ured," 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 c