allen 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