged on a prettily-designed +portfolio. None were forgotten, not even Sir Howard, who was the +recipient of a neat dressing-case. As Lady Rosamond's deft fingers +wrought upon each article her mind was busy upon a far different, and, +to her, important matter. She longed for sympathy and advice. Her father +gave himself little concern regarding her ambiguously-written message. +He saw that his daughter was somewhat cold and indifferent to her +cousin's preference, but he expected that, on her return, she would +readily agree to anything which met his approval. Not wishing to repeat +the sentiment of the letter thus described, Sir Thomas Seymour had +considered moderation as the surest hope of success. Having thus +expressed his opinion to Lady Bereford, the Admiral was assured and +confident. On this Christmas season he had selected a costly locket, +studded with diamonds, as a gift to Lady Rosamond, and dwelt, with +loving pride, upon the many gentle qualities of the lovely girl; her +happy prospects as Lady Bereford, adored by a fond husband, beloved by +all. + +Happy Lady Rosamond! in thy busy thoughts. Dared we venture for thee an +encouraging word, it would be "Every cloud has a silver lining." + +Christmas eve was a scene of stir and excitement. Though work was done +in a systematic manner, the unusual tasks of labor and love were +hurrying upon each other with increasing rapidity. The servant's hall +was not to be passed over at this joyous time. Everyone, both family and +servants, shared in the festivity. How the graceful form of Mary Douglas +flew from room to room, arranging some pleasing surprise, planning some +little act of courtesy or civility. The housekeeper's room, stealthily +invaded by bribing another domestic, becomes the hiding place of a +handsome lace cap. Each maid finds under her pillow a sovereign and some +little trinket, as a ribbon, scarf or work box. + +These were happy moments in the life of Mary Douglas. In the performance +of such acts of goodness she was truly happy. This lovely girl was +possessed of the united virtues of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Free from +the remotest clouds of sorrow or care, Mary Douglas was indeed to be +envied. Her father's smile was of more value to his gifted daughters than +the most flattering attention from the many admirers who vainly tried to +receive the slightest sign of encouragement. + +That Lady Rosamond often longed for the happy and contented hours of her +companion--for a like participation of uninterrupted and halcyon days, +should form no ground for surprise. "How I should like to tell Mary my +trouble and receive her sweet counsel," murmured the sad girl. "I should +feel the burden lighter to bear, but it would seem almost a sacrilege to +invade upon such quiet harmony, for, with her sweet sympathizing nature, +I know that Mary would grieve over my sorrow. Dear girl, your Christmas +shall not be clouded by me," soliloquized Lady Rosamond, "I love you too +deeply to wish you care like mine. Ah, no, Mary darling, may you never +know the depth of sorrow such as mine." + +Lady Rosamond stood before her mirror to place a tiny rosebud in the +raven hair that encircled her stately head in luxuriant coils. Slight +and graceful in form, she saw indeed a pretty picture reflected there. +It seemed to mock her with pitying gaze. Her black silk dress revealed +the snowy whiteness of her beautifully rounded shoulders and arms, pure +as the marble mantel upon which she rested. The costly locket, with its +flashing diamonds, suspended by a heavy gold chain, rested upon her +bosom. She thought of her father's kindness as she placed his gift to +her lips, exclaiming, "Poor, dear papa, how I should like to see him +to-night; I love him so fondly. If he knew what I am suffering perhaps +he might relent. No doubt he is lonely to-night and wishing to see his +'only little girl,' as he lovingly calls me." + +Presently Lady Rosamond was formally ushered into the apartment where +the company, comprising the family and a few intimate friends, were +assembled to divest the Christmas tree of its gay clothing and +appendages. + +As a veritable Santa Claus presented each present, the all-important +Johnnie was ready to exclaim: "Thank old Sandy for that, can't you? What +a hale old chap is Sandy!" Turning to Lieutenant Trevelyan, the +incorrigible ventured to ask who might be Sandy's tailor? + +When among the presents a tiny case, lined with white velvet, revealed a +jewelled cross of exquisite design, Sir Howard exclaimed gaily, "Lady +Rosamond, a coincidence--the cross followed by an anchor!" producing at +the same time a costly ornament in the form of an anchor. "Have no fear, +your cross is outweighed by the anchor Hope in the end. What a beautiful +encouraging omen!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +ST. JOHN'S EVE. + + +It was St. John's Eve; Government House was a scene of splendour; truly +every precinct was a blaze of dazzling light. Here was assembled the +distinguished, gay, beauty, and wit of the Province; the learned and +severe as well as the thoughtless. Hearts beat with throbbing and +exciting pulsation, fired by hope's fondest dreams. The spacious +drawing-room, already described in a preceding chapter, now assumed, if +possible, a more brilliant aspect--flooded with light, rendered more +effective by an additional chandelier, a gem of countless scintillations, +distracting in variety and prismatic design. The courtly reception, +high-born dignity and ease exhibited in every smile, gesture, word and +action of the distinguished occupants, might recall vivid conceptions of +the days when beauty and chivalry were conspicuous in homage to royalty +and grand pageantry. + +Amidst the pressure and arrival of each guest no confusion was apparent. +Rank took precedence with studied regard. The many guests were attired +in a style and elegance becoming the occasion. Conspicuous was the +military rank of the large number of officers of His Majesty's +service--colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, ensigns, and all those +insignias of like distinction. Among these might be found hidden, +viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles +and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses +worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the +most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and +gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly +furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of +jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion +to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by +bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own +upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than +Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem +of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady +Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female +friends. On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To +gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in +the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try +describe her as nearly as possible:--A white satin robe with court train, +bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin +petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing +the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with +pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy +the name she bore--a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who +won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the +good and pious young Edward. + +Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among +whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and +the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any +preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for +the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to +her the greatest source of comfort. To their varied experience of life +the young girl would give the entire earnest of her truthful nature. Nor +was this fact unnoticed. Lady Rosamond was the frequent partner of a +revered grandfather, either at the whist table or in the quadrille, much +to the secret annoyance of the young gentlemen present. + +Mary Douglas was often at the side of her girl friend. It frequently +happened that they were vis-a-vis in a quadrille, when Lady Rosamond +indulged in exchanging playful sallies of mirthful character. In +appearance, manners and companionship those lovely girls might be +considered as sisters. On more than one occasion had such a mistake been +of concurrence, while Mary Douglas was recognized as Lady Rosamond. + +Colonel L----, an intimate friend of Sir Howard, remarked to a lady +beside him, "This is truly an enjoyable affair. I am doubtful if many +years hence some will not look back and say that this was one of the +happiest moments of their life." + +In the midst of this speech a gay and dashing young officer stepped +forward, accosting a superior in command in a brotherly and familiar +way, shewing behind a tie of relationship. Aside, in quiet tones, the +younger exclaimed, "Cousin Charles, will you introduce me to the lady in +crimson velvet and white satin, with tiara of diamonds?" "Certainly, +Montague, whenever you wish. Do you not think her beautiful?" "Yes," was +the reply, "but not in effect with Lady Rosamond or Miss Mary. Does not +that lovely costume set off her ladyship's charms. How faultless her +form! It is a hard matter to decide between the beauty of those +companions." + +This last remark caused a blush to suffuse the brow of a handsome youth +standing within hearing. Suddenly turning away, and musing as he went, +Lieutenant Trevelyan was half angry at himself for some slight betrayal +of feeling which fortunately had not been detected. + +As Lady Douglas was sitting in a corner, whither some of her guests had +retired to rest from the fatigue of the evening, a lady near ventured to +exclaim, "What a noble looking young man is Lieutenant Trevelyan! He has +such a frank and honest face; besides, he is so kind and considerate. +Having heard so many kind allusions towards him from so many sources, I +have a great interest in his welfare. It is said that his father won +distinction in the army." + +"Yes," returned Lady Douglas, "I can remember his father when he really +appeared not much older and wore the same blushing countenance as our +dear friend Guy." + +"Ah, there he is," exclaimed one of the eager admirers. + +At this moment the subject of their remarks led forth Lady Rosamond as +his partner in the dance. + +"What a charming couple," said one. "How striking the contrast of their +dress," said another, as the bright scarlet of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +uniform reflected on the pure white satin of Lady Rosamond's bodice, +while the blue satin added a pretty effect. + +"How happy he looks as he smiles upon his partner," said one of the +group. + +"Who could be unhappy in the presence of Lady Rosamond?" replied Lady +Douglas. + +"Pardon, your ladyship, but there are many here who feel the hidden pain +caused by one look or smile from her ladyship's lovely face." The +speaker here lowered her voice, continuing: "I cannot explain or account +for the feeling which prompts me, but I really think that Lieutenant +Trevelyan is under the influence of those beautiful eyes, and really it +would be the fondest of my dreams realized, having in both seen much to +admire." + +"Mrs. B----," said Lady Douglas, in playful tones of reproof. "You +really would be tempted to become a match-maker?" + +"Yes," replied the other, "if by any means I could further the present +scheme." + +"Lady Rosamond is indeed amiable and loveable, and worthy of a true and +noble husband, while Lieutenant Trevelyan is in every sense a gentleman +worthy the fairest and best. It would grieve me to see him rejected, +yet, Lady Rosamond is not in a position to favor any suitor until she +returns to England." + +While the preceding remarks were being made by the group in the corner, +the totally unconscious pair were apparently enjoying the music and +dancing. + +Lady Rosamond seemed in a sweet and uninterrupted dream of happiness, as +she floated along in the mazes of the waltz, supported by the strong and +graceful arms of her admirable partner, the young lieutenant. He +likewise had his dreams, but of a different nature. He could not calmly +enjoy the present in firm defiance of the future. A hopeless uncertainty +lay before, which forbade approach. Lady Rosamond's reserve was a +subject he dare not analyze. But the frankness which won him friends and +passport had come to his relief just at the moment when his partner was +most likely to chide with friendly courtesy. Both could look back to +this evening during the course of after years. + +When various amusements had succeeded, interspersed with dancing, the +climax was yet to be reached. A grand surprise awaited. A tableaux was +in preparation. + +When the drawing-room was partially darkened the curtain rose, showing a +simple background, with two children of the family sleeping quietly in +the foreground. Standing over them was Helen Douglas; her hair fell over +her shoulders. She wore a black dress, while a black lace veil, spangled +with gold stars, covered her from head to foot. With her arms extended +she is in the act of covering the sleeping children. A band of black, +with silver crescent, on her forehead, and stars on the band, added to +the beauty of the lovely Helen, and formed a true conception of the +subject. + +"Ah, the rogues," exclaimed Sir Howard; "how quietly they stole upon +us." + +Few failed to detect the word, showing a deep appreciation of the grace +of Helen Douglas. + +The second scene represented a parlor with a young girl in the +foreground, having on her head an old-fashioned hood. This character is +assumed by Arabella Farnham, the daughter of an officer retired from the +service. Near the young lady stands a gentleman in the act of pulling +off the hood to see her face. On the opposite side is another young girl +in the person of Mary Douglas, in full evening dress, pointing to the +hood, and laughing at its old and peculiar shape. + +Much applause greeted the actors upon the success of these parts, but +the crowning scene was the third and last--the united terms of the +preceding ones. The effect was grand beyond description. The scene was +supposed to be the great hall of Kenilworth, hung with silken tapestry, +lit with numerous torches. The odor of choicest perfumes fell upon the +senses, while soft strains of music floated in the distance. In the +centre of the background forming this magnificent apartment was a chair +of state, with canopy in imitation of a throne, and covered with rich +drapery, on which is seated one personating Queen Elizabeth, whose smile +is resting upon the courtly form of Walter Raleigh, upon whom she is in +the act of conferring knighthood. Grouped around the throne are +characters representing the Earls of Leicester, Essex, Oxford, +Huntingdon, and a train of lords and ladies, conspicuous among whom was +the Duchess of Rutland, the favorite maid of honor in Her Majesty's +household. The character of Elizabeth was sustained by Lady Rosamond, +arrayed in queenly robes and blazing with jewels. + +"She looks every inch a queen," exclaimed one of the spectators. + +"The young knight's heart is in a dangerous situation," said another. + +"Beware, Sir Walter," said a third; "Essex and Leicester are dangerous +rivals, especially the latter." + +Kneeling with courtly grace was Lieutenant Trevelyan in the role of Sir +Walter Raleigh. The young officer had performed his part with that +graceful ease which had so won the affection of the great sovereign. + +A slight shudder passed through the form of Lady Rosamond as she +remembered his sad fate. Thinking the present no time for boding +ill-starred events, she hastily turned her mind from the subject. + +As the Earl of Leicester, Captain Douglas was apparelled in white. "His +shoes were of white velvet, with white silk stockings, the upper part of +white velvet lined with silver; his doublet, of cloth of silver; the +close jerkin, of white velvet embroidered with silver and seed pearls; +his girdle was of white velvet with buckles of gold. The scabbard of his +sword was of white velvet and gold; his poniard and sword belt mounted +with gold. Over he wore a loose robe of white satin with broad collar +richly embroidered in gold. Around his neck was the golden collar of the +garter, and around his knee the azure garter."[1] Truly was the costume +executed, and raised admiration warm and long sustained. + +[Footnote 1: Leicester's description taken from Sir Walter Scott.] + +Mr. Stanley, the son of an influential citizen, personated Sussex, who +wore a purple velvet doublet, lined with golden cloth, and a richly +embroidered jerkin of the same color with broad golden collar, black +silk stockings and shoes of purple velvet. A richly ornamented girdle +and gold mounted sword completed the costume, being rich and elegant and +next in splendour to that of Leicester. The remaining nobles were +dressed in courtly apparel and becoming the scene. Mary Douglas was, it +is needless to add, in the capacity of the favorite Duchess of Rutland, +the friend and confidante of Her Majesty. The whole had a beautiful +effect and gave additional eclat to the evening's series of +entertainments. + +When Lady Rosamond again joined the dance, she was playfully advised to +act well the policy of the character, by preserving towards the rival +earls a well balanced line of judgment, and concealing any strong +attachment toward the knight of the cloak, to Squire Lack-Cloak, as +Raleigh was termed by the attendants at court. + +Throughout the whole evening there was one who entered with heart and +hand into the spirit of such gaiety--one foremost in the dance, foremost +at the whist table, and foremost in gay and animating conversation. +Notwithstanding those demands, there was another subject foremost in the +mind of His Excellency's private secretary. Mr. Howe was a man of the +world, gay, fascinating and striving to please. He had some faults, (and +who has not?) but he had his good qualities full as well. He had a +generous nature--a heart that wished well to his fellow man, and above +all, his friends. + +Since his arrival in New Brunswick, Mr. Howe had formed a strong +attachment to his "boy friend," as he often designated the young +lieutenant. Sir Howard was pleased with the fact and showed every +encouragement by allowing Guy Trevelyan full privilege in his household. +There were on several occasions within our notice, a troubled and half +defined expression on the hitherto radiant and joyous countenance of Guy +Trevelyan. This fact had given much food for the mind of the secretary. +After a scrutinizing search and untiring effort the hidden secret +revealed itself in the bosom of Mr. Howe. He now possessed a _secret_ +that gave a _secret_ pleasure by which the true nature of human sympathy +could assert itself. Thus musing, and overjoyed at his recent success, +Mr. Howe being reminded of the last dance, participated in the closing +festivity celebrating St. John's Eve. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE DISCLOSURE. + + +Winter had far advanced; its reign of severity and pitiless defiance was +near its end. Already the genial days of joyous spring were heralded by +a vigorous effort of the shrubs and plants to show themselves in +resistance to the tyrannizing sway of the ice-crowned monarch. An +occasional note from the returning songster was welcomed as the +brightest harbinger of the truly delightful season. Merry voices mingled +in tones of deep gratitude as they once more sallied forth to enjoy the +pleasure of the woods. + +None were more exultant than the inmates of Government House. From Sir +Howard to the child at the feet of Lady Douglas, all shared alike in the +pleasure of anticipation. Foremost in gleeful demonstration was the +pioneer Johnnie, who danced and sang in the enjoyment of his native +element--light and sunshine. Every hour that could be laid aside for +this purpose was equal to a fortune. + +But our young friend was no miser in this respect. Every available guest +must be in readiness to join the incorrigible Johnnie when bent on his +excursions. All stood on equal rights. Youth and age were all in the +same order of classification. It was a remarkable trait of Johnnie's +character that denials were not considered as sufficient excuse for +delinquency on the part of any favored with invitations, and, in +consequence, all made a point of being in readiness. + +A bright Saturday morning had been arranged for one of those +expeditions. April showers had already been the means of bringing forth +flowers (if not May flowers), only to be found by the penetrating eyes +of "Trapper Johnnie," as some of the more mischievous urchins had dared +to designate their leader. + +When, on the auspicious moment, at the marshalling of the clan, two had +dared to break the rules, so strictly laid down, surprise was +momentarily visible on many faces. + +Lady Rosamond, the next in importance to Johnnie, had pleaded inability +to attend, with a desire to retain her friend and companion. There was +something in the pleading and beautiful eyes of Lady Rosamond that drove +vexation at a respectful distance, and welcomed, in its stead, a feeling +akin to sympathy within the heart of the manly boy. True chivalric +dignity asserted itself in every form when necessity demanded. Her +ladyship instantly received permission to remain, with a generous grace +that made Johnnie a true hero in the estimation of his fair suppliant. + +"Accept this favor, Sir Knight, as a token of the sincerity of your +lady," said Lady Rosamond, stepping forward with a knot of pale blue +silk in her hand. + +With the brave gallantry of a Douglas, our hero knelt at the feet of her +ladyship, and, receiving the favor, in graceful recognition kissed the +fair hand that placed it there. + +"Well done, my boy!" cried Sir Howard, who had been watching the +ceremony from an open window, whence he had heard all that passed, and +the circumstances which led to it; "you have already shown that spirit +which I hope will always characterize my children." + +After the picnickers had departed Lady Rosamond and Mary Douglas +returned to the house, where they were met by Lady Douglas. + +"My child, are you ill to-day?" said her ladyship; "you are unusually +pale, while your eyes have a wearied look." + +"I do not feel quite well this morning," returned Lady Rosamond, +languidly. + +"You need rest, my dear, after the fatigue of last evening; too much +gaiety does not bring a bloom to my Rosamond," said her ladyship, +kissing the pale cheek of the lovely girl, adding: "My dear, you must +retire to your room, while I prepare a gentle sedative." + +Lady Rosamond did retire. She also received the cooling draught from the +fair hand of Lady Douglas, whose kindness shone in administering to the +wants of others. + +Poor Lady Rosamond's rest could not be gained by the simple sedative. + +Physical ailments are not the worst form of suffering that afflict +humanity. Lady Rosamond was enduring a mental conflict that was crushing +in its intensity. The more she tried to baffle its power the more +forcibly did it affect her. Vainly had she struggled within herself for +aid, but no response. Faint hope dawned in the form of appeal. She now +resolved to go to her dear companion with all her trials and tale of +suffering. At intervals this hope died away, but in the end gained the +mastery. It was this resolve that kept Lady Rosamond from joining in the +festive train that set off that morning. It was this resolve that +detained Mary Douglas as well. It was this resolve that bade Lady +Rosamond to seek the quiet of her chamber preparatory to the trying +disclosure. + +Lady Douglas little divined the cause of those pale cheeks, as she +ascribed them to the recent fatigue of an evening. + +With heavy heart Lady Rosamond prepared for the reception of her +confidante. A most beautiful picture is presented to the imagination in +those lovely girls sitting side by side the arm of Mary Douglas around +her companion. + +"Mary, my love," began Lady Rosamond, "I have often longed for this +moment, but could not summon the courage which the occasion demands." + +"Rosamond, you startle me by your earnestness," said the former with +deep surprise, dropping the title, as familiar companions, at the +suggestion of her ladyship. + +"Have patience, my darling; you shall hear it only too soon." + +Between sighs and sobs Lady Rosamond told the whole history of her +troubles--the letter and its stern proposal--not forgetting her father's +kindness and his great love for her; "but oh!" she continued, "he cannot +realize the depths of my misery." + +"My poor darling," said Mary Douglas, with great tears dimming her +beautiful eyes, "why did you thus suffer in silence? Can it be possible +that you can have passed the long winter with such a weight upon your +heart, my darling Rosamond?" + +"Ah, my Mary," replied her ladyship, "I hope that you may never know how +much the heart can bear, or how much woman, in her uncomplaining nature, +may suffer. If I could only learn 'to suffer and be strong'--in that +source lies my weakness. I am only one of the many thousands of my sex +who have had such struggles. I do not wish to shirk the duty imposed on +me, but if more strength were given me to bear it." + +Mary Douglas sat in silence for some moments, as if waiting a sufficient +reply. She knew her friend's disposition too well to venture any advice +that would require a third person's knowledge of the matter. Gladly +would she have referred it to her father or mother, but the idea gave no +relief. + +"Rosamond, my darling, if I could afford your mind instantaneous relief +I would gladly do so, if even at a very great sacrifice. Of one thing +rest assured--you have my service in any way that you wish to command +me; besides, you have my sympathy and interest for life. It may be that +I can slightly alleviate your sorrow. Can I not propose some plan in the +future to re-arrange those affairs which at present seemed so irrevocably +fixed? Kings have made laws to be broken when the cause demanded +retribution. Darling, be more hopeful--trust in Providence and do the +right--in the end you will be happy. Let me read your horoscope:--dark +clouds within the visible horizon, succeeded by bright stars in +ascension--hope and joy without fail." + +A spirit of inspiration seemed to shine upon the face of Mary Douglas as +she read her companion's future. + +A smile lit up the features of Lady Rosamond. + +"Thank heaven, darling, for that smile," said the gifted daughter of Sir +Howard, throwing her arms around the sorrowing girl and kissing her +affectionately. + +Lady Rosamond felt happier and more encouraged from the fact of having +such consolation and hope. + +Mary Douglas had shed a ray of comfort in one unhappy heart. She knew +not the load which was thus removed. + +Lady Rosamond clung to those kind words with a fond pertinacity: not +only the _words_, but the manner in which they were uttered. + +Some evenings after the preceding interview had taken place, Sir Howard, +Lady Douglas and family were assembled in the drawing room. Miss Douglas +was seated at the piano, while Miss Mary Douglas sang the song so dear +to every Scottish heart--Highland Mary. Lady Douglas listened to the +melodies of her native land with heartfelt admiration. She loved to +cultivate such taste on the part of her daughters. None could give a +more perfect rendition of Scotch music and poetry than they. + +When Miss Douglas sang "The Winter is Past," another of Burn's melodies, +Mary Douglas fancied she saw the beautifully chiselled lips of Lady +Rosamond tremulous with emotion. The first verse ran thus: + + "The Winter is past, and the Summer's come at last, + And the little birds sing on every tree; + Now everything is glad, while I am very sad, + Since my true love is parted from me." + +The finely cultivated voice of the singer entered fully into the spirit +of the song, giving both expression and effect as she sang the last +verse: + + "All you that are in love and cannot it remove, + I pity the pains you endure: + For experience makes me know that your hearts are full of woe, + A woe that no mortal can cure." + +"One would judge that my sister had some experience, if we take the face +as an index of the mind," said Captain Douglas, in playful badinage +directed towards his favorite sister, who in reality did have an +experience, but not of her own. + +She felt the blow thus unconsciously dealt at Lady Rosamond. Luckily for +the latter, the coincidence thus passed over without any betrayal of +feelings. In Mary Douglas was a firm and watchful ally. In her were +reflected the feelings which passed unobserved in Lady Rosamond, or +attributed to absence from home, separation from familiar faces, or +clinging memories of the past. Another great source of protection lay in +the composition of the character of the gifted ally. + +Mary Douglas was possessed of a temperament most keenly sensitive to the +finest perception of poetic feeling. Life to her was music and poetry. A +beautiful picture either called forth joy or sorrow; a pathetic song +thrilled her soul with well timed vibrations of feeling; a touching +story brought tears to those lovely eyes, that would move one with pity. +Thus was concealed the sympathy for Lady Rosamond, as none would +sacrilegiously question those motives save in playful reminder from +Captain Douglas, who bowed in fond adoration to the shrine of his +sister's loveliness and goodness. + +The entrance of Mr. Howe changed the current of conversation. Politics +naturally took the lead. The House of Assembly being now three weeks in +session, having opened April 15th, many important discussions took +place. Much turmoil had to be suppressed by the sagacious judgment of +Sir Howard. His predecessors had loudly contended against the troubles +arising from the sources and expenditure of revenues. Happily, in the +present administration, this matter had in a great measure subsided. For +the general advancement of the Province, His Excellency left no means +untried. His waking moments were almost entirely devoted to the +interests of political welfare. His conversation within the family +circle very often showed his zeal and the subject which lay near his +heart. It was at this very time that he assembled all the legislators +and influential citizens of Fredericton, addressing them in terms of +burning eloquence, impressing on them the value of extending the +progress of agriculture, showing the nature of the soil of New +Brunswick; its perfect adaptation to the different kinds of products, +and the independence of a country that can largely subsist upon its own +resources. "The day will come, I hope," said Sir Howard, "when our +farmers will be nobles of our land, and their sons and daughters +ornaments to society, proud of the soil which raised them above the level +of their less active fellow creatures." + +As the speech had given rise to much comment throughout the different +classes, it was freely discussed at Government House. This intelligent +family often formed into a party of politicians and assumed the measured +terms and knotty difficulties of political lore with an ease that was +both instructive and amusing. + +"If papa would favor this august assembly by taking the floor of the +house, we might be more free to avow our feelings." + +"I beg you will allow me to correct you, Miss Mary, as being rather +sentimental in the choice of your last word," said Mr. Howe, appealing +to Sir Howard with the question, "Your Excellency, have I not a right to +make the correction?" + +"I acknowledge your suggestion, Mr. Speaker," said Mary Douglas in her +own defence, "and hope, before the session is over, to make a decided +improvement both in views and technicalities." + +"What!" exclaimed Captain Douglas, coming towards Mr. Howe. "Are you and +Mary to take opposite measures already?" + +"Not at all, sir," returned Mr. Howe, "I was merely setting her right +on--" "technicalities," said the young girl, with a merry ringing laugh. + +"Ah, Mary!" cried Charles Douglas, playfully pulling back the clustering +ringlets from his sister's white forehead, "poetry and politics cannot +exist on very intimate terms of friendship, at least too much poetry." + +"Have a care, young man," said Sir Howard, laughing at the last remark. + +"Ah! there are exceptions to every rule, sir, which you did not give me +an opportunity to add, and I still make the former assertion to be, to a +certain extent, counterbalanced by the latter." + +From the appearance of different speakers the house seems to be out of +order. + +From playful remarks followed an interesting and varied stock of earnest +political conversation, in which Lady Douglas joined with apparent ease. +From agriculture the question led to education, one in which His +Excellency had spent much time and labor. + +It is to Sir Howard that the present university owes its first +existence, its various stages of progress and final success. It was he +who procured the first charter granting the privileges of a university. +Few can realize the difficulties that Sir Howard met before +accomplishing this great boon, and fewer still could see the way for +raising the means necessary for the support of this institution. But an +endowment was raised by grants from the revenue arising from the sale of +unoccupied lands, and equal grants from the House of Assembly. + +The next barrier presented by the colonists, for the suppression of the +Thirty-nine Articles and the admission of Dissenters, was in itself a +formidable array of difficulty, notwithstanding the next uprising of +Episcopalian remonstrance. A sea of troubles! But reason, the true +pilot, never deserted Sir Howard. The greatness of the cause was +sufficient motive. + +As the story progresses we hope to give a few facts which will prove +what success awaited him. In the administration of this distinguished +military ruler, New Brunswick found a warm and true-hearted friend and +adviser--one whose memory is yet cherished within the hearts of those +who had once seen his benignant and happy smile. Such is a faint picture +of the domestic and political bearing of the gifted and distinguished +Sir Howard. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +BEREFORD CASTLE. + + +In a beautifully remote district, between the celebrated towns of +Hastings and Brighton, may be found the quaint old structure known as +Bereford Castle. From the style of architecture it may be dated to the +time of Edward the Third, bearing a striking resemblance to the castle +re-erected in that monarch's reign by the Earl of Warwick. The castle of +this period had degenerated or become more modernized. The closed +fortress was rapidly assuming a mixture of the castle and mansion. +Instead of the old Norman pile, with its two massive towers and arched +gateway, thick walls, _oilets_ and portcullis, Bereford Castle comprised +stately and magnificent halls, banqueting rooms, galleries, and +chambers. The keep was detached from the building, a stronghold in +itself, surrounded by smaller towers and the important and necessary +moat. During the civil wars it had stood many sieges, but, after +repeated attacks, in the course of time it fell into decay. Much labor +had been spent in repairing the part occupied as a residence until, at +the present time, it was in good condition. The fine old park contained +a valuable growth of trees--fir, spruce, pine, birch, elm, and the +stately oak--which grew in luxuriant profusion. The north side of the +castle commanded an extensive view of the surrounding hills, valley, and +the winding river, with its numerous small inlets and tributaries. + +The owners of Bereford Castle prided themselves upon their extensive +gardens, for which purpose many obstructions had been removed. An +artificial labyrinth of choice trees was contrived with marvellous +effect, producing echoes of unceasing variety. In this enclosure, +comprising many acres, were the most beautiful designs of parterres, +borders, walks, galleries, cabinets, pavilions, porticoes, and many more +intricate inventions of landscape gardening. Fountains gushed forth with +untiring and fantastic wreaths of crystal foam; grottoes, cascades, +mounts and precipices, seemed to steal away thought and quietly bear one +to sleep to the music and dreams of fairyland. + +The interior of the castle was in keeping with the grounds. The great +hall which, in olden time, formed the most important part of the whole, +was somewhat reduced in its dimensions. The windows of stained glass +were emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the family, while the +walls were adorned with life-size portraits of their ancestors. The +richly carved roof, with its massive timbers and pillars supporting it; +the old relics, in the shape of banners, helmets, swords, shields, and +other implements of warfare, were arranged on every side. On each wing +of the main building were spacious, modern rooms, occupied by the family +as private apartments, viz: the drawing-room, dining-room, and sleeping +apartments. + +But perhaps the most attractive feature of the castle is the extensive +library--an octagonal room in a small tower, apparently built at a +recent date. The stained glass of its oriel window is very beautiful; +the handsomely gilded ceiling and pannelled walls have a fine and +striking effect; the floor is paved in marble, with inlaid mosaic; the +shelves of rosewood and oak are filled with the most costly productions +of literature, ancient and modern. This ancient family had cherished a +fond taste for letters and science. The present lord, uncle of Lady +Rosamond, still found leisure to devote many hours in his favorite +resort--the library. Gerald Bereford cultivated a taste likewise. He was +a young man of strong literary preferences, showing a desire for +learning, with a keen appreciation of the pleasures and pastimes of +daily life. + +The drawing-room of Bereford Castle was indeed a superb display of +taste, grace, wealth and classic design. Though firmly believing that a +description will dispel the charm lingering around those beautiful +rooms, I cannot resist the inclination to give one. + +Lofty ceilings, frescoed and gilded, blazing in gold, with the arms of +the family in bold relief; walls with wainscoting, arras and gorgeous +tapestry. Furniture polished, carved and decorated; chairs embroidered +in crimson and gold; Turkey carpets of fabulous price and texture; +statuary, the work of ages; pictures, the work of a lifetime. Mediaeval +grandeur in every niche and corner. Add to this a view of the gardens +from the deep embayed windows, and you have a faint conception of the +drawing-room scene at Bereford Castle, the intended home for Lady +Rosamond Seymour. + +Within this apartment are two occupants. Seated, or rather reclining, +near the lower window is Maude Bereford, a young girl, graceful and +intelligent, but possessing no claim to rare beauty. A second glance +increases your approbation. Goodness of heart is indelible upon that +face. The other occupant is a lady about sixty years of age. Time had +been generous in its demands by drawing small usury from his allotted +spoliations. Lady Bereford had been a beauty in her day, and, judging +from the skilful devices practised, wished yet to retain her passing +glories. Her fair complexion still showed a lingering bloom, the haughty +eye still preserved a kindling glance, while her countenance and mien +gave evidence of a stronger and more spirited cast of character than that +of the young girl here mentioned. + +"Maude," said her ladyship, "what news from Lady Rosamond?" + +"Here is the letter, mamma, which you can read," said the young girl, at +the same time placing a daintily folded letter in the lap of Lady +Bereford. + +With elevated eyebrows her ladyship looked over the contents of the +letter. An occasional frown showed the displeasure which some sentences +gave to the reader. + +"It does not seem to please you, mamma," ventured Maude. + +"I cannot think that Lady Rosamond is very complimentary to her friends +in England. She makes no very kind allusions to her former companions +here. You certainly will admit that fact." + +"Oh, mamma, I am inclined to believe that you have formed mistaken +opinions of dear Lady Rosamond. You see that she refers to scenes +wherein all took a part, and I am sure that she is still my friend now +as before she left us." + +"Allow me, Maude," exclaimed Lady Bereford with impatient gesture, "you +have neither age nor experience on your side; but I feel convinced that +Rosamond has formed some attachment in New Brunswick, which she has +cleverly concealed. Throughout her whole letter there is a want of +earnestness that betrays her--an unsettled and vague uncertainty +dictates every sentence. Sir Thomas did a very foolish action when he +gave consent to his daughter's separation at a time when her nature is +most susceptible to the temptations and flatteries of society." + +"Mamma, I do not like to hear you speak thus of dear Rosamond. I love +her dearly, and I could not bear the thought of her forming any +attachment outside our family." + +"That is one reason why I have been thinking so deeply upon the matter. +That Gerald loves his pretty cousin, we know full well, and the +mortification of his being refused would be a heavy blow to our pride as +well. From a conversation with Sir Thomas a few weeks ago, he gave us +every assurance of an alliance of the families. Gerald is living on the +consummation of his hopes being realized, while I would fain remind him +of the line--'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'" + +"Mamma, dear, you always seem to prefer the dark side," returned Maude. +"Let us change the subject, as it is surely unjust to Rosamond." + +"It is to be hoped that your fond dream may serve you aright," said her +ladyship, with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice. + +At that moment Maude Bereford arose and playfully approached the door +wherein stood the future Lord Bereford, the heir of Bereford Castle. + +Tall, handsome, and affable, Gerald Bereford bore a strong resemblance +to her ladyship, but lacking that severity which predominated in the +latter. Bold, regular features stamped the face of the young man. There +was firmness about the mouth that indicated a strong energy and +perseverance, at the sacrifice of much feeling. On the whole there was +much in favor of Gerald Bereford's preferences; his clear, grey eye +showed keen intellect, combined with mirth and humor; a deep manly +voice, with purity of tone, spoke of truth and conscientious +convictions. Such was the character and personal appearance of the +nephew and favorite of Sir Thomas Seymour. + +Maude led her brother to a seat beside Lady Bereford, and seated herself +on a stool at his feet. + +"Is this not a golden evening, Gerald?" questioned the young girl, +looking up in her brother's face. + +"Yes," replied Gerald, "but to enjoy the golden beauty, as you term it, +I enforce strict and immediate attention to my wishes, and request your +ladyship, and this little girl, will accept the escort of your liege +lord." + +"My liege lord will need those gallantries in reserve," returned the +sister, in arch and naive tones. + +Lady Bereford waived the imperative demand by desiring to remain. Maude +accepted the proffered arm of Gerald to stroll beneath the inviting +branches of the dear old oaks, so firmly interwoven in the scenes of +innocent childhood and succeeding girlhood. The tender, sensitive girl +loved her brother too deeply to believe that any could supplant his +place in the love of Lady Rosamond. Her true criterion was the pure, +innocent, and trusting love of a sister. + +"Gerald, my dear, I am glad this opportunity has been so timely chosen," +said the fond sister in an earnest tone, placing her delicate little +hand upon her brother's shoulder. + +"Pray, what has happened, Maude, that you look so sad?" said Gerald, +breaking out into a hearty laugh. + +"Nothing has happened," answered Maude; "really, if I look sad I do most +wrongfully disavow my intention, having news for you--good news, too, I +assure you," said Maude, again looking at her brother wistfully. "Can +you not guess?" said she. + +"How should I?" returned Gerald; "that would be a fruitless task." + +"Since you have exercised such patience I will tell you," said Maude: "I +have just received a letter from Rosamond." + +A blush quickly overspread Gerald's face as he bowed acknowledgment. + +Maude did not produce the letter which had been the cause of such +annoyance to Lady Bereford, but she disclosed part of the contents and +part she kept for herself. Together they talked long and earnestly. +Though she took no liberty in showing the relationship in which she +considered Lady Rosamond, her simple and earnest nature seemed to give +assurance to Gerald. He listened to his sister's repeated praise of her +companion--of their girlish attachment--and heartily hoped that Lady +Rosamond would return the deep love which he had unreservedly placed at +her disposal--his heart, name, riches--all were given the absent and +beautiful maiden. + +Musing awhile, Gerald was aroused by his sister, who almost petulantly +exclaimed: + +"Oh, Gerald, I do wish that Rosamond was home again, never to leave us. +Two years separation seems a long time in the future. I grow so +impatient. Do you know, Gerald," added Maude, with a bright eagerness, +"I am going to write and urge her to shorten this lengthy probation. I +cannot endure the thought. _Two years!_" repeated she, a second time, +with strong emphasis. + +"But you must remember the fable of the boys and the frogs," said +Gerald, with an amused smile. + +This remark reminded Maude of the sentiments of her mother, but she +would not repeat them in the presence of her brother. She did not wish +to cherish or countenance anything that would be disloyal to Lady +Rosamond. In her sincerity she would not believe any views relating to +her friend unless they received her direct sanction. + +Gerald Bereford had misgivings regarding his hopes, but trusted that +time and the favor of Sir Thomas would eventually disclose a brighter +prospect. No jealousy had crossed his mind. Had Lady Bereford expressed +her opinion in his presence he might have formed a far different view of +the matter. At present all was tranquil. Maude's earnestness momentarily +affected him--nothing more. + +Lord Bereford, the present incumbent, was a man of sterling integrity--a +firm friend of his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Seymour. Though a man of +high birth, distinguished, and sought by the great and learned, he was +gentle, unassuming, and benign. + +From her father Maude Bereford inherited the quiet and unobtrusive +demeanor, so strongly in contrast to the haughty and obsequious bearing +of Lady Bereford. Gerald was a strange compound of both--a fact that +gave birth to the honest convictions of his nature. + +Lord Bereford was an ardent admirer of Lady Rosamond--"a true +Bereford,"--the counterpart of her mother, Maria Bereford, whose beauty +had been the theme of unusual admiration. For hours could he gaze upon +his sister's child and recall the past, when a beautiful girl wandered +through the old familiar spots and looked to him for brotherly sympathy +when any annoyance rose before her. When the young girl grew to +womanhood and gave her affection to his boyhood friend, Sir Thomas +Seymour, he bestowed his blessing. Was he to repeat that blessing upon +the child? Many times did Lord Bereford dwell upon this subject. His was +a nature endowed with lasting qualities, true sympathy was the key note +to his heart. He loved Lady Rosamond with devout, tender solicitude as +his only daughter, and her happiness was his. If the love that Gerald +Bereford bore towards his niece was not entirely reciprocated, and at +the great sacrifice, would the true-hearted nobleman have urged upon Sir +Thomas the error of his conduct? Such liberalism upon his part provoked +the resentment of Lady Bereford, who could not brook any interference +with the strictly defined principles of conservatism so long entailed +upon every branch of her family. Sir Thomas Seymour was a staunch +worshipper of his sister-in-law's doctrine. He cherished every idea with +fondness, occasionally bringing them forth to view as opportunity +favored. While Lady Rosamond is sadly watching the days and months drag +slowly along within the bosom of Sir Howard Douglas' happy household, +such are the motives actuating each of those who endeavor to seek her +welfare; such is the state of their respective feelings, such their fond +hope--their brightest dreams--laboring under the fatal delusion of +giving happiness to her future. + +Ah, your ladyship! were a kind fairy, in the form of a godmother, to +breathe a few words into the ear of your loving and tender uncle, Lord +Bereford, his kind heart would go forth to meet thee and save thee from +a world of misery--from the fiery ordeal through which thou must pass! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +MEMORABLE SCENES OF AUTUMN, 1825. + + +The summer and autumn of this year were indeed the most memorable in the +annals of New Brunswick's history. Many there are still living who +distinctly remember that awful visitation. The season of drought was +unparalleled. Farmers looked aghast and trembled as they viewed the +scanty, withered products of the land. All joined in the common +uneasiness, daily awaiting relief. None felt more anxiety than Sir +Howard Douglas, whose sole interests were those of his people. + +Wishing to know the true state of the country, his Excellency made a +tour of the farming districts, penetrating back settlements where the +greatest suffering might be expected. + +While absent on this errand of mercy, a sad misfortune befell the inmates +of Government House. On the 19th of September their home was wrapped in +devouring elements of flame, being almost entirely consumed. + +It is on such occasions that the nobler side of our nature asserts its +true dignity and shows qualities that otherwise would remain in +obscurity. Lady Douglas, with calm and dignified composure, prepared her +family to realize the situation, and with heroic firmness persisted in +rescuing nearly all the valuables within Government House. The great +assistance rendered by the citizens in their indefatigable labors, +showed the unbounded and grateful respect borne towards this +distinguished family. Every one was ready to offer aid. The daughters of +Lady Douglas reflected her ladyship's cool intrepidity. + +With tears in her eyes, Mary Douglas viewed the smoking mass where she +had passed so many happy hours. Captain Charles Douglas, knowing well +the tenor of his sister's poetic nature, kindly and encouragingly +exclaimed, "Never mind, Mary dear; thank heaven no lives are lost. We +will soon be united." Those simple words had the desired effect. The +tender hearted maiden at once saw the ingratitude of her murmurs, and +felt deeply thankful for her brother's gentle reproof. + +Lady Rosamond, if possible, had stronger claims upon the heart of Mary +Douglas and the entire household. She had wrought with a determination +to do what she could--aye, more than she could. On being advised by +Charles Douglas to desist, she firmly replied, "Not until everything is +done that I can do." + +A young officer, who happened to hear these words, received them as a +valuable souvenir years afterwards, realizing their true worth. + +It was, indeed, a most remarkable circumstance that so much valuable +furniture and perishable articles were saved. One act of recklessness to +be regretted was the cutting down of a valuable chandelier which, +falling with a heavy crash, was shivered in a thousand pieces. + +In a few days Lady Douglas and family sought shelter among their +friends, from whom they received the strongest proofs of kindness. To a +lady friend in England her ladyship writes: "The sympathy and real +kindness received from the citizens of Fredericton I can never forget. +The fire proved that the old adage, though homely, is a true one--'a +friend in need is a friend indeed.'" + +When Sir Howard returned, and was once more received in his family, he +felt grateful to Providence for His kind deliverance. No vain or useless +repinings marked the course of his conduct. With renewed energy this man +of indomitable courage was again immersed in the public weal as well as +the re-establishing of his family in comfortable quarters. A large and +commodious building on King street, the property of Henry Smith, +Esq.,[2] was now being prepared for the reception of His Excellency. The +Government expended a considerable sum in making the necessary +improvements, and within a very short time the citizens of Fredericton +had the pleasure of seeing their beloved ruler and his family once more +situated in a happy home. But Sir Howard was to face more terrific and +threatening dangers. His unbounded sympathies had further and unlimited +room for exercise. + +[Footnote 2: The house at present occupied by Chief Justice Allen.] + +October came, attended by the long continued drought. Gloom was depicted +on every side. Many conjectures were afloat regarding the vicinity of +the fire, which gave evidence of its existence in the density of smoke +that filled the atmosphere. + +In the midst of this impending danger, on the 7th October, a fire broke +out in the woods surrounding "The Hermitage," the residence of the Hon. +Thomas Baillie, on the Government House road. Here the forethought of +Sir Howard was exhibited with unequalled prudence, having every +available engine and means of succor close at hand. By great exertions +the house was saved. Danger still lurked in the woods. Within an hour an +alarm was given in the city. Sir Howard was the first on the spot, +having ridden furiously his spirited and favorite steed. Engines were +again in quick action, while the military were only a short distance +behind, being ordered up at the double. + +The scene was terrific. High winds blew the fire from one building to +the next, until the third part of the city was a mountain of +flame--cracking, roaring, tremendous in its fury. Water was kept up in +constant streams, having but little effect. Many sat down and cried in +their frantic emotion. Hundreds of families without home, food, or +clothing. + +In the midst of this sickening sight was one whose very presence lifted +a weight from the hearts of the sad and homeless. Sir Howard never once +deserted his post--working, encouraging, and aiding. By his advice the +fire was stayed--two-thirds of the town still remaining. The stifling +air and glowing heavens made the hearts of many grow sick and faint. + +Perhaps it would be wiser to end the tale of misery here, but as the +chapter would seem incomplete, it may be necessary to make slight +allusion to a wilder and more terrible fire. + +The consummation of terror, madness, and dismay, depicted in its most +awful form, would fail to do justice to this sickening calamity--the +Miramichi fire. + +The forests, for hundreds of miles in every direction, were one solid +mass of living fire, roaring louder than thunder; in its fury shaking +the bowels of the earth and leaping up to the heavens which seemed, +also, to be enveloped in flames. Nothing more awful will be witnessed +until the judgment day. Many were of opinion that the time was at hand +when "the heavens and earth shall melt away." Hundreds lost their lives, +while property was destroyed to an immense amount. + +An ordinary mind would have sunk under the weight of grievances that +pressed on all sides; but Sir Howard Douglas rose above the situation. +With Spartan firmness and unswerving courage he set about raising means +for the distressed by subscription, both at home and abroad, in money, +food, and clothing. Letters were sent to all parts of America, England, +and Ireland. Not thus content, Sir Howard went himself to visit burnt +districts where man or beast could scarcely penetrate, climbing over +miles of fallen brushwood. Those poor creatures tried to show their +gratitude by words, but were unable. Their tears were a more gracious +tribute than jewels--being the grateful offering of a stricken +community. Their benefactor had conveyed provision for their sustenance, +and clothing for their wives and families. Many were the fervent prayers +offered for their noble-hearted and humane ruler, and none more +gratefully acknowledged these than he. + +Much more might be told in connection with those sad events, but as the +details might not be acceptable to the reader, therefore we refrain. + +Once more gathered in their home, the family of Sir Howard were not +inactive. The spirit of charity was manifest in every action of those +lovely girls. Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond had formed a sewing circle, +to which they invited some of their young acquaintances. In this +charitable employment they spent many hours. Clothing was made and +distributed with increasing demand. The severity of winter caused many +poor people to look for assistance in every possible form. Gaiety was +for a time forgotten. Festive parties and sumptuous array were set aside +for the necessities of the season. + +It is a well established fact that the miseries of others often +alleviate our own. To none could this application be more forcible than +Lady Rosamond. In her bitterness of heart she experienced a quiet relief +in assisting her companions to provide clothing for the sufferers. The +scenes through which she had passed counterbalanced the feelings she had +hitherto experienced and taught her gentle resignation. Her thoughts +were of a more serious nature--a source whence she derived much comfort. +Her parent's views were unaltered; her hopes were no brighter in the +distant future, but, as afterwards expressed, she had more strength +given her from the bitter trials of suffering humanity. + +As Christmas drew nigh the inmates of Government House could not resist +a desire to look back to the joyous season which they had passed in the +home now laid low, its surrounding woods, their pleasant excursions, and +the extensive preparations in decorating for the festive scenes that +followed. + +Pioneer Johnnie was loud in regrets for the apparent neglect which the +sylvan deities must naturally feel by his temporary absence from their +select and stately assemblages. + +"Keep up your spirits, Master Johnnie," once remarked Lady Rosamond, +"the next time we go back the trees will recognize the compliment with +music and grateful homage." + +"As none but you and Lady Rosamond regret being turned out, I presume," +exclaimed Charles Douglas, who was always ready to join any conversation +that afforded amusement. He continued passing careless jokes until the +clock in the hall reminded him of his business. + +"Really, Lady Rosamond, I credit you with driving away dull care and my +forfeiting all claims to the future good will of my friend Howe by +disregarding his message. Pardon me, ladies, for having almost forgotten +to say that the sleigh will be in readiness in half an hour." + +"Half an hour," exclaimed Mary Douglas, somewhat hastily, "really, +Charles, I cannot pardon you for such neglect, as it sadly interferes +with my plans." + +"Come, little one, frowns do not become thy brow," returned Captain +Douglas, kissing the forehead of his sister. + +"That is much prettier," said he, pointing to the smiling face which in +turn rested upon him. + +Taking up a book which lay open beside the seat hitherto occupied by +Lady Rosamond, Captain Douglas commenced to read some lines from +Tennyson, when accosted by his companion, Mr. Howe: + +"You seem to be taking things very cool, old fellow. Where are the +ladies?" + +"They are getting ready; come in while we are waiting." + +"This is your fault again, Douglas. It is past the hour, and a large +party awaits us," said Mr. Howe impatiently. + +"Better late than never," vociferated Captain Douglas, as he went out +singing, quickly returning with Mary Douglas and Lady Rosamond. + +"It is all Charles' fault," said the former, by way of explanation. + +"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Captain Douglas, "I knew this was coming, but I +must be as jolly as I can." + +"Your ladyship is under my protection," said the incorrigible +delinquent, offering his arm to Lady Rosamond, while Mary Douglas was +assigned to the companionship of the private secretary. + +"This is indeed a merry party," said Lady Rosamond to her gallant, as he +placed her beside him and wrapped the daintily lined robes around her. + +"I am half inclined to be angry with Trevelyan," said Mr. Howe, turning +around in his seat and facing Captain Douglas. + +"What are your grounds?" questioned the latter. + +"Enough to justify my declaration," said the former, apparently looking +at Captain Douglas, but in reality casting sidelong glances at Lady +Rosamond. + +What did he seek there? Did jealousy cause that stolen glance? What was +the motive? These important questions certainly deserve some attention, +which, in justice to Mr. Howe and the parties concerned, and last, but +not least, the reader, this concession must be granted. + +As admitted, the private secretary of Sir Howard Douglas entertained a +warm friendship towards Lieutenant Trevelyan, treating him with the +tenderness of a younger brother. Being constantly thrown in the society +of each other, there was much to be learned on both sides. That the +young lieutenant returned this friendship he took no pains to conceal, +knowing that in Mr. Howe he had an interested friend and adviser. For +some time in the past the keen eye of the former detected a sudden +strange and half concealed manner possessing his young friend, which +completely puzzled him: Various conjectures presented themselves, but +all unsatisfactory and vague. Still further watch was kept upon the +actions of Guy Trevelyan, but nothing appeared to solve the difficult +problem. An opportunity at last rewarded this perseverance. As explained +in a preceding chapter, one side of mysterious question was solved +without any effort or seeking the on the part of any one. By a mere +accident Mr. Howe learned the cause which had so deeply influenced the +course of Guy Trevelyan's actions, and, furthermore, his feelings. Here +was something gained: did it bode good or evil to the young lieutenant? + +These were questions that revolved themselves in the mind of the +reasoner. Gladly would he do anything that would further the interest of +his young friend, yet there might be a likelihood of stretching this +prerogative if it in anywise interfered with the direct affairs of +another. Whichever view of the matter was taken difficulty arose on +every hand. + +Let us hasten to the main point of the argument. That Lieutenant +Trevelyan loved Lady Rosamond with a pure and ardent love was a matter +beyond doubt. She was the ruling passion that influenced every action, +guarded or unguarded. It was this knowledge that now gave the secretary +so much perplexity. He entertained towards Lady Rosamond a kind and +friendly regard; he was willing to serve her under any ordinary +circumstances and in any friendly capacity. In the present instance Lady +Rosamond was under the charge and protection of Lady Douglas, who would +be, in a measure, responsible for any attachment thus formed while she +remained her guest. On this point were many conscientious scruples to be +overcome, which did not meet the approval of that course of honor which +had hitherto characterized Mr. Howe's principles and actions. He must +not sacrifice these even at the great risk of gaining the happiness of a +young and respected friend. + +But the sight of the young lieutenant pleaded more eloquently than the +most glowing and pathetic language. His thoughtful eyes, his pure white +forehead, and clustering ringlets of chestnut hair, had a wealth of +appeal hidden beneath, conveying more subtle beauty than the production +of the countless volumes of mystic ages. Thus situated, the secretary +felt the awkwardness of his position. It was not curiosity that +prompted; it was a secret influence which the young lieutenant +inspired--an influence that held the former bound and enchained with no +means of escape at hand. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE INTERVIEW. + + +In a small but handsome reception room adjoining the library of Bereford +Castle sat its stately mistress, with an impatient and eager look upon +her countenance. Trifling with a pretty trinket which she has in her +hand, her ladyship is apparently ill at ease. Something has given cause +for annoyance and grave deliberation. An anxious and hasty glance +towards the door, shows that a visitor is momentarily awaited. + +Taking advantage of these moments, I will occupy them in dilating upon a +few of the qualities and characteristics of the distinguished occupant. +Lady Bereford was a woman of shrewdness and capacity, possessing a +subtle weight of influence that bore with irresistible force, and was +stoutly prepared to resist an opposing element in any quarter. The +daughter of a London barrister of considerable reputation, her ladyship +dwelt with pride upon her fond preference for the legal profession. Her +conversation was frequently interspersed with learned remarks, savoring +of the inner temple, its dingy courts, volumes of dust and musty +manuscripts. "Evidence and proof" were leading points always at hand. +Caution was the inevitable watchword, based upon a scrutinizing and at +times heartless penetration. In short, the character of Lady Bereford +might be summed up in a few words--as a cool, clever and calculating +woman of the world--one not to be baffled by ordinary circumstances. On +the present occasion her eye has a fire in its depths that brooks no +interference. Her brows are knotted with an angry frown; as she raises +them hastily, the frown has departed. The small and still plump white +hand is extended. Sir Thomas Seymour bows very low, receives the hand, +kissing the tips of the taper fingers, is seated in an elegantly +embroidered fauteuil opposite her ladyship. + +After the usual pleasantries had passed, Sir Thomas commenced by way of +explanation: + +"Your ladyship will pardon this detention, from the fact of my being +absent when your note arrived. Business demanding my presence at the +admiralty office I was unavoidably detained for some days. On arriving +yesterday I immediately telegraphed the fact to Lord Bereford, but hope +that the present misfortune will not seriously interfere with any of +your ladyship's plans." + +Assuming an air of much importance, her ladyship began; "When I +addressed you, it was merely in the form of a note, not wishing to +convey a subject of such importance to paper, deeming that it demanded +your personal attention. I fully exonerate you by the ready response as +shown at this instance." + +This remark Sir Thomas politely acknowledged with a deep bow, while a +shade of uneasiness was visible upon his features. + +With another assuming air to gain, if possible, a more wise and legal +manner, her ladyship thus resumed: "Sir Thomas, you must certainly be +aware of my motives in thus requesting an interview. You cannot be +insensible to the fact that it entirely concerns the Lady Rosamond." + +Here Sir Thomas became somewhat agitated, but her ladyship continued: +"Strictly speaking, it concerns both families, as how can it apply to +the former without a direct application to Gerald Bereford, in which +case is involved that of his connexions." + +Sir Thomas felt the necessity of waiving those points of nicety, but +knowing too well that any interference would entail a more definite +investigation, listened with utmost composure in the hope of instant +relief. + +With the stem gravity of a learned judge, ready to pronounce sentence +upon the culprit arraigned, her ladyship in graver tone continued: "I +cannot but admit that the matter has given me very great annoyance. I +again refer to Lady Rosamond." + +The affair, at each mention of the latter, assumed a graver importance, +while Sir Thomas inwardly struggled to maintain a studied demeanor as +becoming the grave occasion. + +"You are possibly not aware of the position in which her ladyship is +being placed by this temporary separation from her family?" ventured +Lady Bereford, with full interrogative force that at length afforded an +opportunity to Sir Thomas. + +"The matter," returned he, "has never given me any serious +apprehensions, and, pardon me, I must confess to your ladyship that +there seem no apparent grounds for any. Lady Rosamond has been made +acquainted with our views regarding Gerald, and knowing this, I have too +much confidence in her nature to harbor a thought that she will either, +in word or action, entertain a wish in opposition to that of a fond and +solicitous parent." + +"I admit that Lady Rosamond is indeed a worthy and dutiful daughter; +yet, pardon me, there are many little undesirable and inconsistent +fancies which, in the waywardness of youth, are ready to take form in +the tender and susceptible nature of a young girl, and which, if not +constantly watched, assume a degree of strength almost uncontrollable. +Allow me to state the case," continued her ladyship, "when, perhaps, you +may see the matter in a clearer light." + +At mention of the word _case_ Sir Thomas dreaded another succession of +legal points, but demurely listened to the following version: + +"You have unwittingly placed your child in a very dangerous position. To +none would I so readily give the protection of my daughter as Lady +Douglas, who is, in every sense, a true mother and a dignified woman; +yet there are moments when Lady Rosamond can assert her right to control +her own impulses and feelings. As a guest she has an entire right, while +it would otherwise be a stretch of prerogative on the part of the +guardian." + +"You cannot but admit," said her ladyship, still bent on influencing her +attentive listener, "that Lady Rosamond is indeed very beautiful, which +alone has sufficient reason to sustain my argument. Beauty, through +countless ages, has been the source of much misery. Through Helen was +lost a Troy; Cleopatra, Roman glory." + +Her ladyship was going to cite further examples when interrupted by Sir +Thomas exclaiming: + +"Your ladyship will pardon me, but it would certainly be deep injustice +at present to raise an objection on this point; it surely did not bring +misery in its train to Lord Bereford." + +At this compliment to her beauty and vanity, a rare smile lit the face +of Lady Bereford, while she gaily added: + +"Sir Thomas, you still cling to your former gallantry with the +pertinacity of an ill-favored suitor." + +Seeing that the last evidence was ill-grounded, her ladyship, having +reconsidered the situation, again resumed: + +"You must admit that among the military staff of Sir Howard Douglas +there are many attractive and eligible young gentlemen worthy of the +hand of the fairest. Besides, there are many families holding high +position in New Brunswick, the descendants of persons of rank equal to +our own. Among these are gentlemen--brave, handsome, and equally +fascinating. It would indeed be a very extraordinary case if the Lady +Rosamond, with all her beauty and accomplishments, daily surrounded by +an admiring crowd, should not unconsciously fall a prey to her already +susceptible nature. Sir Thomas," continued her ladyship, with more +vehemence in her manner, "you do not seem to weigh matters as I do, or +you would certainly see the error you have committed--the great wrong +you have done to your child. Were I to disclose the facts, they would +astonish you, but if in the future, when too late you make such a +discovery, you will have only yourself to blame. That Lady Rosamond has +formed an attachment I am certain; of its value I am not prepared to +say; but, in honor to Gerald Bereford, I have a right to demand your +attention." + +At this sudden declaration Sir Thomas was astounded. + +"Where is the proof of this?" demanded he in startling surprise. + +Her ladyship then referred to the letter--its unconnected and +half-hidden sentences--and expressed her firm conviction of the +certainty of those predictions. + +Sir Thomas drew a sigh of relief when he found no stronger evidence +against the straightforward and conscientious spirit that had hitherto +pervaded his loved child. + +Lady Bereford possessed the tactics of a clever reasoner. When she had +failed in bringing her own arguments to bear directly she had recourse +to more forcible measures. The mention of Gerald Bereford had +instantaneous effect. Sir Thomas' eye brightened with renewed lustre; +his whole expression betrayed the ruling passion within him. Her +ladyship took advantage of the situation. + +"If you will empower me to act in this case there will be no further +trouble to be apprehended. Woman is the best judge of woman. Leave the +matter in my hands, Sir Thomas, and you will have no further anxiety. I +will assure you that Gerald will meet no refusal when he asks Lady +Rosamond to become his wife." + +Sir Thomas yielded. He knew that in this lay his child's happiness, +which, as a parent, he was in duty bound to promote. + +"Your ladyship is right," exclaimed Sir Thomas, "but in granting this I +request that you will not in any way shorten the visit of Lady +Rosamond." + +"Rest assured," cried her ladyship, "that no such demands will be made. +The happiness of her ladyship will be our sole interest; kind and +friendly advice, with gentle admonition, is the only safeguard." + +When Lady Bereford had gained the case (according to her legal version) +her manner changed as if by magic. Gay smiles played over her features +with inexpressible delight; her voice was soft, smooth, and bewitching +with sweetness. + +Sir Thomas was persuaded to remain to luncheon. The party consisted of +the family, Sir Thomas, and Colonel Trevelyan, a gentleman whose +acquaintance Lord Bereford formed while visiting an old friend. The +conversation was friendly and animated. Many topics of general interest +afforded them an opportunity to pass the hours in a pleasant, lively and +genial manner. Having by accident referred to his connection with the +Peninsula campaign, Lord Bereford was delighted to find another intimate +friend of Sir Howard Douglas. Sir Thomas Seymour joined heartily in the +general discourse. Colonel Trevelyan, or properly speaking Sir Guy +Trevelyan, told many incidents of military and social life, in which Sir +Howard and himself had figured quite conspicuously. + +Great was Maude Bereford's delight when she learned that the young +officer, so often alluded to in the letters received from Mary Douglas, +was the son of their guest. At this intelligence a sudden frown rested +on Lady Bereford's brow, but momentarily vanished. She had gained her +point; such matters did not so forcibly affect her now. Naturally many +inquiries were made respecting the young lieutenant, all of which were +answered in a quiet and unassuming way. The character of the father +betrayed that of his son. Without questioning why Maude Bereford felt a +deep interest in the young unknown, she had already been forming plans +of inquiry to ascertain a further knowledge. Lady Rosamond would +certainly be able to give her a correct description. Certainly her +ladyship must spend much time in the company of one who had such claims +on the friendship of Sir Howard. Reasoning thus was the gentle daughter +of Lady Bereford, while the latter was exultant in having formed a plan +for the furtherance of a scheme which lay near her heart. + +The next morning her ladyship was alone in her boudoir. A delicately +folded sheet lay upon the exquisitely inlaid writing desk before her. +Satisfaction beams upon her by occasional smiles. Again she seizes the +unclosed letter, examines closely its contents, and, with evident ease, +places it in an envelope which she seals and addresses. A servant in +livery answers the summons of a silver bell standing beside the desk. +Her ladyship, drawing aside a hanging of silver tissue, approaches the +door where the missive is delivered in charge of the liveried attendant. +With a sense of relief Lady Bereford returns to the library to await the +morning mail. + +Lady Bereford indeed lavished all the fondness of a mother's pride upon +her first-born. Maude was to her a simple-minded, gentle girl, whose +sole influence was her mother's will. The daughter of Lord Bereford was +a true type of her father: gentle, conscientious and sympathetic. + +In Lady Rosamond, Maude Bereford could see no reason for such anxiety as +was manifested by her mother, yet she would feel disappointed if her +companion would form another attachment. Maude loved her brother with +all the tenderness of her nature, while Gerald Bereford returned this +love with deep fervent gratitude. His sister was to him the connecting +link with Lady Rosamond. He took pleasure in daily walks with Maude, +whose playful childish ways often reminded him of the absent cousin. The +future lord of Bereford Castle was worthy the love of the fairest, +purest and truest. He possessed a spirit of independent manliness, and +would brook no favor that was not warranted by honor. + +When Gerald Bereford asked his uncle for a right to address the Lady +Rosamond, it was from a spirit of honor. He dearly loved the beautiful +girl, though he had never avowed his feelings, and when she treated his +advances with coolness, he still cherished the hope that in the end his +love would be reciprocated. On receiving the joyful assurance from Sir +Thomas that the great object of both families was the consummation of +these hopes, the ardent lover was happy beyond doubt. Sir Thomas had led +Gerald Bereford to believe that the Lady Rosamond had always favoured +his suit, but in girlish caprice had refused him any encouragement until +the expiration of her visit, when she would return home ready to receive +the courtly attentions of her relative. + +Cheered by these fond assurances, Gerald Bereford did anxiously look +forward to Lady Rosamond's return. Sir Thomas had indeed communicated +this matter to his nephew with a firm assurance of the realization on +the part of both. He doubted the true feelings of his child, but he was +determined that the event should take place after sufficient time had +elapsed. Lady Bereford knew that Sir Thomas was really deceiving himself +as well as his nephew; but with the keen perception of her nature, kept +her own counsel. She, as well as Sir Thomas, was determined to carry out +her design, for which purpose she closely concealed part of her views +from Maude upon the reading of Lady Rosamond's letter, also her message +to Sir Thomas, their interview, concessions and result. + +Practical and calculating woman of the world as was Lady Bereford, might +it be possible that she could heartlessly seal that daintily perfumed +missive which was to become the source of such almost unendurable +anguish? Really, one would fain exculpate her ladyship of the great +wrong--a wrong which for years could not be obliterated from the hearts +of those whose sufferings were borne silently and without reproach, each +bearing the burden with a sickening heart, feeling that death would be a +happy relief. + +What a world is ours. What a problem is life. Is there any word in the +English language more suggestive? Life--its surroundings, aspects, all +its outward associations. Is this the limit? Would to Heaven in some +instances it were so, that the end be thus. What a hollow mockery does +it impart to the heart of Lady Rosamond, whose cause of misery remains +as yet half told. Life--a troubled dream, a waking reality, yet we cling +to it with fond delusive hopes. What astute reasoner will solve, the +intricacies of this problem? Can one who has suffered? The muffled +throes of crushed hearts are the only response. God pity them! + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC + + +The year following the great fire was marked by great progress +throughout the Province. Farmers were again in homes which they had +built upon the site of those destroyed by the devouring element. Fields +once more showed signs of cultivation. With Sir Howard Douglas to +stimulate the prosperity of his people, progress was the watchword--the +general impulse. + +Fredericton, like the phoenix, had arisen from its ashes; buildings +arose in rapid succession. Wooden houses of moderate pretensions lined +Queen and King streets, from Westmorland to Carleton street, the limit +of the burnt district. + +Business was carried on by a few upright and enterprising merchants, +foremost of whom stood Rankine & Co., the leading firm of the city. This +establishment was situated on Queen street, between Northumberland and +Westmorland streets, in which was constantly pouring an unlimited source +of supplies for conducting the immense lumber trade established by this +firm, whose name shall be remembered while New Brunswick shall continue +to produce one stick of timber. Many farmers of that time yet have +occasion to refer to the generosity which characterized this long +established firm. Many yet bless the name of Rankine & Co. + +The public buildings of our city were in keeping with the private +residences. No Barker House or Queen Hotel adorned our principal street +as now; no City Hall, Normal School, or Court House. On the present site +of the Barker House was a long two-story wooden building, designated as +Hooper's Hotel under the proprietorship of Mr. Hooper. This was the only +accommodation for public dinners, large parties, balls, etc In this +hotel the St. George Society annually celebrated their anniversary by a +grand dinner party where heart-stirring speeches, toasts and patriotic +songs, were the general order of programme, of which the following +verses are an example. They were composed in April 1828, and sung by one +of the members of this society at a public dinner that year, after the +toast of "Lord Aylmer and the Colonies." The idea was suggested to the +young law student by looking upon a map showing the territory explored +by the Cabots and called Cabotia. The writer will be readily recognized +as one of New Brunswick's most eloquent, gifted, and favored statesmen, +recently holding the highest position in the Province:-- + + When England bright, + With Freedom's light, + Shone forth in dazzling splendor, + She scorned to hold, + The more than gold, + From those who did befriend her; + At space she spurned, + With love she burned, + And straight across the ocean + Sent Freedom's rays, + T' illume their days + And quell their sons' commotion. + Hail, Britannia! + Thou loving, kind Britannia! + Ne'er failed to wield + Thy spear and shield. + To guard our soil, Britannia! + + But rebels choose + For to refuse, + The boon thus kindly granted, + And with vile art, + In many a heart, + Black discord's seeds they planted; + Now civil war, + In bloody car, + Rode forth--and Desolation, + Extended wide, + Its horrid stride + For mock emancipation. + O Cabotia! + Old England's child Cabotia! + No rebel cloud[3] + Did e'er enshroud + Thy sacred soil, Cabotia! + + The purple flood + Of traitors' blood + Sent vapors black to heaven, + And hid the blaze + Of Freedom's rays, + By a kind parent given; + But Liberty, + Quite loath to see, + America neglected, + Came to our land, + And with kind hand + Her temple here erected; + O Cabotia! + Them favored land, Cabotia! + While we have breath + We'll smile at death, + To guard thy soil, Cabotia! + + When foreign foes + We did oppose, + Britannia stood our second, + And those we fought + Were dearly taught, + Without their host they reckoned; + And should they now, + With hostile prow, + But press, our lakes and rivers, + The Giant-stroke, + From British oak, + Would rend their keels to shivers. + And thou, Cabotia! + Old England's child Cabotia! + Would see thy race + In death's embrace + Before they'd yield Cabotia! + + While Shamrock, Rose, + And Thistle grow, + So close together blended, + New Brunswick ne'er + Will need to fear, + But that she'll be befriended; + We need not quake, + For nought can break + The sacred ties that bind us, + And those, who'd spoil + Our hallowed soil, + True blue are sure to find us. + O Cabotia! + Our native land, Cabotia! + For thee we'll drain + Our every vein, + Old England's Child Cabotia! + +[Footnote 3: Long before the Canadian Rebellion.] + +Here the St. Andrews Society also gave their national celebration. Last, +but not least, came the St. Patrick Society. The last named might, +indeed, be called _the_ Society. Aided and encouraged by Colonel +Minchin, Hon. Thomas Bailie, Mr. Phair, and many other distinguished +Irish gentlemen, the St. Patrick's Society of Fredericton at that time +attained a high social position. On St. Patrick's eve a yearly +celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on +Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office. +Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those +meetings. The following instance will serve to give an idea of the +spirit which inspired those reunions. On one occasion a member of this +organization--a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years--spoke +as follows: "Mr. President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention +to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman. Who was the +gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from +the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country's cause? +Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm +and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear? Who fought +with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands +of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain? Who dared to face Napoleon? +Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate? Who but the +proud 'hero of a hundred fights,'--the Duke of Wellington! What country +gave him birth?" "Ireland!" was the answer, amid deafening shouts of +applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet. This is +but one of the stories told of those meetings, showing the spirit of +interest manifested. + +To return to hotels. On the site at present occupied by the Queen Hotel +formerly stood the Market Inn, kept by Mr. Richard Staples. This was a +comfortable and convenient house, frequented by farmers as they came to +the city to dispose of their produce. In those days people settled +principally near the St. John river and its numerous tributaries, with +their lakes; therefore farmers generally used small boats for means of +conveyance, waggons being looked upon as an extravagant +luxury. Another public house, kept by Mr. Robert Welch, and known as the +Albion Hotel, also occupied a prominent position, being well furnished +and affording comfort and good accommodation to the travelling public. On +Waterloo Row was situated the time-honored Royal Oak, kept by Miss Polly +Van Horn, a name well known to those residing in the lower country +districts. + +Of other public institutions less may be said. On the square now adorned +by the imposing City Hall, with its memorable clock, formerly stood or +rather squatted the old Tank House, serving rather in the capacity of +use than ornament. An old marketplace occupied the ground on which is +now erected the County Court House. + +It would be impossible to enter into details regarding every building; +we merely cite a few facts to give a general idea of the situation of +Fredericton at that time. + +Before leaving these matters we must not omit mention of a quiet social +organization then known as the Philharmonic Society. It was composed of +a number of young gentlemen, members of the most influential families of +the city. Wallace, band-master of H. M. 52nd regiment, took an active +part in instructing these youths, who, within a short period, had +acquired such proficiency as to enable them to give a series of +entertainments in Hooper's Hotel. These consisted of selections +displaying musical skill, ability and taste. + +Conspicuous among the members of the Philharmonic Society was a young +student named Vivian Yorke, afterwards a member of the legal profession; +in later years, his burning eloquence had power to thrill the eager +audience attendant upon his appearance. As a lover of music, the young +scholar had from his childhood won a reputation beyond his years, while +his association with the organization had given it a stimulus worthy +such encouragement. Vivian Yorke had won high position within the social +circle as well. His genial disposition, frank, manly bearing, dignified +form and handsome face were sufficient passports irrespective of his +other claims to distinction. It is almost needless to add, that Mr. +Yorke stood high in the estimation of the band-master, who arranged +several airs especially adapted to a number of patriotic songs composed +by his talented pupil. In succeeding chapters we will allude to the +rising career of Mr. Yorke as the occasion demands. + +In this year the House of Assembly was opened by a warm debate upon the +College Bill, which received stout resistance from all dissenting +bodies. The episcopalians sought aid from the Archbishop of Canterbury +and the Bishop of Nova Scotia. But the judgment of Sir Howard was equal +to the occasion. His measures were such as must ultimately accomplish +the desired end. + +The 52nd Regiment, as yet stationed in Fredericton, still maintained +their unbounded popularity, entertained their many friends at princely +dinners, gave an unlimited number of balls, parties and festive +gatherings. The race course still continued to be the daily resort for +the distinguished horsemen. Races were a favorite pastime. Cricket and +foot-ball had now become quite common. On the old square situated +between York street and Wilmot's alley the youths of the city daily +assembled to practise these sports, while the military occupied a space +within their own ground. The inhabitants also enjoyed the music +furnished by the 52nd band, which almost daily performed in the +officers' square. + +A large and imposing structure was now being erected upon the exact site +where the former Government House stood. The present building, owing to +its greater proportions, consequently covered more ground. The model was +a handsome residence in the island of Jamaica; the plans were drawn up +by a celebrated architect, who had formerly been acquainted with Sir +Howard Douglas, under whose direct supervision the entire building was +constructed. + +As, for some time, New Brunswick was ruled by a military governor, +Government House was so arranged that a military and civil staff could +each occupy a separate wing of the building, while the main body was +allotted to the family. It was well for the Province that Sir Howard +Douglas was then at hand. The handsome and substantial edifice remains a +lasting monument of grateful remembrance. + +While public affairs are thus engrossing the attention of the country at +large, the family of Sir Howard are now quietly enjoying their temporary +home in the lower part of the town. Lady Douglas, beloved by all, is +assisting and cheering His Excellency with all the energy of her nature. +The young ladies are happy in their varied labors of love. + +Lady Rosamond has not yet turned her thoughts homeward, save to quiet +the rebellious thoughts that rise with occasional and twofold +bitterness; she has the heavy trial before her; she drives away the +mocking realities of the future. Vain are the hours wasted in useless +repining. When Lady Rosamond made the disclosure to her companion, Mary +Douglas, receiving the full and deep sympathy of true friendship, had +she fully relieved her mind of its entire burden--its crushing weight? +Ah, no! there was hidden deep in the most remote corner of Lady +Rosamond's heart a secret which she would never reveal. Time would bring +its changes. Her ladyship would return to her native home, and, amidst +its gay scenes, pass a lifetime of seeming happiness; and the secret +will burn its impress in characters of flame. + +One evening Lady Douglas remained in her own apartments somewhat longer +than her custom. Had prying eyes been active the cause might be assigned +to the entrance of Lady Rosamond, who had joined her ladyship nearly an +hour previous. On seeing the agitated face of the pale but beautiful +girl her ladyship experienced a pang of deep remorse. She felt her +strength deserting her, yet the task was to be accomplished. + +"Rosamond, my darling," said the gentle lady, "I have received a letter +from Lady Bereford, who, judging from the tone of the writing, seems to +have some anxiety on your behalf." + +This revelation afforded momentary relief to the high-born girl, who +was, indeed, a lovely picture, reclining on a cushion at the feet of +Lady Douglas. A shade of sadness rested upon her face, giving her the +expression of a Madonna--a study for Raphael. + +"Lady Bereford intimates, in touching terms, that I am to exercise a +careful surveillance upon your girlish fancies," continued her ladyship, +with slight sarcasm in her tone. + +"Rosamond, my darling," cried she, by way of apostrophe, "I have every +reason to place in you full confidence. I cannot see any ground for such +intimation." + +"Your ladyship is right," returned Lady Rosamond, throwing her arms +around the neck of Lady Douglas, giving full vent to the feelings which +almost overwhelmed her, adding, between tears and sobs: "I have always +obeyed my father's wishes and will not shrink from my duty now. Gerald +Bereford is worthy of a nobler wife than I dare ever hope to be. He has +indeed conferred on me a distinguished honor, and I must try to make +amends with all the gratitude of which I am capable." + +Saying this the brave girl tried to force a smile, which, from its +superficial nature, cost a great effort, adding: + +"Your ladyship will have nothing to fear; my father's wishes are mine." + +From the spirit of determination, which left an impress on the beautiful +features of Lady Rosamond, Lady Douglas apprehended no need of +interference. She knew that Lady Rosamond would fulfil her father's +wishes. She was aware that the affectionate daughter would return his +confidence, even at the greatest sacrifice a woman can make. The noble +nature of Lady Douglas felt deep sympathy for her gentle relative--a +vague uneasiness filled her mind. Some moments later when Lady Rosamond +appeared in a rich and elegant dinner costume not a trace of emotion was +visible. Its recent effects had entirely disappeared. Lady Douglas had +found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character +which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden. + +At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good +humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation. Each tried +to please. All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion. Sir +Howard always set the example. Pressing cares of state, perplexing +questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight +when he entered the family circle. All was unrestrained pleasure and +genial delight on this evening. Lady Rosamond was seated beside the gay +and attractive secretary, who was endeavoring to engage his companion as +an ally against the more formidable onset of Captain Douglas. She did +fairly surprise the latter by the earnestness of her replies, her +forcible expressions, and the weighty arguments upheld by superior +judgment. Lieutenant Trevelyan, as he converses with Lady Douglas, +betrays no outward feeling. He shows no preference for Lady Rosamond, +being more frequently the companion and attendant of Mary Douglas, who, +in trusting friendship, reposes in her young friend a happy confidence. +Despite this assumed ease on the part of Guy Trevelyan, the keen +interest hitherto exhibited by Mr. Howe has lost none of its freshness. +The charm still lingers. All hope has not fled, though the light is in +the uncertain future. In Lady Rosamond the well concerted plans of the +secretary find no compromise. Dreading an exposure of her weakness she +has thrown around her a formidable barrier which the most deadly shafts +cannot penetrate. In the possession of this defence she can withstand +the united efforts of a lengthy siege. Upon all those operations she can +look grimly on and bid defiance. Mr. Howe felt this as he tried to force +an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if +possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects. +An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those +thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the +fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private +secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true +manliness. + +One evening as Captain Douglas and the latter were indulging in a quiet +chat the conversation turned upon Lady Rosamond. + +"She is indeed possessed of remarkable strength of character, which is +the more surprising from the natural timidity and gentleness of her +disposition," remarked Captain Douglas. + +"I have greatly admired her of late, and have, on more than one occasion +tried to study the depths of her nature," returned Mr. Howe, with sudden +earnestness. He was bent upon disclosing further plans to his friend +when the latter exclaimed: + +"By jove! Gerald Bereford is a lucky fellow, to win the Lady Rosamond as +his future bride." + +A look of startled surprise betrayed the excited feelings of Mr. Howe, +leading Captain Douglas to remark: + +"Look here, old chap, one would be apt to imagine that _you_ were deeply +smitten were they now to get a glimpse of your face." + +Mr. Howe smiled. + +"Yes," continued Charles Douglas, "her ladyship is to marry her cousin, +Gerald Bereford, shortly after her arrival in England." + +This was certainly a new aspect of affairs. Mr. Howe now viewed the +matter in another light, yet he could not heartily respond. Vainly he +strove to banish these thoughts, silently murmuring "poor Trevelyan!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +CHANGE. + + +We now arrive at the period when many changes are about to take place. +The gayest and most gallant regiment ever stationed in Fredericton was +under orders to be in readiness for departure. This was a source of much +regret to the citizens, who shared in the extravagant scenes of gaiety +so lavishly furnished. The sportsmen of Fredericton lamented the fact +with deep regret. We cannot let this opportunity pass to relate an +incident showing to what excess horse racing was carried in those days. +Captain H----, an officer of the above named regiment, a true sporting +character, owned a stud of the best thorough-breds in America. He +annually spent an immense income in horse racing and various sports. In +the meantime there lived in the city of St. John a coachman named Larry +Stivers. If ever any individual sacrificed his entire heart and soul to +the management, training and nature of horses, it was the self same +Larry. Though possessed of limited means, no privation was too great in +order to gratify such demands. A race was finally agreed upon between +Captain H---- and this remarkable individual, which in the horse records +of New Brunswick has no precedent, the case being unparalleled at home +or abroad. One fine morning in March, 1826, the magnificent team of +horses, driven by the captain, made its appearance in the market square, +St. John. After the lapse of a few moments a second team arrived and was +drawn up aside the former. No inquiry was made as to the ownership of +the latter. Everybody recognized it as the turnout of Larry Stivers. But +the most remarkable feature of the proceeding, that excited curiosity, +was the slight construction of the sleighs. It could scarcely be +conceived that they would stand the trying test of the proposed race. +But they did. Each driver having purchased a bundle of whips, jumped +into his seat. The word was given. Off they went at full speed, going +the first nine miles over bare ground. The news spread over the city of +St. John with almost incredible rapidity. Excitement filled the mind of +everybody. No telegraphic despatches could furnish details as at the +present. On they trotted side by side over the smooth surface of the St. +John river, which course had been taken after the first nine miles. +Whips were freely used upon the flagging animals. Sometimes Captain +H---- kept ahead, in another minute Larry was quite a distance in +advance. On, on the infuriated animals raced to the heavy lashes of +their merciless drivers. Whip after whip was broken; still on they went +over the glittering surface, the only sound the ceaseless crackling of +whips and the ring of hoofs upon the still frosty atmosphere. About nine +miles from Fredericton, as those heartless sportsmen were madly urging +on their jaded beasts, a well-known lumber merchant of the town was +accosted by the leader demanding a whip, which, one is sorry to +acknowledge, was given. They had used the whole bundle, and mercilessly +begged for more. Still on they came, the exhausted animals panting and +ready to fall. The goal must be reached. Fredericton must be the only +stopping place. One at least was to be disappointed. Four miles have yet +to be passed. Larry Stivers is ahead, with visions of hopeful victory +before him. He is suddenly stopped. One of the brave animals dropped +dead on the spot. Hope instantly vanished. Captain H---- wins the race, +while the former arrives shortly after his contestant with the dead +animal upon the sleigh. Fredericton is reached. A distance of +eighty-five miles is trotted in six hours and thirty minutes, inclusive +of twenty minutes for rest and dinner. This wonderful feat caused +general astonishment. Hundreds drove from Fredericton to meet the +contestants, while crowds gathered to see the effect thus produced upon +the poor exhausted animals. Soldiers were in attendance upon their +arrival, almost dragging them up the bank. Being rubbed and dosed they +were soon restored. The horse that dropped had been substituted for the +famous "Tanner," and not having sufficient training was unequal to the +task. The surviving animal, belonging to Larry Stivers, afterwards +became one of the best and fastest horses in the Province. This incident +is not introduced to interest horsemen, but merely to show how far men's +judgment may be led astray by the force of such ruling passions. + +To return to our narrative. Hearty demonstrations were participated in +by the citizens in testimony of the appreciation of the military. Balls +were given, dinners, speeches and testimonials. No efforts remained +untried to express deep sympathy. Great was the joy at Government House +when Captain Douglas informed the family of Lieutenant Trevelyan's being +transferred to the succeeding regiment. Colonel Trevelyan had obtained +this change at the request of Sir Howard and Lady Douglas. Though a +favorite in the 52nd regiment, Lieutenant Trevelyan's character did not +harmonize with those of his brother officers--a circumstance that did +not escape the notice of His Excellency. The matter formed the subject +of correspondence between the latter and Colonel Trevelyan, resulting in +the announcement previously made by Captain Douglas. Much delight shone +on every countenance. Lady Douglas congratulated her young friend. Mary +Douglas testified her joy with childish gaiety. Pioneer Johnnie looked +forward to another sylvan pilgrimage with boyish glee. Merriment had +exchanged places with murmuring and regret. The secretary alone remained +in a state bordering on hesitation. He would indeed miss his boyish +companion, yet the sense of his presence gave pain. Though not expressed +by word or action, he was aware of the deep and passionate attachment +which Lieutenant Trevelyan had formed for Lady Rosamond Seymour. He was +aware of the hopeless result of this knowledge, and felt a sense of +relief in the thought that changing scenes and new acquaintances might +claim attention and heal the wound which otherwise would remain fresh +and painful. + +The arrival of the 81st regiment was, as customary on such occasions, +celebrated by a general muster of the citizens. + +The York County Militia presented a fine soldierly appearance. The +grenadiers were indeed worthy of the tribute paid to their manly form +and graceful bearing. Conspicuous was the rising favorite, Vivian Yorke. +His flashing eye, regular features, broad, intellectual forehead, and +firmly chiselled lips, received many compliments as he stood beside his +companions. Lieutenant Trevelyan, in the military staff of His +Excellency, also was not allowed to pass unnoticed. It was a remarkable +coincidence that on this occasion, as the crowd bore down upon the +company, Lieutenant Trevelyan was nearly in line with the young +grenadier officer. A thoughtless young lady, standing near, exclaimed +hastily to her companion: "Fanny, how much that young officer resembles +Mr. Yorke." The remark being overheard by both parties, caused slight +embarrassment, accompanied by a boyish blush from Lieutenant Trevelyan. +Though an intimacy was formed between those young gentlemen, no allusion +was made to the circumstance until many years afterwards, when Mr. Yorke +was in England transacting some important political business, he was +laughingly reminded of the affair by a gentleman in the prime of +manhood--no longer a blushing young officer. Mr. Yorke and Sir Guy +Trevelyan joined heartily in the joke, the former remarking that this +young lady must have been colorblind in respect to their eyes. Many such +comparisons were made rendering defective the perception of the fair +judge, and causing much amusement to the assembled company. But this is +a digression which the reader will excuse. + +Lieutenant Trevelyan was now serving in H. M. 81st regiment under the +command of Colonel Creagh--a veteran of Waterloo--who was highly pleased +with the flattering testimonial he had received from Major McNair, +relative to the irreproachable character borne by the young favorite. + +A heavy cloud lowered over Government House. Its inmates were once more +wrapped in gloomy thought. Mary Douglas already felt the pang of +separation. Lady Rosamond was to return home. Her visit had been +lengthened beyond the term allowed; now she must obey the summons +without further delay. Painful thoughts crossed her ladyship's mind as +she made the necessary preparations. Her fate was already sealed. She +could not turn aside the resistless torrent that marked the course over +which she must be borne by the skill of the fearless and merciless +pilot, Lady Bereford. + +In the outward conduct of Lady Rosamond none could detect the spirit +which actuated her feelings. Lady Douglas closely watched every +movement. Were it not for the emotion which the former betrayed on +receiving the contents of Lady Bereford's letter, would it not have +occurred to her to suspect the heart of Lady Rosamond. It was this +circumstance which gave concern to Lady Douglas. She kept her own +counsel, yet was impressed with the belief that Sir Thomas Seymour, in +conjunction with Lady Bereford, was forcing her favorite into a marriage +that was distasteful to her wishes. The longer her ladyship dwelt upon +the matter the more deeply she felt concerned; but knowing the +inflexible temper of Sir Thomas and the influence of Lady Bereford, she +concluded that the case was indeed a hopeless one. + +Mary Douglas was the only being to whom Lady Rosamond had confided the +secret relative to her father's wishes. Some days preceding her +departure the beautiful features of the young girl bore traces of grief. +In the arms of her fond companion she had wept sad and bitter tears. + +"This shall be the last exhibition of my feelings," vehemently cried +Lady Rosamond, "you will never again see a tear of mine, at least from +the same cause, but darling promise me now that you will never divulge +my secret?" + +"Accept my promise, Rosamond," returned Mary, impressing a fond kiss +upon the lips of the gentle and loving girl. + +The promise thus made was faithfully kept to be referred to in after +years as a dream of the past which was still fresh in the beauty and +loveliness of true friendship. + +Lieutenant Trevelyan bore the knowledge of Lady Rosamond's departure +with firm composure. He was kind, genial and entertaining. The strange +and uneasy expression came and went with no remark save that it gave +much annoyance to the kind hearted secretary. + +The latter saw that no advances were made on the part of the young +lieutenant. Her ladyship would depart while the story would remain +untold. + +It is needless to enter into the details attendant upon Lady Rosamond's +removal from Government House. Sad and tender were the scenes. Mary +Douglas could not repress the stifling sobs and outbursts of grief. True +to the previous determination, her ladyship had schooled herself for the +trying moment. Under the tender care of Sir Howard, the lovely girl took +leave of Fredericton, leaving behind those whom she fondly loved. She +carried with her many reminiscences of the scenes and trials through +which she had passed never to be forgotten throughout her lifetime. + +In the meantime a question arose in political affairs which required the +mature deliberation of Sir Howard. The boundary dispute was now argued +within every district with an earnestness that showed the importance of +the cause. The present grievance had grown out of a former one. + +In the treaty of 1873, the description of boundary limits between the +United States and the Colonies was vague. Owing to a want of proper +procedure, England and America merely took their limits from a certain +point on the coast, one choosing to the right the other to the left. + +The interior boundary was the watershed dividing the sources of the +Connecticut and St. Croix rivers from those which emptied into the St. +Lawrence. By this the Americans gained all the land bordering their own +rivers, while the British had the banks of all the rivers extending to +the sea coast. Breach after breach was made, yearly inroads upon British +territory were effected, until the free navigation of the St. Lawrence +was claimed, leaving the colonies without a frontier. + +In the State of Maine, a hostile feeling influenced the entire +population. A spirit of fiery independence asserted itself in the face +of the British government. Sir Howard kept his eye on the stealthy +movements of his disorderly neighbors. He was not to be outwitted by +such aggressions; he was determined that neither Colonist nor American +should transgress; his rights were to be respected. A New Brunswicker +had been prosecuted for attempting to interfere. Equal justice was to be +extended to all. The filibusters were not to be pacified; they abused +England and her representatives in the most violent and abusive terms. +The grievances of Maine must be redressed. Governor Lincoln ordered out +the militia to the frontier, while an army of filibusters was ready to +take possession of the territory. They thought to work a plan to throw +blame upon Sir Howard, in the hope that the English troops might be led +to engage in a conflict with the American militia; but the experience of +the British representative served him aright, as on former occasions. + +Baker, an unprincipled filibuster now resolved to force proceedings, +rushed into British ground and tauntingly hoisted the American flag. At +this juncture of affairs it was expected that English troops would +interfere and a general fight would be the result. + +Sir Howard had kept the troops at a respectable distance, where he could +order them up at short notice; but he had no such intention. Imagine the +surprise of both parties when a constable, having arrived, knocked down +the flag and took Baker prisoner. Heavy imprecations fell upon such a +course of conduct. Federal troops marched to the frontier, a +circumstance of which the colonists took no notice. Sir Howard took +further steps; he ordered the prisoner to be brought to trial before the +Supreme Court at Fredericton, where he was found guilty, with sentence +of a heavy fine. + +Threatening attitudes were assumed by the leaders of this dispute, but +to these Sir Howard paid not the least attention. Messages were sent by +Governor Lincoln with urgent demands for Baker's release without any +effect. They had to treat with one whose character was marked by firm +determination. An American officer was also sent urging the necessity of +the release of the prisoner. He was not granted an interview, but was +kindly cared for in the mess-room of the 81st, where the officers gave +him a hearty reception by a grand dinner, ordered expressly for the +occasion. Despite the swaggering and menacing tone of this guest, the +evening was spent in successive rounds of mirth and exciting gaiety. +Songs, toasts and speeches greeted the ears of the envoy, and amidst +these he almost forgot the object of his mission. At last the fine was +paid. It was not until the matter was finally settled, by the decision +of the king of the Netherlands, that comparative peace was restored. + +This chapter now ends, having described the principal events that marked +the year 1827. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +CHESLEY MANOR--MARRIAGE OF LADY ROSAMOND. + + +We are again introduced to Lady Rosamond, now reinstated in the home of +her childhood. A sense of gratitude is awakened within her as she fondly +gazes upon the old familiar scenes surrounding Chesley Manor. The quaint +old structure was an exact specimen of an English manor house in the +early part of the seventeenth century, having been designed by an +architect of the royal household in the reign of James the First, whence +it still continued in the possession of its illustrious descendants. + +The style adapted to the above named structure was more strictly +domestic than defensive. It was built in quadrangular form, containing +only one large court, upon which opened the stately hall, chapel, and +principal apartments. Though not commanding the imposing aspect and +grandeur of Bereford Castle, Chesley Manor had an air of true gentility +in keeping with that of its owner. Lofty windows, reaching to the +ground, looked out upon the gardens, which were enclosed by a high wall. + +The period in which the present edifice was constructed was that of the +best style of English architecture, contrasting the more elegant and +graceful manor house with the frowning keep and embattled walls of the +olden castle. + +Surrey, with its old historic associations, was a fitting abode for the +dreamy and poetic nature of the lovely, high-born maiden. The adjoining +districts, with vale and meadow, had a pleasing effect. Long neglected +parks and straggling decayed mansions, afforded ample scope for the +fanciful flights of her ladyship's fond imagination. + +Sir Thomas was indeed happy in thus having his daughter once more to +brighten the home so long desolate and lonely. He enjoyed the perpetual +sunshine of her bright presence. He loved to caress his beautiful child +and admire her sweet and bewitching charms. Lady Rosamond seemed happy +when in her father's presence. She returned his tender endearments with +childish and playful gestures; she brought sunshine in her path in which +the flowers of affection bloomed with luxuriant beauty. She was esteemed +by the train of domestics and functionaries who performed the duties of +the household. This fact somewhat conciliated the young mistress of +Chesley Manor. Her grateful nature could not view these matters without +feeling their import. + +Wandering through the exquisitely arranged suites of spacious rooms +which had been renovated with a desire to meet her approbation, Lady +Rosamond could not but experience a pang of heartfelt sorrow. Parental +love overcame her weakness. Sir Thomas alone possessed the key that +gained access to her feelings. He alone could turn aside the channel of +her resisting thoughts and mark the course for the tide of conflicting +torrents as they surge madly on. + +Maude Bereford is once more cheered in the daily companionship of Lady +Rosamond. In their girlish and pretty ways those lovely girls form a +pleasing picture to grace the interior and surroundings of Chesley +Manor. Maude has a gentle and lovable disposition which wins the +admiration of both sexes. Though not a beauty, she is truly +beautiful--beautiful in heart, beautiful in soul. None see this mental +beauty more clearly than the young mistress of the manor. The gentle +nature and simple-minded heart of Maude Bereford sees in her cousin the +sweetness and worth which are so fondly adored by her brother Gerald. + +That Lady Rosamond sees in her future husband all that can make the +heart truly happy is a source of constant delight to her loving cousin. +Maude has not the keen perception of the nature of the human heart. + +Lady Bereford was sanguine over the result of her diplomatic tact. There +lay no obstruction in the path which she had marked out for Gerald +Bereford. No rivals had given cause for offence. Lady Rosamond had +readily encouraged the advances made by her suitor. It was now a settled +conclusion. The fact had been communicated throughout the country. Sir +Thomas had already received hearty congratulations on the brilliant +prospects of his only daughter. The event was eagerly anticipated in the +fashionable circles of high life. Many high-born maidens felt a tinge of +jealousy as they listened to the brilliant preparations awaiting the +marriage of the future Lord Bereford. His courtly manners, pleasing +graces, and handsome appearance, were the comment of many. His proud +privileges as peer of the realm, his princely castle and great wealth, +furnished themes for eulogy. + +While the great event was pending, and general curiosity was awakened in +the course of proceedings, the Lady Rosamond alone remained passive. She +calmly listened to the different reports of those to whom was entrusted +the management of affairs with an ease that was perplexing in its +simplicity. A genial smile repaid any effort to please. She gave advice +with a gentle deference that surprised her most intimate friends and +companions. With calmness and subdued feelings did her ladyship examine +the costly satins and laces scattered in lavish profusion, and being in +readiness to assume the most courtly and elegant costumes at the +sanction of the fair enchantress. Maude Bereford was radiant with joy, +the delightful prospect was at hand. Bereford Castle was to receive her +dearest Rosamond. A splendid house was to be in readiness in the suburbs +of London, where she would revel in the delights of fashionable society +and the daily companionship of Lady Rosamond. + +Gerald Bereford looked forward to the consummation of his hopes with +fond solicitude. Having received from Lady Rosamond a quiet appreciation +of his tenderness and deep love, he dared not to question closely the +motives which actuated her. Sometimes he had momentary doubts concerning +the entire reciprocation of her ladyship's trust and confidence, which +caused considerable anxiety, but the sweet, pensive smile which asserted +itself was sufficient to drive out a host of smothered grievances. + +When Lady Rosamond promised to become the wife of Gerald Bereford she +did so from a true sense of duty and affection towards her only parent. +For him she would make the great sacrifice. Did the occasion demand, she +would sacrifice her life on his behalf. In reality she had made such a +test of her faith when she made her betrothal vow, bartering love, +happiness, and life. Yes; life, with its true enjoyments, by this +sacrifice, would become a mocking, bitter trial, to which even death +were gladly welcome. Yet the noble girl shrank not from the task which +the stern voice of duty had assigned. She would bear it without a +murmur. None save Mary Douglas should know the depths of feeling of +which her nature was capable. Gerald Bereford would acknowledge the +daily attention of a kind and dutiful wife. No human being should know a +secret that was to her more than life--a soul within--a burning, +smouldering fire, around which clings the shuddering form of outraged +Hope. Lady Rosamond has kept her secret, therefore the writer will keep +it in respect to her ladyship's inward sanctity. The reader may have +gained it; if not, dear reader, you will in the end be rewarded for your +patience by a disclosure. In the meantime let us follow her ladyship +through all the perplexing moments of her unhappy existence, admiring +the true courage and grateful sentiments which sustain her. + +The day appointed for the eventful ceremony had arrived. Cards of +invitation having been issued to the most distinguished nobility +throughout the kingdom, a vast assemblage of expectant guests filled the +seats and aisles of the ancient gothic cathedral in which the marriage +was about to be solemnized. Happy smiles beamed upon all faces as they +glanced around the handsome edifice so beautifully decorated for the +occasion. Flowers and garlands were lavishly strewn around, scattered +upon the floor, upon the steps, upon the way-side; literally all space +was crowned with flowers. Gerald Bereford was truly a prepossessing +bridegroom, worthy of loving and being loved in return. His truthful +countenance was beaming with manly love. He was now ready to pronounce +those vows which in his heart met a ready response. Lady Rosamond and +her train of lovely bridesmaids have arrived. Hundreds of spectators are +anxious to catch a passing glimpse of the beautiful bride as she is led +to the altar by Sir Thomas Seymour, who gazes with loving tenderness +upon the object so soon to be taken from his heart and home. + +The feverish flush of excitement upon the transparent complexion of the +bride lent additional aid to her matchless charms. Lady Rosamond is +indeed a creature of surpassing loveliness. The soft texture of white +satin that floats in bewitching folds of drapery around the faultless +form is heightened in effect by an intermixture of costly lace and +flashing jewels. The bridal veil, with its coronet of diamonds and +orange blossoms, conceals the features so passive in the efforts to +conceal the emotions which are struggling within the bosom of the fair +one as she slowly utters those vows which, in accordance with her former +resolve, she will earnestly strive to perform. Conscience awakens in her +a deep shudder by setting forth painful convictions of promises given +where her heart beats no response. But lady Rosamond felt relief from +the thought of her efforts to do what she could to atone for this +knowledge. Her husband would be happy in her presence if not her love. +Those were the thoughts that occupied the lovely bride as she accepted +the congratulations of the crowd who gathered around her. A pleasing +smile greeted every one of the guests; even Lady Bereford was satisfied +with the grateful acknowledgement. The bridegroom was a happy man. He +adored his lovely bride. He looked upon her as the perfect embodiment of +love and truth. Such were the sentiments that stimulated Gerald Bereford +as his wife was received into society with all the eclat attendant upon +rank, wealth and beauty. Her appearance on several occasions was hailed +with universal delight. Her unassuming manner, childlike disposition and +elegant grace made friends at every footstep. Jealousy found no favor in +the wake of Lady Rosamond. Her presence was sufficient warning to the +green-eyed monster to make hasty retreat. + +Lord Bereford took a fond interest in his newly found daughter. He had +always loved Lady Rosamond as his own child. She reminded him of the +lovely sister who shared in his youthful joys. Maria Bereford was the +favorite sister of his early days; her daughter was a tender link in the +chain of memory. Lady Rosamond fully returned the affection borne her by +Lord Bereford. She found a strange relief when sitting by his side +listening to the stories which brought before her vivid conceptions of +her childhood and its happy past never to return--the days when her +heart was free to roam in its wayward and fanciful nights full of ardour +and the bouyant aspirations of unfettered youth. + +Gerald Bereford proved indeed a tender and loving husband. His heart was +always ready to upbraid him if he were not ready to meet the slightest +wish of his young wife. Every kindness that could be bestowed on Lady +Rosamond daily suggested itself to the mind of her thoughtful husband. +He was only happy in her presence--she was the sunshine of his heart, of +his life, of his soul. Without Lady Rosamond this world was a blank--a +region "where light never enters, hope never comes." Nor was the fact +unknown to the dutiful and amiable wife. It grieved her deeply to +witness such an exhibition of true love and tenderness without its +receiving equal return. With heroic bravery she endeavored to reward her +husband by little acts of thoughtful kindness greeting his return from +the turmoil of political struggles. Pleasing surprises often met his eye +when least expected. Many pretty trinkets made expressly for his use, by +the fair hands of Lady Rosamond, were placed in careless profusion +around his private apartments. These trifling incidents were an +hundredfold more worth to Gerald Bereford than the most well-timed and +flattering acknowledgments of the many who daily courted his friendship. +Thus did her ladyship strive to make amends to her husband without +having recourse to deceit. She returned his caresses, not with a fervent +love, but with a feeling that such generous love exacted her sympathy. +In the tenderness of her heart some recompense must be made. Would she +ever learn to love her husband as he indeed deserved to be loved? When +would the hour arrive when she could say: "Gerald, I love you with my +entire heart and soul; I live for you alone; none other can possess the +great love I bear for you, my husband." Those questions were frequently +present in the mind of the devoted wife of Gerald Bereford. But he knew +it not. He was in blissful ignorance of the fire within as he fondly +dreamed of the pleasing graces of his lovely wife. He had no reason to +be otherwise than happy. + +Lady Rosamond Bereford was above suspicion. She had no desire to possess +popularity outside her own household. The flattery of the opposite sex +was lost upon her. The false smile of base and unprincipled men found no +favor in the sight of her ladyship. She discountenanced many practices +sanctioned by the usages of good society. Virtue was the true criterion +upon which was based her ladyship's judgment. + +It is almost needless to add that congratulations reached Lady Rosamond +from the family at Government House in Fredericton. It was not a matter +of surprise to Lady Douglas. She had too much confidence in the +character of her relative to doubt her resolution. Mary Douglas fondly +clung to the hope that her companion would, by some unforeseen power, +avert the threatening blow. She betrayed no astonishment. Though daily +expecting the sickening news of the marriage, the private secretary of +Sir Howard almost staggered under the sudden weight of anxiety which +possessed him when Captain Douglas made the startling disclosure, with +the accompanying remark: "Jove! I always said that Gerald Bereford was a +lucky fellow." + +The thoughtful gaze of Mr. Howe as he stood in mute and silent +astonishment, raised a laugh from his companion, with the addition of a +second remark, implying that her ladyship must have made sad havoc upon +the heart of a certain individual, judging from the effect produced by +the announcement of her marriage. + +True indeed! Lady Rosamond had made havoc upon the heart and affection +of a _certain individual_, as Captain Douglas roughly remarked, but not +the one to whom he made direct allusion. + +The heart that suffered most will be the last to acknowledge. "Heaven +pity poor Trevelyan," murmured Mr. Howe. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +NEW FRIENDS--THE 81ST--SOCIAL RECREATION. + + +Fredericton society was now becoming amply compensated for the loss +sustained by the departure of the 52nd Regiment. The gallant Col. Creagh +had become a general favorite. Waterloo, with its bloody scenes and +brilliant victory, was still fresh in his memory. He never wearied in +relating these with fond pride, while his heart was fired with an +enthusiasm that stirred every vein with renewed patriotic impulses. The +gentlemanly conduct that marked the officers of the 81st, soon won the +esteem of the citizens, and placed them on confidential and friendly +terms within a short time after their arrival. Though not distinguished +by the sporting propensities of their predecessors, the general tone of +society received a loftier impetus, social intercourse on a moderate +basis was the general feature of the present. Balls and parties were of +greater importance than the sports of the turf or field. It must not be +inferred the 81st Regiment was quiet and inactive from the facts thus +stated. On the contrary, they were gay, dashing and animated, full of the +vigour and energy of military life; but the comparison affects them not +when we say that the sporting reputation of the 52nd Regiment was +unprecedented in military records. Among those deserving notice was +Jasper Creagh. He was a winning and agreeable youth, displaying much of +the daring and military spirit of his distinguished sire. Many hearts +beat faster when they listened to the manly voice of the young soldier. +Within a very short space of time an intimacy sprang up between the +latter and Lieutenant Trevelyan, who more than sustained the very +flattering reputation forwarded by Major McNair. + +Jasper Creagh found much pleasure in the company of his newly made +friend, while the observant Colonel was well pleased by the preference +which showed such judgment on the part of his eldest son. + +Frequent allusions were made to the marriage of Lady Rosamond. This +brilliant match had afforded much subject for gossip in the higher +social circles. Lieutenant Trevelyan quietly listened to the earnest +congratulations showered upon this union with apparent interest, often +replying to the inquiries of Jasper Creagh with marked concern. His +secret was unknown, he could brave the matter with heroic fortitude, +while perhaps in after years, time will have effaced those fond +memories. It was a bitter trial, but had he known that hearts more +liable to succumb to the frailties of nature had borne up bravely +against the struggling conflicts of feeling, the thought would have +afforded some relief. + +Captain Douglas in his boisterous jocose remarks had unconsciously been +the means of aiming many unerring and merciless shafts at the heart of +the despondent lieutenant. Mr. Howe, on many occasions, would generously +have forced his companion to desist, but the sacrifice would have been +too great. It were better that the secret remain untold even at the +expense of a few such stabs. + +In spite of the maneuvering conversational tactics of Mr. Howe, +Captain Douglas could not resist the vein of humor which flowed in +incessant remark upon those with whom it came in contact. "Lady Rosamond +made sad havoc in Fredericton," was his endless theme. "Look at Howe, +judging from the length of his face the matter has assumed a serious +aspect. There is some doubt as to the exact state of Trevelyan's heart. +If the face be taken as an index to the mind, we will pronounce his case +as a milder type of the same disease." + +Many like jokes were passed around by the incorrigible Charles Douglas, +but to all Guy Trevelyan was invulnerable. He betrayed no sign of the +inward tempest raging within, save by the almost imperceptible +expression which had attracted the scrutinizing eye of the generous +hearted Mr. Howe. + +The band of the 81st was a great source of amusement to the citizens. It +daily furnished music on the Officers' Square, which was entirely free +to every peaceably disposed citizen. Another attractive feature was the +frequent sights of numerous barges rowing up and down the river. The gay +strains of music that floated upon the air, the flutter of +bright-colored pennons, the waving of streamers, bright faces, merry +hearts, and joyous song, made the scene both enjoyable and imposing. +Frequently the excursionists landed on the islands above the city, +enjoying the hours in roaming around the woody precincts, in merry +conversation, outdoor sport, or the pleasure of the dance. Thus did the +citizens spend the greater number of the pleasant summer evenings in the +indebtedness of their military friends. + +The band-master stood high in the esteem of all ranks and classes. Mr. +Hoben had indeed succeeded in filling the position occupied by his +predecessor in relation with the Philharmonic Society, sparing no pains +in the instruction of every member. + +The above named musical organization had now attained a degree of +proficiency that was manifest on every public appearance. + +Mr. Yorke, of whom mention was made on several former occasions, was a +great favorite in musical circles. His taste was consulted on the +arrangement of many programmes intended for public dinners, and such +demonstrations as called forth a ready response from the general public. +The musical abilities of Vivian Yorke were afterwards kept in constant +requisition. + +The various schemes pushed forward by Sir Howard Douglas for the +advancement of the welfare of the Province were heartily endorsed by the +people. Steady advances were being made in every pursuit, while that of +agriculture was foremost. Societies were formed with a view to adopt +measures the most favorable for the advancement of a cause to which all +others were secondary in the estimation of Sir Howard. York County +Agricultural Society, at that time, was composed of a body of +influential members, whose places have never since been filled by any +who took such a deep interest in those matters. Such names as those of +the Hon. Messrs. Baillie, Odell, Street, Black, Saunders, Bliss, Peters, +Shore, Minchin, and many others, grace the pages of the yearly reports +issued by the society. + +An event occurred about this time which had considerable effect upon the +social atmosphere of Fredericton. The old part of the officers' +barracks, known as the mess-room, was completely destroyed by fire. It +was in the depth of winter, on a very cold night, and many experienced +much exposure and fatigue. The promptness displayed, both by military +and citizens, may still be remembered by some of the older inhabitants. +On this occasion a poor soldier would have been suffocated were it not +for the presence of mind displayed by Mr. Yorke, who, on hearing the +groans of the distressed man, burst in the door and bore him out amid +stifling volumes of smoke and flame. + +Much inconvenience arose from the fact of being deprived of comfortable +quarters at such an inclement season; but the citizens soon had the +pleasure of seeing the officers' mess-room of the 81st stationed in the +brick building situated on the corner of Queen and Regent streets, where +they had procured temporary accommodation until another and more +commodious building should be erected on the site of the former. It was +only by such fires that the town of Fredericton succeeded in presenting +a more imposing appearance. Small two-story wooden houses, with smaller +door and windows, occupied Queen street with an air of ease, seeming to +defy progress, and only to be removed by the devouring elements which +occasionally made havoc upon those wooden structures. + +The present season was remarkable for the many skating tournaments which +were held upon the ice in the vicinity of Fredericton. Among those who +distinguished themselves were Captain Hansard, an officer retired from +the service, and a young gentleman afterwards known in connection with +the Crown Land Department and later as a member of the Executive +Government, yet an active member of the Legislative Council. The most +astonishing feats were performed during the time thus occupied. The +officers of the 81st were superior skaters, among whom was Major Booth +whose remarkable evolutions gained great notoriety. It is a matter of +question whether the feats of the present day to which our attention is +sometimes directed, could in anywise compete with those of the days of +which we write. Lieutenant Trevelyan had acquired a proficiency in the +art that was worthy of admiration. In this healthy pastime he took +secret delight. It afforded moments when he could steal miles away and +give himself up to those quiet reveries from which the dreamer finds +relief. To a sensitive and poetic mind, what is more enjoyable than the +silent hours of solitude when the soul is revelling in the delights of +idealism; its sweet commune with kindred spirits; its longing and +fanciful aspirations? Who that is not possessed of those precious gifts +of the soul can realize the happiness that Guy Trevelyan derived from +this source? He could, as it were, divest himself of earthy material and +live in the ethereal essence of divine communion. In those flights of +bliss the loved form of Lady Rosamond was ever near. Her presence +hallowed the path whereon he trod. None others invaded the sanctity of +this realm of dreams. One soul was there--one being--alas! to wake in +one realty. + +Mary Douglas was at all times a true sympathizer. She always took a deep +interest in her friend Guy. She liked to sit beside him and recall +little scenes wherein Lady Rosamond took part. Her merry ringing laugh +showed the purity of the mind within. Together they spent many hours in +interesting and amusing conversation. Not a thought save that of true +friendship entered the mind of either. From this alone arose the full +confidence alike reposed in each. Mary Douglas was even more beautiful +than Lady Rosamond. Her features were formed as regularly as a model of +an Angelo; her expression might be a life-long study for a DaVinci, a +Rubens, or a Reynolds. Yet such beauty had not power to fan anew the +smouldering fire which consumed the vitality of Lieutenant Trevelyan's +existence. On the other hand this lovely girl saw not in her companion +anything that could create any feeling akin to love. Such was the entire +confidence thus reposed that they were amused at any trifling remarks of +those who daily summed up what evidence supported their conjectures. +Frequently Mr. Howe turned his attention to the affairs of the +unfortunate lieutenant, vainly wishing that such an attachment might be +formed and likewise reciprocated. He was certain of the fact that Guy +Trevelyan was worthy the hand of the most distinguished and beautiful. He +was aware that Sir Howard entertained the highest regard to the son of +his old friend Colonel Trevelyan who, as a baronet and gentleman, had a +reputation worthy his manly son. The arguments advanced by Mr. Howe were +by no means lessened when he wondered if Lady Rosamond could possibly +have gained the secret which possessed Guy Trevelyan. He held too high an +opinion of her ladyship to harbor the thought that she would triumph in +the conquest thus gained on the eve of her marriage with Gerald Bereford. +Ah no! Lady Rosamond could not have known it. So reasoned the thoughtful +secretary. + +In the meantime Lady Rosamond is enjoying the constant whirl and gaiety +of London life. Her husband is immersed in the broil of parliamentary +affairs. As a representative of his native borough, he is responsible +for every grievance, real or imaginary, under which his constituents +are daily groaning. The party with whom he was associated was daily +becoming unpopular--a crisis was at hand--a dissolution was expected. +Another appeal to the country would probably take place. Her ladyship +was not a politician; she understood not the measure so proudly +discussed by the wives of statesmen and representatives. Still she could +not but feel a desire to share in the interests of her husband. In the +bustle and turmoil of busy life she felt grateful. Excitement fed her +inquietude; it bore her along upon the breast of the dizzy waves. It was +well that Lady Rosamond was thus occupied. She gave grand and sumptuous +dinner parties, and entertained her guests with balls on a scale of +princely magnificence. Her luncheons were indeed sufficient to cheer the +most despondent and misanthropic. Gaiety in its varied forms +predominated over Lady Rosamond's establishment. + +Gerald Bereford was proud of the homage poured at the feet of his +beautiful wife. Her praise was music in his ears. He listened to the +flattering courtesies with childlike pleasure. Her happiness was his. +Often when overcome with the cares and anxiety of public affairs a smile +from her ladyship had a charm like magic. A quiet caress was sure to +arouse him from the deepest apathy. + +Lady Rosamond strove hard to repay her doting husband. Every attention +was paid to his wishes. He knew not what it was to suffer the slightest +neglect. Gerald Bereford was happy. His happiness was often the subject +of comment of the associates of his club. His wife's unassuming beauty, +her grace and virtues, attracted many who were solicitous to cultivate +her acquaintance. + +"How did you manage to secure such a prize, Bereford? She is the most +beautiful woman in the United Kingdom," exclaimed a gentleman to Gerald +Bereford, after being introduced to Lady Rosamond at a ball given by the +French ambassador, where, without any conscious effort, she had been +pronounced the most attractive amidst a bewildering array of princely +rank, wealth, dignity, youth and beauty. + +None could deny the assertion. The rich and elegant black velvet robes +worn by her ladyship displayed the beautiful transparency and form of +her snowy arms and shoulders. Flashing jewels lent a glow to the lovely +face, reflecting their purity and priceless worth. + +In the midst of her greatest triumphs Lady Rosamond felt her misery the +most unendurable. Then she experienced the cruel mockeries of the world; +_then_ she felt pangs that the glare and display of wealth must +cover--that the tribute of homage vainly sought to satisfy. At those +moments a picture of never-fading reality would flit before her mental +vision in mocking array--a picture in which her ladyship knelt with +expressive and silent gaze at the feet of the stern monitress, Duty, +whose defiant scowl denies appeal from the speaking depths of the +mournful dark eyes. Two forms are discerned in the background; the +foremost reveals the features of Gerald Bereford casting fond glances +towards the kneeling figure in the foreground. Duty wears a smile as she +beckons his approach with tokens of deep appreciation. There still +lingers another form. Whose can it be? Can we not recognize that face, +though indistinct, in the dim outline? Duty steps between and intercepts +our view. This is the picture from which Lady Rosamond vainly tried to +withdraw her thoughts, repeating the consoling words with saddened +emphasis: "Everything is ordered for the best." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +POLITICAL LIFE. + + +While Lady Rosamond received the homage of a thousand hearts and plunged +into the ceaseless round of busy life, her husband was engaged as a +fierce combatant in earnest conflicts in the political arena within the +limits of Parliament. Enclosed by vast and wondrous piles of stately +architecture, the champions fight for their respective boroughs with +untiring energy and vehement fiery ardour. The ministry, headed by the +Duke of Wellington, stood much in need of all the force which it could +bring to bear upon the rallying strength of the opposing element. Among +the latter was arrayed Mr. Bereford. His penetrating judgment and shrewd +activity were considered an important acquisition to the ranks of his +colleagues. His masterly and eloquent harangues never failed to force +deep conviction and prove the justice of his principles. Even Lady +Rosamond felt a secret pride in listening to those earnest appeals which +disclosed the honest motives by which they were actuated. Though not +gifted with the brilliant powers displayed in the conversational genius +of those women who had evidently devoted much attention to the study of +politics, her ladyship tried to feel an interest in the measures for +which her husband had devoted many of his waking hours, his superior +intellectual powers, his fond ambition. In this source she seemed to +find a sense of relief. She never flinched when any exaction was +required. If she could make some recompense for such pure and fervent +love, no matter at what cost or sacrifice, gladly would the +conscientious principles of Lady Rosamond accept the terms. Her marked +concern and unremitting attention failed not to elicit admiration from +the Premier, who, despite his stern, disciplined nature, had not +forgotten to pay tribute to the attractions of a beautiful woman. The +Iron Duke indeed showed a decided preference for her ladyship. He was +charmed with the sweet, unassuming, and childlike manner of the young +matron, and took delight in contrasting these with the glaring and +ostentatious demeanor of these high-minded and profound women with whom +he daily mingled. + +Lady Rosamond repaid the gallant Duke for such attention. She loved to +engage him in earnest and animated conversation, and watch the fire that +kindled the soul within by the light emitted from the deep flashing eye. +She felt a deep interest in the stern old warrior from the endearing +associations which his memory had woven around her. While in Fredericton +her ladyship had heard many stories in which her friends had also +figured in close relation to the hero of a hundred fights. Sir Howard +Douglas had oftentimes entertained his family circle with a recital of +such scenes. The friend of Sir Howard, Colonel Trevelyan, was also an +actor in the great drama. But the last personage could not possibly +cause any tender interest to the mind of Lady Rosamond. + +Gerald Bereford was opposed in principle to the present administration. +He formed one of the strongest leaders of the opposition. His heart was +in the work before him; he would not flinch from the responsibility. His +haggard countenance often gave evidence of the spirit which influenced +his actions; yet he wearied not. A mild reproof from his lovely wife +would for the while have some effect, when he would devote all his +leisure to her comfort and pastime, being fully repaid by the most +simple caress or quiet smile. + +Early in the next year an event followed which had a great effect both +on political and social life. His Majesty, George the Fourth, had passed +away from earth. Among those within our acquaintance few there were who +deeply regretted the circumstance. + +Lady Rosamond, in writing a friend, said: "We cannot indeed entertain +any lasting regrets for one who inflicted such misery upon one of our +sex. The unfortunate queen and her tragical end inspires me with a +feeling bordering upon hate towards the author. As women we must feel +it, but as women we must forgive." + +Thus was the matter viewed by her ladyship, who now looked forward with +happy anticipation to the approaching and brilliant pageantry. The +"Sailor King" sat peacefully on the throne of England. In the days of +her childhood Lady Rosamond loved to climb upon the knee of a handsome +nobleman--in truth a gallant prince. Lovingly did she nestle against his +manly breast with eager, childish confidence, throwing her beautiful +silken ringlets over his shoulders in gleeful pride. Many times had she +kissed the lips of her royal patron, while he playfully designated her +his "White Rose of England." Among the many beautiful trinkets she had +received at his hands none were more valuable or precious than the +jewelled locket bearing the simple inscription "William," appended to a +miniature chain, which she had always worn around her neck in grateful +remembrance. The kind-hearted prince had won the lovely child. Kind +memories can never be obliterated from kind hearts. + +Lady Rosamond in after years never forgot the sailor prince of her +childhood days. The old admiral was proud of the attachment thus formed +in his early career. He had entertained towards the generous prince a +warm regard. In naval cruises they were often thrown in company, while +on more than one occasion Sir Thomas had granted leave to obtain the +service of his young friend for a lengthened cruise. + +It is not, therefore, a matter of surprise that Lady Rosamond hailed +with rapturous delight the accession of the sailor prince as William the +Fourth of England. Her hopes beat high as she thought of the approaching +ceremony when she would once more be recognized by her old friend. Has +she outgrown his memory? or has he kept her still in view through each +successive stage of life? Many were the speculations formed within the +mind of her ladyship as she made the elaborate preparation necessary for +the intended reception. The day at length arrived. The king and queen +were to receive the nobility of the realm. Dukes, earls, viscounts, +marquises, baronets, with all the titled members of their families, were +to pass in array before the conscious glance and smile of majesty. + +The royal reception chamber blazed with dazzling splendour. Titled +courtiers in costly dresses of crimson, purple, and violet velvet, +embroidered in gold, glittering with the many orders upon their breasts, +while the jewelled hilt of the golden scabbards flashed in dazzling rays +of light. These lined the apartment or moved to and fro at the summon of +royalty. Ladies of honor were grouped at respective distances from their +sovereign mistress ready to obey her slightest behest. Their costly +robes, courtly grace, and distinguished appearance, befitted the noble +blood which ran through their veins as proof of their present proud +position. To a stranger the scene was impressive. On first entering the +train of attendants and military display is sufficient to quell the most +stout hearted. Passing along with as much dignity as the person can, he +is announced in loud stentorian tones by the lord chamberlain, who +glances at the card thus presented. Then advancing towards the throne, +kneeling down, kissing the back of His Majesty's hand, and passing along +in the train of his predecessor forms the remaining part of the +ceremony. During this time hundreds will have taken part in these +proceedings, happy in the thought of having received a respectful bow +from the grateful monarch in return for the deep and almost overpowering +embarrassment that possesses the one taking part in those imposing +ceremonies. + +The rising blush on Lady Rosamond's cheek showed the excitement that +stirred the depths of her inward feelings. She was carried back to the +happy child days when no shade hovered near; when no bitter concealment +lurked in the recesses of her joyous heart; when her fond plans were +openly discussed before the sailor prince with intense merriment and +glee. Vainly she sighed as she thought of what might have been. Though in +the present the inference was distasteful, her ladyship could not dismiss +the subject. As she stands quietly awaiting her turn in the order of +presentation, let us once more picture the beautiful face and form which +have won our entire sympathy. + +Lady Rosamond has lost none of the beauty hitherto depicted in her +charms. She is still lovely as when described while a guest at +Government House. Her cheek has lost none of its roundness; the outline +is full, striking, fresh and interesting; the expressive dark eyes have +lost not their usual brilliancy, save a mournful tenderness that is more +often betrayed than formerly; the lustrous black hair is wantonly +revelling in all the luxuriance of its former beauty. Time nor +experience has not the ruthless power to desecrate such sacred charms. +Lady Rosamond has yet to rejoice in these; she has yet to pluck the +blossoms of happiness springing up from the soil of buried hope where +seeds had been scattered by the unseen hand of Mercy. Well might Gerald +Bereford have been fond of his wife as she approached the "Sailor King," +in her train of white satin and velvet sparkling with diamonds, with a +grace bespeaking ease, trust and dignified repose. The announcement of +Lady Rosamond Bereford afforded striking proof of the warm-heartedness +of his majesty, showing he did not forget his former white rose of +England. His eagle eye detected the small jewelled gift almost concealed +within the breast of her ladyship, as she lowly bent down to kiss the +hand of her sovereign. A beautiful blush overspread the features of Lady +Rosamond as she felt the directed gaze. "Your ladyship has not forgotten +the sharer of her childhood joys," exclaimed His Majesty with expressive +smile. + +A deep blush succeeded when the kneeling suppliant recovered sufficient +self-possession to reply. "Your Majesty will pardon this occasion to +acknowledge the great honor conferred by this tender allusion to a loving +and loyal subject." + +In her blushing loveliness, Lady Rosamond received a fragrant and +beautiful white rose from the hand of her liege sovereign as expressive +of the desired continuation of his former regard and endearment. This +was truly a remarkable moment in the life of her ladyship. She felt the +true force and depth of friendship. If the favor of her monarch could +give happiness, would she not exercise a large monopoly? Yet there was +happiness enjoined in the ceremony. His Majesty was happy to meet his +former friend and companion. Her Majesty the Queen was happy to find one +in whom her husband found so much to admire. Gerald Bereford was truly +happy in having such royal favour extended towards the lovely being upon +whom he lavished his fond love. + +These circumstances gave some relief to lady Rosamond and taught her +many lessons through suffering to which she could return with thankful +gratitude for the bitter trials so heavily imposed. Sometimes a feeling +of remorse took possession of her ladyship as she looked upon the face +of her husband and fancied that there rested a yearning, wistful look, a +lingering for her truer sympathy. She sometimes felt that her husband +also cherished his vain regrets, his moments of bitter conflicts when he +tried to smother the unbidden thoughts that would thus arise. These +fancies often roused Lady Rosamond to a sense of her duty with wholesome +effect. + +This mark of royal favor was not lost upon Lady Rosamond. Her Majesty +expressed a wish to receive the king's favorite among the ladies of her +household. But the tearful eyes of the beautiful matron forbade any +further mention. The German propensities of Queen Adelaide would not +force any measure thus proposed. Lady Rosamond had full access to the +royal household, receiving the confidence of her royal patroness with +true grace. + +Now began the struggle for Reform in the Parliament. Throughout the +kingdom arose the cry of Reform which had been echoed from the second +French revolution. Among all classes arose the war note of Reform. It +sounded loud and high. It was borne over the continent. Nothing but +Reform. Reform of the House of Commons was the subject discussed at +every fireside. + +Affairs had now reached a political crisis. The Duke of Wellington, with +his unrestrained and high-bred principles of conservatism, could not +brook such an innovation upon the time-honored laws and customs of the +British constitution. He could not favor a faction that would +countenance the spoliation of England's hitherto undimmed greatness and +national pride. Hence arose a new ministry under the united leadership +of Earl Grey and Lord John Russell. In Gerald Bereford the supporters of +the Reform measure found a zealous adherent. He seemed to lay aside +every other consideration in advancing the scheme which lay so near his +heart. Lengthy and private consultations were held between the latter +and his sincere friend and adviser, Earl Grey. Days and nights were +passed in fierce and endless controversy in the House of Commons. + +This was the only point in which Lady Rosamond failed to convince her +husband of the injury sustained by such constant turmoil and anxiety +involved in these measures. When she quietly endeavored to reason upon +such a course of conduct he smilingly replied: "My darling, duty calls +me and you would not see me inactive when the demand is so imperative? +Surely my beautiful rose would not like to have the breath of slander +attached to her husband as guilty of cowardice or desertion from the +ranks of his party? Ah, no, my darling," cried the earnest politician, +preventing his wife's retort with the tender kisses of a true and ardent +love. It did indeed seem strange that the more earnestly Lady Rosamond +pleaded with her husband the more firmly did he resist, and, if +possible, the more ardent he became in his attention. Lady Rosamond felt +a strange and unaccountable desire to interfere with the plans laid down +by Gerald Bereford. Many times she urged upon Earl Grey the necessity of +moderation, and, with a vehemence foreign to her nature, strove to +impress him with prophetic visions of anxiety, doubt, and fear. Her +ladyship was somewhat reconciled by the resignation of the Premier, who, +in his joking manner, attributed his want of success to the hostile +attitude of the wife of his friend, Gerald Bereford. + +But the conflict was kept up with renewed energy. The Reform party were +not to be thus easily outwitted. They were still sanguine. During the +period when the ministry vacillated between the Conservatives and Whigs, +the spirits of the latter never drooped. Victory was the watchword that +attached itself to the Reform party. Victory was the cry of Gerald +Bereford as he labored day and night with untiring zeal, utterly +regardless of the ravages thus made upon his hitherto robust +constitution. In this exciting struggle the young politician was +unconscious of the deadly and venomous growth taking root within +under the baneful effect of negligence and over-taxed powers. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +NEW BRUNSWICK. + + +The capital of New Brunswick was the scene of more than usual +excitement. Extensive preparations throughout the higher classes of +society indicated that some very important event or events were about to +take place. Extravagant purchases made in the several stores where were +displayed dry goods, intimated that the fair sex looked forward to the +approaching festivity with intense and joyous anticipation. + +New-year's eve has arrived. Happiness expresses itself in rippling +smiles beaming upon all faces. Every citizen has cause for rejoicing. +The commodious structure planned under the supervision of His +Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, is now ready for the reception of a +numerous assemblage of guests. The family are reinstated in Government +House, happy in being once more able to extend their far-famed +hospitality as on former occasions. + +Nothing was wanting to make the present reception one of the most +gorgeous in the social records of provincial life. Every window in the +entire building was brilliantly illuminated in the most beautiful colors +of every hue and in a charming variety of scenes. There were represented +the western heavens at sunset in crimson and gold; the rising glories of +the approaching monarch shown on the eastern hill tops; scenes of +classical beauty shone in bewitching effect. Any attempt to +particularize fails in the very effort. Suffice to say Government House +blazed, not in the spontaneous spirit which displayed itself when the +former building succumbed, but by the heightening aid of artistic skill +and design. From a distance the sight was truly beautiful. Many gazed +with unwearied eyes anxious to behold a view which might never again be +afforded them. The incessant peals of merry sleigh bells seemed to +harmonize with the merriment and gaiety of the guests as they hurried to +their destination. The array of rank, wealth, youth and beauty thus +assembled are never again to be realized. Every colony in His Majesty's +domains in America was represented. Every one holding high rank or title +was present. Lady Douglas with kindling eye glanced through the +different rooms and pronounced the affair a decided success. + +Mary Douglas experienced a feeling of sadness while drawing a comparison +between the present occasion and one in which Lady Rosamond was an +honored guest. She could not but feel a deep yearning towards her old +friend--a fond and tender longing to embrace the beautiful Lady Rosamond +Bereford. + +The drawing-rooms reflected credit upon those who assisted in the +decorations. Brilliant colors, banners, emblems, mottoes, flags, +pennons, and coats of arms were intermingled with an eye to harmony and +graceful effect. + +The military precedence on every hand shewed the spirit which influenced +Sir Howard and his distinguished family. Nearly all the gentlemen of the +household were distinguished by their uniform. Every attendant was in +uniform. Soldiers lined the grounds; soldiers kept hourly patrol; +soldiers executed every command. The social atmosphere of Government +House breathed of a true soldier-like element. The ladies felt its +influence as they took delight in listening to the chequered scenes +amidst the lives of the many veterans who sat at their table. + +The 81st now graced the evening by a numerous body of officers with the +gallant Colonel Creagh foremost in the assembly. The genial countenance +of the old veteran, his sparkling eye and animated gestures found ready +entrance into many hearts. Conspicuous were Jasper Creagh, now attached +to the regiment as holding a lieutenant's commission, and his friend +Trevelyan, now promoted to the rank of Captain, and still enjoying the +unbounded good will and confidence of superiors and inferiors. + +The faithful secretary still sustained his former resources for +enjoyment and festivity. He had made himself agreeable to many fair +ladies, acting the part of a gallant attendant, but his heart remained +unimpressed, often a source of keen enjoyment to Captain Douglas, who +vainly tried to captivate his friend in many ways. Mr. Howe was a +distinguished and fine-looking gentleman, remarkably tall and straight, +while the keen glance of his dark eye was sufficient to convince one of +the powers of penetration forming such weighty proportion in the make-up +of his character. His olive skin formed a pleasing contrast to the pearl +white complexion of the beautiful daughter of the household, as they +mingled together in the dance. The sparkle of that lovely eye was enough +to drive the adoring suitors to distraction, yet Mary Douglas coolly +withstood their ardent gaze. Dance and song mingle in successive round. +Youth and age alike join in the fairy scene. Arch glances pass from +courtly cavaliers to beautiful maidens who "blush at the praise of their +own loveliness." The rustle of silken draperies sound to the ear as +unseen music at the hand of the warbling genii. Robes of spotless purity +and gossamer texture flit around, keeping time to the merry ringing +silvery peals of girlish merriment. Such are the scenes that greet the +eye and ear in roaming amid the gay throng at Government House, +Fredericton, on the New Year's Eve of 1828. + +It would be a difficult task to make particular mention of the +aristocratic matrons; still it would be a great injustice to pass over a +matter of so much importance. In fact, by some, the married ladies bore +off the palm for beauty and intelligence. Of a certainty the comparison +excepted the ladies of Government House, there being none who could +compete with Mary Douglas, her beauty being of a superior type. + +At the ball a married lady of rank wore diamonds valued at a cost +seeming fabulous. Others followed in the wake of such extravagance by +wearing necklaces, bracelets, head-dresses, ear-rings, and brooches, in +almost unlimited profusion. Add to this the magnificent array of Sir +Howard's supper table, its glittering plate in massive style, its +enormous chandeliers, its countless train of liveried attendants, and +you can then only form a very faint conception of the first ball given +in the present Government House, nearly half a century in the past! + +Truly this was the chivalric age in the history of the capital of New +Brunswick--the age when proud knighthood was the ruling passion in the +breasts of the sterner sex, when true heroic bravery was the quality +which won the maiden fair, when the breath of slander could not be +tolerated without calling forth a brave champion on behalf of the +wronged. This is the age that has passed away never to return. Progress +and Reform are the two great powers combined to crush out all traces of +those by-gone days. In united action they ruthlessly wipe out every +vestige or lingering relics of past greatness. Nothing must stand in +opposition to their will. Reform suggests, Progress acts--Reform +suggests the removal of all old landmarks--Progress assists in the +accomplishment. By such means, and through successive stages, did those +days pass away, now to be reviewed, as a beautiful dream of the past. + +Leaving this point we will proceed with the facts of the story. + +The day following marked an event of much greater importance than that +of the preceding evening--it was important to all--all classes were +afterwards to be benefited by the great boon thus conferred on the +people of New Brunswick. Every parish and county had reason afterwards +to rejoice in the great work of this auspicious moment. + +On New year's day of this year was opened the College at Fredericton. +The Charter had been procured by Sir Howard after having withstood a +storm of violent opposition, under which an ordinary spirit would have +sunk in hopeless despondency; but the iron will and calm judgment of the +wise statesman and ruler had outlived the fury of the opposing element, +who now reaped the reward of his indefatigable labors by the +accomplishment of the great work. + +The king showed his sanction by conferring upon this Institution the +name of "King's College, New Brunswick," while to Sir Howard he assigned +the honor of being its first chancellor, in acknowledgment of the great +service thus rendered to the cause. + +In this office His Excellency was duly installed on the present +occasion. Divine service was performed as the first ceremony. The +professors and students were in their places. Members of the legislature +and the royal council occupied seats, while the public thronged the +building to the utmost capacity. + +Great and heartfelt was the burst of applause that greeted Sir Howard as +he took his place: greater still, when he announced the intention of the +king in conferring his name upon the College. The expressive features, +high, broad intellectual forehead, earnest eye, benign countenance and +honest smile perhaps were never more significant of the earnestness that +pervaded every thought and action of the gentleman, scholar, and +soldier, as when he uttered sentiments which shall be cherished through +after ages, so long as King's College shall remain a monument to the +memory of the best and greatest man that ever trod the soil of New +Brunswick. + +Let us make use of his own words: "I shall leave with the College," he +said, "I trust, for ever a token of my regard and best wishes. It shall +be prepared in a form and devoted to an object which I hope may prove a +useful incitement to virtue and learning; and at periodical +commemorations of the commencement it may serve to remind you of the +share which I have had in the institutions and proceedings of a day +which I shall never forget." + +Nor did this friend of education ever forget his promise. The Douglas +Gold Medal is still competed for though many years have rolled between +the time when the first and last were presented. The distinguished donor +has passed away, but his pledge remains. Memory fondly clings around the +deeds of Sir Howard and throws over them a halo of light that will shine +with increasing splendor as time lengthens the distance between. + +The boundary question still assumed a troubled and unsettled state. Many +complaints were laid before his Excellency, but he calmly resolved to +grant no concessions. He treated every messenger with polite firmness. +Congratulations poured in from the Governor General from Canada and the +British Minister at Washington, regarding the cleverness and ability +displayed on the occasion. At last it became evident that no direct +conciliation could be effected between the disputants. Another course +must be adopted. An arrangement was agreed upon between the English and +Americans that the matter be left to arbitration, to the decision of the +king of the Netherlands. In such knowledge the people felt and saw a +common dread, a common anxiety, a gloomy foreboding. Such knowledge +brought the painful idea of separation. Sir Howard was appointed to +prepare the case for presentation. His presence was imperative in +England. A heavy blow fell like a death knell on the future hopes of the +colonists. Their true friend, sympathizer and ruler was about to take +leave. Many mourned his departure as that of a father or brother. Their +friend in prosperity and dire adversity; he who had struggled with the +calamities and worked for the advancement of his people, their interests +and direct benefits, was now to embark for his native land. + +Regret was depicted on every face as the colonists moved in large bodies +to return grateful recognition for the zealous labors spent in their +behalf. Every society took active measures in showing their mingled +regret. Tears rained thick and fast as many old friends grasped the hand +of Sir Howard, murmuring a last God bless you. The kind-hearted soldier +could not but feel deeply when he witnessed such hearty demonstrations, +yet he had hopes of returning to New Brunswick. He cheered the people +with such remarks and strove to make the least of the matter. + +Nor was the family of Sir Howard less to be regretted. Their kind +hospitality, generous hearts, and unassuming dispositions, had made many +friends in Fredericton and throughout the Province. + +Lady Douglas strove to conceal her regret with many well-timed remarks. +Mary Douglas lovingly lingered among the well-remembered walks and paths +where she had spent peaceful and happy days. The lovely spring-time +which she had looked forward to, with its songs of birds, bright +sunshine, lovely flowers, and green fields, had come again, but not for +her enjoyment. Other ears would listen to the warbling songster--other +forms would sit in her accustomed seats and enjoy the pleasing +sunshine--other hands would pluck the lonely flowers blooming in beauty +all around--other footsteps would roam over the soft green grass that +gently raised its head as she tripped lightly along in former years. +_These_ were the friends of Mary Douglas, truly the child of nature. +Birds, flowers, fields, sunshine, rain, and storm, were the constant +companions of the gifted and beautiful student. The warble of the birds +was to her of more worth than the most bewitching strains of an English +opera; flowers taught lessons more inspiring and sublime than the most +profound theological discussion. Verdant fields and bright sunshine were +constant reminders of Heaven's choicest blessings and never-failing +truth, while the stormy conflicts of nature's elements taught the heart a +wholesome lesson in the thought that life has its changing moods, its +bitter conflicts, its merciless storms. + +Sad was the heart of the dreamer as she wandered for the last time amid +these never-to-be-forgotten haunts. Tears dimmed her lovely eyes and +trickled down her cheeks. The scene was too sacred for other eyes. She +had started off alone, wishing to pay the last tribute of respect to her +silent friends in a manner becoming the solemnity of the occasion. + +We leave Mary Douglas in her sylvan retreat and follow other members of +the family in their tender leave-taking. + +Miss Douglas echoes the same spirit as her sister, but with less poetic +eloquence and fervent inspiration. She looks upon the faces of many dear +young friends and feels a deep pang of sorrow as their tears mingle with +her own. John Douglas, no longer a mischievous, romping, and noisy boy, +but an engaging and attractive young gentleman, ready to enter the army, +takes a hearty leave of his former schoolmates and companions with +sincere regret, bearing with him their united wishes for his future +welfare and success in life. + +It would be an endless task to enumerate the bitter repinings and tender +leave-taking between each member of the family, and the numerous hosts +of sincere friends who pressed around them, eager to wish God speed on +the journey. Suffice to say, amid the last parting word, the last +pressure of the hand, and the last fond embrace, the beloved family of +Sir Howard Douglas took their last glimpse of Fredericton, dimmed by +their fast falling tears, as the steamer slowly passed from the wharf, +whence issued the plaintive strains of "Auld Lang Syne," to be borne +ever after in the memory of those who listened to the last parting +tribute wafted from the shores of Fredericton. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +REGRETS. + + +Though most of those in whom we have taken such deep interest have left +the Province far behind, we cannot bear the thought of following them +until more fond ties be broken that binds them to our native home. Ah! +were we to consider every fond tie, there could be no hope for +separation. There are ties which bind the heart as lovingly as those of +friendship, there are ties which cling while we breath the inspiration +of every page within the universal volumes of Heaven's choicest +productions--the great book of nature--the teacher and refiner of the +soul. This is the tie which clings to us through the medium of holy +thought, inspiring, elevating and cheering. + +Among those who most deeply felt the departure of the inmates of +Government House, none were more reserved in their demonstrations than +Captain Trevelyan, who calmly watched each successive step in the order +of preparation with a quiet reserve that to the uninitiated would appear +as void of feeling. + +But the brave and handsome officer showed not the fathomless depths and +feelings of his true heart, which throbbed with a renewed emotion. With +a sense of utter loneliness he lamented the bitter misfortune which had +been his attendant since he had left the peaceful home of his +fatherland. Mary Douglas, his kind friend and companion, had been as a +gentle and loving sister to raise for a time his flagging spirits. Mr. +Howe had ever been at his side to show unceasing acts of kindness and +brighten those dark hours with a tender but inexpressive sympathy. +Captain Trevelyan could never forget the motives which actuated these, +still he did not exhibit any outward show of gratitude save by a firm +and passive confidence. + +Knowing the true nature of such friendship, Mr. Howe would have +experienced deeper regret at parting were he not aware that he would +meet Captain Trevelyan early in the following year. + +Left to the undisturbed quiet of his own thoughts, Captain Trevelyan +formed many plans regarding his future career. A work was steadily going +on within while he attended the duties devolving upon him in connection +with his military life. + +It had always been the true aim of this soldier to discharge his labors +faithfully and with a desire to please. His genial nature and generous +heart gained the popularity of the entire regiment. Not only did he +treat his superior officers with profound respect but his inferiors as +well. Every subordinate officer and private loved to meet his friendly +smile. Every one vied in doing some act that would receive his +approbation. Truly did Colonel Creagh make the following remark to a +distinguished General, who was inspecting the troops: "If ever man were +born who possessed not a single enemy, I believe that man is Captain +Trevelyan." + +"I believe you," returned the General, "goodness is stamped upon his +handsome face, but seldom is it so clearly defined as to insure such +general approval." + +"Sometimes," added the Colonel, "I have doubts regarding the serious +intentions of our friend. It has been whispered that he begins to weary +of the service. I have not had sufficient reason to confirm the truth of +the statement, but I shall feel much dissatisfied if it prove correct. +Sir Howard Douglas always maintained that Trevelyan is a scion of the +old stock, that he possesses the same qualities that distinguished his +father. It would indeed be a source of regret were all to be +disappointed by his retirement," said the Colonel, in a tone of deep +earnestness. + +"If the family resources are large he may have sufficient reason for +such an act," ventured the General interrogatively. + +"Sir Guy Trevelyan," said the Colonel, by way of explanation, "owns a +fine old estate in Hampshire, which yields a moderate income. His only +son will be his direct heir, and Captain Trevelyan can at any +opportunity enjoy the ease and retirement of private life." + +"I should not be surprised were he to avail himself of the departure of +the regiment," exclaimed the general, adding, "there is not much +distinction now to be gained in the service. Captain Trevelyan might +remain an honorable officer in His Majesty's service for years to come +and not attain the position marked out by his distinguished parent." + +Many remarks were thus applied to this officer by the gallant colonel of +the 81st Regiment. Every sentence showed not only the high esteem in +which Captain Trevelyan was held by the veteran of Waterloo, but the +fears entertained by the latter in regard to his rumoured retirement. + +Not long after the above conversation took place Fredericton was to +witness another departure--the gallant 81st, under orders, were to be +relieved by the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. The same formalities +of interchanging regrets were to be passed between those departing and +the citizens. The same congratulations were to be presented in +appreciation of the high esteem entertained towards the entire regiment +in the presentation of testimonials and other marks of respect. + +The morning preceding the departure of the company to which Captain +Trevelyan was attached, afterwards formed an important one in his life. +Colonel Creagh's fears were realized by intimation from Captain Trevelyan +with intention to make application for a discharge immediately on his +arrival in England. + +After long and grave deliberation he had fully made up his mind, while a +letter received from his sister gave twofold assurance of the great +delight which such news communicated to the family. + +As this young girl will now be introduced to the reader, we take the +liberty of inserting the letter, showing the tenderness of feeling +existing between the brother and sister, the fond anticipation breathed +through every sentence, and the deep interest manifested in the friends +of the absent one. + +Frequently did Guy Trevelyan re-open the envelope and bring forth the +precious missive, written in a delicate feminine hand, containing the +following:-- + + Trevelyan Hall, near Winchester, Sept. 19th, 1830. + + _Dear Brother Guy_,-- + + Your fond letter of the 20th was received in due time, conveying + the most delightful news that ever was written. How can I await + your dear presence? Really it seems almost too much happiness to + realize that you will once more return home to remain. Papa writes + that he warmly approves of your decision, intimating that I must + have been instrumental in procuring such good fortune for us all. I + dare not dream too fondly lest by some means I may be disappointed; + but, dearest Guy, once restored to us, our delight will be + unbounded. + + You must not expect to have a very long letter this time, as I + cannot settle my thoughts to think of aught but yourself and "The + Restoration." If the second be not of such universal display as the + one so grandly portrayed in history, it is doubtful whether the + sincerity attending the latter be not of a more lasting nature and + one showing the true affections of loyal and devoted hearts. + + I had almost forgotten to mention that I have frequently met Mary + Douglas, who is, at present, visiting her friend Maude Bereford, at + the Castle. Also, had the pleasure of being introduced to your + friend Mr. Howe, and feel a deep interest in him on your behalf. + Imagine my delight when he informed me of his intention to accept + your invitation to remain with us for a few days on your arrival. + It seems that I cannot remember anything. I must not forget this + time to say that great anxiety is expressed and felt at the Castle + regarding the failing health of Lady Rosamond's husband--Mr. Gerald + Bereford. For some time past he has sadly impaired his constitution + by taxing his powers beyond endurance, and when almost too late, he + withdrew from political life. Great sympathy is extended Lady + Rosamond who seems very despondent. Medical advice suggests change + of climate, and I have heard that they intend to spend the winter + in Italy. Not wishing to give any more news until I see you at + home, dear Guy, and having nothing further to add but our love, + + I remain your expectant + + Fanny. + +Fanny Trevelyan's letter had a double effect upon the mind of the +recipient. It involved both happiness and despondent gloom, and +unconsciously had struck a tender chord which vibrated with redoubled +sadness in its deep sympathy. + +Why do the waking echoes of the past take cruel delight in presenting to +the mind visions which otherwise would be laid aside in a retired recess +or a secret chamber sacred to the relics of other days and other scenes? +Why are those realities to present themselves in merciless and mocking +array to gloat upon our sufferings with fiendish delight? These are +questions only to be answered when the causes which call them forth have +ceased to exist. + +Captain Trevelyan's retirement was the subject of much concern for the +officers and men. Many discussions arose as to the motive. Lieutenant +Creagh remonstrated, but to no purpose. As the slow sailing ship bore +the gallant regiment across the Atlantic, hope reigned supreme in many +hearts. Friends and home greeted them on arrival. At Gosport, Captain +Trevelyan took formal leave, having received the strongest proofs of +sincere friendship existing between man and his fellowbeings. + +Great was the joy that awaited Guy Trevelyan as he once more entered the +fine old park enclosing the grounds of "Trevelyan Hall." His mother, a +staid and stately English matron, forgot all dignity as she threw +herself fondly into his arms. Fanny, the pet of the household, clung to +her brother with tightening embrace, showering him with kisses pure as +her maiden heart. Nor was the dutiful son less tender in his expressions +of joy, as lovingly he gazed upon the fair girl seated with her arm upon +his shoulder. He could scarcely realize that the little girl of twelve +was now the lovely maiden of eighteen almost matured into a gentle and +loveable woman. In her sweet childish manner Guy Trevelyan found much to +admire. The firm, steady gaze of her deep blue eyes had a power to rivet +the attention of the beholder, that puzzled him. He knew from the calm +and earnest tenor of his sister's manner that her heart was unfettered +by any deeper attachment than those of family ties. In the bitterness of +his feelings he thanked Heaven for this fond assurance, fervently +praying that the love of his pet sister would never be given where it +would never be returned. + +He now listened with eager curiosity to the affairs of Lady Rosamond. +Her husband had indeed, when too late, listened to her urgent +admonitions. He had resigned his seat in parliament when his physical +powers were a mere wreck of his former self. Disease had crept in by +stealth and was only too truly realized by the deep ravages thus +made--by the wasted and emaciated form--the feverish cheek and sunken +eye. + +The noble sympathetic nature of the dutiful wife felt a severe shock as +she daily was brought face to face with the dreaded fact--the awakening +reality of her husband's condition. Every care that could be bestowed by +the hand of woman was lavished upon Gerald Bereford with unceasing and +untiring devotion. No duty was too troublesome, no wish was slighted, +except that which urged her ladyship to be more attentive to her +personal wants. Every sacrifice must be made that can possibly give +returning health and strength to the future lord of Bereford Castle. No +bitter repinings now possessed the heroic woman. Her whole being was +thrown into the scale to balance the opposing weight which crushed her +husband's almost lifeless existence. The voice of one who repeatedly +made the halls of parliament ring with deafening applause was now with +an effort heard by those standing near. + +It was when such trouble bore heavily that Mary Douglas opened her heart +towards her friend Lady Rosamond. She came unbidden to offer such +service as was in her power to perform. She silently watched by the side +of Gerald Bereford with that gentle caution so needful when suffering is +apparent, or when an interval of pain or depression is to be guarded +against as a thief in disguise. + +Not a single expression ever passed between those friends with reference +to any thing that happened in Fredericton. Mary Douglas was careful to +avoid any allusion to circumstances which might call up a sudden host of +by-gone fancies which, ere this, should be consigned to the remotest +regions in the realm of utter oblivion. She was now the friend and +sympathizer of Lady Rosamond Bereford, not the childish maiden as when +first introduced, but a lovely, gifted, talented and accomplished woman, +whose mind matured with her years. Time has not lain heavily on her +hands, she having labored assiduously in exercising those talents +committed to her keeping. In after years we find the following: "Her +gifts were so varied that she was both a composer and musician, a +novelist and poet." The friend of Lady Rosamond Bereford was not to be +affected by the emotions of Lady Rosamond Seymour. The past was a sealed +casket, forever sacred to the intrusion of the present. This was the +state of feeling that existed between those noble women as they +ministered to the wants of Gerald Bereford. + +What fervent prayers were offered for the dutiful and self-sacrificing +wife as she tried to win a smile from the patient invalid. What grateful +love went forth to her as she pressed the lips of her uncomplaining +husband. In sickness as in health she had never seen his frown. His life +had been a constant source of happiness. Lady Rosamond had been the +day-star which illuminated his path with undimmed lustre and brilliancy. +In her presence he felt not the weight of suffering that at intervals +seized his exhausted frame. As symptoms of the disease began to abate +and recovery was expected, her ladyship, accompanied her husband to +Italy, where they had intended to remove some time previous, but were +prevented by a relapse of the invalid. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +SIR HOWARD DOUGLAS. + + +In order to follow up the brilliant career of this great man while +connected with the administration of New Brunswick, we will endeavor to +give a few facts to prove the marvellous ability he displayed in +carrying out his plans. + +On the passage homeward Sir Howard and family encountered many dangers. +During the whole voyage there was kept up a constant gale, sometimes +threatening the destruction of the rudely constructed brig of war named +the _Mutine_. Amidst these daily mishaps and perilous exposures the +Douglas family maintained the utmost self-possession. Sir Howard was +always ready to offer advice and assistance with a coolness that nerved +the whole crew, and gave fresh hopes at the darkest moments. During the +six weeks that elapsed, while braving the dangers of the deep, Mary +Douglas never lost an opportunity to make the most of the occasion. She +became interested in the stormy elements, learning lessons that served +her to breast the struggling conflicts of life. Observation was largely +developed in the mind of the gifted maiden. Nothing was presented to her +eye that did not afford food for study and reflection. + +The joy with which they were received in England was boundless. Friends +gathered around with heartfelt demonstrations. Sir Howard was once more +surrounded by many of his former companions. The Duke of Wellington gave +him a hearty welcome, while statesmen could scarcely refrain emotion on +beholding one who had taken such deep interest in the welfare of the +nation and showed such firmness and decision in the boundary question. +But another more distinguished honor awaited him. The University of +Oxford were ready to recognize such greatness by conferring the degree +of D. C. L. Sir Howard was called upon to be present at the +commemoration of 1829, where crowds jostled each other to get a glimpse +of this honored man. Patriotism has been, throughout history, the +leading spirit governing the Universities of Great Britain and the +present occasion proved no exception. Students were animated by the +presence of a true patriot. Cheer upon cheer greeted the announcement of +Sir Howard. Applause was boundless as he received presentation from the +public orator. That the spirit which prompted such action on the part of +this dignified body may be seen, we insert the following oration, taken +from the life of Sir Howard Douglas: + + _Most illustrious Vice-Chancellor, and you, learned Doctors_, + + I present to you a distinguished man, adorned with many virtues and + honors, belonging to military and civil affairs, as well as to + literature--Howard, a Knight and Baronet, a worthy heir of the + latter order from a renowned father, the former richly deserved + from his own king and that of Spain; a member of the Royal Society + of London, on account of the fame of his writings; for many years + the Governor of New Brunswick, followed by the admiration and favor + of his country and the reverence and love of the Province; lastly, + Chancellor of a College in that Province, built under his care and + direction, to which its patron, the king, gave his name and a + University's privileges. Behold the man! I now present him to you + that he may be admitted to the degree of a Doctor of Civil Laws for + the sake of honor. + +Further comment upon the above is unnecessary, it being sufficient to +convince one of the degree of popularity which Sir Howard had attained. + +The next place in which he plays a most conspicuous part is in the +presence of royalty at the Dutch court, where he was received with all +the honors his rank, position and claim demanded. His Majesty entered in +a lengthy and earnest conversation regarding the important question now +to be settled by his decision. Sir Howard stated clearly every +circumstance in connection with the affair from beginning to end. To +every question he gave a prompt reply, showing the clearness of judgment +by which every argument had been maintained. In order to explain why +such a question should be brought up forty-seven years after the treaty +had been signed, he showed that it was founded on some indefinite or +ambiguous clauses of the treaty of 1783, but not proposed until 1820. +Here was a delicate point for His Majesty to settle without giving +offence to either English or Americans. But Sir Howard was resolved to +support the claim which contended for the rights of his nation--for +justice and for truth. He was not desiring territory, but protection and +security to the interests of his people, _security_ to prevent the +Americans from claiming the privileges of the St. John river or +classifying the Bay of Fundy rivers with those emptying into the +Atlantic. However, a decision at length was given which did not meet the +wishes of either party, but the matter was set partially at rest. + +Soon afterwards Sir Howard was engaged in discussing the cause and +events of the Belgian insurrection. He showed to the British Government +the design which France had contrived to her aggrandizement by the +dissolution of the Netherlands, and urged intervention on the part of +the British Government. The measures taken in determining the strength +of the Dutch territory and the trouble thus averted which must have +involved war and bloodshed, secured the hearty thanks of the English +monarch who acknowledged the debt of gratitude in terms of deep +sincerity. + +The colonists were now awaiting Sir Howard's return with great anxiety, +watching his movements with deep concern. Hope once more filled their +hearts as news spread abroad that their ruler was making preparations to +return to New Brunswick. But a new source of uneasiness arose. The Home +Government raised a question abolishing the protection on colonial +timber. Sir Howard was aroused to a sense of the situation. By the +abolition of such protection the trade of New Brunswick and the other +colonies would be ruined, while the Baltic trade would reap the benefit. +Was he to tamely submit to measures injuring the resources of the people +whom he represented? No, he would appeal in a manner that would have +public sympathy. Hence was produced the well written pamphlet bearing +his name, setting forth the grievance in a way that could not fail to +prove the justice of the cause. Every point was discussed with clearness +and based upon the most reliable facts and statistics. Newspapers took +up the subject and complimented the author in the most flattering terms. + +A general excitement was now raised and the question was discussed on +every side. In the House of Commons it gained much popularity. Great was +the joy of Sir Howard when the result of his work was announced by the +defeat of the government. This proved the patriotism of Sir Howard. He +could not sacrifice the interest of his country to those of himself and +family. He purchased his country's welfare with the resignation of the +governorship of New Brunswick! + +Where do we find such true nobility of character, such brilliant genius, +and such unsullied virtue? Well might the Colonists have exclaimed with +one voice when tidings conveyed the news of Sir Howard's resignation: + + "He was a man, take him for all in all, + We shall not look upon his like again." + +However, some recognition must be made to show their gratitude to one +who had made such a sacrifice. Meetings were held in different parts of +the Province resulting in a general subscription towards the purchase of +a valuable service of plate which was presented him in England, +accompanied by an address, breathing the spirit of heartfelt regret at +the loss of their much beloved ruler. Sir Howard never forgot this +circumstance. He often referred to his stay in New Brunswick with +feelings bordering on emotion. Years afterwards his heart beat with +quickening impulse as he fondly recognized the familiar face of a +colonist or received some cheering account of the welfare of the people. +Through the remaining years of his life he never ceased to keep up a +faithful correspondence with several of his former friends, particularly +the Rev. Edwin Jacob, D. D., who received the presidency of King's +College through his kind patron,--the tie of friendship which bound them +was only severed by death. + +Much more might be said regarding this great man, but we must now leave +him to the active duties of a busy and useful life, surrounded by his +family in the comforts of an English home and enjoying the true +friendship of the philosopher, the historian, and the poet. Among the +most intimate in this list was Sir Walter Scott--the friend of Mrs. +Bailie, the foster mother of Sir Howard. Doubtless the name of Douglas +was sufficient to awaken in the mind of the Scottish bard a feeling +worthy of the friendship of Sir Howard. Together they spent many hours +in conversing upon the scenes which had formed subjects for the poet's +pen and awakened a deep veneration for the legends of Scottish lore. +Perhaps in no other way can we better pay a parting tribute to the +memory of Sir Howard Douglas than by inserting the following letter +which had been forwarded when the latter had arrived from New Brunswick: + + "Abbotsford, Near Melrose, 21st July, 1829. + + "_My Dear Sir Howard_,-- + + "I have just received your most welcome letter and write to + express my earnest wish and hope that, as I have for the present no + Edinburgh establishment, you will, for the sake of auld lang syne, + give me the pleasure of seeing you here for as much time as you can + spare me. There are some things worth looking at, and we have + surely old friends and old stories enough to talk over. We are just + thirty-two miles from Edinburgh. Two or three public coaches pass + us within a mile, and I will take care to have a carriage meet you + at Melrose Brigley End, if you prefer that way of travelling. Who + can tell whether we may ever, in such different paths of life, have + so good an opportunity of meeting? I see no danger of being absent + from this place, but you drop me a line if you can be with us, + and take it for granted you hardly come amiss. I have our poor + little [illegible] here. He is in very indifferent health, but no + immediate danger is apprehended. You mention your daughter. I would + be most happy if she should be able to accompany you. + + "Always, my dear Sir Howard, + Most truly yours, + Walter Scott." + +Here is an instance of genuine simplicity and hearty friendship existing +between men of like nature. The true greatness of Sir Howard was +appreciated by one whose themes of poetic beauty and fervent patriotism +kindle a glow of inspiration that will burn undimmed while time shall +last. And now we close this chapter by bidding the noble, great and good +Sir Howard Douglas a fond farewell! + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +TREVELYAN HALL--THE ARRIVAL. + + +The fine old building, well known to the surrounding country as +Trevelyan Hall, was indeed a true specimen of an English home. Its +present owner had, notwithstanding the fact of his being abroad in +service, spent much means to make it a home-like and delightful +residence. Its situation added to the other resources in gaining for +"The Hall" a wide-spread reputation. + +The extensive park contained some of the best wooded ground in the +county of Hampshire. Its fine streams afforded means of enjoyment for +those who devote their pastime in angling and other such health-giving +recreation. Its gardens were carefully cultivated, showing much neatness +and elegance, though not affording a varied extent of scenery. + +Captain Trevelyan's return was now to be associated with new and varied +interest in the interior and exterior management of this pleasant home. +Fanny Trevelyan was cheered by the hope of her brother's presence. +Company would now be entertained in a manner creditable to the former +hospitality which distinguished the Trevelyans. The handsome and elegant +apartments assigned to the daily use of the inmates in nowise +deteriorated from the exterior prospect. The extensive drawing-rooms, in +which were arranged, with tasteful effect, rich furniture, gorgeous +carpets, and all those beautiful collections of art, requisite to adorn +the home of the great and refined. The inviting library with its massive +display of well-lined shelves, the cheerful breakfast room with its +eastern aspect, the countless retreats, balconies, verandas, and summer +houses, formed a pleasing feature in the every-day life, pursuits, and +recreations of this affectionate family. Home was the spirit-like +influence which was infused in every feeling, thought, and action. A +sense of ease and comfort was enjoyed throughout the entire household. +Despite the difference of rank, wealth, and dignity, the poor dependents +felt a warm and devoted confidence in their high-born superiors. In the +sweet and childlike Fanny Trevelyan there was a subtle magnetizing +influence which compelled acknowledgment. In her kind and loving heart +was much room for the troubles and daily cares of the dependents +surrounding the estate of Trevelyan Hall. Many acts of kindness were +performed in a quiet and childlike way that was indeed pretty to see. + +The only daughter of Colonel Trevelyan was a maiden of a rare and +striking character. Her gentle disposition was sufficient to win +admiration irrespective of the purity and noble qualities of her mind. +Though eighteen summers had lightly flown over the head of this lovely +girl, her manner was that of a sweet, intelligent, lovable, and +sensitive child. Sweetness of disposition was truly the coloring most +profusely portrayed in the character of Fanny Trevelyan. In this fact +lay her great delight upon Captain Trevelyan's return. Upon this fact +was based the happy expectation of seeing the generous-hearted Mr. Howe. +From this source she found all that contributed to make life pleasant +and enjoyable. + +The possessor of those charms had no great claim to personal beauty, yet +she might be called beautiful. The regular features of her small and +well formed face were devoid of any distinguishing lineaments, the deep +blue eyes had a quiet, earnest light, which often shone with increasing +brightness, when accompanied with the expressive smile so often bestowed +upon those who dwelt within and around "The Hall." + +As sometimes one hears remarks paid to beauty called forth by blushes, +surely in this instance we can fairly claim the compliment due Fanny +Trevelyan, whose maiden blushes indeed made her appear in truth very +beautiful--of the beauty which shall last when all other shall fade--of +the beauty which flows from the heart, kept fresh in the daily +performance of those duties that spring from the impulses of a beautiful +soul. Thus might be classified the type of beauty which adorned the +sister of Captain Trevelyan--beauty of disposition--beauty of +mind--beauty of soul. + +During the last two years a friendship had sprung up between Fanny +Trevelyan and Maude Bereford. They had studied for a short time under +the same masters, from which fact arose the present attachment. A +striking similarity of disposition was noticeable between those friends, +yet, in many respects they were widely different. Though Fanny Trevelyan +was so deeply sensitive, childish and engaging, there was a depth of +character underlying these which found no comparison in Maude Bereford, +the former possessing powers of thought and reflection, which were +entire strangers to the mind of the latter. In the preferment of Lady +Rosamond, they were of the same mind. While on a visit to the Castle, +Fanny Trevelyan had received many proofs of affection from its beautiful +young mistress. She took much pleasure in the company of Maude Bereford +in strolling amid the lovely gardens, but experienced keener delight in +listening to Lady Rosamond's description of scenes in New Brunswick +rendered so dear by being associated with her brother who was still +indeed her great regard. Many times Fanny Trevelyan tried to form +various conjectures concerning this beautiful woman, wondering why she +had such an influence that was more powerful when removed from her +presence. She wondered if her brother Guy felt the same powerful +influence as herself. He had never expressed any decided opinion in +favor of her ladyship, yet she did not consider the fact as of much +importance; but he had not shown in any manner, nor by repeated +inquiries, any betrayal that would lead one to suppose that he +entertained any regard whatever for the lovely being. + +Fanny Trevelyan was now busied in matters of great importance. +Preparations were being made for the reception of Maude Bereford, Mary +Douglas and Mr. Howe. Then she would hear still further of New Brunswick +life--its pleasures and its inconveniences. Gaily did she perform the +many little offices left to deft fingers and untiring patience. Maude +had availed herself of the temporary absence of her invalid brother and +his devoted wife. Three weeks were to be spent in the society of +Trevelyan Hall. Fanny Trevelyan had a little secret project in her mind +which gave much pleasure. She would be in a position to introduce Maude +Bereford to the notice of her brother Guy. With girlish glee she +anticipated much from the circumstance, wondering in what way her friend +might be received at the hand of the last named gentleman. + +On the other hand Captain Trevelyan had _his_ plans to mature. Without +consulting his sister's opinion, he had a secret pleasure in the hope +that his ever true friend might find much to admire in the young girl +who was soon to be their guest. He had not the slightest wish to enter +on any schemes by which his loved sister might be complicated. Fanny +Trevelyan was fancy free. It was his fond hope that she remain so many +years to come. Bitter experience taught Captain Trevelyan a lesson from +which he could draw many useful hints and resolves. He was careful to +guard against any exposure to which his loved sister might be subjected. + +Amid these doubly laid plans the inmates of the hall welcomed their +visitors, in whom were also included Captain Douglas. The sincerity of +the latter was expressive in the humorous and hearty congratulations +showered upon the genial host. + +"Trevelyan, old boy, you are a mighty fine specimen of the old school! +Egad, what would the Frederictonians say could they look in upon you +now," exclaimed the incorrigible Charles, with the ruling passion +uppermost, while he threw himself upon an easy chair in a free and +jovial manner. + +"I am inclined to think that they would not be favorably impressed with +such a wholesale exhibition were each one to repeat the same performance +as yourself," retorted Mr. Howe, assuming an air of nonchalance. + +"Ah, I see how it is with my honored friend," once more ventured Captain +Douglas, "he already is maturing plans to place me at disadvantage +before I have fairly secured entrance to Trevelyan Hall; but," added the +speaker, with an air of playful menace, "old chap the tables may turn, +as they did many a time in Fredericton." + +Much as Mr. Howe regarded his friend, Charles Douglas, he wished that +the last remark had not been made. Though it were said with the ease of +unconscious and humorous gaiety, the quick glance of the secretary saw +the instant effect. This was the only point on which he remained +reticent to his bosom friend. They had been together for years. They had +grown from childhood together, yet Captain Trevelyan's secret must +remain a secret. Were it known to Charles Douglas, he would have +cherished it with a sanctity becoming him as one whose whole lifetime +marked out the strait laid down by the great poet: "where one but goes +abreast." But the hospitable host was in his gayest mood. Everything +contributed to make the reception a flattering one. Fanny Trevelyan was +at ease among the old friends of her deeply beloved brother. Mary +Douglas was in ecstacies of delight upon thus meeting Guy Trevelyan. On +several occasions she was deeply sad when referring to the troubles of +Lady Rosamond, but seemed to feel hopeful in the return of Gerald +Bereford's health and strength. Maude Bereford was playful, entertaining +and happy. A more pleasant party were never gathered at "The Hall." Lady +Trevelyan was a dignified and reserved woman, possessing much judgment +and coolness of decision, but added to these were qualities which +endeared her both to her family and all those who made her acquaintance. +It was with extreme pleasure that she contributed a share in the +entertainment of those friends who had extended such kindness to her +only son when placed among strangers in a distant land. By every +possible means within her power, Lady Trevelyan lavished both gratitude +and affection upon the beautiful daughter of the distinguished family +who had shared their hearts and home with the handsome young lieutenant +when first deprived of the society of his own happy household. Such was +the disposition of Lady Trevelyan that these tokens of disinterested +friendship could never be forgotten, but steadily shone as a bright +light to cheer her daily path, undimmed by any darkening visions of +disappointed hopes or vain delusions. + +This happy family have realized their parents' wishes. Captain +Trevelyan's retirement was urged by an earnest entreaty on the part of +his mother. By it he could attend to the numerous requirements of the +estate, which had lately become an onerous duty devolving upon Mrs. +Trevelyan. The faithful steward of the family had grown old in the +service and not capable of managing the business as in the days of his +prime. Yet the fact only added to his reputation. Captain Trevelyan +advised in such a quiet and suggestive manner that the old servant +scarcely felt his growing inability. No discord prevailed. Moderation +was the true secret. The family of Colonel Trevelyan treated their +dependents with gentleness and kindness. Lady Trevelyan often sought +advice from them in such a way as both showed her confidence in their +opinion, and gained unbounded respect towards the relationship thus +existing between them. Mary Douglas at first seemed inclined to shrink +from the reserved demeanor of her ladyship, but further acquaintance +made her feel comparatively at ease. Really the present occasion +afforded opportunity for what may, with due propriety, be termed a +complication of plans, or more properly still, plans within plans. Lady +Trevelyan had formed her little plans. To do justice to her ladyship we +will not say that she formed it, but that she would very agreeably and +readily have acquiesced in the matter. Reader, we are half inclined to +keep her ladyship's--no, we will not say plan--fond dream--a secret. +Supposing that many of you are not considered temper-proof we dare not +provoke the multiplied assaults of hitherto amiable and patient friends, +therefore we will treat you fairly by taking you into our entire +confidence at present. Lady Trevelyan had soon learned to love Mary +Douglas with a feeling akin to her nature. She fondly watched every +effort or action in the movement of her favorite guest. Every playful or +fond gesture was carefully hoarded up as a store of treasures in the +mind of her ladyship. Faithfully did she note each mark of favor shown +at the hand of the genial young host. Lady Trevelyan was _only a woman_ +as all others. Do not chide if she had set her heart upon one fond +thought--if she secretly hoped that Guy Trevelyan would endeavor to +secure for her another daughter in the beautiful Mary Douglas. Is a +devoted mother always rewarded for such anxiety towards her first-born +and heir? Do these respective heirs and highly-favored children strive +to further the wishes of those deeply interested parents, especially +mothers? In a more particular sense, did Captain Trevelyan take any +steps to advance the scheme which lay near her ladyship's heart? + +Fanny Trevelyan was also busily occupied in watching the daily progress +of her fond projects. She was not overjoyed in fond expectation, yet was +contented to await the result of daily companionship for an indefinite +period, as Maude Bereford was to remain until her presence was demanded +at the castle. Still the young hostess gave herself no uneasiness about +her brother's affairs. If he would form an attachment to Maude Bereford +it would be a source for much rejoicing and happiness. She was +altogether unconscious of the counter plots or schemes laid to thwart +her own. Mr. Howe was vastly entertaining in his endless variety of +diverting moods, making himself by turn the especial cavalier of every +lady in the company. To Lady Trevelyan he was doubly considerate and +devoted. Captain Trevelyan knew the motive and warmly appreciated it. He +had many times wished for an opportunity to return such passing acts of +kindness, yet in vain. Captain Douglas fully sustained his former +reputation for satirical jests and well-timed jokes at the expense of +his friends. Frequently those whom he regarded _most_ received attacks +in proportion to the value of such regard. Formerly to Lieutenant +Trevelyan and his friend Howe were daily administered doses of almost +equal quantity and in double proportion to those outside the household. +Yet who did not admire the gifted, manly, and handsome son of Sir Howard +Douglas? Who was not ready to welcome him with heart and hand around the +festive board or social circle? Who has not become infected by his +jovial, gay, happy, and generous nature? Truly, Captain Charles Douglas +was a worthy son of an honored race--the royal house of Douglas. In the +midst of such a company of "tried friends and true," the days and weeks +must have flown rapidly away while enjoying the hospitality of Trevelyan +Hall. + +Fanny Trevelyan, admired, petted, and caressed, had still the same +childlike nature when friendship had been matured by daily +companionship. Mary Douglas was charmed with the sweet and engaging +manner which was at first attributed to a want of confidence. Frequently +she spoke to Captain Trevelyan concerning his "child sister," as she +playfully termed her once, exclaiming: "How beautiful if Fanny shall +always be a child woman." + +"It shall be my earnest wish," returned Guy; "I would not have her +otherwise." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +A WINTER IN THE ETERNAL CITY. + + +Gerald Bereford was now enjoying the soft summer breezes, blue skies and +golden sunshine of an Italian climate. His health seemed to improve as +he neared the far-famed city--the eternal city--the gigantic monument of +what has been in ages of the mighty past. Many visions arose before Lady +Rosamond's mind as she contemplated the magnificent ruins that met her +at every gaze. In the company of several acquaintances they visited +scenes of impressive and peculiar interest: St. Peter's, in all its +glory, rising from its piazza of stately columns and fountains, +something too grand for description. This imposing specimen of classic +architecture, with grandeur inconceivable, the interior, the lofty dome, +called up emotions her ladyship could never forget. In the coliseum the +invalid seemed to enjoy returning vigor as he looked down from the upper +halls and viewed the triumphal arches of Constantine, Septimus, Severus +and Titus, now crumbling into decay, the lofty corridors left to the +mercy of the elements, the endless porches grass grown and unprotected +from the wild beast, the mouldering parapet, taught the one inspiring +theme--mortality. This ruin of ruins--what can it not recall to a vivid +imagination? The thousands who lined those seats in eager gaze upon the +arena with its bloody and heart-sickening conflicts, its array of +blood-thirsty antagonists, its dying groans, its weltering victims. +Where are they? What remains? Awful solitude, awful grandeur, awful +beauty, desolation. Peace, the emblem of Christianity, now reigns in the +ancient stronghold of barbaric passion, butchery and strife. Lady +Rosamond had visited ruins of palaces, castles, bridges, arches, +cathedrals, monuments and countless relics of the past, but none had the +power to chain her thoughts as the stupendous coliseum, viewed in the +solemn stillness of a moonlight night. The present was a beautiful +dream. It had a softening effect upon the devoted wife, infusing peace, +content, and calm repose. The solemn reminders on every side had a charm +to soothe her hitherto troubled breast. Holy emotions were nurtured +within the heart where once reposed unresisting conflicts of rebellious +strife and discontent. + +With the warm breath of nature came awakening life into the emaciated +frame of the invalid. Lady Rosamond devoted every waking moment to her +husband. In the charming eventide they sat upon the balcony of their +residence overlooking the Corso, catching a glimpse of the open country +beyond the surrounding mountains and the ever restless Tiber. +Frequently, they rode slowly along the Appian Way, now almost impassable +for heaps of rubbish, mounds, and broken fragments, temples, columns, +pillars, and successive piles of neglected relics. The Campagna, in its +dreary aspect, often tempted their stay. Sometimes her ladyship would +have a feeling of vexation, knowing that it was utterly impossible to +visit more of the sights of Rome. They might remain for years and leave +many scenes unexplored. The palace of the Vatican formed a life-long +study for Lady Rosamond. Only a few of its four thousand rooms could be +visited, yet these were bewildering in variety. Here they could view the +most wonderful collections of art and grandeur that the world affords. +Here were stored the endless piles of antique trophies of every +clime--rooms representing oriental scenes throughout, starlit skies, and +monsters of unknown existence meet one on every side and fill the mind +with awe. + +For the benefit of the reader we will insert the letters written by Lady +Rosamond to her friend, Mary Douglas, containing a short description of +some important places, and showing the tender interest inciting the +writer when referring to the circumstance of her husband's ill +health--the hopeful vein which pervaded throughout, and the true spirit +of friendship extended to the absent one. + + Rome, February 10th, 1831. + + _My Dearest Mary_: + + As many miles lie between us there is no alternative but the + hastily written and imperfect scribble which will shortly be + presented you, if the elements have not conspired against us. + + In order to relieve your uneasiness I beg to state that Gerald's + health is daily improving. He has much faith in Rome. Scarcely a + day passes without his enjoying the benefit of the delightful + atmosphere and the lovely drives out into the open country, of + which I must tell you afterwards. The large number of acquaintances + formed since our arrival have contributed much to our enjoyment. We + frequently meet many of our old friends. Imagine our delightful + surprise on seeing Captain Crofton, his wife and daughter. Of + course you remember the latter--a lovely girl of purely blonde + style, whom we meet at Lady Berkeley's, and who created such + sensations in London circles on her first appearance in society. + Gerald declares that the face of an old friend is better than + medicine. What do you think he would say were you to enter rather + suddenly upon us? My dearest, I know what I would say if such an + overwhelming happiness were in store. These thoughts call up + feelings which are inimical to peace and content. I am almost + tempted to wish for the quiet of our English home and the sight of + your dear face. But this must not be. I shall forget to give you + some sights of Rome if I indulge in vain and foolish regrets. + Really I am at a loss how to convey any idea of such scenes as we + are almost daily witnessing. In the present instance I feel my + inability to appreciate what is lofty and inspiring to every + cultivated mind. Often I am inclined to envy those of brilliant + intellectual perceptions like yourself. When the day arrives that + you visit the Eternal City will it not be viewed in a different + sense than in the present under the ordinary gaze of your + short-sighted Rosamond? + + Gerald says: "Tell Mary something of the churches," without + thinking of the arduous task therein devolved. Poor fellow! He + seems anxious to make amends for so much self-sacrifice. In + compliance to his wishes your friend reaps twofold pleasure, + therefore Mary shall hear "of the churches." + + About three weeks ago a party of tourists, including the Croftons + and ourselves; visited several of the grand old churches, so + important in the history of Roman architecture of classic ages. The + first we entered was the church of the Ara Coeli, said to occupy + the site of the ancient temple of Jupiter Feretrius. It was a + gloomy old structure with long rows of pillars of Etruscan design. + On ascending the long flight of steep stairs on one side the + impressive gloom increased. The situation awoke old associations of + the sybilline and vague predictions of the time-honored + soothsayers--their power--their greatness--their fall. We were more + than impressed with the churches of St. Giovanni and St. Paolo, + beneath which lay in awful depths the subterranean caverns said to + be connected with the Coliseum. Gerald remained above while I + followed the explorers through these dismal yawning gulfs seemingly + ready to open and shut their victims in a living tomb. Streets ran + in various directions; the mouldy, damp walls emitted a + disagreeable watery vapor that rendered the air unbearable; + stagnant pools lay on all sides. Is it not an appalling thought + that these successive ranges of caverns were constructed for the + human victims to be eaten by the beasts at the Coliseum, yet such + is the legend. Doubtless you already weary of churches, but having + first attempted them at the suggestion of Gerald, now I am deeply + interested in the matter myself. But you will only listen to one + more very short account. The church of San Sebastiano, which next + received us, is situated on the Appian Way, and perhaps the most + remarkable of any we have hitherto visited. The site is truly + beyond description. The stupendous masses of rocks piled on every + side appeared to give it an interest more than common. The endless + rows of decaying columns, pillars, stained windows, and paintings, + added one more link to the chain of daily events which form such an + important part in our visit. + + As I intend very soon to write you something of a livelier + description, I now conclude this hastily-written scribble. Dearest, + I expect to hear from you all immediately. Gerald is rapidly + improving, and is sanguine of ultimate recovery. Adieu. From + + Your Rosamond. + +Lady Rosamond now entertained hopes of her husband's recovery. He seemed +much stronger and took a deeper interest in their explorations. In the +company of English friends he visited all the accessible spots of +historic ground. Lady Rosamond was always ready to encourage him by her +hopeful remarks and winning smile. She had formed an attachment to the +lovely Mabel Crofton, who indeed repaid her in a fond return. + +Nothing gave Gerald Bereford more anxiety than the pale face of his +wife. In his feeble health he strove to draw her ladyship's attention +towards the social circle with a view to raise her occasional drooping +spirits. + +In the young English maiden Lady Rosamond found much company. They +conversed much and enjoyed the sights together with united regard and +interest. + +In answer to a lengthy letter received shortly afterwards from Mary +Douglas, the following was penned by Lady Rosamond: + + Rome, April 15th, 1831. + + _My Darling Mary_: + + Truly did you respond to my wishes. How can I ever repay so much + devotion? You have indeed granted my requests in mentioning all my + friends, and giving all the matter which interests Gerald so much. + He is indeed truly grateful and is going to write you by next mail. + His health has not been improving so rapidly of late, yet we have + every hope of his recovery. Will it not be a happy moment when we + meet again on the shores of dear old England? The very dust and fog + will have a charm hitherto unknown. + + As we are in Rome you will expect something from Rome, therefore I + will tell you of what has recently been going on. Last week was the + Carnival. Gerald complained of weakness and fatigue, having exerted + himself too much during the previous week. He was much disappointed + in not being able to participate in the amusement, but had to be + satisfied by remaining on the balcony of our residence, overlooking + the Corso, which, as you know, is the principal street paraded on + those occasions. Gerald interrupts me by requesting a long letter + and full description, therefore on him alone rests the blame if I + exceed the length usually devoted to letter writing. + + Now for the Carnival. At an early hour on Monday morning the usual + bustle and active preparations commenced. Carriages rolled along + laden with confectionaries and flowers. In fact the street, houses, + and passing vehicles of every description, appeared as though the + heavens had literally rained flowers--flowers showered in every + direction. Evidently we were certain that flowers were to be one of + the prominent features witnessed in the grand demonstration. Every + house opening on the Corso was covered with bright streamers, + pennons, and flags of every size, shape, color, and hue--red, blue, + white, green, gold, purple, yellow, and pink. Every window was + festooned with flowers, banners, and like array. Every shop was + converted into gorgeous saloons, decorated with trees, garlands, + evergreens, resplendent in silver, crimson, and gold, filled with + hundreds of anxious spectators. Every nook and corner was made + bright by the sparkle of beautiful eyes, merry smiles and happy + faces. Thousands jostled on every side in representation of + monkeys, lions, tigers, soldiers, clowns, maniacs. Satanic deities + and every other deity credited to countless ages, helped to swell + the crowd wedging themselves between line upon line of carriages + four abreast. The general bombardment commenced on all sides was + truly an exciting scene. Grand assaults were made upon houses and + carriage with alike furious resistance; missiles of bonbons rose in + the air, volley upon volley; storms of flowers. Those seated in + windows and balconies made desperate onsets upon the passing + carriages. Hand to hand encounters now became general; monkeys + assailed lions; mamelukes returned the fire of gipsies; a grand + hurly-burly arose from every point in sight. Clouds fell from upper + balconies upon each side of the street as the crowds poured on in + incessant streams which became at intervals one moving mass of dust, + white as snow. Beautiful ladies, maidens and children, mingled in + the gay scene--all intent upon the same enjoyment. It is impossible + to convey the faintest idea of this grand display which is kept up + from early morning until half-past four o'clock, when the street is + cleared as by magic. How such a concourse of carriages and people + get into the adjoining nooks and piazzas in such a short time is + astonishing, while thousands still cling to the sidewalks of the + Corso. A chariot race is the next proceeding, when, within the + space of a few moments, the horses are in their places--the signal + given--the distance of the Corso gained--the race won. + + This is the first day's outline of sport, which is followed in + successive order until the end of the season. Having already + lengthened this letter in twofold proportion, I must take room to + say that the festive scene instantly ceases as the solemn notes of + Ave Maria rises from the hundreds of steeples--the requiem for the + departing carnival. + + I will not distract your attention with the palaces of the Caesars, + the Cenci, St. Angelo, and the remains of antiquity still to be + seen here, but trust that when we meet again every wish that you + formerly expressed regarding our stay in Rome will be realized a + thousandfold. + + Looking at the volume of this letter I feel quite ashamed, but + trust that absence and distance will help to plead my cause. Gerald + seems quite confident that his suggestion will also speak loudly in + my favor, and perhaps he is right. At least I hope so. Remember me + kindly to every one of the family, I shall mention none + particularly. Gerald expresses a wish not to be forgotten by you. + Now, dearest Mary, if this truly formidable missive weary you, + please deal gently with Gerald and + + Your Loving Rosamond. + +Lady Rosamond had given her friend some of the glimpses of her +experience in Rome, yet she had much more to relate on her arrival. Some +months would elapse before her husband would consider his health +sufficiently restored to return to his native land. At intervals he +seemed almost restored when a sudden relapse would cause a renewed +return of the symptoms attending his flattering disease. Still they were +hopeful that with the returning spring health would be restored the +patient invalid. Throughout the severe dispensation Gerald Bereford +manifested no irritation, no fretfulness, no complaining. He seemed to +be happy in appreciating the labors of his beautiful wife. On one +occasion, when she asked if he did not weary of his sickness, he quietly +replied: + +"Darling Rosamond, it has shown that you are willing to sacrifice every +pleasure in devotion to one who can never fully repay such a debt of +gratitude. Do you think that I can try, my Rosamond?" exclaimed he, +pressing a fond kiss upon the lips of the pale but lovely woman, as she +sat beside him. + +Ah! Gerald Bereford knew not that in these words there lay a hidden +meaning. Surely, and in a way unknown to both, will the debt be paid. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +LIGHT, SHADOW, AND DARKNESS. + + +The guests at Trevelyan Hall had departed, Maude Bereford alone +remaining. Captain Trevelyan applied himself to the duties devolving +upon him with a will. His hospitality was the comment of many. He had +begun life aright. His honest heart and upright principles were a sure +passport to prosperity and popularity. "The Hall" was a scene of much +gaiety and resort. Large gatherings were of frequent occurrence, to +which the families of the surrounding neighbourhood were cordially +invited. Fanny Trevelyan was idolized among her youthful companions and +associates. Her sweet face was welcomed as a delightful acquisition on +every occasion. Many sought to show their fond appreciation of her +retiring manners and graceful elegance. Flattery had no power over her. +She possessed a character of too much depth and penetration to harbor the +least feeling akin to vanity. Lady Trevelyan had guarded her daughter's +education and trained her with a view to set a proper estimate upon those +qualities which ennoble and elevate the soul. Maude Bereford was a proper +companion for Fanny Trevelyan. Their minds were in harmony, while the +latter acted as a propelling power to force the aspirations of the other +above their common flight. Lady Trevelyan was pleased with this +companionship. Though she could not discern the brilliant genius and +powers which characterized the beautiful Mary Douglas, there was much +to admire in Maude Bereford. Captain Trevelyan was kind, amiable and +attentive. He paid every mark of respect towards his gentle and loveable +guest. Frequently they walked, chatted and rode together. Maude was +pleased with the gentlemanly attentions of the engaging officer, and +showed her appreciation in many ways. He enjoyed the society of those two +girls much as those of playful children. Fanny was truly happy in her +brother's company. + +"Dear Guy, you must never love any one more than me," was a frequent +rejoinder as she received his many tender caresses. + +One day, when seated upon the lower end of the balcony, Fanny laid her +hand lovingly upon her brother's shoulder and looking into his face, +exclaimed: + +"Guy, I have often wondered about you." + +"About me, pet," returned the latter, "what can it be about me that is +really worthy of so much attention from a young lady fair? Already I +feel as of some importance." + +Guy Trevelyan was now a handsome man of twenty-seven. The effeminate +blush of youth had given place to an open and engaging animation that +made him doubly attractive. Turning his gaze upon his sister, he added: + +"Come, little one, tell me this great wonder. I must not be kept in +suspense. Cannot Maude assist you? If so, I rely upon her in the present +dilemma," said Guy, turning in playful appeal to Maude Bereford. + +"Your surmise is groundless, _mon frere_," returned Fanny, in childish +glee, "Maude is entirely in the dark, (pardon the vulgarism.)" + +"I will pardon you in everything, provided you gratify my curiosity," +said the other. + +"Fanny, it is unjust to treat Guy in this way," said Maude, by way of +intercession. + +"Two against one," cried Fanny, with a demure smile upon her face. "The +majority has it. I am placed in a difficult position," said she, turning +to her friend, adding, "Maude only for your suggestion I might have been +able to extricate myself. Well, I shall try my best to maintain peace by +compliance to your united wishes." + +"By telling us one of the seven wonders," interrupted Maude. + +"Yes," said Fanny, "I have often wondered why it was that Guy could +remain so long in the companionship of Mary Douglas or Lady Rosamond and +come back heart whole to Trevelyan Hall." + +Captain Trevelyan had received a home thrust, yet he betrayed no feeling +and showed no reason for suspicion, at least in the eyes of his sister +and her companion. A quiet laugh greeted the remark. Guy Trevelyan had +not the keen glances of the secretary levelled at him now, else the +puzzling expression that rested awhile upon his face would instantly +have been detected. + +"That is the great wonder," said the brother, drawing his sister nearer +to his side, adding: "Well, my little sister, until _you_ have become +weary of your brother's keeping he is anxious to claim the gracious +liberty of possessing the love of one devoted heart. What says _la +belle_ Fanny?" + +"Oh, Guy," cried Maude, "she was afraid that you may possibly have +charitable intentions towards some fair one and wishes to make the +test." + +"Why, Maude," exclaimed Fanny, "you are really in earnest; I shall begin +to think, from the stand you have taken in the matter, that Guy had +better beware, else ere long he will not be able to make such avowals to +his sister." + +"Come, come, little mischief-maker, no jealousy," cried Captain +Trevelyan, hastily drawing an arm of each within his own, and then they +joined her ladyship in the shrubbery. + +Fanny Trevelyan was truly in jest. She had found that no real attachment +was to be formed between her brother and friend. There had arisen +instead a tender familiarity, a friendship that is rare to be seen. +Maude Bereford had grown to treat Guy Trevelyan with brotherly kindness. +It pleased him to witness this feeling arising from disinterested +friendship and motives of genuine purity. Were it otherwise he would +feel an embarrassment that might affect his honest nature. When left to +himself he could not dismiss from his thoughts the remark made by his +sister. He knew she was ignorant of his affairs in New Brunswick, yet he +felt sorely puzzled. + +Not long after the following conversation took place, Maude Bereford was +preparing to hasten homeward. Lady Rosamond sent cheerful accounts of +her husband's rapid improvement. They were still visiting amid the ruins +in hopes of speedily returning to England. + +Every fortnight brought to Trevelyan Hall a lengthy epistle from Mary +Douglas--lengthy from the fact of its being addressed to each member of +the family--bearing remembrance to Lady Trevelyan, many choice bits of +gossip to Guy, and charming effusions to Fanny, full of love and +tenderness. Her last contained a glowing allusion to Lady Rosamond--an +eager desire to meet her loving friend; also fervent gratitude for the +hopeful restoration of Gerald's health. + +"I am almost inclined to feel a pang of jealousy," exclaimed Fanny, as +she read and re-read the contents of the precious missive. "Mary loves +Lady Rosamond better than any other friends on earth." + +"Why not, my child?" questioned Lady Trevelyan; "they are old +friends--friends in childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. Lady Rosamond is +worthy of the truest and purest love. She is beautiful, good, and +lovable. Who could see her ladyship but to admire and love?" + +"Dear Mamma," returned Fanny, "you share my sentiments towards Lady +Rosamond. Guy seemed surprised when I ventured to wonder why he could +remain so long in the daily society of two such gifted and lovely beings +as her ladyship and Mary Douglas, without forming stronger ties than +those of friendship." + +"Both are lovely," exclaimed Lady Trevelyan. "It would indeed be a +difficult matter for a lover to decide between two so much alike in +beauty, grace, and loveliness." + +"Strange that I did not think of this before, mamma," said the +childlike Fanny with an air of much wisdom. "The poet must certainly +have experienced the same predicament when he wrote: + + "How happy could I be with either, + Were t'other dear charmer away." + +A week had elapsed after Maude had arrived at the castle when a hastily +written note was received by Fanny Trevelyan from the former, containing +sad news from Rome. Gerald Bereford had apparently recovered, and was on +the eve of returning home when he was suddenly seized with hemorrhage of +the lungs, which rapidly reduced him and brought on prostration. Medical +assistance had been obtained, but he now lay in a critical state, every +means being used to prevent another attack, in which case there could be +no hope. + +Maude Bereford had penned those lines in bitter anguish. She loved her +brother from the depths of her heart. His life must be spared. Heaven +could not deprive her of such a blessing. Ah, no, he will live! In this +hour of trial the sorrowing girl sought comfort in those rebellious and +sinful thoughts. She had not the sustaining faith to say, "Thy will be +done." It is needless to say that Maude's letter met much sympathy at +"The Hall." Fanny cried heartily. She could not think of any thing but +the sadness that had fallen upon the inmates of the Castle. + +"Poor Lady Rosamond," exclaimed she, in tones of undisguised sadness, +"how she will lament her sad fate if Gerald should die? Oh, mamma, I +cannot think it possible that he must die." + +"Tempt not Heaven, my child, for 'with God all things are possible,'" +said Lady Trevelyan, who was a truly Christian woman. "Everything is +ordered aright," continued her ladyship, "there are no afflictions or +trials in life but what are considered for our good. It is indeed a +heavy blow upon the young wife to lose the husband of her choice, but +how many have borne up when deprived of father, mother, husband and +child." + +"Oh, mamma," exclaimed Fanny, "if I could only look upon the ways of +Providence in the same manner as you. I know it is sinful, but I cannot +help thinking that it is too hard for Gerald to be taken away from Lady +Rosamond. How I pity her. Poor dear Maude too. How badly she must feel." + +The physician's worst fears were realized. Spite of every care and +precaution a second attack of hemorrhage made its fatal ravages upon the +fast sinking body of the sufferer. Gerald Bereford must die. All hopes +are at an end. Death has set its seal upon his broad, fair forehead. +Soon the eyes that still fondly linger upon the form of his beautiful +wife shall close to open upon the scenes of another world. + +This was a bitter trial to Lady Rosamond! Her husband was to die in a +foreign land. He was to be deprived of a last farewell to the dear +friends at home. Such thoughts, bore heavily upon the susceptible nature +of this faithful woman. Could she then have gathered those loved ones +around the dying bed of her husband, she would have sacrificed every +earthly desire; yes, her life. Then did she think of her friend, Mary +Douglas; then did she need the consolation of a true Christian friend. +Like a ministering angel, she strove to soothe the last hours of her +dying husband. Never was woman more devoted, heroic and patient. Not a +murmur escaped her lips as she sat for hours watching the quickening +breath in death-like struggle, convulsing the almost lifeless form of +one who had ever been kind, dutiful, loving, and true to his vow. + +On his death-bed, Gerald Bereford felt no pangs of remorse devouring his +latest thoughts. He could die in the belief of having been ever devoted +to her whom he had promised to love, cherish and protect. Keenly did +Lady Rosamond feel this reflection. Had her husband been less kind, +generous and true, she could have borne the present with a firmness +worthy of her spirit. But the thoughts that now filled her breast were +maddening, merciless and torturing. + +"What have I done to suffer so much through life," was the mental +question ever uppermost. + +Gerald Bereford had fought the battle of life bravely. He had taken part +in its conflicts and struggles, never flinching from his post when duty +called. Ambition had dazzlingly tempted him on--on--further on. He must +be victorious in gaining the cause for which so many had fought with +firm determination. Could he have lived to see the result of such +political warfare--its blessings and its privileges--its freedom--he +might exclaim with the brave general, "I die happy." But he _did_ die +happy. He _lived_ a happy life--he _died_ a happy death. + +Lady Rosamond had many kind friends amidst this sad bereavement. Her +pale face had power to move the most stoical--more powerful than the +loudest outbursts of grief, or the paroxysms of a passionate and +unsubdued sorrow. + +What she suffered in those hours of silent anguish Heaven alone can ever +know. Thoughts forced themselves upon her almost too hard to bear. Truly +did she need the strength for which she had prayed on a former occasion. +It seems a sacrilegious intrusion to unveil the heart of this truly +devoted woman, who had sacrificed her entire being to the wishes and +welfare of one whom she had calmly laid to rest. Fain would we stop +here. But the sequel must be told. + +Lady Rosamond had married Gerald Bereford with a firm resolve to be a +dutiful and yielding wife, yet her heart had refused to follow. She +never loved the man who lived upon her smiles. Still he knew it not. She +was to him kind, loving, and pure. She was indeed _kind_. In every +action shone kindness in characters of bold relief. Everyone who knew +her found naught but true kindness. _Loving_? Yes, loving; though Gerald +Bereford stirred not the depths of Lady Rosamond's heart, she was +capable of a love as undying as the soul that gave it birth. It was her +life--her being. In pity for her faithful husband she had guarded every +secret passage of the heart which might lead to the betrayal of bitter +and desolate feelings. _Pure_? Yes; purity was the guiding star which +marked the daily course of this woman's existence. Her acts were +pure--her mind was pure--her heart was pure--every thought was pure. +There was purity in her sorrow, leading to pure and holy +thoughts--speaking to the soul--giving comfort--giving hope. + +In deep sincerity did Lady Rosamond mourn for her husband. She mourned +his loss as that of a loved brother--a dear friend--one in whom she +confided. She found much comfort in the thought of having done her best. +She had fulfilled her duty--she had struggled bravely. She had cheered +her husband's path through life--she had kept her secret--made one being +happy. Surely such thoughts must have offered some relief. She had +committed no wrong, having gone forth at the summon of duty, she had +taken upon her frail, trembling form, a cross overpowering in its +weight, yet she murmured not. + +As she is sitting beside the lifeless remains of one who had filled such +an important part in her history--a striking illustration of life in its +varied forms of existence--its joys--its sorrows--its longings--its +aspirations--its dreams--let us look upon her as one of the many +purified through much suffering--whose faith will meet its recompense. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Reader, we will ask you to follow us as we pass over a period of two +years--two long years. The task imposed is an arduous one, yet, we +shrink not. All former friends must be searched out, and once more +introduced. Be not impatient if we do not succeed in the direct order of +your wishes. In the uncertain distance faint echoes are already heard +between intervals of solemn thoughts, while the name of Rosamond strikes +upon our ear and vibrates within us as though the influence of myriads +of spirits had woven around a deep subtle spell from which we cannot +force ourselves. In truth, you have won us--your point is gained. + +Now to your relief. Bereford Castle stands in its grandeur and beauty +with not an object near to mar the effect. Its stoical exterior bears no +impress of the loss sustained in the heir and son. Menacingly it frowns +upon those scenes which recall the realities of life. Amid storm, +sunshine, sickness and death, its aspect is unchanged--true type of its +age, order and design. On entrance, the interior is calm, quiet and +inviting. Daily contact with the inmates has had a soothing effect. Look +around. In the spacious drawing room, opening upon the garden, is the +family occupied in different ways. Lord Bereford is seated beside the +familiar form of a beautiful woman dressed in robes of mourning. A +second glance is not necessary to aid recognition. The sweet pensive +smile is sufficient. Lady Rosamond has lost none of her charms. Time has +no grudge against her for personal wrongs, no retributive justice to be +meted out--instead, the quiet happiness of a contented mind is lavished +with true delight. A fond light beams in the lovely eyes as they turn +towards Maude Bereford--ever the same Maude that strolled around +Trevelyan Hall some time in the past. The same simplicity is attached to +every movement, action and speech--Maude still. + +But a stranger is engrossing her attention. A tall, handsome and gallant +gentleman occupies a seat at her side, devoting his attentions to her, +occasionally addressing Lady Rosamond in terms of endearing familiarity. +There is not much difficulty in ascertaining the relationship. Geoffrey +Seymour had become a frequent visitor at the Castle. The blushes that +greeted him told the tale upon Maude Bereford. Yet, she cared not for +the eyes of the world. She had given her heart to a true, honorable and +affectionate lover. Already she has woven bright dreams wherein are +clearly portrayed outlines of two fond beings living in the sunshine of +each other's love, surrounded by the comforts and ease of a bright and +happy fireside. Lady Bereford is within the privacy of her own +apartments. Grief and anxiety have left heavy marks upon her hitherto +well preserved face. The furrowed forehead, wrinkles and grey hairs, +show full well the heavy blow which had been dealt her ladyship in the +death of her first-born. Time cannot eradicate the inroads made upon +this high-minded woman. Her failing health speaks of dissolution. The +mother's heart that beat so wildly as she dreamt of the glorious future +of her son, now feebly responded to the sluggish torpor of faded hopes. + +Other friends are awaited at the Castle. Ere we have time to turn aside, +light steps are flying across the hall and a girlish figure is at our +elbow, and the next instant in the arms of Lady Rosamond and Maude. The +childish face of Fanny Trevelyan once seen is not soon to be forgotten. +Oh no, Fanny, you occupy an important niche within our memory! Two years +were only a myth--a dream to the young mistress of Trevelyan Hall, save +when some other's troubles aroused her sympathy and called forth the +fine feelings of her nature. The former playful glee is still alive in +Fanny's buoyant and lively manner. Her gaiety at times subsides to gaze +upon Lady Rosamond's thoughtful face. The heart of this maiden is still +fancy free. Guy Trevelyan is not disappointed in his sister, he being +yet the dearest object of her heart. + +"Dearest Maude," cried Fanny, in rapturous delight, "will we not form a +happy family when Mary joins us." + +"One would consider you a happy family already if happiness bears +comparison by merriment," ventured a well-known voice from the outside +apartment--a voice that had power to stir the soul of Lady Rosamond to +its lowest depths, and kindle the smouldering passion time had vainly +tried to smother into a fierce and steady flame. Strange that her +ladyship must pass another fiery ordeal--that she must add more sorrow +to her hitherto sad, eventful life. + +No quivering lip or trembling form gave hope to Guy Trevelyan as he +pressed the small white hand of one whom he loved tenderly and +passionately--one whose image had been engraven upon his memory since he +had given his boyish affections to the lovely, high-born, gentle girl, +when a guest at Government House in Fredericton. Like the last moments +of a drowning man, scenes he had almost forgotten flashed before him in +countless array--scenes, varied and infinite, in which Lady Rosamond +formed the pleasing foreground. + +Face to face with this beautiful woman Guy Trevelyan was ready to fall +down in adoration and pour out the tale of his sorrow with the ardor of +undying love. What is the tenor of his thoughts while engaged in quiet +and easy conversation with her ladyship and the other occupants of the +drawing-room? Guy Trevelyan is wondering if he dare avow his love--if by +any means he can find hope to approach Lady Rosamond on a subject which +engrosses his waking thoughts. + +Mary Douglas completed the family circle. With her came love, joy, hope, +and happiness. Her lovely presence gave fresh impulse to every one +greeting her arrival. Lady Rosamond felt a ray of light shed upon her as +she caressed her true and constant friend. Maude was happier, if +possible, in the love of Geoffrey Seymour when listening to the sweet +silvery voice of this peerless woman. Fanny was overjoyed on the arrival +of Mary Douglas. She alone could open her heart before the gaze of a +companion. Her affections were untrammelled by false hopes or unrequited +love. She sought the society of the former with a feeling bordering on +idolatry. Together they spent much of their time, while Captain +Trevelyan was thrown upon the resources of Lady Rosamond. The constant +companionship of the man whom she loved cost many a bitter struggle to +her ladyship. The earnest gaze of Guy Trevelyan's soft eyes were indeed +hard to bear. If he only knew the power thus exercised upon the fair +being beside him. But Lady Rosamond had kept her secret from the eye of +any living creature save herself. Captain Trevelyan must not discover +the fatal knowledge. He must never know. Still they conversed together, +talked together, and spent many hours together, having much opportunity +to fathom the depths of each other's heart. Lady Rosamond seemed +cheerful, content, and happy. Captain Trevelyan was apparently +light-hearted, pleasing, agreeable, and attentive. Each guest endeavored +to make the most of this friendly meeting. Even Lady Bereford strove to +forget her feelings and rally her former spirits and dignified +stateliness. Bereford Castle enjoyed a season of delight. + +One lovely evening afterwards several voices mingled in the shrubbery +adjoining the garden. Maude was conversing in animated tones with Fanny +Trevelyan. Geoffrey Seymour had played truant to his lady love by +gallant attention to Mary Douglas. + +In a remote corner, almost beyond hearing of these, and scarcely visible +through the foliage, were the forms of a lady and gentleman seated +beneath the sheltering branches of a stately elm. A nearer approach shows +the rising color of the rose-tinted cheeks--the glorious light in those +lovely eyes--the bewitching and irresistible smile. A manly voice is +heard exclaiming in the tones of a rapturous lover, "Rosamond, my own +darling, I never expected to realize such happiness. In the possession of +such love I am a thousandfold rewarded for a lifetime of misery. Yes, my +peerless Rosamond, the last half hour has amply repaid the torturing +pangs of a forlorn and hopeless love which I have suffered since first +beholding you." At this avowal the speaker leaned towards Lady Rosamond +Bereford, revealing the features of Captain Trevelyan. In a moment of +passionate fervor he had confessed his undying attachment to the lovely +Rosamond, and had received the blissful assurance of reciprocated love. +He was in possession of a happiness beyond description as he told the oft +repeated tale to his betrothed wife, listening to her voice as it fell +like music upon his ear. The fond kiss which sealed their vows was more +precious than the mines of Golconda. Truly did Guy Trevelyan idolize the +beautiful woman who had now surrendered her heart to his keeping. + +Did Lady Rosamond tell _her_ secret to her accepted lover? Did she also +confess the love which had been cherished towards the boyish lieutenant +when he became almost a daily visitor at Government House--the maddening +thoughts, that almost crushed her out of existence--the spirit of +rebellion against the designs of her loved parents--her resolution made +to Lady Douglas--her bitter struggle between duty and feeling--strength +of character--victory over self--devotion to her husband? + +This is _our_ secret, and we will never reveal it. The reader must be +content to know that Captain Trevelyan was made happy beyond expectation +by whatever revelation or by what answer. Truly they were + + "Two souls with but a single thought, + Two hearts that beat as one." + +Let us assume the garb of the seer and step stealthily over the distance +dividing the future, and gently draw aside the veil! What meets our +gaze? A beautiful picture. The scene is now in Trevelyan Hall, where a +reception is being held to welcome the beautiful bride of Captain +Trevelyan--Lady Rosamond Trevelyan. Truly the peerless Rosamond. The +beauty of the latter never shone so resplendent. Love has brought its +unsurpassing charms. Love imparted life, brilliancy and soul to the face +of the bride. Captain Trevelyan gazed upon her as though such radiance +could scarcely be of earth. In the train of guests foremost stands Mary +Douglas, whose happiness is indeed great. She is certain of the love +existing between the newly-wedded pair, therefore reflects happiness +from the thought. Next in order follows Maude Bereford, whose smiling +face shows plainly the impress stamped upon her heart as she returns the +gaze of her handsome betrothed, whose love is entirely devoted to her, +save the tender attachment borne towards his sister Lady Rosamond +Trevelyan. And our little favorite Fanny? Yes. Fanny Trevelyan is there +in all her sweetness, engaging as ever, winning friends by every smile. +Her joy is great. Lady Trevelyan's matronly grace and beauty appears to +great advantage as she cast benign glances towards her daughter elect. +Lady Rosamond in her eyes is a woman worthy to be loved--worthy of a +mother's love. A group seated near, evidently in merry conversation, +attracts our attention. One is entertaining them with something of a +humorous character. The lively gestures and satirical smiles are +certainly those of Captain Douglas. Doubtless he is telling of +some sport which he enjoyed at the expense of Mr. Howe and Lieutenant +Trevelyan in the field, barracks, or drawing-room, when in Fredericton. +Charles Douglas, the handsome, brave, and generous son of Sir Howard, +still proudly wears his former reputation unsullied and undimmed. His +heart is ever ready to do an act of kindness for a fellow creature. +Beloved, honored, and respected, he is worthy of his distinguished sire. +Ah! we see another familiar form and face. Leaning beside an open window +is that of a dear old friend, apparently occupied in studying the varied +expressions of the happy bridegroom, and vainly trying to discover that +puzzled one which had given so much concern on former occasions. The +faithful friend of the young lieutenant of the 52nd has not forgotten to +pay his respects to the retired captain of the 81st and his lovely +bride. He had made a sacrifice to be present at an event which brought +such happiness to one in whom he had always taken such a deep interest. +Mr. Howe was indeed a happy, honored, and welcome guest. Many more are +to be observed standing, sitting, reclining, in groups and companies; +but as strange faces have no peculiar charm when feasting upon those of +our old acquaintances, we make no effort to introduce them. In our great +joy we had almost forgotten to recognize one of Lady Rosamond's warmest +adherents--one always in attendance upon her ladyship, ready to engage in +any fun, frolic, or excursion, in the direction of fields or woods--no +less a personage than John Douglas; no longer important Johnnie, but a +well-bred gentleman, hearty, jovial, merry, with bravery stamped upon +every lineament of his face. Some are missing. Sir Thomas Seymour has not +lived to see this. Lady Bereford is also among the number. She has paid +her last debt. + +Having brought before you most of those in whom you have no doubt became +interested, we now bid them all a tender adieu. It is hard to part with +friends who have shared our sorrow, our sympathy, and our joy, but in so +doing may our prayers follow each throughout time, hallowed by fond +memories of the past. + +A second thought to Lady Rosamond before turning forever from the light +of her lovely smile. In her great happiness there are moments when holy +thoughts arise, having a purifying influence upon her life. She never +can forget the past, while the present begets the consciousness of +having trodden the paths of duty and right with firm, unfaltering steps, +never looking back until the goal was reached--the reward gained. + + "When life looks lone and dreary + What light can dispel the gloom? + When Time's swift wing grows weary + What charm can refresh his plume? + 'Tis woman, whose sweetness beameth + O'er all that we feel or see; + And if man of heaven e'er dreameth + 'Tis when he thinks purely of thee, + O woman!" + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET*** + + +******* This file should be named 18145.txt or 18145.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/1/4/18145 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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