t which their position in society seemed to demand their
presence, and which they accordingly attended. Here, of course, they met
the heads of society, as well as many strangers from Boston, Quebec and
other places on the continent, nearly all of whom would be persons of
distinction in the several places where they hailed from. At this time
several tea gardens about Halifax furnished the means of quiet
recreation to the public. Adlam's garden, adjacent to the citadel, was
the most famous of these resorts, and here on one occasion when the
Godfreys were at Halifax, a garden party was given by one of the leaders
of _ton_, at which Captain Godfrey and his wife were privileged to meet,
among other distinguished personages, General Massie and Mr Arbuthnot,
the governor of the province. The ladies were richly attired. The
military wore their undress uniforms and the civilians were in full
dress, which consisted in that day of knee-breeches, silk stockings, and
shoes with buckles composed of silver or gold, set with brilliants or
other precious stones; the waistcoat was often of silk, satin or velvet,
richly brocaded or embroidered; the coat of blue cloth, with gilt
buttons; and a sword was not wanting to complete the costume.

It was difficult to decide at banquet or ball which presented the more
imposing appearance, the man of war or he whose avocation was of a
peaceful character, so nice were the dresses of both.

Margaret Godfrey did not forget her situation. Roaming about the lawns
and walks in a plain gown, and seeing the plainness of her own attire as
compared with those of the ladies about her, she retired to an obscure
corner of the grounds, feeling more happy under the circumstances in a
private nook than in the midst of gay and polished society. Although she
was clever, graceful and lively, she felt that the society in the
capital was, in some respects, ill-assorted. She thought the conduct of
some of the gentlemen and ladies was not wholly unimpeachable, while her
solid faith in the virtues of most of the ladies and gentlemen she met
from time to time during her stay never wavered.

A CONCLUDING CHAPTER.

THEN, NOW, AND TO BE.

How often do we hear of the deeds of the fathers of the country. How
often we read of them. And how little in comparison is said or written
of the hardships endured and the heroism displayed by the mothers. In
the early colonial days the women endured equal trials with the men. I