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 upo